Tour Pure Nature At The Most Beautiful End Of The World

Accommodation

19 nights: Hotel in double room 1 night: private accommodation in double room (shared bathroom) 1 night: ship in double cabin

Guide

German speaking tour guide (driver-guide)

Meals

Meals: 21×F, 2×M, 4×A

Transport

transfer from/to the airport (English speaking) all rides in private vehicles all boat and ferry crossings according to the program

Others

all entrance fees according to program all national park fees according to program

Not included:

Insurance

Flights

Others

Arrival/Departure NZeTA registration (12 NZD) and International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy (100 NZD) meals and drinks not mentioned optional excursions and activities Possible additional nights before/after the tour personal gratuities

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival In Auckland

Welcome to New Zealand. Your shuttle will be waiting for you outside the airport to take you to your accommodation. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring Auckland on your own. Around 6 pm you will meet your tour guide and the other participants to discuss the trip. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 Day 2: Auckland - Paihia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Auckland - Paihia

Today you leave the big city and travel along the "Hibiscus Coast" to the scenically diverse and charming Northland. The route is lined with impressive "Christmas trees" - the Pohutukawa. Passing Whangarei, the heart of the Northland region, you reach the picturesque Bay of Islands in the subtropical north in the afternoon. Your destination is Paihia, the perfect starting point for exploring the Bay of Islands. This area consists of over 140 subtropical islands and is known for its pristine beaches and vibrant Maori culture. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, New Zealand’s oldest hotel, overlooking the harbor. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Travel time approx. 3.5 hours, 230 km).
Day 3 Day 3: Paihia - Onward Journey To Hokianga To The Lord Of The Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Paihia - Onward Journey To Hokianga To The Lord Of The Forest

You have the opportunity to take an optional day trip to the famous "Hole in the Rock". You then continue from Paihia to the west coast. The ancient Waipoua forest is a very popular excursion destination. A very special highlight awaits you in the evening, the "Twilight Encounter" tour. On the trip, your Maori guide will familiarize you with all the important information about the Waipoua forest. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the "Lord of the Forest", the gigantic "Tane Mahuta". Overnight stay at the hotel. (Travel time approx. 1h, 75 km).
Day 4 Day 4: Hokianga - Waikato
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Hokianga - Waikato

Today you travel on via Whangarei and Auckland to the Waikato district, the fertile heart of the North Island. Here you will spend the night with extremely friendly hosts and experience true New Zealand country life. Overnight stay with a host family. (Travel time approx. 5.5 hours, 400 km).
Day 5 Day 5: Drive Via The Waitomo Glowworm Caves To Tongariro National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Drive Via The Waitomo Glowworm Caves To Tongariro National Park

This morning you will explore the beautiful Hamilton Gardens (depending on time and weather). The gardens are criss-crossed by walkways between interesting themed gardens from different parts of the world. Your journey then continues south through the King Country region. The hilly landscape is reminiscent of European low mountain ranges with lush pastures and picturesque rivers. In Waitomo, you can optionally explore the Waitomo glow worm caves if time permits. A little later, you will approach Tongariro National Park, where three very active volcanoes still dominate the central plateau of the North Island: Ruapehu (2796 m), Ngauruhoe (2291 m) and Tongariro (1978 m). The exciting natural landscape is protected: New Zealand’s oldest national park was one of the first in the world and is a UNESCO natural heritage site. Overnight stay at the resort. (Travel time approx. 3 hours, 200 km).
Day 6 Day 6: Hiking In Tongariro National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Hiking In Tongariro National Park

On the "Tongariro Alpine Crossing" you walk along craters, pass fumaroles and hot springs and admire the bright turquoise Emerald Lakes. The hike is challenging and winds its way through a constantly changing, sometimes moon-like landscape. Optionally, you can also undertake a shorter hike in the national park. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 7 Day 7: Drive To The Capital With A Visit To The Bird Sanctuary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Drive To The Capital With A Visit To The Bird Sanctuary

The drive south first takes you through barren steppe country into the lush green farmland on the west coast. The day ends in Wellington, the country’s elegant capital, nestled between a sparkling harbor and rolling green hills. In the evening, take a tour through the Zealandia bird sanctuary. Here you will encounter various animals that only become active in the evening hours. With a bit of luck, you will also see the kiwi, an endangered flightless bird that is also the national symbol of New Zealand. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Travel time approx. 4-5 hours, 325 km).
Day 8 Day 8: A Day Of Browsing And Tasting In Wellington
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: A Day Of Browsing And Tasting In Wellington

Today you have the opportunity to explore the capital of New Zealand on your own. Relax on Oriental Bay, a sandy beach near Wellington’s city center, and browse through the many museums and art galleries that make up this city’s vibrant cultural scene. If nature is more your thing, Wellington offers beautiful walks around the harbor and through the surrounding hills. The compact city center is ideal for exploring on foot. It is teeming with delicatessens, cafés and restaurants. Courtenay Place or Kuba Street are two of the best spots for tasty delicacies. Take the historic cable car from the city center up to the Botanic Gardens for a fantastic view over the city and the harbor. The harbor is also home to the fantastic Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 9 Day 9: By Ferry Through The Cook Strait To The South Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: By Ferry Through The Cook Strait To The South Island

You leave Wellington early in the morning and a ferry crossing of around three and a half hours takes you to the South Island. As you enter the Marlborough Sounds, you will see the collection of ancient river valleys flooded by the Pacific Ocean. This has created a beautiful rugged coastal landscape full of sheltered bays and sandy beaches between wooded hills. In the friendly harbor town of Picton, you return to land and take a particularly scenic road along the coast to Pelorus Bridge. Here you take a short hike before reaching Nelson in the evening, a place full of sunshine and golden beaches. Overnight stay in a lodge or alternatively in a hotel. (Travel time approx. 1-2 hours, 110 km).
Day 10 Day 10: An Excursion To The Picturesque Abel Tasman National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: An Excursion To The Picturesque Abel Tasman National Park

Early in the morning you set off on a day trip to the Abel Tasman National Park. The coastline of the park is unmistakable. Between the forest and the waterline, fine sandy beaches invite you to relax. Crystal-clear streams meander through mossy valleys and finally flow into the sea. Flora and fauna enrich the scenery: The song of tui and jewel birds rings through the forests, cormorants, gannets and little blue penguins dive for food and seals bask on the rocks of Tonga Island. You will first take a catamaran trip along the coast before going on a hike through this coastal paradise. Return to Nelson in the late afternoon. Overnight stay as on the previous day. (Travel time approx. 1h, 50 km).
Day 11 Day 11: Drive To Kaikoura - Visit The Sperm Whales
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Drive To Kaikoura - Visit The Sperm Whales

Your route south follows the Pacific coast for a long time. Look out for one or two seals sunbathing on the rocks in the water. Today’s destination, the harbor town of Kaikoura, is an ideal place for whale watching and in the afternoon you take a boat tour and get to know the sea creatures better. The gigantic sperm whales in particular are often seen in this area, as they use the deep waters off Kaikoura’s coast on their passage to and from Antarctica and the warm ocean currents provide rich sources of food. Keep an eye out for pods of dolphins that like to accompany the excursion boats. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Travel time approx. 3-4 hours, 250 km).
Day 12 Day 12: Over The Lewis Pass To The West Coast To Hokitika
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Over The Lewis Pass To The West Coast To Hokitika

Continue into the hinterland, along forest roads with little traffic, over the alpine Lewis Pass and through the dense southern beech forests to the west coast. On the way, you will pass through the harbor town of Greymouth. The landscape is characterized by pasture and forestry as well as historic gold mining areas. You then reach your destination for the day, Hokitika, at the mouth of the river of the same name. The town is primarily the center of greenstone processing, the very hard New Zealand jade, which is transformed into beautiful pieces of jewelry here. Overnight stay in a hotel. (Travel time approx. 5 hours, 365 km).
Day 13 Day 13: Arts And Crafts In Hokitika And Onward Journey To The Glacier World
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Arts And Crafts In Hokitika And Onward Journey To The Glacier World

In the morning, you have the opportunity to explore Hokitika a little more. Here you will find galleries that specialize in jewelry and handicrafts made from pounamu. These stones are only found in a few rivers on the west coast of the South Island. The color and grain vary depending on the river in which the stone was found. Pounamu was so important to the Maori that they named the South Island after it: "Te-Wai-Pounamu" - "The Waters of the Green Stone". You then continue along the west coast and reach the Southern Alps. The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the few on earth whose glacier tongues reach as far as the rainforest. Optionally, you can take a helicopter flight to enjoy the fascinating glacier world from the air. Overnight stay in a motel. (Travel time approx. 2 hours, 160 km).
Day 14 Day 14: Onward Journey Over The Haast Pass To Wanaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Onward Journey Over The Haast Pass To Wanaka

Continue to Westland National Park, where you will go on a two-hour hike in the rainforest. Depending on the season, you may also see crested penguins. Then continue to Haast. You cross the Haast Pass, the water and climate divide of the Southern Alps. Surrounded by gigantic mountains, you drive along Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka to the small vacation resort of Wanaka. If time permits, you will go on a short hike. Overnight stay in a hotel or alternatively in a lodge. (Travel time approx. 3-4 hours, 265 km).
Day 15 Day 15: A Day In The Hiking Paradise Of Wanaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: A Day In The Hiking Paradise Of Wanaka

The diverse landscape around Wanaka offers a range of year-round activities such as fishing, hiking, canyoning, climbing and skydiving. Hiking trails of all kinds criss-cross the region. The choice ranges from short, easy walks to multi-day hiking adventures. Today you have the option of exploring them on your own, going on a bike tour or spending the day in the small town. Your tour guide will be happy to help and advise you on your choice of activities - you are spoiled for choice! Overnight stay as on the previous day. (Travel time approx. 3-4 hours, 240 km).
Day 16 Day 16: Stop In The Adrenaline Capital Queenstown And Drive To Te Anau
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Stop In The Adrenaline Capital Queenstown And Drive To Te Anau

Continue to Queenstown. The well-known vacation resort is located on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by a dramatic alpine landscape. You will have the opportunity to visit the town. In the afternoon, continue to Te Anau, the gateway to the Fjordland National Park. There you have the option of taking a boat trip to see the glow worms on Lake Te Anau. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Travel time approx. 3-4 hours, 240 km).
Day 17 Day 17: The Magic Of Doubtful Sound
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: The Magic Of Doubtful Sound

Another highlight is on the agenda today, a trip to Fiordland National Park. Hardly any other landscape embodies the concept of wilderness better. In the west, 14 fjords penetrate deep into the primeval forests of a rugged alpine world like overlong tongues of the sea. Not far away, snow-capped mountain peaks rise above alpine grass mats up to 2700 meters. Doubtful Sound is a real insider tip, as it is not directly accessible by car like Milford Sound. First you cross Lake Manapouri by boat and continue by bus over the steep Wilmot Pass, 670 m above sea level, before reaching Deep Cove and Doubtful Sound. In this remote area, you will embark on an excursion into New Zealand’s animal kingdom and get to know the flora and fauna of the national park, surrounded by steep mountains and lush green vegetation. Bottlenose dolphins and seals are often spotted. Today you will spend the night on board a comfortable ship and round off the eventful day with dinner together. Overnight stay on board the Real Journeys Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise. The ship’s cabins are each equipped with two single beds. A single room is not possible here. (Travel time approx. 2 hours, 120 km).
Day 18 Day 18: Doubtful Sound - Otago Peninsula - Dunedin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Doubtful Sound - Otago Peninsula - Dunedin

After breakfast, disembark the ship and continue towards Dunedin. The Otago Peninsula, which flanks the southern edge of Dunedin’s expansive harbor, is high and rugged on the ocean side; warm and sheltered on the harbor side. The peninsula is well known for its abundant wildlife. A stroll through Dunedin gives you an idea of how rich the city was during the gold rush in the second half of the 19th century. Many stately buildings date from this period. The city sits enthroned in the long harbor basin at the foot of dramatic mountain formations. Its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture makes the town a pearl of the southern hemisphere. Today you will spend the night in Dunedin, also known as the Scottish capital of New Zealand and a highlight of the South Island. Overnight stay in a hotel. (Travel time approx. 5-6 hours, 420 km).
Day 19 Day 19: Dunedin - Mount Cook
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Dunedin - Mount Cook

In the morning, you will take a boat trip to observe royal albatrosses, the only mainland colony in the world. You will also often see seals and cormorants. The route then follows the east coast northwards to see mysterious stone balls on the beach at Moeraki. The formation of the monstrous Moeraki Boulders remains a mystery to this day. Take a walk to the water to see the giant marbles! At Oamaru, once an important harbor town, the route turns inland. On the way to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to the highest mountains and the largest glaciers, you have another opportunity for a short hike. The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a wildly beautiful region formed by ice and rock. On both sides, the New Zealand Alps reach high into the sky. You will spend the night in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village near the picturesque Lake Pukaki, at the foot of New Zealand’s highest mountain (3724 m). Overnight stay in a lodge or alternatively in a motel. (Travel time approx. 4-5 hours, 330 km).
Day 20 Day 20: Hike To The Glacial Lake Of Mount Cook National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Hike To The Glacial Lake Of Mount Cook National Park

Today you will go on a hike in the alpine Hooker Valley, one of the most popular hikes in the national park. The end of the trail is perhaps its greatest highlight: on a clear day, the glacial lake offers a fantastic view of Mount Cook. On the way, you will cross three suspension bridges and observe icebergs floating in the glacial lake. The majestic views of the glacier and snow-capped mountain peaks are breathtaking. There are also other hikes of varying degrees of difficulty to choose from. In early summer, the famous Mount Cook lily, the largest buttercup in the world, blooms everywhere. Sightseeing flights, tours to the Tasman Glacier and stargazing tours are other ways to explore the area. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 21 Day 21: Past Turquoise Lakes To Christchurch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Past Turquoise Lakes To Christchurch

Before you leave the Southern Alps, drive to the glacial lake Tekapo. New Zealand’s flowering grass sways in the wind as far as the eye can see. Your journey continues through the extensive farmlands of the Canterbury Plain. In the afternoon you reach Christchurch, the "Garden City of New Zealand", which is constantly changing. Today is the last evening of your trip and you are invited to a dinner together, where you can review the exciting last few weeks with your fellow travelers. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Travel time approx. 4-5 hours, 330 km).
Day 22 Day 22: Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Departure

Your New Zealand trip ends in the morning and a shuttle will take you to the airport. We wish you a safe flight home or onwards.

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22 days tour

Pure Nature At The Most Beautiful End Of The World

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Pure Nature At The Most Beautiful End Of The World

Day 1: Arrival In Auckland

Day 2: Auckland - Paihia

Day 3: Paihia - Onward Journey To Hokianga To The Lord Of The Forest

Day 4: Hokianga - Waikato

Day 5: Drive Via The Waitomo Glowworm Caves To Tongariro National Park

Day 6: Hiking In Tongariro National Park

Day 7: Drive To The Capital With A Visit To The Bird Sanctuary

Day 8: A Day Of Browsing And Tasting In Wellington

Day 9: By Ferry Through The Cook Strait To The South Island

Day 10: An Excursion To The Picturesque Abel Tasman National Park

Day 11: Drive To Kaikoura - Visit The Sperm Whales

Day 12: Over The Lewis Pass To The West Coast To Hokitika

Day 13: Arts And Crafts In Hokitika And Onward Journey To The Glacier World

Day 14: Onward Journey Over The Haast Pass To Wanaka

Day 15: A Day In The Hiking Paradise Of Wanaka

Day 16: Stop In The Adrenaline Capital Queenstown And Drive To Te Anau

Day 17: The Magic Of Doubtful Sound

Day 18: Doubtful Sound - Otago Peninsula - Dunedin

Day 19: Dunedin - Mount Cook

Day 20: Hike To The Glacial Lake Of Mount Cook National Park

Day 21: Past Turquoise Lakes To Christchurch

Day 22: Departure

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