Individual arrival, on request we organise the airport transfer and the pre-night. We begin the day welcoming everyone at the hotel, before starting a tour of the city. Beginning at the Domain museum we walk through the adjacent park to the economic centre of the country, the Queen street, ending our tour at the restaurant and pub area close to the harbour front. After a break we drive out to the wild Muriwai beach at the Westcoast, where we can see the rare gannets and if the weather permits we can also jump into the sea for a swim.

Activity
City sightseeing walk: 4km, about 1 ½ hours
Muriwai beach: Gannets and beach, 2 hours at the beach

Driving Time
1 hour return to Muriwai beach

Accommodation
Ascotia off Queen Street*** in Auckland or similar

Highlight
Get to know with us the cafés, bars and restaurants in the big city & see the gannets at close hand.

We leave the ‘City of Sails’ and drive up north. Our first stop is the Kauri museum in the small village of Matakohe. We get an insight into one of the largest trees on earth and see how the giants of the forest have been harvested in the past. In the Kauri forests of the West coast we will go for a walk to see the giants of the forest, the largest remaining tree named ‘Tane Mahuta’. After having arrived at the Hokianga harbour we enjoy the view over the large white dunes across the natural’s harbour’s entrance.

Driving Time
270 km, 4 hours

Activity
Visit of the Matakohe Museum – 1 hour
Kauri Walk – 2 km, 40 minutes return
Viewpoint Hokianga Harbour

Accommodation
Opononi Motel**(*) in Opononi or similar

Highlight
The walk to the Kauri forest and the viewpoint over the Hokianga harbour

Across the harbour we reach Ahipara at the southern end of the Ninety mile beach. Here the surfers are at home and it is a great place for a swim. After having checked into our accommodation we will explore the Karikari peninsula. The half- circled Matai beach is an ideal place to snorkel, swim and to relax.

Driving Time
180 km, 3 hours

Activity
Ahipara beach walk, 1 hour
Maitai beach walk and snorkelling, 2 hours

Accommodation
Kauri Lodge Motel*** in Kaitaia or similar

Highlight
Snorkelling at Halfmoon bay

Up north we reach the mighty Te Paki sand dunes. Photos taken there leave the impression as if you have been in the Sahara desert. Those who want can slide down the hills with a sandboard. At the northern tip of the island we reach Cape Reinga with its famous lighthouse. The views from here include offshore islands and the sand dunes around Cape Maria van Diemen. Spirits Bay, with it’s very long beach is a true hidden gem and on our way back we also include a stop at the white beaches of Rawiri.

Driving Time
240 km, 4 hours

Activity
Te Paki Sand dunes – 1 ½ hours
Cape Reinga walk – 1 hour
Spirits Bay – Walk along the beach – 1 ½ hours

Accommodation
Kauri Lodge Motel*** in Kaitaia or similar

Highlight
Spirits Bay – one of the famous beaches of our country

A two hour drive brings us to the Bay of Islands, the founding place of this country is located in Waitangi, where we explore the historic buildings and the beautifully carved meetinghouse (Marae). In the afternoon we go out by boat to the ‘Hole in the Rock’ at the edge of the island group. With a bit of luck we might see some dolphins. In the evening we visit the Ngawa Hot Pools and enjoy ourselves in a hot bath.

Driving Time
120 km, 1 ½ hours

Activity
Exploration of the Waitangi treaty house and marae – 1 hour
Boat trip to the hole in the rock – 3 > 4 hours
Ngawa Springs hotpools – 2 hours

Accommodation
Aarangi Tui Motel*** in Paihia or similar

Highlight
The Ngawa Springs are only known to the locals and have a very rustic charm

South of the Bay of Islands we will see the famous Hundertwasser toilets, followed by the exploration of the Waipu Glow Worm Caves. An hour south from there we walk around the subtropical gardens in Whangarei. Tonight we stay in Port Waikato, a beautiful sandy beach south of Auckland, which invites us to go for an evening stroll or relax at the beach.

Driving Time
270 km, 4 hours

Activity
Hundertwasser toilet visit
Waipu Caves – 45 minutes
Subtropical gardens, Whangarei – 1 ½ hours

Accommodation
Port Waikato Holiday Park*** in Port Waikato

Highlight
See the unique New Zealand glow worms

A couple of hours after we leave the Westcoast we reach the Coromandel Peninsula. Pending on the tides we will visit either Cathedral Cove first, or we check into our accommodation at Hot Water Beach. At low tide we can dig a hole right in front of our doorstep to allow us to take a hot bath. Those who want can also try surfing.

Driving Time
175 km, 2 hours

Activity
Walk to Cathedral Cove, 1 ½ hours return
Hot Water beach, Dig for hot water

Accommodation
Hot Water Beach Holiday Park*** in Coromandel or similar

South of Coromandel we get a glimpse of the gold mine in Waihi. At Mount Maunganui we take our lunch break – those who want can walk onto Moturiki peninsula or take a stroll on the beach. Our next stop, Rotorua, is the centre of Maori culture and a very important thermal spa town. We go for a small walk, across from Kuirau park to the centre of town and show you the former museum and the street where most of the well-known restaurants can be found.

Driving Time
240 km tgo Rotorua, 3 ½ hours

Activity
Get a glimpse of the Waihi gold mine
Walk on the beach and to the peninsula at Mount Maunganui – 1 hour
City sightseeing Rotorua, including Kuirau park – 1 hour


Accommodation
Holdens Bay Holiday Park*** or Thermal Holiday Park*** in Rotorua or similar

Highlight
The huge sandy beach in Mount Maunganui

We start in the day with a city walk – our first stop will be in a little Maori village, where we link up with a local guide, who will be able to answer all the questions which may come to mind in regards to the Maori’s history and culture. We also see the local thermal area during this two hour Maori introduction. The afternoon is at your leisure, there are choices to go rafting, mountain-biking, a boat trip to an island located in the lake Rotorua, the Polynesian pools or a journey to Hobbiton, the `Lord of the Rings’ filmset.

Activity
Maori village: 2 hours with local guide


Accommodation
Holdens Bay Holiday Park*** or Thermal Holiday Park*** in Rotorua or similar

Highlight
Get an insight into the Maori culture

About 25 minutes outside of town is the Wai-O-Tapu thermal area, mud pools, craters and the biggest hot water pool with its orange crust can be found here. We will also see the eruption of a large geyser. We relax under a 40 degree hot waterfall to get a good back massage before continuing south to see the Huka Waterfalls and Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the country. The edge of one of Tongariro National park is not far from here, three large volcanoes are located in this park.

Driving Time
130 km, 2 hours

Activity
Wai-O-Tapu, thermal area, 1 ½ hours walk
Huka Falls exploration: 30 minutes

Accommodation
Angler’s Paradise Motel*** in Turangi or similar

Highlight
The hot waterfall

Very early in the day we start the hike over Mount Tongariro, the crossing is renown as one of the most beautiful day hikes on the planet. We climb about 740 metres, walk through volcanic soil, craters and different zones of vegetation. For those who do not want to do this long hike, we can offer some alternative short walks. After everyone is back on our bus, we drive south for another hour until we reach the beautiful ‘Marenui farm’, where dinner will be served on the property.

Fahrzeit
160 km, 2 hours

Activity
Tongariro crossing (good shoes are required), 7 hours; distance 19,4 km, 740 metres uphill and 1130 metres downhill.

Accommodation
Marenui Farm

Highlight
The Tongariro Crossing, one of the most beautiful day hikes of the world

Our host David shows us the farm, introduces us to their animals and talks about daily life on the remote property. There are lots of options to spend the rest of the day, the farm has its own tennis, croquet and pétanque courts, a variety of hikes, fishing, kayaking and swimming in the river are further options. In the evening we enjoy the fabulous dinner once more.


Activity
Exploration of the farm
Tennis, Croquet, Pétanque, hikes, swimming, fishing

Accommodation
The beautiful farm

We get on the way to the capital, Wellington. Our first stop is Mount Victoria, which will allow us to see the town from above, before exploring the centre of town. During our walk we see the war memorial, the Te Papa National Museum, the old St. Faiths Church and the Parliament. In the main shopping street we board the cable-car which will bring us to the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

Driving Time
240 km, 3 hours

Activity
Wellington city walk, 2 – 3 hours

Accommodation
CQ Comfort Hotel or similar

Highlight
The beautiful botanic garden – we can walk through it on our way back to town

The early ferry will bring us to the South Island. Through the Cook strait we reach the picturesque Marlborough sounds. An hour from our Ferry landing place we reach the Pelorus bridge, an area in the midst of a pristine rainforest. A great place to also go for a swim. After having arrived in Nelson we explore the city and see the Queens gardens.

Fahrzeit
3 ½ hours ferry crossing; 130 km 2 hours’ drive to Nelson

Activity
Pelorus Brücke Erkundung: 1 Stunde
Nelson - Stadtwanderung - 30 Minuten

Accommodation
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park*** in Nelson or similar

Highlight
Swimming in the clear waters under the Pelorus bridge

Up and down over the Takaka hill we arrive in the Golden Bay, a remote and scenic bay in the north of the South Island. Our first stop are the crystal clear Pupu Springs. Our lunch break will be at the `Mussel Inn´, one of the most well-known pubs in the country. Up north we hike to wild Wharariki beach. This wild west coast is renowned for its combination of green farmland, sand dunes, caves and rocky cliff faces. After enjoying the view above the longest sandspit on earth we make our way back to Nelson.

Driving Time
280 km, 5 hours 

Activity
Pupu springs walk, distance 45 minutes
Wharariki beach, distance 3 km, 2.5 hours
Farewell spit exploration, 30 minutes

Accommodation
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park*** in Nelson or similar

Highlight
The walk to Wharariki beach, the cliff faces and sand dunes

We spend the day in the Abel Tasman National Park. The smallest and most famous park in the country can be explored either on foot or with a kayak. Golden beaches, rocks and rainforest are continuously changing and make this into a stunning location which attracts so many tourists from around the world.

Driving Time
100 km, 2 hours return

Activity
Abel Tasman walk, distance up to 12 km, 4 hours

Accommodation
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park*** or similar

Highlight
Kayaking to Fisherman’s island, those who walk should stop at Apple tree bay

Along the way to the Westcoast we allow time for photo-stops in the Buller Gorge. At Cape Foulwind we walk an hour passed dramatic cliffs and we can also spot seals. The end of the walk is at Tauranga Beach, a popular surfers beach. An hour further south we explore the strange Pancake Rocks. Close to our accommodation place we will enjoy traditional Fish & Chips right on the beach.

Driving Time
370 km, 5 hours

Activity
Cape Foulwind walk: 5.5 km, about 1 ½ hour walk
Pancake rocks: 1 km, 45 minutes

Accommodation
Heritage Highway Motel*** in Hokitika or similar

Highlight
The beautifully located Tauranga Beach

Following the Westcoast, we walk through the pristine rain forest to Lake Mahinapua. A couple of hours later we reach the glacier region, a short walk brings us to a viewpoint. If you wish to do so, you can book a helicopter flight to Mount Cook. Lake Matheson on a clear day has beautiful reflections, which we can enjoy during our walk around the lake, before continuing south. Further stops are Bruce Bay and Shipwreck Beach – a stunning beach combined with rainforest. Haast is one of the most remote places in the country and at the same time our overnight stop.

Driving Time
280 km, 4 hours

Activity
Walk to lake Mahinapua through the rainforest – 30 minutes
Glacier viewpoint – 30 minutes
Lake Matheson walk – 1 ½ hours
Shipwreck Bay and rainforest – 1 ½ hours

Accommodation
Heartland Hotel*** in Haast or similar

Highlight
The rainforest close to Shipwreck Beach is partially located in a swamp, and a truly fantastic location

Our first stop today is the Thunder Waterfall. We then cross Haast Pass and notice how quickly the vegetation changes. On the other side of the pass we enjoy a walk to the photogenic blue pools. After having checked into our accommodation, you may want to join us for a hike up the Rocky Mountain – a great place from where you can enjoy super views over Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Driving Time
140 km, 2 hours

Activity
Thunder Falls, 20 minutes
Blue Pools, 1 ½ hours
Hike to Diamond lake and Rocky Mountain, 3 hours

Accommodation
Mount Aspiring Holiday Park*** in Wanaka or similar

Highlight
Wanaka is located at the lake shore, surrounded by the stunning views of the Mount Aspiring National Park

On our way to Queenstown we stop in Arrowtown, a charming village which used to be the main place for the gold diggers over one and a half centuries ago. After a short familiarisation walk in Queenstown you have the choice to use the gondola which will bring you to a viewpoint above town, or to do other (breathtaking) activities in the area. In the late afternoon we follow lake Wakatipu on our way to Te Anau, located just next to Fjordland National Park.

Driving Time
280 km, 4 hours

Activity
Arrowtown walk: 20 minutes
Queenstown walk: 15 minutes

Accommodation
Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park*** in Te Anau

Highlight
Queenstown and its activities

After an early breakfast we make our way into Fjordland National park, outstanding views are waiting for us around every corner. In Milford Sound you may want to book a cruise to see the dramatic fjord with its majestic scenery at close hand. We also go for a short walk in Milford Sound before driving back to Te Anau. There is also a chance to meet the famous mountain parrot Kea in the wild.

Driving Time
260 km, 4 hours

Activity
Walk in Milford Sound, 2 km, 1 hour

Accommodation
Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park*** in Te Anau

Highlight
The short walk in Milford Sound allows for great photo opportunities

The road leads us to the Kawerau gorge, where you can watch or do a bungy jump. After having crossed the Lindis pass we reach Mackenzie High Country. For the last 50 km we follow the turquoise Lake Pukaki until Mt. Cook National Park. We leave our luggage at our accommodation place and start the Hooker Glacier Walk. The drive as well as the walk are a highlight of our journey.

Driving Time
400 km, 5 hours

Activity
Hooker Glacier Walk – 10 km length, 3 hours return

Accommodation
Glentanner Holiday Park*** in Mount Cook

Highlight
The Hooker Glacier Walk

Passing lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, where we check out the well-known Church of the Good Shepherd, we reach the Canterbury Plains. In the early afternoon arrive in Christchurch, the biggest city of the South Island. During a city walk we see the centre of town – severely damaged during an earthquake 10 years ago. Part of our tour of the town is the food court, which offers fantastic choices of international and kiwi specialities. The Arts Centre, the futuristic Art Gallery, a street in the Spanish colonial style and the new temporary cathedral built by a Japanese architect are some of the highlights you encounter during our city walk.

Driving Time
300 km, 4 hours

Activity
City walk Christchurch, 3 km, 2 hours

Accommodation
Meadow Park Top 10 Holiday Park*** or V-Motel*** in Christchurch or similar

Highlight
The fantastic choice of different meals at the food court