New Zealand
New Zealand

14 Day Kiwi Encounter Northbound 2013 - 2014

Apr 13 - Mar 14

  • New Zealand - home to awesome landscapes, lush forests, diverse physical, cultural, and unique experiences!
  • With some meals included, quality budget accommodation already sorted and heaps to keep you busy!

From: US$2085pp

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Essential Info

Trip starts
Christchurch, New Zealand
Trip ends
Auckland, New Zealand
Trip code
ANGKCA
Trip duration
14 Days
Countries Visited
New Zealand
Accommodation
Quad Share
Group Size
Average 28 People
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach

 

Totally Topdeck: 

  • Stay in Fox Glacier
  • Adventure capital Queenstown
  • Fiordland Experience – Nature Cruise & Overnight in the Fiord
  • Kiwi Farm Experience in Fairlie
  • Wine Tasting in Marlborough
  • Explore Tongariro National Park & Lake Taupo
  • Traditional Kiwi Lamb Roast
  • Guided tour of Whakarewarewa Village & Thermal Reserve
  • Stay overnight in a Maori Marae
  • Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown city tours

Also Included: 

  • 13 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D)
  • 3 nights in hotels/motels, 7 nights in lodges/cabins, 2 nights in an Alpine Resort, 1 night in a traditional Maori Marae, 
  • Ferry crossing through Marlborough Sounds
  • Modern air-conditioned coach
  • Escorted services of a fully trained Trip Leader & Driver

Additional Information

Itinerary

Map of 14 Day Kiwi Encounter Northbound 2013 - 2014

 

​Day 1 Christchurch to Fox Glacier.

Our trip begins in quaint Christchurch, a city heroically rebuilding itself following the earthquakes of 2011. We set off to enjoy some of New Zealand’s most jaw-dropping scenery today as we drive a pass over the majestic Southern Alps. We stop in Hokitika and visit a jade factory, then on to Lake Matheson to (hopefully) see the reflection of NZ’s two highest peaks. We overnight in Fox Glacier. (B, D)
 

Day 2 Fox Glacier to Queenstown.

Why not make some unforgettable memories today with an optional half-day hike on Fox Glacier? If you have a bit more cash saved up, then a heli-hike to the upper reaches of this river of ice might tempt you! Afterwards, our scenic drive passes beauty spots Thunder Creek Falls, Haast River and stunning Lake Wanaka en-route to the adrenaline capital Queenstown. (B)
 

Day 3 Queenstown.

Today is time to play and adventure waits at every turn! Queenstown is perfect for everyone from the adrenalin junkie to the leisure seeker there is so much to do. Try a bungy jump, or a giant swing through a narrow canyon. Skim past canyon walls on the Shotover Jet, pass through the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jet boat safari or for a more leisurely view take a horseback ride through Paradise. If this is not your ‘cup of tea’, enjoy the mountains and views from a bike or hike to Ben Lomond for 360 degree views. Admire Queenstown from above with a ride on the skyline gondola or take one of the many fantastic walks Queenstown has to offer. And if all of this seems just too much, you can always chill out in a local restaurant, cafe or bar. Our night tonight in town will include the world famous Winnies Bar for dinner – a box to tick on everyone’s list! (B, D)

 

Day 4 Queenstown to Fiordland (Milford Sound Cruise).

Today we’re off to the awe-inspiring Fiordland region, via the township of Te Anau, Mirror Lake and Hollyford Valley. This afternoon we enjoy a Nature Cruise on the astonishing Milford Sound. Keep an eye out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and even penguins. We stay overnight in a lodge in the Fiordland. (B, D)
 

Day 5 Fiordland to Lake Ohau.

A day of contrasting scenery – from the Lord of the Rings landscapes along the Kawarau River, we’ll notice the backdrop change as we cross Lindis Pass and make for our lakeside lodge retreat at Lake Ohau. This evening, why not enjoy a drink on the deck as the sunset silhouettes Mt Cook to the west. (B, D)
 

Day 6 Lake Ohau to Christchurch (via Mt Cook Village).

After waking to magnificent views, we make tracks to Mt. Cook village and Lake Pukaki for some photos – hopefully we’ll get views of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook, which is known as Aoraki (‘cloud-piercer’) to the Maori people.  We then head to our Kiwi Farm Experience in Fairlie – here we can learn about life on a sheep station and see the Collie dogs in action! Then it’s back to Christchurch for the night. (B)

 

Day 7 Christchurch to Nelson via Kaikoura.

We head north to coastal Kaikoura, where we can try some optional whale watching or dolphin/seal swimming (summer) or snuggle up in a local winery (winter). Look out for fur seals at Ohau Point before entering the wine-growing region of Marlborough, stopping off in picturesque Blenheim on the way to Nelson. (B)

 

Day 8 Nelson (Abel Tasman National Park).

Today we can visit nearby Abel Tasman National Park to stroll the many walking tracks or take an optional ocean kayak trip. Other choices include horse-riding, quad biking or even skydiving! Tonight we enjoy a Kiwi BBQ dinner provided by our awesome Topdeck crew. (B, D)

 

Day 9 Nelson to Wellington.

We leave South Island for North Island by ferry through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. With its funky galleries, designer shops, top museums, a scenic cable car, great restaurants and stylish bars, discover why Welling is known as NZ’s coolest city. (B)

 

Day 10 Wellington to Tongariro National Park.

Leaving the capital we head north to the striking volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park, a.k.a. Mordor in “Lord of the Rings”. Tonight enjoy a traditional lamb roast in our Alpine resort. (B,D)

 

Day 11 Tongariro National Park.

Hike one of the many trails, hire a mountain bike or even ski (during winter) on our free day in Tongariro National Park, a.k.a Mordor of ‘Lord of the Rings’ fame! Later we can relax in the sauna or spa pool at our accommodation. (B)
 

Day 12 Tongariro National Park to Rotarua (Marae Experience).

We visit the massive Lake Taupo and the Taupo bungy over the Waikato River (jump optional!). After a stop at the raging Huka falls we head to Whakarewarewa Village and Thermal Reserve for a guided tour before heading to the heart of Maori culture, Rotorua. Tonight we’ll stay in a traditional Maori Marae (sacred meeting house) for an evening of history and legend. Unforgettable. (B, D)

 

Day 13 Rotorua

A day to explore geothermal Rotorua – notice the distinct smell! Maybe hire a mountain bike, go white-water rafting, visit the famous thermal spa pools or splash out for a massage. Tonight we can check out the nightlife. (B)

 

Day 14 Rotorua to Auckland.

Heading north we rock into Auckland. Also known as the “City of Sails” thanks to its harbour setting, it is the largest city in the country and has an abundance of shops to stock up on souvenirs and many great bars to toast our fabulous New Zealand experience. (B)


From: US$2085pp

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