Kiwi Encounter Southbound 2012 - 13

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland to Rotorua Marae Experience.

Our trip begins in Auckland where we meet our fellow travellers and head south to Rotorua. Tonight we’ll be staying in a traditional Maori Marae for an evening of culture, history and legend. (D)

 

Day 2 Marae to Taupo.

First up is Whakarewarewa Village and Thermal Reserve before spending the day exploring Rotorua at your own pace. In the afternoon we head for Taupo, home to NZ’s largest lake. On the way we’ll pass the thundering Huka Falls and the Wairakei geo-thermal area. (B)

 

Day 3 Taupo.

The day is yours to explore this beautiful area, with hundreds of stunning natural spots and loads of optional activities. (B, D)

 

Day 4 Taupo to Wellington.

Today we travel south to Wellington. We arrive in the afternoon making a quick stop at the top of Mt Victoria for an awesome view of the city. (B)

 

Day 5 Wellington.

Take a day to explore the nation’s capital. Why not visit Te Papa, the National Museum, or test out the scenic cable car (optional). There is plenty of shopping and contemporary galleries on offer as well as impressive bars and restaurants. (B)

 

Day 6 Wellington to Nelson.

Say goodbye to the North Island as we jump on a ferry and cross the Cook Strait and catch the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds from the viewing decks. Our stop for the night is Nelson, home to a thriving arts community and some pretty special wineries too. (B)

 

Day 7 Nelson.

Use today to explore Nelson and its gorgeous surrounds. Visit Abel Tasman National Park for stunning photo opportunities, stroll the many walking tracks, take to the water by boat or ocean kayak (both optional). Get a more scenic view from an aircraft – right before you tandem skydive back to earth (optional). There’s also horse riding and quad biking near the ocean for a more relaxed day. We’ll meet up for dinner to share some exciting stories from the day. (B, D)

 

Day 8 Nelson to Hanmer Springs via Kaikoura.

Today we pass through the Rai Valley and its vineyards to a morning stop at Blenheim. We’ll stop to check out fur seals at Ohau Point before reaching Kaikoura with an optional spot of whale watching or dolphin/seal swimming. Mixing thrilling adventure with a relaxed atmosphere, Hanmer Springs offers thermal pools, mountain biking or even just an enjoyable walk around town. (B)

 

Day 9 Hanmer Springs to Lake Ohau.

We travel into Christchurch to pick up some new travellers. We’ll stop for lunch at a sheep station and learn about life on the farm. We finish up on the shores of Lake Ohau. (B, L, D)

 

Day 10 Lake Ohau to Fiordland Experience.

Driving over Lindis Pass we visit Te Anau. Tonight we’re taking to the Fiord with an exclusive overnight cruise on Milford Sound, surely one of New Zealand’s most picturesque areas. Keep an eye out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and even penguins. (B, D)

 

Day 11 Fiordland Experience to Queenstown.

Back on the mainland, it’s onwards past Lake Wakatipu to the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown. We’ll meet up for dinner at one of Queenstown’s most famous restaurants, before checking out the legendary nightlife – this is a party town after all. (B, D)

 

Day 12 Queenstown.

Queenstown has so many activities you’re bound to find something fun to do – bungy jumping, the Shotover Jet, boat safari or horseback riding. (B)

 

Day 13 Queenstown to Fox Glacier.

Taking our leave of Queenstown we travel past Lakes Hawea and Wanaka before stopping at Makarora this afternoon. Through Haast Pass our next point of interest is Thunder Creek Falls, an amazing waterfall set amongst lush rainforest (and a World Heritage site, to boot). (B, D)

 

Day 14 Fox Glacier to Christchurch.

Today at Fox Glacier we have the opportunity to walk on this slowly moving river of ice! This afternoon we pass through the town of Franz Josef to the ‘Wild West Coast’. Stopping in the town of Hokitika, we’ll visit the local jade factory. Then we say ‘e noho rā’ in Christchurch as we go our separate ways. (B) 

 

Note: During winter departures from 11 June 2012 - 19 August 2012 will not visit Milford Sound. Contact us for further details.