Grand Kiwi Southbound 2012 - 13

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland to Paihia, Bay Of Islands.

Haere mai and welcome to New Zealand. We kick things off in Auckland heading north. First stop is Parry’s Kauri Park to visit one impressive Kauri tree. Then it’s on to the seaside town of Paihia nestled among the Bay of Islands. Optional Upgrade to ‘Rock the Boat’ Overnight

 

Day 2 Paihia, Bay of Islands.

It’s a free day to explore the Bay of Islands with a bundle of optional activities on offer. Drive to Cape Reinga – the very top of the North Island. Sail the inner bay on a catamaran and spot dolphins. Or maybe even hike through bushland to the Haruru falls. (B, D)

 

Day 3 Bay of Islands to Rotorua Marae Experience.

It’s back to Auckland for lunch before we meet some new additions to our group and head to Rotorua. Tonight we’ll be staying in a traditional Maori Marae for an evening of culture, history and legend. (B, D)

 

Day 4 Marae to Taupo.

First up is Whakarewarewa Village and Thermal Reserve before spending the day exploring Rotorua. 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 5 Taupo.

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

 

Day 6 Taupo to Wellington.

Leaving Taupo behind we travel south to Wellington. Arriving in the afternoon for a quick stop at Mt Victoria, tonight we’ll hit town renowned for its buzzing nightlife. (B)

 

Day 7 Wellington.

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

 

Day 8 Wellington to Nelson.

Say goodbye to the North Island as we hop on a ferry and cross the Cook Strait catching the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds from the viewing decks. Our stop for the night is Nelson. (B)

 

Day 9 Nelson.

Make sure you have your camera ready for Abel Tasman National Park! Stroll the many walking tracks, or maybe take to the water by boat or ocean kayak. (B, D)

 

Day 10 Nelson to Hanmer Springs via Kaikoura.

Today we pass through the Rai Valley to our morning stop in Blenheim. Spot fur seals at Ohau Point before reaching Kaikoura for 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 stroll around town. (B)

 

Day 11 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 and finish up on the shores of Lake Ohau. (B, L, D)

 

Day 12 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 13 Fiordland Experience to Queenstown.

Back on the mainland, it’s onwards past Lake Wakatipu to the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown. (B, D)

 

Day 14 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 15 Queenstown to Fox Glacier.

Taking our leave of Queenstown we travel past Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Through Haast Pass our next point of interest is Thunder Creek Falls, an amazing waterfall set among lush rainforest. (B, D)

 

Day 16 Fox Glacier to Christchurch.

Wake up in Westland National Park, home to towering peaks and shimmering Fox Glacier. Now your chance for an optional glacier walk or heli-hike. Then it’s on to Christchurch where we part ways. (B)

 

Note: During winter departures from 9 June 2012 - 17 August 2012 will not visit Milford Sound. Contact us for further details.