Grand Kiwi Northbound 2012 - 13

Itinerary

Day 1 Christchurch to Fox Glacier.

Haere mai and welcome to New Zealand. We kick things off in Christchurch before heading to the stunning Fox Glacier. (D)

 

Day 2 Fox Glacier to Queenstown.

Wake up in Westland National Park, home to towering peaks and shimmering Fox Glacier. Then we head to Queenstown travelling passed 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 3 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 4 Queenstown to Fiordland Experience.

It’s onwards passed Lake Wakatipu for 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 5 Fiordland Experience to Lake Ohau.

Back on dry land we’re driving over Lindis Pass we visit Te Anau. (B, D)

 

Day 6 Lake Ohau to Hanmer Springs.

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. Mixing thrilling adventure with a relaxed atmosphere, Hanmer Springs offers thermal pools, mountain biking or even just stroll around town. (B, L, D)

 

Day 7 Hanmer Springs to Nelson via Kaikoura.

Spot fur seals at Ohau Point before reaching Kaikoura for an optional spot of whale watching or dolphin/seal swimming. (B)

 

Day 8 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 9 Nelson to Wellington.

Say goodbye to the South 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 Wellington. (B)

 

Day 10 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 11 Wellington to Taupo.

Leaving Wellington behind we travel north to Taupo home to NZ’s largest lake. (B)

 

Day 12 Taupo.

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

 

Day 13 Taupo to Rotorua Marae Experience.

In the afternoon we head for Rotorua, on the way we’ll pass the thundering Huka Falls and the Wairakei geo-thermal area. Tonight we’ll be staying in a traditional Maori Marae for an evening of culture, history and legend. (B, D)

 

Day 14 Rotorua Marae Experience to Bay of Islands.

We stop in Auckland for lunch before 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. (B)

 

Day 15 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 16 Paihia, Bay Of Islands to Auckland.

Today we head back to Auckland where we say goodbye to our crew and new mates. (B) 

 

Note: During winter departures from 5 June 2012 - 25 August 2012 will not visit Milford Sound. Contact us for further details.