Active New Zealand

Day 1

Auckland

Arrive in Auckland where you’ll transfer to your hotel. Here you’ll meet your tour guide for the trip.

Day 2

Hahei

Today you’ll leave Auckland early, heading towards Waihi where you’ll pick up a bike and ride through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge. You don’t need to be an experienced cyclist to manage this trail. Passing along an old railway line through a tunnel, you’ll shadow the river that runs through the gorge for some truly wonderful sights.

You’ll then get on the bus and travel to Hahei where you’ll take a walk to Cathedral Cove.  Here you’ll find Hot Water Beach where – with a favourable tide – you can dig your own natural hot tub in the sand.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 3

Rotorua

On day three you’ll travel to Rotorua where you’ll have free time to enjoy the region’s incredible geothermal scenery.  You can choose from a range of activities including mountain biking through Redwood Forest, relaxing at the hot springs or going whitewater rafting. You’ll end the day with an authentic Maori Hangi feast, cooked in a traditional underground pit.

(Breakfast included)

Day 4

Tongariro Crossing

Today will be your chance to conquer one of New Zealand’s top treks – the Tongario Alpine Crossing. This challenging walk is a very popular route and allows you to enjoy some truly wonderful scenery. You’ll finish the day reaching a ski lodge where you’ll stay the night.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 5

Whanganui River

On day five you’ll take a lovely canoe journey 12-25km down the Whanganui National Park River to an overnight campsite in Whanganui National Park.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 6

Snowy Waters Lodge

In the morning you’ll take a jet boat onwards stopping off to take the Bridge to Nowhere walk before re-boarding the boat, returning to the bus and heading on to Snowy Waters Lodge where you will spend the night.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 7

Wellington

Today you’ll visit New Zealand’s capital Wellington where you’ll visit the Te Papa museum where you can learn about the history of this amazing country.

(Breakfast included)

Day 8

Abel Tasman

Day eight is one of the most scenic of the trip. You’ll leave the North Island by ferry, taking in the incredible views of the Cook Strait as well as the Marlborough Sound. When you arrive on the South Island you’ll make your way to Abel Tasman National Park by water taxi.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 9

Marahau

Today you’ll kayak through Abel Tasman towards Marahau. Enjoy wonderful views of the National Park where you can see nesting seabirds and other natural treasures. You’ll stay overnight in Marahau.

(Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 10

Paparoa National Park

Today you’ll head to Paparoa National Park where you’ll be able to see some very famous natural attractions including the Pancake Rocks. You’ll enjoy a trek through the park passing through a limestone gorge. Alternatively you can choose to kayak through the park.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 11-12

Franz Josef

On day 11 you’ll head south to Franz Josef. On the way you’ll stop off at Okarito Lagoon, known for its abundance of wildlife, where you’ll go for a walk. On day 12 you’ll have a full free day to explore Franz Josef glacier and do a number of activities including hikes, horseback riding and quad biking.

(Two breakfasts included)

Day 13

Wanaka

Today you’ll transfer to Wanaka where there are a variety of optional activities available. Opt to go mountain biking, skydiving, or check out the giant maze and optical illusions of Puzzling World. Here you can also explore the area with hikes, or op for a jet boat ride or an incredible scenic flight.

(Breakfast included)

Day 14-16

Queenstown

One day 14 you’ll reach the 'adventure capital of the world' - Queenstown. For the next two days you’ll be completely free to select any of the huge range of activities on offer in this city that’s truly famous for adrenaline-fuelled action. Activities include but are not limited to: Mountain biking, Bungee jumping, Jet Boating, Skydiving or Paragliding. The hostel is centrally located enabling you to maximise your time here. Day 15 - enjoy a full day hiking the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way, a hike not to be missed! Day 16 will be yours to continue more adventurous activities or simply relax at one of the wineries here.

(Two breakfasts and one lunch included)

Day 17

Te Anau

On day 17 you’ll travel onwards to Te Anau, where you’ll be able to explore the area around the fjords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat, then continue onto Te Anau for the night.

Day 18

Central Otago

Today you’ll head out on a bike ride along the Otago Rail Trail for a 42km long journey created purely for mountain biking. The pristine scenery is jaw-dropping and shows of a different side of New Zealand’s natural beauty - unspoiled by traffic and roads.

(Breakfast included)

Day 19

Christchurch

Today you’ll enjoy views of Mt Cook as you drive along the Lindis Pass. You may be able to stop off along the way for a short walk or a swim – and you’re guaranteed incredible photos. Arrive in Christchurch in the evening.

(Breakfast included)

Day 20

Kaikoura

On day 20 you’ll drive to Kaikoura where you’ll have the option to go whale or dolphin watching in the afternoon. In the afternoon you can choose to take the exciting opportunity to go swimming with dolphins, take a scenic flight, go hiking or sea kayaking.

(Breakfast included)

Day 21

Wellington

On the final day of your tour, you’ll drive up to Picton, visiting a seal colony along the way. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll take a ferry back across the Cook Strait to Wellington where the tour ends.

(Breakfast included)