Auckland to Paihia (Bay Of Islands)Take a trip to the winterless north and pack as much as you can into a weekend!
We arrive in the Bay of Islands around midday and check out the sights surrounding Paihia, including the historical location of Waitangi. Northland is rich in history and Maori culture and with its clear water, huge kauri forests, and 144 islands to explore you will soon see why Kiwi Experience heads up north. Swim with the dolphins, experience the Excitor Fast Boat, ride out to the famous hole in the rock, or go kayaking, sailing, fishing, diving, snorkelling, or just relax on the beach!
Paihia to AucklandSqueeze in those activities you haven’t completed yet before heading back to AucklandWe arrive in the Bay of Islands around midday and check out the sights surrounding Paihia, including the historical location of Waitangi. Northland is rich in history and Maori culture and with its clear water, huge kauri forests, and 144 islands to explore you will soon see why Kiwi Experience heads up north. Swim with the dolphins, experience the Excitor Fast Boat, ride out to the famous hole in the rock, or go kayaking, sailing, fishing, diving, snorkelling, or just relax on the beach!
Departing late afternoon, you have the best part of the day to experience one of the many activities on offer in the Bay, or simply chill on the beach with a good book. The drive back to the “big smoke”, which us Kiwis affectionately call Auckland, is relaxed and we have you back in the city in time to find some dinner and hit the town.
Auckland to Mercury Bay (Whitianga)Spend the afternoon at the beach or kayaking!After visiting the Kiwi Experience office and Mt Eden (one of many dormant volcanoes in Auckland) we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. Provided the tides are right we may also check out Hot Water Beach and dig our own hot pools.
Mercury Bay (Whitianga) to RotoruaCheck out New Zealand’s gold mining history and rocket down a hill, on the way to the Maori culture capital of New ZealandAfter an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and the history of gold mining in New Zealand. On arriving into Rotorua you will have the chance to go luging or zorbing before experiencing a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert in the evening with Tamaki Tours - a night not to be missed!
Rotorua to WaitomoExperience the glow-worms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo.Today we start with a visit to Te Puia - a large geothermal reserve with New Zealand’s largest geyser, and a chance to see our famous Kiwi bird. Next it’s onto Waitomo caves (wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave) which are made out of limestone (basically 40 million year old dead fish). We spend the afternoon checking out the Ruakuri reserve. Apart from glow-worms in caves, you will see stalactites, cave coral, fossil oysters and other crazy stuff like tubing and rafting 40 metres underground!
Waitomo to TaupoA popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied!
The bus departs late today so that you have enough time to experience the caves! Other adventure activity options include quad biking or the brand new Ruakuri Cave walk, which is an engineering masterpiece. Around midday, we leave Waitomo behind and head for Lake Taupo, which is known as the adventure capital of the North Island with skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!
Taupo to River ValleyVisit Tongariro National Park, take and enjoy some stunning free walks before arriving at River Valley Adventure LodgeWe head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and a two hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel through to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. The lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding, and a small golf course. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.
River Valley to WellingtonNew Zealand’s capital city is full of culture, cafes and cable cars!We head away late after a morning white water rafting or horse riding, and head throughthe rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep. We arrive in Wellington late in the afternoon. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife. It’s home to the largest cultural attraction in New Zealand, Te Papa Museum, which is well worth a look (and it’s free).
Wellington to Picton to NelsonTravel across the stunning Cook Strait to the seaside town of Picton, then on to the golden beaches of Nelson.
You can choose to take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island, through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds; or arrange a flight. Travel via the Pelorous Bridge to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city. Nelson’s a great place to jump off the bus and explore the Abel Tasman National Park. There is an option to explore New Zealand’s youngest National Park by foot and camping, or by kayaking with some adventurous locals of the area.
Nelson to WestportSnow-capped mountains and adventure activities on the Buller River
We visit the Nelson Lakes National Park for a walk in some awesome beech forest and to view one of the more spectacular lakes in the area, surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains. En-route to Westport we meet the team (and Rata the dog) from Buller Adventure Tours where you can experience the best value for money jet boating, horse trekking and quad biking in New Zealand.
Westport to Lake MahinapuaContinue down the West Coast via the world famous ‘Highway 6’ and be treated to some amazing sights.Today we cruise down the spectacular Highway 6 that stretches along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds along diverse landscapes, which never cease to amaze both locals and visitors alike. Highlights include the Cape Foulwind seal colony, rugged beach walks and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight your Driver Guide will arrange a group meal for you at the Mahinapua Hotel, known as the legendary “Poo Pub”. It’s an awesome evening of fancy dress and a good way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Lake Mahinapua to Franz JosefIncredible views of glaciers towering over subtropical rainforests.
Our first stop this morning is the Bushman’s Centre, where you will get an insight into how people make a living on the coast with helicopter deer recovery, old timber-milling techniques and possum trapping. We then head through to the Franz Josef Glacier Village, nestled in the Westland National Park.
Franz Josef (Extra Day)We recommend staying an extra night in Franz Josef because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.
Today is your chance to hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, rated as one of the top three activities to do in New Zealand, by Kiwi Experience passengers. You could also take the option of a heli-hike, and be flown up the glacier, or take a more sedate approach and explore the various walks in the area.
Franz Josef to WanakaTake the time to chill out by Lake Wanaka.We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka in the afternoon.
Wanaka to QueenstownAdventure capital of New Zealand…and the world!
It’s only a short drive today through to New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. Highlights include Puzzling World, skydiving over Lake Wanaka and stopping at the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. On arrival in Queenstown you can book all activities and confirm onward bus travel at Base, as well as get a group photo with all your new West Coast mates. Then it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!
Queenstown to ChristchurchHead to the ‘garden city’, with optional drop off points for Mt Cook and rafting in Rangitata
We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After dropping people in Twizel for the connection to Mt Cook, we travel through to the amazing aqua blue Lake Pukaki, with a stunning view of Mt Cook. We stop for lunch beside Lake Tekapo and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. From there we have a straight run into Christchurch arriving late afternoon.
Here's the dates for each bit:
Auckland to Paihia on the 10th of March
Paihia to Auckland on the 13th
Auckland to Mercury Bay on the 14th
Mercury Bay to Rotorua on the 15th
Rotorua to Waitomo on the 17th
Waitomo to Taupo on the 18th
Taupo to River Valley on the 20th
River Valley to Wellington on the 21st
Wellington to Picton to Nelson on the 24th
Nelson to Westport on the 26th
Westport to Lake Mahinapua on the 27th
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef n the 28th
Franz Josef to Wanaka on the 30th
Wanaka to Queenstown on the 31st
Queenstown to Christchurch on the 2nd of April
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