Auckland, Wellington & Queenstown II

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

DAY 1: Christchurch to Lake Ohau
Our journey commences in Christchurch where you’ll find grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks intermingle with the technology and style of modern life. We head across the Canterbury Plains to the town of Geraldine, and follow the southern lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue water lakes with the ever-present Southern Alps as a backdrop. We then travel onwards to Lake Pukaki to our destination, Mt Cook – known to the Maori people as Aoraki or “cloud piercer” – hopefully no clouds in sight to obscure our view! From here it’s only a short drive to Mt Cook Village.
Lake Ohau Lodge
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DAY 2: Lake Ohau to Milford Sound
This morning’s drive takes us over the Lindis Pass and through the Cromwell district. Our journey continues along the Kawarau River, with its familiar Lord of the Rings scenery, and home to AJ Hackett’s original Bridge Bungy site – the first commercial bungy in the world and into Te Anau. Our cruise tonight in the Tasman Sea is a real highlight!
Overnight Cruise (quad share bunks only)
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DAY 3: Milford Sound to Queenstown
Time for additional cruising this morning before returning to the wharf. We make our way back through Te Anau and onwards around Lake Wakatipu to the adrenalin mecca of the southern hemisphere!! Queenstown has it all – spectacular scenery, great hikes, cafes, shops, and every adrenalin charged activity you can imagine! You can enjoy some free time this afternoon to experience a slice of what the town has to offer. Re-charge with a well-earned meal tonight before we head out and perhaps check out the nightlife – there’s always a party on somewhere in this adrenalin charged town!
Queenstown Holiday Park
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DAY 4: Queenstown
Today its time to play and an adventure awaits us at every turn! Try a bungy jump* (or three!) at the home of commercial bungy jumping, raft on the Shotover River* or surf the waters of the Kawarau whilst river boarding*. A shot of adrenalin in the Shotover Jet* as you skim past the canyon walls, or the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jetboat safari* or by horseback*.
Queenstown Holiday Park
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DAY 5: Queenstown to Fox Glacier
An early start today as we negotiate Haast Pass and stop at Thunder Creek Falls, which flows into the Haast River amidst rainforest, highlighting the beauty of this World Heritage area. Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and this afternoon we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice!
Fox Glacier Hotel
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DAY 6: Fox Glacier to Flock Hill
Let’s hope Lake Matheson’s waters are still and the skies clear so we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountain peaks in it’s waters, as we start our day with a morning walk before heading off into the mountains. We’ll stop at the Jade factory and see the carvers skilfully creating works of art from the greenstone The scenery will continue to amaze you today as we head once again across the Alps. Through the Otira Gorge, a quick break at Arthur’s Pass, then on to experience some real authentic Kiwi hospitality in the heart of NZ’s High Country at Flock Hill Station. Flock Hill is a 14,000 hectare working station farming fine wool sheep, beef cattle and red deer all set on a picturesque backdrop that regardless of the time of year you’ll be blown away! Plus if you’ve seen the movie Narnia, things are going to look a little familiar!
Flock Hill Lodge
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DAY 7: Flock Hill to Christchurch
Today you get to explore further a field. Learn about the colourful local history and farming practices of this remote area as well as hearing accounts from the early pioneering days in New Zealand. Watch the art of sheep shearing and sheepdogs work the cattle and sheep. Enjoy lunch at the property before it’s time to travel back down onto the Canterbury Plains. Our home tonight is back in Christchurch and time if you wish, to do some exploring before regrouping for a meal out at a local hotspot as we unwind.
Cathedral Camelot Hotel
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DAY 8: Christchurch to Nelson
Our morning’s drive takes us to the small town of Kaikoura, nestled at the foothills of the Kaikoura ranges with the pale blue waters of the Pacific lapping its grey pebbly shore. It’s here we stop for lunch and to soak up the scenery before continuing north to Ohau Point to spy out some NZ fur seals before entering the vineyards of the Marlborough region, famous for its wines. It’s then onward across the ranges to Nelson, into our “home-away-from-home” for the next two nights by Tahunanui Beach.
Aloha Lodge
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DAY 9: Nelson
Awake to Nelson with the highest recorded days of sunshine in New Zealand, and the day is yours to explore this amazing area. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters. Explore the park by water taxi*, the ever-popular walking tracks or from the water as you paddle in your ocean kayaks along the incredible shoreline*. For a different look at the park try jumping out of a perfectly good plane and take in the incredible views as you skydive back to base on a tandem skydive*.
Aloha Lodge
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DAY 10: Nelson to Wellington
Our journey today takes us to the little town of Picton situated on the north coast of the South Island, as we make our way to the Interisland ferry for our trip across Cook Strait. Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds from the outer viewing decks as we cruise through and on towards the North Island. We take a drive along the harbour and up Mt Victoria this afternoon for a 360-degree view of Wellington and surrounds.
Nomads Capital
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DAY 11: Wellington to Rotorua Marae Stay
On the road again this afternoon, we depart Wellington and head north through farming country. We head past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – the classical conical volcano most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy – on to Lake Taupo. We’ll make a stop at the raging waters of Huka Falls, and past Wairakei Geo-thermal area. You’ll see that Rotorua is truly alive as we drive through it on our way to our nights accommodation. Tonight we will be staying in a traditional Maori Marae, we will be welcomed onto the Marae by the elders in traditional style. If you wish you can help prepare your night’s hangi dinner and help lift it out of the ground when it is ready or maybe a walk to the Okere Falls or an afternoon swim in the lake.
Traditional Maori Marae Stay - open plan multi-share accommodation
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DAY 12: Rotorua
After breakfast we will depart the Marae and head to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve. Learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour and concert in this unique village. See displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. The afternoon is yours to explore Rotorua or you have time for an optional tour*, mudbaths and massages might be for you, or if you feel a bit more active hire a mountain bike and explore the fantastic Redwood Forest or try white water rafting. After dinner you might want to relax under the stars as you soak in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool.
Alpin Motel
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DAY 13: Rotorua to Paihia - Bay of Islands
This morning we travel north along the Waikato River to Auckland, otherwise known as the “city of sails” and New Zealand’s largest city. It’s here we have time for lunch and pick up any new passengers before our journey continues across Auckland’s scenic harbour and north with our to Parry’s Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree, whose ancestors once covered the island. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Once settled into our motel, we’ll have the chance to share a refreshment on the beach, perhaps?
Waitangi Motel
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DAY 14: Paihia - Bay of Islands
Today is yours to explore this fascinating region by way of a range of optional activities – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Try a drive along, or flight over, 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga* where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea and board down the Te Paki sand dunes. Relax as you sail the inner Bay on a catamaran and look for dolphins*, take a paddle through mangrove forest to Haruru Falls* or take a day cruise and hike at Cape Brett*.
Waitangi Motel
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DAY 15: Paihia to Auckland
This morning we start our journey southwards. If the weather is in our favour today we’ll enjoy the local scenery with a walk to view Whangerei Falls. It’s then onto Auckland and as we again cross the bridge you can appreciate the magnficient harbour, islands and modern city environment that has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Not a bad spot to finish your journey with us!
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