| Ultimate Explorer Itinerary |
 |
Ultimate Explorer - Itinerary+ You can take extended breaks at any of the points on the tour + Most nights you can upgrade to cabins for a small fee and a taste of rural luxury + Contact us if you have any questions as we are very flexible The itinerary below shows a trip leaving from Auckland heading north first. You can start at any point on this loop and finish where you started. The most popular alternatives are to start at point 4 and head south from Auckland first or start at point 10 in christchurch. key: B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included U = upgrade available BLUE text = optional activity (there are plenty more to try and there's optional walks and rides everyday)
NORTH ISLAND point 1: Depart Auckland 10am. Leave the city for the golden beaches and warm waters of the Bay of Islands. Visit the historic Treaty House. Enjoy the mangrove walk leading to the thundering Haruru Waterfalls. Cycle scenic route. Star-gazing around the camp fire. L/D U point 16: Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Day or overnight walk on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from Mount Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glow-worm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau. B/D U
point 2: Delicious pancake breakfast. Spend the day in the Bay of Islands clear turquoise waters, just relaxing at the beach or taking out one of the free boogie boards. Enjoy lush Opua Forest walks. Cycle scenic loop to Russell visiting Kauri Grove on the way. Great optional trip to Cape Reinga, sail the Bay of Islands, dolphin swimming, Waka paddle and village tour or dive the Rainbow Warrior. In the evening enjoy an optional Maori Concert and Haka! A second night at same camp. B/D U point 3: A day full of adventure. Great cycle routes & walks, then on to Opononi’s dunes for beach fun and optional sand boarding. Cycle or bus to Waipoua Forest to explore the giant Kauri trees. Travel Hibiscus Coast to camp near Waiwera hot pools for a relaxing dip. B/L/D U point 4: Return to the “City of Sails”. Depart Auckland at 10am if heading south first. The beautiful Coromandel Peninsula awaits us so bring your swimming gear. Relax on Cathedral Cove beach and , if the tide is right, dig pools & bathe in the thermal springs of Hot Water Beach. Optional sea kayak around dramatic coastlines. Scenic cycle rides around the beautiful coastal region. We camp by the beach tonight. B/D U point 5: Drive or cycle to stunning Whiritoa beach for a swim or forest walk amongst the massive Pohutukawa trees. We continue to Rotorua and its thermal wonders. Optional activities like the head spinning Zorb, Agroventures, or Luge or the relaxed Polynesian Pools. Cycle ride from camp around the lake nestled below the dormant but dramatic Mount Tarawera. B/L/D point 6: A relaxed start at lake side camp. We visit Wai-O-Tapu thermal resort. Drive on to the impressive Huka Falls. Walk or cycle to the great lakeside setting of Taupo. Optional skydiving, bungy. Mount Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu dominate the skyline as we journey along the shores of one of the largest crater lakes in the world. Wonderful camp in Turangi. B/D U point 7: Chance to try one of the World’s greatest one day walks - the “Tongariro Alpine Crossing”. Alternatively, relax or cycle in this beautiful area with an inspiring mountain backdrop. After some serious exploring we head to our accommodation for recharging and refuelling. B/L/D U point 8 For those who are heading south we hit the water for a scenic ferry crossing (cost included) or if you are heading north rejoin us at noon (point 26). We arrive in Wellington by 10am. The capital offers café culture, good bars, the celebrated Te Papa Museum and the botanical gardens. If you fancy shopping for souvenirs the capital is ideal. We do not provide accommodation in Picton but will help you make a booking in a great local hostel. B SOUTH ISLAND point 9: Depart Picton 10am. Travel the Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch or sea kayak and coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp with an amazing sunrise. D U point 10: Optional dolphin swim or seal swim or a chance to cycle by the nature-rich coast. Then on to Christchurch, the “Garden City” to explore before we depart Christchurch 3pm. Head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge, a great ride and camp at the foot of the Alps. B/D U point 11: Optional white water rafting on the Rangitata river. Morning cycle or walks in Peel Forest. Travel through Mackenzie Basin with views of the Main Divide. Cycle to Lake Tekapo and view historic church. Lake Pukaki (great spot for swimming) camp with views of Mt. Cook. B/L/D point 12: Morning cycle towards Mount Cook. Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for a scenic quiet cycle ride or walks, swim at the beach. Optional penguin tour. B/D point 13: Morning coastal walk or cycle. Visit bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or walking up the world’s steepest street! There is also a chance to sample the delights of the Cadbury (Chocolate) factory or Speights Brewery depending on your tastes. We travel on to the spectacular and natural beauty of the Catlins area for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point lighthouse along a quiet country road. B/D U point 14: Journey through scenic southern pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake Manapouri. Visit the lake town of Te Anau before heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle rides and walks abound. B/L/D U point 15: One of the world’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Fantastic stop offs and more photo opportunities than you can handle! Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft)! Excellent optional boat cruise to experience the beauty of the fiord. The Routeburn, Greenstone Track walkers depart for their awesome trek. Stunning lakeside camp. B/L/D U point 16: Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Day or overnight walk on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from Mount Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glow-worm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau. B/D U point 17: Journey to Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars, activities and thrills galore! Track walkers re-join group. A big night out. B U point 18: Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, parapenting, skydive, gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. Depart Queenstown at 3pm. Camp beside a tranquil lake with hikes, cycle and swimming all available and a chance to wind down and compare notes and photos from your Queenstown thrills! B/D point 19: A relaxed morning at the camp. Optional jet boating then over the dramatic Haast Pass. Chance for a cycle with great downhill sections through rainforest, past waterfalls and pools to the wild West Coast. Head to our camp at Fox Glacier and explore the hidden glow-worm grotto. B/L/D U point 20: Spend the morning taking in the wonderful scenery before an optional guided walk or heli hike on the spectacular glaciers. Cycle to Okarito beach camp. White Heron Sanctuary, spectacular walks and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. B/L/D point 21: Morning at Okarito. Great cycle route along the coast. Visit Bushmans Museum, check out famous Greenstone factories of Hokitika. Stunning coastal walk and cycle. Excellent beach camp at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and Paparoa National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for kiwi birds!! Many great walks and rides to choose from. B/D U point 22: Traditional Flying Kiwi pancake breakfast. Explore the outstanding sub-tropical flora and admire limestone formations in the Canyon. Cycle rides, glow worm caves, beach. Optional horse riding, and kayaking. Stay at same great camp. B/L/D U point 23: Travel through the Buller Gorge for some cycling and beautiful scenery to one of NZ’s most stunning spots - the Abel Tasman region. Cycle backroad route. Optional skydive or fly an aerobatic plane. We stay 2 nights at Marahau, with the Abel Tasman National Park on our doorstep. B/D U point 24: Free day for exploring the area. Walk, cycle, optional awesome sailing the scenic coast, sea kayak, boat and walk the golden beaches. Swim in crystal clear waters. Night out at a cool cafe. B/L U point 25: Morning cycle options along the coastal road alongside golden beaches. Time to soak up Nelson’s cafe culture and arts. Travel through the wine region. Picton by 6pm. For those who are heading north we hit the water for a scenic ferry crossing (cost included). We don’t provide accommodation but will help you make a booking with a great hostel. B NORTH ISLAND point 26: Time in morning to explore then we depart Wellington at noon and on to Taranaki. Camp in the stunning Taranaki. No meals U point 27: Leave early and head to Waitomo Caves - a limestone wonderland created by erosion over millions of years. Optional blackwater rafting or some excellent walks. Arrive in buzzing Auckland by 6pm for a taste of big city life “kiwi style”. If heading north as part of your trip we don’t provide accommodation but will help you make a booking. B/L |