Total Aotearoa

Today you have a full day to enjoy everything that Rotorua has to offer. There are heaps of optional activities in Rotorua and something for everyone. If you’re interested in adventure, we recommend the award winning Canopy Tours eco zipline tour, or go white water rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. If you’d prefer to relax, opt for a healing soak at the Polynesian spa, or if you’d like to explore the natural geothermal features of the area, there's plenty of walks where you can see the activity for free. This evening, we recommend heading to the incredible Te Puia where you'll learn about Maori culture, experience the breathtaking Haka and feast on a traditional Hangi meal.

Meals: Breakfast

Bike Rides: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop (33 km)

Walks and Hikes: Walk through Kuirau Park or the Whakarewarewa Forest to see the towering redwoods

Optional Activities: Zipline Canopy Tour, Rotorua Rafting, Te Puia

Available Upgrades: Yes

We begin the day with a drive to visit Wai-o-Tapu bubbling mud, a unique experience not to be missed. Next we’ll stop at the mighty Huka Falls, an impressive waterfall found along the Waikato river. This is also our drop-off point for those wanting to go skydiving! If you’re not going skydiving there's a great bike ride to Spa Park along the river's edge - be sure to stop off at the natural hot spring along the way or get an adrenaline buzz from the Taupo bungy which is conveniently located on your way into town. You’ll have some time in Taupo to grab some lunch and check out New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, before we make our way to Tongariro National Park, where we’ll be spending the night.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Bike Rides: Huka Falls to Spa Park

Walks and Hikes: Walks of various distances past dramatic waterfalls and around Lake Taupo

Optional Activities: Skydiving, bungy, giant swing

Available Upgrades: Yes

Tongariro Crossing Day

Voted one of the best day hikes in the world, today's 19.4km walk takes in some of New Zealand’s most impressive and diverse landscapes. The challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike covers a small section of the country’s oldest national park and dual UNESCO world heritage area, the Tongariro National Park. On a fine day you’ll be able to see Mt Ruapehu, the North Island's highest peak which stands at a towering 2797 metres. You'll also be able to see Mt Ngauruhoe, which featured in the Lord of the Rings movies as Mount Doom. 

If you'd prefer not to do this hike, your Guide will take you to see some lesser known but equally stunning views and offer up some cycle options for our bikers. When everyone is back together after the hike we'll make our way to our camp, situated on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Bike Rides: Marton Sash & Door (if not doing the Tongariro Crossing)

Walks and Hikes: Walks of various distances past dramatic waterfalls and around Lake Taupo

Optional Activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Available Upgrades: Yes

This morning we’ll drive down to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand! We'll arrive early, giving you most of the morning to explore. We recommend checking out the exhibits at the famous Te Papa Museum, getting to some Lord of the Rings locations on Mt Victoria or taking the iconic red cable car up to the Botanical Gardens. The capital also boasts a thriving café culture, as Wellington is renowned for serving NZ's best cup of coffee. 

Later on we’ll be travelling across the Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island. The journey takes around 3.5 hours and travels through the incredibly scenic Marlborough Sounds. The rolling green hills coupled with the deep blue waters make for a magical sight, especially on a clear day. If you can, make your way outside and try to spot dolphins playing in the sounds. Tonight, we'll stay at a great campground in Picton.

Meals: Breakfast

Walks and Hikes: Explore Wellington!

Optional Activities: Te Papa National Museum of NZ (free), Cable car

Available Upgrades: Yes

This morning we'll depart Picton and travel through the Marlborough region towards the coast where we’ll see amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains in the distance. We’ll make a stop for lunch along this stretch of coastline and try to spot the native Fur Seals that often relax on the rocks in front of the ocean. 

When we arrive in Kaikoura, there are some great optional activities that all involve the ocean! Go whale watching, sea kayaking or fishing, or if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, there’s a great walk around the peninsula or you can hop on your bike and take in the views on two wheels. Our camp tonight is down at the beach and we’ll be preparing a fresh seafood meal, perfect for Kaikoura (unless of course you don't eat seafood, in which case we'll prepare something equally delicious for you).

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks and Hikes: Kaikoura peninsula walk

Optional Activities: Whale watching by boat or by plane, deep sea fishing

Available Upgrades: Yes

This morning you'll have the opportunity to take part in one of the most popular activities in New Zealand: swimming with dusky dolphins! It’s an early start but it’s a great way to begin your day and is the kind of once in a lifetime experience you won't soon forget. For those of us who aren't swimming, we’ll have a leisurely breakfast and the chance to explore Kaikoura before heading south to Christchurch. 

Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations. Still on the mend after two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, you can see evidence of rebuilding happening all over the city. With the chance to rebuild, comes new opportunities and Christchurch has seized the opportunity to become NZ’s coolest city, rivalling Wellington in terms of laneway bars and amazing eateries. We won’t overnight here, as campers we’re averse to big cities, so after we’ve welcomed some new travellers, we’ll continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Bike Rides: Lake Tekapo Lake Front

Walks and Hikes: Take an early walk around our coastal camp

Optional Activities: Dolphin swimming, dolphin viewing

Available Upgrades: Yes

Today you have a full free day to explore Lake Tekapo. Hike the Mt John Walkway for 360 degree views of the Mackenzie Basin flats and the surrounding lakes and mountains, go and see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, play some frisbee golf or just relax at the campsite. This evening, we recommend going for a soak in the nearby hot pools or enjoying some world famous star gazing at the Mt John Observatory - you are staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, after all!

Meals: Breakfast

Bike Rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle, Cowans Hill

Walks and Hikes: Mt John walkway, Cowans Hill

Optional Activities: Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing

Available Upgrades: Yes

This morning, we’ll wake up in arguably the most beautiful part of the South Island. Lake Tekapo is incredibly scenic, and home to the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains. 

We’ll go and see some incredible sights today, heading for Aoraki/Mt Cook where we’ll hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker Valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and experience stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with some awe inspiring views of the Hooker Valley glacier - trust us, you’ll want to bring your camera for this! This afternoon we’ll travel back towards the Pacific coast. We'll camp in the historic town of Oamaru this evening, close to the unique Moeraki Boulders and the Scottish city of Dunedin. Go for a walk this evening to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Bike Rides: 13 km Alps2Ocean trail ride

Walks and Hikes: Hooker Valley, Historic Precinct Oamaru

Available Upgrades: Yes

If the tide is low this morning, we’ll go for a walk along the beach to see the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities. 

Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau.  Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island's largest lake.  The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Bike Rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+)

Walks and Hikes: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city

Optional Activities: Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride

Available Upgrades: Yes

Today we’ll travel along one of the world’s most scenic roads and into Milford Sound! Described as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend boarding a cruise, where you'll see dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks and if you’re lucky, some wildlife! At different times of year, penguins, dolphins, seals and even whales have been spotted at Milford. As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This hike is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Bike Rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5km+)

Walks and Hikes: Plenty of short walks from camp

Optional Activities: Milfourd Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride

Available Upgrades: Yes

After a chance for a morning bike ride on the Lake to Lake Trail, if not done already, we will make our way along the Devil’s Staircase, and catch our first glimpses of Queenstown.  The Adventure Capital of NZ,  Queenstown is located on the shores of the South Islands second largest lake, Lake Wakatipu.  There are many cycle trails & walks for everyone to enjoy.

Meals: Breakfast

Walks and Hikes: Routeburn Track (must be pre-booked and hikers will rejoin the group in Queenstown)

Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, skydiving, horse-riding, white water rafting, jet boating & the list goes on! You are in the adventure capital of the world!

Available Upgrades: Yes

With so much to do we’ll spend another full day in the fantastic Queenstown, so everyone has the opportunity to have those once in a lifetime experiences. Speaking of experiences, may we suggest trying the legendary Fergburger! Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a feast at an iconic Queenstown eatery (own cost).

Meals: Breakfast

Bike Rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km)

Walks and Hikes: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond

Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, skydiving, horse-riding, white water rafting, jet boating & the list goes on!

Available Upgrades: Yes

This is our final morning in Queenstown and your last chance to indulge in one more walk or bike ride before we wave farewell to those finishing their tour and welcome new travellers joining us here. Leaving at 10:00am, after the thrills and spills of Queenstown we’ll travel past mountains and on towards stunning glacial lakes and calmer shores. 

On the final stretch to camp we’ll get views of Mt Aspiring National Park in the distance. Lake Hawea is just over the next ridge and it’s on the edge of this glacial lake that we find our next wilderness camp at Lake Hawea where we can enjoy great views of the lake and the mountains beyond as we absorb the beauty of the area.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Bike Rides: Hawea River Track (12 km), Lake Wanaka to Lake Hawea (30km)

Walks and Hikes: Multiple walking options

Available Upgrades: Yes

We’ll enjoy a relaxed morning at our lakeside camp and then we’re continuing north through Mt Aspiring National Park. Before we reach the West Coast, we’ll stop for a walk to the amazing Blue Pools, then head through the dramatic Haast Pass, on roads woven over braided rivers and huge glacier carved valleys. There are two more great walk options along the way, one through lush and ancient forests and the other through swampy vegetation, ending on the beach where it’s possible to spot Hector dolphins. Tonight, we’ll stay in the iconic Fox Glacier on the wild west coast.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Bike Rides: Gladstone Track (13kms Return from Lake Hawea Camp), Fox Glacier Cycle Way (12kms Return from Fox Glacier Holiday Park)

Walks and Hikes: Blue Pools, Ship Creek

Available Upgrades: Yes

Today is your chance to explore one of NZ’s most unique and spectacular natural wonders – the Franz Josef Glacier. This staggeringly beautiful work of nature descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. To get on the ice you must go up by helicopter but it’s possible to view the glacier via a stunning walk through the main valley. We also recommend taking a walk to Peter’s Pool for another incredibly scenic view. Before arriving at Franz Josef, we’ll take a highly recommended walk around Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman make the perfect photo opportunity. Next, we’ll board the bus and continue up this spectacular coastal road to the quirky town of Hokitika, home of the Greenstone and a great place to pick up a traditional souvenir. Passing through Greymouth we’ll keep following the coast to Punakaiki where you’ll notice a change in the landscape as huge limestone cliffs appear and Nikau Palm trees become abundant. Our beach camp for tonight offers great sunsets, a beautiful river and incredible views of Paparoa National Park. The pancake rocks and blowholes are the main attraction in Punakaiki where limestone rocks are stacked on top of each other and ocean swells are forced through gaps in the rock creating a whale’s blowhole effect. This evening, explore a cavern with some glow worms hanging out in the dark and then enjoy a beverage at the local tavern.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Bike Rides: Trail to Lake Matheson (4.3kms one way), Bullock Creek trail (15 km)

Walks and Hikes: Sunrise Lake Matheson

Optional Activities: Punakaiki pancake rocks & blow holes (free)

Available Upgrades: Yes

Before leaving Punakaiki we’ll take some time to explore part of the Paparoa National Park, walking along the Pororari river or cycling up Bullock creek road to visit a cave resurgence. Leaving mid-morning we’ll travel inland through the majestic Buller gorge and onto the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Situated in one of the sunniest areas of the country and home to heaps of beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sand beaches. We look forward to spending 2 nights at our perfectly located camp, close to the park entrance which makes it the ideal place to explore all corners of the stunning Abel Tasman.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Bike Rides: Bullock Creek, Coastal ride to camp and Kaiteriteri bike park, Great Taste Trail

Walks and Hikes: Truman track

Optional Activities: Skydiving

Available Upgrades: Yes

Take time today to explore arguably the best beaches and clearest waters in New Zealand - there are excellent options for everyone here. You can walk, sail or kayak around the numerous golden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters along the way. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals and even Orcas!) and for those seeking a thrill, join the one in a lifetime canyoning experience!

Meals: Breakfast

Bike Rides: Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park

Walks and Hikes: Abel Tasman National Park track

Optional Activities: Kayaking, canyoning, sailing, water taxi / walk

Available Upgrades: Yes

Today we’re heading back to the North Island, but first we’ll take a trip to Marlborough, home to some of the World’s best known grapes and where we’ll treat you to a free tasting in one of their best vineyards. Finish this fantastic day with a scenic ferry back through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington and onto the stunning Paekakariki situated along the Kapiti Coast.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Activities: Activities (included): Wine tasting in Marlborough, Ferry back to Wellington

Available Upgrades: Yes

This morning we’re travelling up the scenic Kapiti Coast, back through the Tongariro National Park to Waitomo, famous for its incredible caves filled with magical glow worms. There will be a chance to go for some walks or bike rides before we settle into our campground for the night where we’ll enjoy our final dinner together as a group.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Bike Rides: Ride through Waitomo

Walks and Hikes: Forest and Cave trail

Available Upgrades: Yes

This morning there are plenty of options to explore the caves, from an adventurous exploration involving abseiling and climbing through the vast cave systems, to black water rafting or a nice dry, relaxing boat experience.  If you’re not heading into the caves we’ll send you on a great walk through some awesome limestone cliffs and native bush. 

Once we re-group, we’re heading to Auckland where your tour ends. We’ll arrive in the city in the late afternoon where we’ll say goodbye to all the friends we’ve made along the way.

Meals: Breakfast

Bike Rides: Ride through Waitomo if you’re not going to see the Caves

Walks and Hikes: Forest and Cave trail

Optional Activities: Waitomo caving adventures, Glow worm cave tour, Blackwater rafting

Drive Distance: Approx. 4 - 5 hours