ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE

Introduction

Our ‘Adventure New Zealand’ holiday is the perfect way to experience the country’s adventurous side. This self-drive itinerary includes many adrenaline-powered tours, whilst allowing you to see the beauty and the culture of each destination. From bungee jumping in Queenstown, hopping on the TranzAlpine train between coastlines, to taking exhilarating helicopter rides over glaciers - this trip will excite every step of the way.

Day-by-Day

Day 1 & 2: Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, also known as the “City of Sails”. The city offers an abundance of activities. Experience a lively art, craft and food scene, go hiking, or enjoy an afternoon of fishing. The highlight of your time in Auckland is a SkyWalk activity, where you can walk around the outside ring of the tallest building in New Zealand and take in the panoramic views of the city below. If you are feeling brave, try leaning out over the edge to get your heart racing even more!

Day 3: Auckland to Waitomo

Collect your hire car in Auckland and head towards Waitomo. On the way, cruise through the stunning Bombay Hills and stop off at Pōkeno - the ice-cream capital of New Zealand. Keep your eyes open for the longest river in the country and make a short stop in a small town of Kiwiana, to indulge in the town’s iconic Pavlova dessert. 

Day 4: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua

In the morning, explore the famous luminescent Waitomo caves, where you'll float through the glow worm flecked underworld of Ruakuri Cave, glide with the water as it drops down the 'hidden' waterfall and finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo forest. In the afternoon, drive to the Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua, as you join the Thermal Explorer Highway you will start to smell the unique pungent aroma of sulphur. In the evening, join the adrenaline-filled Redwoods Treewalk tour, a walkway that consists of a series of 21 suspension bridges, that traverse between 110-year-old illuminated and majestic Redwood trees.

Day 5 & 6: Rotorua

Another thrilling day is ahead of you, beginning with a zip-lining adventure from treetop platforms. In the evening, prepare yourself to be wowed by the ancient culture of Māori. Observe ancient rituals, watch cultural performances and enjoy divine seasonal food in front of a roaring bonfire. The next day, explore Rotorua at your own pace. Perhaps a leisurely walk along the lakeshore, jump onboard Skyline Gondola, go mountain biking through the Redwoods Forest, visit the geothermal parks or relax at the Polynesian Spa. 

Day 7: Rotorua to Christchurch

It's time to head to the South Island. Drop off the rental car at Rotorua airport and board your domestic flight to Christchurch, known as the 'Garden City'. Collect your new rental car and head to the botanical gardens at Hagley Park. Later that evening, explore the heart of the city centre, which has a gritty street art scene mixed with modern architecture, cocktail bars and an array of bustling restaurants.

Day 8 & 9: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier

Ride the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, one of the world's great scenic railway journeys, offering some stunning views of Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri River and lush rain forests. Upon your arrival to Greymouth, it’s time to head towards Franz Josef - home to two wellknown glacier settlements. The following day, witness the glistening ice formations from the air as you soar above the glaciers in an exhilarating helicopter ride. Finally, your heli-hike guide walks you through these dazzling ice formations, step foot on the ice and breathe in that cool alpine air.

Day 10 & 11: Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka

The scenic drive from Franz Josef Glacier to the mountainous resort of Wanaka  will take you through the Cook River Bridge, an old gold mining settlement, the tranquil Lake Paringa and the Brewster Glacier. The next day, gear up for some waterfall climbing where you'll travel into the heart of Twin Waterfalls. Discover hidden pools and cut across suspension bridges. At the end of the climb, take a rewarding dip in the cool waters of the falls.

Day 12: Wanaka to Queenstown

On today's short drive from Wanaka to Queenstown, look out for the man-made lake of Dunstan and make a little stop at the old town of Cromwell, known for its stone fruit and wine production. Whilst passing by Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, you can observe the bungee jumpers from the observation deck, or perhaps take a leap yourself! Finally, arrive in Queenstown - a popular resort town situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Day 13: Milford Sound

Get picked up from your central Queenstown accommodation and get yourself hyped up for another epic helicopter ride! Discover Lord of the Rings film locations by flying above the famous Skippers Canyon and Paradise region amongst other natural wonders. The second part of this adventure begins directly from Milford Sound where you board the 'Spirit of Milford' catamaran. Sailing through the nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, to examine flora and fauna in detail. Finally, end your tour with a return helicopter ride over pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for.

Day 14: Queenstown Region

Yet another action-packed day awaits you! Start your morning with an exciting jet boat trip up the Dart River. After all the thrilling jet spins, continue your journey in an inflatable canoe and stop for a delicious buffet lunch amongst the ancient beech forest. Finally, continue downstream until you reach the arrival point from where you are taken back to Glenorchy by coach. En route, observe the stunning country scenery and make your way back to Queenstown.

Day 15: Queenstown

Explore the adventure capital of the world at your leisure. If you haven’t had a chance to experience bungee jumping yet - now is the time! Other adventurous activities include go-karting and zip-lining, paragliding over the Southern Alps, cycling through Queenstown, cruising along Lake Wakatipu and snowshoeing at one of the many ski resorts. This is your last chance to soak up the adventure.

Day 16: Departure

Drop off the car at Queenstown airport and catch your return flight back to the UK.

Prices

From £5,559 per person

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• Domestic flight
• 15 nights accommodation
• Rental car with unlimited mileage, additional driver and zero excess
• 9 tours including glacier heli-hike and jetboating
• Private airport transfer in Auckland
• Documents, vouchers and information pack

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!