Meet your North Island guide and the rest of the group in the Rydges Hotel foyer at 6.30am before driving south through classic patchwork green farming country alongside the Waikato River.
We make a quick cafe stop enroute to Waitomo for those who need a coffee and bite to eat. Arriving at the Waitomo Caves area descend into the vaulted galleries of the Ruakuri Cave with its limestone formations and crystals. Be enchanted by the thousands of tiny glow worms that cling to the cave ceiling and mimic a starlit night sky. Later we emerge into the sunshine and wander on a loop trail through an outstanding limestone canyon.
We arrive in the volcanically active area of Rotorua late afternoon. Rotorua is also the centre of Māori cultural tourism in New Zealand and tonight we enjoy an evening meal in the city. Includes lunch and dinner.
The 4-star Distinction Rotorua is conveniently located just a few minutes from the city centre and the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. The hotel’s beautiful garden setting, heated outdoor swimming pool and underground grotto spas, make this hotel the perfect place to relax and unwind as you begin your travels through New Zealand.
A short drive leads us to the stunning forests and beaches of Lake Tarawera. Take a scenic water taxi ride to the lake end. From here we hike back alongside this beautifully clear lake, enjoying the shade that towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs offer. Plunge into the lake to cool off at any one of the tiny pumice beaches as you wait for the others to catch up. There are astonishing views all along this trail, and usually the chance for a natural hot creek dip along the way. This is an expansive wilderness of forest, lakes and volcanoes.
After we return, we have the chance to look around Rotorua including the short Redwoods Trail. Later explore through the historic waterfront area including the fascinating Faith church. Rotorua is also the centre of Maori cultural tourism in New Zealand and late afternoon we enjoy an evening meal and cultural performance. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Stay a second night at Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
In the morning we explore some of the amazing thermal areas located a little south of Rotorua. Wander along boardwalks that connect pools of bubbling mud, mineralised hot pools and plumes of rising steam, and wonder at the uniqueness of this area. Grab a cuppa before we drive south to Huka Falls and feel the power as the huge Waikato River gets pinched through a narrow rock corridor.
Enjoy a café lunch at the lakeside town of Taupō before heading south around Lake Taupō’s shores to New Zealand’s first national park - Tongariro. The next two nights are spent in a hotel on the edge of the park, providing a great opportunity for you to explore the area at your leisure. In the afternoon hike to Taranaki Falls, cascading 20 metres over a 15,000 year old lava flow. Enjoy dinner with the group in the comfort of your hotel. Includes breakfast and dinner.
The Park Hotel offers a warm and hospitable vibe along with stunning views of the three sacred peaks of Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro. After the day's hike, sink into one of the two crystal clear outdoor hot-tubs. Complimentary access is available to all guests. These are located in the picturesque internal courtyard adjacent to the restaurant. Enjoy the free wifi from your freshly renovated rooms.
Join the guide today for a full-day hike of the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best day walks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at times, to the craters of Mt Tongariro. Stop and admire the views of the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes and steaming vents that make this hike so outstanding. After what is often a long and physically challenging day, enjoy a well-earned dinner and swap stories with your hiking group.
Those who prefer a more restful day can find plenty to do at the village: Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or simply drink coffee and view the great exhibits at the Park Visitor Centre. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Enjoy a second night at The Park Hotel, Tongariro.
Rest your legs this morning as we drive south through rolling green hill country to the capital city of Wellington. Stroll along the fabulous waterfront and absorb some of New Zealand’s history in the national museum - Te Papa, or simply get lost admiring the heritage houses along one of the many improbably steep streets. Nowhere is very far in Wellington. There is a vibrant café and restaurant scene here – enjoy. Includes breakfast.
The Copthorne Oriental Bay is located on Wellington’s waterfront, providing luxury accommodation with harbour views. The hotel is perfectly located, just a short walk from central city locations such as the Te Papa Museum and great cafes. Superbly comfortable rooms, restaurant and bar, and free wifi, will ensure your stay is one to remember.
There is more time to enjoy this busy harbourside capital or relax before grabbing an early lunch and heading to the airport. Enjoy a scenic early-afternoon flight over Cook Strait as you hop from the North to the South Island. Your driver will meet you at Nelson Airport to transfer you to the Rutherford Hotel to later meet your guides and those joining the South Island Grand Hikes tour at 4:00pm.
There will be opportunity for a guided hike up Botanical Hill, also known as the “Centre of New Zealand” to enjoy sweeping views of Tasman Bay and Nelson City, or an alternative option to independently explore this lively town suggested by your guides.
Later we celebrate the start of our South Island tour by dining together in one of Nelson’s fine restaurants. Includes dinner.
The stylish 4-star Rutherford Hotel is centrally located, just a short stroll from Nelson’s many galleries and city attractions including the landmark cathedral. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation, unmatched service and fine dining options.
After an early breakfast, we set off for Abel Tasman National Park. At the beach resort of Kaiteriteri, board a water taxi and cruise the coastline past golden sand beaches, rugged granite headlands and bush clad islands. Step ashore at Bark Bay and follow the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track through native forests and past cascading streams. A well-formed trail leads us up and over gentle ridges to Torrent Bay, where the lovely clear fresh waters of Cleopatra's Pool may tempt you to take a dip or for those more daring - a slide down the naturally formed hydro-slide!
At Anchorage, we will meet the water taxi for a return journey to Kaiteriteri before heading back to Nelson in the late afternoon. There is an opportunity to further explore this vibrant and arty little town this evening with the many great restaurant dining options. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Enjoy a second night at the stylish Rutherford Hotel.
On the way to the West Coast we stop for a remarkable hike to marvel at natural flames which have been burning since the 1920s. We access this phenomena with a local guide through a privately-owned working deer farm. Unlike the Eternal Flames of the Chimera in Turkey these flames are surrounded by lush tree ferns and beech forest. A cup of 'billy tea' and hot cakes prepared over the flames gives this experience a distinctly ‘kiwi’ flavour.
Our journey resumes alongside the mighty Buller River as it cuts its way through the massive wilderness of the upper South Island to the coast at Westport. We traverse a section of spectacular coastline and catch the sunset at Punakaiki. Take an evening stroll around the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – we try to time our visit with high tide so we may leave the rocks until tomorrow if tide times are more favourable. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Located within the Paparoa National Park and with stunning views of the Tasman Sea, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki offers comfortable, environmentally friendly accommodation. The resort is situated only 300m from the famous Punakaiki Blowholes. Rooms are spacious and modern ensuring your evenings are spent in comfort.
Hike the Inland Pack Track from the Pororari to the Punakaiki River. This historic route once used by prospectors and miners to avoid immense coastal cliffs while travelling the West Coast now forms part of our newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. Pass through deep limestone canyons and towering rainforest with groves of tropical nikau palms. You may not be able to resist a speedy swim in one of the many deep clear pools you pass on the way!
After the hike, we travel a remarkable highway which takes us from the lush green rainforests of the West Coast and over the glaciated Southern Alps to the parched soft yellow tussock grasslands of the eastern high country. This is one of the most cleverly engineered roads in New Zealand.
East of Arthur’s Pass, stretch your legs and stroll around the enchanting limestone outcrops of Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill). This area was an important meeting place and food gathering area for early Māori people. Interestingly it was named “Spiritual Centre of the Universe” by the Dalai Lama when he visited in 2002. Today it is a haven for rock climbers who climb and boulder on the multitude of rock forms.
We then leave the highway and follow the back roads around Lake Lyndon and on to Methven, a ski town by winter and laid-back rural town the rest of the year. The Southern Alps form a spectacular backdrop. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ski Time offers fantastic hospitality, atmosphere and creature comforts to ensure your stay here at the foot of the Southern Alps is memorable. The cozy ambience of the restaurant and bar with large open fire, complements the spacious and well-appointed rooms.
We continue south, at first following the edge of the extensive Canterbury Plains then up into the intermontane Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, perched daintily by the lake. Hike via the lakeshore to the elevated viewing platform afforded by Mt John and revel in the expansiveness of the Patagonia-like landscape. The sweeping Mackenzie “Country” is a sparsely populated region in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps; tawny-brown drylands, braided riverbeds and startling glacial lakes extend to distant mountains.
On arrival at Mount Cook village relax in the splendour of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding alps. Relax at our accommodation, where we stay for the next two nights. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is home to Australasia’s tallest peak, the mighty Aoraki / Mt Cook soaring above at 3724m. The iconic Hermitage Hotel is nestled in the shadow of this imposing peak and is ideally located for exploring the Park’s many walks, hikes and adventures. Enjoy the views with a barista-made coffee or visit the Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre museum and planetarium, before resting tonight in your comfortable ensuite room.
Climb to Sealy Tarns and enjoy awesome views of hanging glaciers on Mt Sefton and up the Hooker Valley to Aoraki/Mt Cook. Those wanting to immerse themselves in this spectacular alpine landscape or take an easier alternative to the Sealy Tarns hike can explore the valley floor independently, with the walk up the Hooker Valley for views of the Mueller and Hooker Glacier terminal lakes and the towering south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook, or learn more about the wonders of the national park in the world-class visitor centre. Includes breakfast and lunch.
Enjoy a second night at the iconic Hermitage Hotel located in the heart of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
Travel up the Tasman Valley towards the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. Take a short walk through glacial moraine and board a custom-built boat for a unique spin around the terminal lake. Like most glaciers in the world the Tasman Glacier is retreating and the terminal lake increases in size every year. This dynamic environment is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes from the collapsing terminal face of the glacier.
Our drive to Wānaka follows the Mackenzie Country south before climbing over the tussock lands of the Lindis Pass into the southern lakes district of Central Otago. We can sample the wine and learn something of the backstory of winemaking practised at an award-winning vineyard in this burgeoning wine region, or simply relax in this delightful setting. Wānaka is a lovely lake-side holiday town. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Situated a short distance from the stunning Lake Wānaka, Oakridge Resort is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Boasting 9 outdoor heated pools that are tastefully landscaped in rock and alpine tussock. Rooms are located on the 1st level with a balcony, this 22 square meter room also includes an ensuite bathroom and tea & coffee facilities.
A beautiful drive alongside Lake Wānaka leads us toward the peaks of Aspiring National Park. We hike in the lower Matukituki Valley on the Diamond Lake walk and on up Rocky Mountain, a distinctive glacially sculpted “roche moutonnee” (rock sheep) for spectacular views over the lake, and to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring/Tititea. This area has several hike options, from the gentle Diamond Lake circuit to the more energetic Rocky Mountain summit climb.
After the hike and lunch we drive over the Crown Range and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Time to relax in the afternoon or take a stroll along the beautiful lakeshore with stunning view across the water of the vast Fiordland wilderness. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park and home to the South Island’s largest lake. Situated on the lakefront, the Distinction Hotel and Villas offers chic, elegant accommodation and is only a short stroll from the Te Anau town centre.
Our day excursion takes us through the stunning Fiordland mountains to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic visitor destinations. We stop at The Divide to walk a section of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit for panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. Easier short walks, and the preferred option if cloud is likely to rob Key Summit of views, are located below in the Hollyford Valley.
The topography will leave you spellbound as we continue on to Milford Sound and experience the true magnificence of the fiord, cruising between glaciated mountains under sheer cliffs which plummet hundreds of metres into deep dark waters. Enjoy wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls as you keep an eye out for marine wildlife. You may spot dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and if you’re lucky the rare Fiordland crested penguin. We return to Te Anau in the afternoon. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Enjoy a second night at Distinction Hotel and Villas.
This morning we hike part of the famed Kepler Track onto the shores of Lake Manapouri, described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its array of small islands, bush fringed beaches and coves, and mountain backdrop. From here, the southern extent of our journey, we then backtrack northwards towards the lively scene of Queenstown. In the wine country, on the outskirts of Queenstown, we celebrate our adventures together with lunch out at a fine local restaurant. Enjoy some fine local food and wine before arriving in Queenstown in the late afternoon where the tour concludes. Includes breakfast and lunch.
Due to difficulties with the size of the vehicle combination and accessibility of many accommodations, drop off locations are limited to the Copthorne Hotel Lakefront, Rydges Lakeland Resort, iSite Visitor Centre (central Queenstown) or Queenstown Airport.
