18 Day - Antipodean Adventure

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

On arrival you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel.

Christchurch is the nation’s second largest city and because of its extensive gardens and the Avon River meandering though, it is regarded as the most English of New Zealand cities “The Garden City”. Residents and visitors alike love the city's vibrant nightlife, award-winning restaurants and cafes, fashion precincts, heritage architecture and of course its gardens and wide open spaces for which the city is internationally renowned. This is a city of contrasts, a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment it is world-renowned for. It really is the 'city that shines'

Some sightseeing and activity options available are:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Novotel in Christchurch. Located in the city centre, this contemporary hotel has city views in all rooms. It is walking distance from the Convention Centre and Hagley Park. Featuring  spacious rooms with contemporary design and double glazed windows, Novotel’s restaurant is open throughout the day, serving New Zealand cuisine and excellent wines. There is also a fully equipped gym and a popular bar.

Travel by road through the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat through the gorge deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Flock Hill Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After lunch, travel by road to Arthur's Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch abroad the world-famous Tranz Alpine train.

After a leisurely breakfast, we travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest clad hills. Relax in hot thermal pools at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve before continuing on to Kaikoura, located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.

One Nights Accommodation at the White Morph Inn in Kaikoura. A quality complex situated on the quiet beachfront of Kaikoura. It is ideally located for visitors staying in the area to go whale watching and dolphin swimming. The White Morph has on site parking and on-site restaurant and bar.

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrel & 7 types of Shearwater. Later, we continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand.

Marine Mammal encounters available are:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Rutherford Heritage Hotel in Nelson. luxurious hotel accommodation with a full complement of features designed to help you achieve the most from your stay. The hotel offers a range of superior guest facilities including two restaurants, and is only a couple of minutes walk from Nelson’s main shopping district and landmark cathedral.

Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays & view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. The launch hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic beaches fringed by native forest. The Abel Tasman Coastal track is well formed & shaded and comes out onto protected beaches excellent for swimming. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to guide you onto the best walk that suits your own individual needs.

Sightseeing and activity options include:

Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast.

The heaving swells of the Tasman Sea have carved the coastline of the West Coast for millions of years. Nowhere is the effect on the landscape more spectacular and profound than at Punakaiki. These rocks really are remarkable pieces of natural sculpture, a series of stratified limestone stacks which, over many thousands of years, have been eroded to give the effect of giant piles of neatly stacked pancakes.

One Nights Accommodation at Punakaiki Resort in Paparoa National Park. Few places in the world can offer comfort so close to the wild action. All rooms are architecturally designed to maintain a sense of privacy and maximise the incredible ocean and rainforest views while ensuring harmony with the local environment.

The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860's. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef.

Sightseeing and activity options include:

One Nights Accommodation at Punga Grove in Franz Joseph. Punga Grove offers stylish accommodation in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village. Perfectly positioned in a beautiful rainforest, set amongst native forest against a stunning backdrop of high alpine peaks, Wake up to call of native birds, step from your motel room into luxuriant rainforest, and be spellbound by superb alpine and glacier views.

There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions) before our departure this morning. Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. We then travel over the magnificent Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes District. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Heritage Hotel in Queenstown. Brilliantly positioned overlooking the awe-inspiring vistas of Queenstown, The Heritage Queenstown is a sophisticated European-style resort hotel within easy walking distance of the Queenstown Township. Standing proud above the shores of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, with magnificent views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range.

Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection.

Here is a selection of the many options available:

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.

Overnight in the Sheltered Harrison Cove on the Milford Mariner.

For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Heritage Hotel in Queenstown. Brilliantly positioned overlooking the awe-inspiring vistas of Queenstown, The Heritage Queenstown is a sophisticated European-style resort hotel within easy walking distance of the Queenstown Township. Standing proud above the shores of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, with magnificent views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range.

This morning, we are collected from our hotel & travel to Glenorchy to join our Dart River Jetboat Safari. Here you jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst towering peaks, glaciers and the ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is far more than a jet boat ride … it's a rare journey into the enchanted wilderness of a World Heritage area. This afternoon is free for further sightseeing.

This morning we board our aircraft for the flight north to the geothermal city of Rotorua.

Geysers, mud pools and thermal springs have been attracting visitors to Rotorua since the 1800s and the living, breathing landscape never fails to amaze. Perched on the edge of a large lake, in the crater of an ancient volcano, this picturesque city is also the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. With 16 sparkling lakes within 20 minutes drive of the city, as well as magnificent forests surrounding, Rotorua has earned the reputation as the North Islands outdoors adventure centre offering an exciting array of experiences. 

Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (feast) & cultural evening.

Sightseeing and activity options available:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Duxton Hotel in Okawa Bay. Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, and just 15 minutes drive from central Rotorua the Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay is known for its idyllic setting, superb facilities and magnificent surroundings.

Today, board your helicopter for an incredible flight over the geothermal region of the Volcanic Plateau to White Island. Whakaari (the Maori translation), is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano and perhaps the most accessible on earth, attracting scientists and volcanologists worldwide as well as many tourists. The full Maori name for the island is 'Te Puia o Whakaari' meaning literally: 'The Dramatic Volcano.' It was named 'White Island' by Captain Cook on October 1, 1769 because it always appeared to be in a cloud of white steam. Although Cook went close to the island he failed to notice that it was a volcano. Words cannot express the experience that is walking on the active crater floor of this unique lunar landscape, part of our Pacific 'Ring of Fire'. Located 52km’s off the Bay of Plenty Coastline the Islands active Volcanic vents, steaming Crater Lake, bubbling hot streams and desolate mining ruins combine to create a surreal experience. When present the sighting of Dolphins in the Pacific Ocean over which we fly contrast to create an awesome & inspiring excursion.

Travel north this morning to the popular beachside towns of Tauranga & MT Maunganui. Continue your journey to Pauanui on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. Lying east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf. An impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula - it’s bordered on each side by kilometres of spectacular coastline. On the west coast, there’s a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and harbours lined with pohutukawa trees. The eastern side is furnished with an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches. The past can also be found in the charming colonial architecture and historical buildings preserved in several towns around the region

Some sightseeing and activity options available:

One Nights Accommodation at Puka Park Resort in the coromandel. The stylish and private chalets are hidden amid 25 acres of lush, native bushland, each harmonising perfectly with the environment. . The resort’s signature restaurant, Miha, is renowned for superb dining, intimate ambience and stunning views, whilst the adjacent ti kouka bar offers the perfect environment to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring.

After a leisurely breakfast and a stroll along the local beaches, we travel on to Auckland.

Auckland provides visitors with so many wonderful experiences, plenty within easy reach of the downtown city centre. Today is a free day at leisure to relax & explore what Auckland has to offer. Perhaps visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter; take a cruise on Auckland Harbour or make your way to the top of the Sky Tower for spectacular views of Auckland city.

Sightseeing and activity options available:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Heritage Hotel in Auckland. Perfectly positioned overlooking the sparkling Waitamata Harbour and the excitement of the America's Cup Village. Situated in the heart of Auckland's business district The Heritage is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower, Casino, the shops of Queen Street and Auckland city's finest cafés and restaurants.

Today you have the opportunity to crew on an original America's Cup racing yacht. NZL40 was built for the 1995 America's Cup challenge in San Diego. The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachties, NZL 40 offers the unique opportunity for everyone to take part sailing on these grand prix racing machines. You become the crew and are encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as we sail down the Auckland Harbour.

The rest of today is free for some last minute sightseeing and shopping.

Sadly your holiday is at an end and your tour arrangements end after breakfast this morning. At leisure until you are transferred to the airport to connevt with your onward flight. Here we bid you farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Please take the time to view our “Virtual Tour” for the 18 Day Antipodean Adventure tour or download/print the detailed “Tour Dossier”. Both can be found on the right hand column of this page. Alternatively you can simply contact us. For a comprehensive list of all activities available in each location featured in this tour, please refer to the "Destination Guide" found at the top of this page.