New Zealand Enhanced (Northbound) | fearless journey (2023)

Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. Meet your local leader and fellow travelers at 8am. M this morning to find out what awaits you on your journey and then head out to see Christchurch. After an earthquake in 2011, much of central Christchurch was destroyed, but the locals are a resilient bunch and examples of the ingenious and creative ways they have rebuilt can be seen all over the city. Perhaps the best example of this is Christchurch Cathedral: reconstructed from cardboard, it is now one of the city's most interesting architectural features. Then it's time to hit the road and drive to Lake Tekapo, a truly spectacular sight with its clear blue waters and surrounding mountains. Look out for newlyweds taking photos in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd, which boasts one of the most inspiring backdrops in the world! Just when you thought things couldn't get any better here, the night reveals a whole new side to Tekapo. Designated a dark sky sanctuary, this is one of the best places in the country for stargazing.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Lake Tekapo - Visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd
• Christchurch - City Tour

Optional Activities

• Lake Tekapo - Dark Sky Project - NZD40
• Lago Tekapo - Piscina termal de Tekapo Springs - 35 NZD

meals included

• breakfast

special information

It is very important to meet with the team at 8 am. M. this morning to begin your tour. Find more details in the 'Point to Point Instructions' section of your Essential Travel Information. If you are arriving late, we recommend staying the night before your Christchurch tour begins. If so, we will be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Rise and shine! If you really want to enjoy the morning, a hike to the top of Mount John rewards you with stunning views of the Southern Alps. If you miss the hike, don't worry, there are still plenty of amazing sights to see today. Pass through the bushland of the Mackenzie Basin and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Queenstown, making several photo-worthy stops along the way. Stop at Kawarau Gorge where you'll have the chance to take the plunge with a bungy jump if you're feeling brave. Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world and your home for the next two nights. Whether you like high adrenaline experiences or relaxing with a glass of wine, Queenstown is sure to tick all your boxes.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Queenstown - Kawarau Gorge

Optional Activities

• Lake Tekapo - Mt John Hike - Free
• Queenstown - Puente Kawarau Bungy - NZD220

meals included

• breakfast

The day is yours to experience all that Queenstown has to offer. If you want to get your heart racing, look no further! Paragliding, jet boating, mountain biking, canyon swinging and bungee jumping could all be among your options today. Just talk to your leader about arranging these optional activities. For Lord of the Rings fans, a horse ride on the set where the movie was filmed is a real highlight. Wine lovers are in the right place: this is one of the world's top wine regions, and there's no shortage of fantastic wineries where you can try some for yourself. Queenstown's nightlife is bigger than its size and with over 40 bars to choose from, you're sure to have a good night ahead.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Queenstown - Barranquism - NZD219
• Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Tour - NZD 139
• Queenstown - Parapente - NZD299
• Queenstown - Lord of the Rings 4x4 Tour - 245 NZD
• Queenstown - Canyon Swing - desde - NZD299
• Queenstown - Milford Sound Flying, Cruise & Flying Day Tour - NZD559
• Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Tour Queenstown - Milford Sound - 199 NZD
• Queenstown - Parachute - from - NZD379
• Bungy Queenstown - Nieves - NZD290
• Queenstown to Milford Sound Bus Day Trip, Cruise and Flight - NZD 598
• Queenstown Skyline Cable Car - 46 NZD
• Queenstown - Dart River Funyaks - desde - NZD379
• Queenstown - Time Traveler - NZD15

meals included

• breakfast

Take the morning to check off everything you didn't get to see or do yesterday, then leave Queenstown in the rearview mirror and hit the super scenic drive through the Crown Range to Wanaka. En route, stop in the charming little gold rush town of Arrowtown, where historic Main Street facades make it easy to imagine what life was like here. Arrive in Wanaka and enjoy a slower pace than Queenstown. With Lake Wanaka being the star of the show and the surrounding mountains only adding to its beauty, there's no doubt that this is one of New Zealand's most attractive towns. Take a hiking trail, explore by bike or find a cozy cafe to admire the view.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Wanaka - Happy Hour on the Lake - NZD59

meals included

• breakfast

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast for your own Wanaka explorations. There's no shortage of amazing things to see and do here, so be sure to chat with your leader to get their best tips. You might want to take a nice bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or jump in the water and sail to Mou Waho Island, where you'll find an island on a lake on an island on a lake. There are many beautiful short walks in the area and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Depart Wanaka in the afternoon and head further north, stopping at a lookout at Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea, depending on conditions. Your eyes will be glued to the window on this trip as you pass the stunning waterfalls of Haast Pass and the most spectacular coastline (your leader will also make a few special stops along the way!). Arrive in the village of Franz Josef, your base for the night.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• West Coast - Haast Pass
• West Shore - Lake Hawea Lookout

Optional Activities

• Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk - NZD159
• Wanaka - Parachute - from - NZD369
• Wanaka - Flying Lessons - NZD278
• Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise - NZD119
• Wanaka - Waterfall Climb - from - NZD199

meals included

• breakfast

Franz Josef is the stuff of dreams, where glistening glaciers and towering peaks provide a spectacular backdrop to everyday life. This part of the country is known as Te Wahi Pounamu, meaning 'the place of the green stone', due to the abundance of this culturally and spiritually significant stone in the area. Visit a local gallery and carve your own locket while learning about the importance of pounamu in Maori culture. This afternoon, if you want to get up close to the Franz Josef Glacier, talk to your leader about booking a helicopter ride to drop you off in the snow, allowing you to walk on the surface of the glacier. There is also the opportunity to kayak on a glacial lake or relax in natural hot springs. No matter how you choose to spend your day here, it will be unforgettable.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Franz Josef - Engrave Your Own Pounamu Necklace

Optional Activities

• Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD130
• Franz Josef - Glacier Heli Hike - NZD585
• Franz Josef - Heli Experience con Snow Landing - NZD295
• Franz Josef - Parachute - by - NZD339

meals included

• breakfast

Travel along the wild and wet west coast, where the highest annual rainfall in the country means the landscapes are incredibly green and lush, in striking contrast to the blue of the ocean. Stop in the town of Hokitika and visit a pounamu factory where you will have the opportunity to pick up the last souvenirs to remember your trip. If time permits, you may have the opportunity to visit a kiwi center where you can watch magnificent kiwi birds in a night house. Your journey may be coming to an end, but the final leg may surpass them all. Board the iconic TranzAlpine train as it crosses the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass on your way back to Christchurch. You'll want to have your camera ready for this one! Arrive in Christchurch in the evening and maybe go out for dinner and drinks with your group.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Greymouth - Trans Alpine Train
• Hokitika - Mountain Jade Green Stone Factory

meals included

• breakfast

Enjoy a free breakfast in Christchurch. With lots of nice cafes and interesting shops, it's a great morning to wander around town. Then it's time to leave the city behind and hit the roads to Kaikoura, a seaside town known for its rugged mountain scenery and abundance of marine life. Upon arrival, take advantage of this morning to meet the city's most famous creatures. You might want to take a trip to meet dolphins in their natural habitat - Dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins and common dolphins are regularly seen in these places. Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, killer whales and sperm whales often seen on whale watching cruises. Stop by a seal colony to watch friendly sea lions go about their business.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Kaikoura - Visit to a seal colony

Optional Activities

• Kaikoura - Whale Watching - NZD165
• Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter - NZD110
• Kaikoura - Guided Seal Kayak - NZD130
• Kaikoura - Albatross Encounter - NZD185

meals included

No meals are included on this day.

Take the morning to enjoy Kaikoura's stunning scenery before heading north to Picton. Stroll around this charming harbor town and perhaps grab a bite to eat before boarding the ferry to Wellington. But this is not just any ferry journey: the Cook Strait crossing is one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Be amazed by the vast landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds unfolding before you, as well as the beautiful coastline, vast vineyards and open skies. Arrival in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Known for its amazing food and craft beer scene, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up great beer.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Ferry crossing between Marlborough and Cook Strait

meals included

• breakfast

Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and is believed to be the windiest city in the world!). Your leader will show you around the capital this morning. Depending on the group's interests, this may include a visit to the Lord of the Rings Weta Workshop, the Houses of Parliament, the cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it's time to leave the city behind and drive to Taupo, located on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. This tour is a perfect introduction to the wild and varied landscapes of the North Island - pass through the arid scenes of the Rangipo Desert and the towering volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. Arrival in Taupo in the afternoon. With calm waters surrounded by mountains, this is one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Tongariro National Park - Scenic Walk
• Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout

meals included

• breakfast

special information

As this is a tour package, your team leader and team composition will likely change at this location. There will be a team meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We recommend that you attend as this is also a great opportunity to meet your new travel companions. It is important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new team leader will be collecting insurance details and information about your relatives at this time. Ask at the front desk or look for a note in the lobby for more information about where the meeting will be held.

The day is yours to enjoy all that Taupo has to offer. Relax by the lake to enjoy the breathtaking views, or get active and set off on one of the area's stunning hiking trails. If you're feeling more adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best day hikes in the world (but it's not for the faint of heart!). Carved into the rocks surrounding Lake Taupo, you'll find 14m high Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and disconnect? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it's sure to be one to remember.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Taupo - Parachute - from - NZD279
• Taupo - Water Touch Bungy - NZD195
• Taupo - Tongariro Crossing Shuttle round trip to/from Trail Head (November to April only) - NZD120
• Taupo - Lake Taupo Sailing Adventure - NZD69

meals included

• breakfast

Travel to Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara today - most of the profits from the activities you take part in here go back into the local community. You will be greeted by a Maori elder who will guide you through the tribal lands of Ngati Manawa while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Gather with other village members and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight's dinner from flax plants. Tonight's dinner is one for the books: tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a wonderful earthy flavor.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Murupara - Learn to weave linen
• Murupara - Cena Hangi
• Murupara - Village visit with a Maori elder
• Murupara - Learn the Haka

meals included

• breakfast
• Cena

Your journey continues as you drive north to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the strong smell of sulfur it gives the city. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers dot the landscape here, making you feel like you're on another planet. Stop at a thermal park to get your first glimpse of Rotorua's eerie landscapes, then continue into the city where your leader will take you on a tour of the Government Gardens and delightful lake. Finish the day with a visit to the Maori village of Te Puia, where you'll get a first-hand insight into Maori culture. You'll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand's largest geyser, in action. This is a sight that will blow your mind! A visit to the kiwi conservation center will allow you to observe this lovable nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Rotorua - Visit Te Puia Maori Village
• Rotorua - Pohutu Geiser

meals included

• breakfast

There is so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today you are free to discover it all. Talk to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You might want to take an unforgettable walk in Kuirau Park, surrounded by pools of boiling, bubbling mud. If you want to get your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world's top whitewater rafting destinations. A day trip to the Waitomo Caves is a must for anyone interested in seeing fireflies - this illuminated underground world really has to be seen to be believed!

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Rotorua - River Sledging - NZD135
• Rotorua - Mt Tarawera Crater Hike - NZD189
• Rotorua: Glowworm Guided Kayak, Thermal Pools & Dinner - NZD 240
• Rotorua - Forest Zipline Tour - from - NZD159
• Rotorua - White Water Rafting - NZD129

meals included

• breakfast

Travel to the Coromandel Peninsula, a land of beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. Stroll along the cliffs and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in the area - the arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly stunning sight. While here, you can take the opportunity to explore the coastline on a guided kayak tour. If you do, be sure to keep an eye out for the dolphins swimming alongside the boat!

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Coromandel Peninsula - Cathedral Cove

Optional Activities

• Rotorua Tour - Hobbiton Movie Set - NZD89
• Coromandel Peninsula - Kayaking at Cathedral Cove - NZD145

meals included

• breakfast

special information

Please note that due to extensive infrastructure damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, many roads in the Coromandel Peninsula are impassable. For this reason, some adjustments have been made to your itinerary to ensure you can still experience New Zealand safely. Your itinerary will change and you will not visit the Coromandel, but will spend the night in Tauranga. This change is in effect until further notice. Your leader will inform you of any additional details about the day's itinerary and keep you informed of possible other changes that may be required as you travel.

Of all the wonderful beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach has become famous for the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to build your own hot tub is dig a hole. Hit the low tide and start digging in - relaxing in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience like no other. Complete the final leg of your journey as you travel to Auckland, embracing the glow on your way there. New Zealand's largest city has a prime location where you're never far from the water, and the food and nightlife are up there with the best of them. Since it's your last night together, you might want to go out for one last dinner with the group before saying goodbye.

Accommodation

• Shared Hostel (1 night)

activities included

• Coromandel Peninsula - Warm Water Beach

meals included

• breakfast

Your North Island adventure ends this morning after breakfast. If you would like to spend more time exploring Auckland, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

meals included

• breakfast

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