Kiwi Hiker
Tour #WWSD18S
This tour provides access to many walking tracks in areas of outstanding scenic beauty. Freedom walking is available but if you prefer we can arrange guided walks at extra charge.
18 Day Self Drive Tour with your choice of Boutique or Self catering Accommodation for 17 nights.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On your arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation. Overnight in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland – Rotorua
Travel south through lush Waikato farmland, perhaps via Waitomo Caves, to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight experience a Maori hangi (feast) amongst the surroundings of an authentic village. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.
Day 3: At Rotorua
A day free to stretch your legs, we suggest walking in the Whirinaki Forest, one of the best preserved rainforests in the North Island.
Day 4: Rotorua – National Park
Drive south to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and climb across the volcanic plateau to the volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngarahoe and Ruapehu. Stay 2 nights in National Park Region
Day 5:At National Park
If weather and fitness permit we recommend the ‘ Tongarirro Crossing’, known as one of the best one day walks in the world.
Day 6:National Park – Wellington
Travel south to Palmerston North and along the rugged Kapiti Coast to our capital city. Overnight in Wellington.
Day 7: Wellington – Picton – Blenheim
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Blenheim, surrounded by vineyards built on rich alluvial plains, which produce world class wines. Stay 2 nights in Blenheim
Day 8: At Blenheim
A day to sample the local produce and, if you wish, to explore the Queen Charlotte Sound walkway.
Day 9: Blenheim – Nelson
Continue through the Rai Valley to Nelson, known for it’s gourmet wine and seafood, and the abundance of local artisans and craft people. Stay 2 nights in Nelson.
Day 10: At Nelson
A full day to explore the Nelson area. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers opportunities to walk or cruise it’s beautiful coastline.
Day 11: Nelson - Greymouth- Glaciers
Travel through the Buller Gorge to Westport, and down the coast to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Continue past Greymouth and Greymouth to the Glaciers. Stay 2 nights at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.
Day 12: At the Glaciers
A full day to explore this remote and beautiful area. Walks are available to the glaciers or we recommend a visit to the colony of the beautiful white heron (Kotuku).
.Day 13: Glaciers- Queenstown
Continue south into dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas. Reach Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon. Pass through the rugged Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown for 3 nights.
Day 14 & 15: At Queenstown
We have allowed two days for you to explore this wonderful area, you may like to explore walks or activites including Lord of the Rings Sites, cruises, adventure activities such as bungy jumping or jet boating, or venture into the imposing mountains and fiords of Fiordland such as Milford Sound.
Day 16: Queenstown - Mount Cook Region
Pass through the Kawarau Gorge with it’s historic gold mines, then past the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell to the Lindis Pass. Cross the spectacular Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Overnight at Mt Cook
Day 17: Mount Cook Region – Christchurch
Continue north through Burkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine, then across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 18: Depart Christchurch
Return your car at the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
Prices valid for travel between 01 October 2009 - 30 September 2010. Quoted per person. Please note a surcharge of NZD$6.00 per day applies to bookings travelling during February 2010.
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