New Zealand tour

country:	New Zealand
trip type:	A small group adventure
departures:	2008: 22 Sep, 17 Oct, 10 Nov, 5 Dec, 29 Dec 2009: 23 Jan, 16 Feb, 13 Mar, 6 Apr
price:	From £1249 - £1485 (21 days) excluding flights. Price includes ferry crossing, accommodation (18 nights budget lodging, 2 nights overnight cruise boat) and admission to all National Parks as per itinerary. Please allow NZ $10 daily for food kitty

New Zealand holidays

Australaisia overland tours

the amazing things you'll be doing

The ultimate adventure tour of New Zealand - from the Northern islands to the glaciers and fjords of the Southern peaks.
Highlights

Overnight boat trip in Bay of Islands (day trip during winter depending on conditions)

Waitomo Caves

Wakarewarewa Maori arts and culture centre

Te Papa museum

Milford Sound Cruise

Kayaks on the Milford Wanderer (October-April)

Skyline Gondola trip in Queenstown

Leaving Auckland, we head north to the relaxed coastal town of Pahia, where we board an overnight cruise, with a chance to kayak or snorkel at the myriad of picturesque islands in the sunny Bay of Islands. From here we head south to Waitomo to explore one of the worlds most fascinating cave systems, either by boat or for the more adventurous there’s Black Water Rafting. Not far from Waitomo is the cultural hotspot of Rotorua, at the heart of New Zealand’s thermal area where you can see geysers and boiling mud pools. Here we’ll visit Te Puia at Wakarewarewa, the site of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you’ll have the chance to attend a Maori Hangi dinner.

From Rotorua we continue south to Taupo, visiting the spectacular Huka falls and indulging your adventurous side with a Jet Boat ride or a bungee jump. The highlight however is the famous Tongariro Crossing track, offering stunning views of the dramatic volcanic plateau.

Next is the vibrant city of Wellington where you can spend time at the spectacular Te Papa museum for a real insight into New Zealand culture before taking the South Island Ferry. With our feet firmly in the South Island we make our way to the delightful market city of Nelson, in the heart of the wine producing area and near the Abel Tasman National Park, with some of the best sea kayaking in the world.

Heading down the rugged east coast we stop at the seaside town of Kaikoura, hoping for a close encounter with the largest of sea creatures, the whale, before a restful (or late) night in Christchurch. Next, we visit deserted beaches and hidden lakes en route to Franz Josef Glacier. Helicopters and ski-planes offer spectacular views of the valleys and mountains; and there is even an optional snow landing. Guided walks on the glacier and excellent light hikes are also available.

From Franz Josef to the extreme sport capital of the world, if you seek adrenaline, Queenstown delivers with bungee jumping, mountain biking, rafting, jet boating and more. After the thrills of Queenstown, relax on the Milford Wanderer floating hotel fjord ship and take in the mountain scenery from your included kayaking trip.

We spend the last night at the base of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook, before returning to Christchurch and finishing this trip of a lifetime.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Bay of Islands Cruise.
Day 2:	Bay of Islands.
Day 3:	Waitomo.
Day 4:	Rotorua.
Day 5-6:	Mt Ruapehu.
Day 7:	Wellington.
Day 8-9:	Nelson.
Day 10:	Kaikoura.
Day 11:	Christchurch.
Day 12:	Greymouth.
Day 13-14:	Franz Josef.
Day 15-18:	Queenstown.
Day 19:	Milford Sound Cruise.
Day 20:	Omarama/ Mt Cook.
Day 21:	Christchurch.

small group adventure holiday

Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

how this holiday makes a difference

This trip is designed for those who enjoy walking/hiking, water sports (kayaking/rafting) and exploring the cultural diversity and natural beauty of the North and South islands of New Zealand. We travel in small, intimate groups (maximum of 15 passengers) and have the benefit of a professionally trained local guide who knows the best places- the national parks, cultural centres and wilderness areas to respectfully observe wildlife, to enjoy fun, adventurous activities and appreciate the flavours of the local culture.

The tours are accommodated in hostels and lodges which are well equipped, comfortable and friendly. The group prepares most of the daily meals in the kitchen facilities and the different nationalities enjoy making something traditional from their home country. Some days we go out and sample the local cuisine in restaurants. Throughout the trip we utilize established local suppliers for activities en route that help support local business and keep money in the community.

We have over 15 years of experience operating small-group adventure tours that foster understanding, appreciation and conservation of the cultures and environments we visit. We are committed to working with our clients and the peoples of our host destinations to ensure direct economic benefits at a community level. During the trip, we visit several Maori owned and run businesses where our clients are treated to a traditional welcome and hospitality. We aim to operate beyond best practice guidelines and to provide a tour programme that creates a positive impact on the lands and people that we visit and a lasting impression for those who travel with us.

We achieve this by implementing the following methods:

Working with Local Guides- The tour is led by one of our fully trained local guides. Prior to leading our groups, guides must successfully complete our pre-season intensive training programme which lasts approximately 4 weeks. During this time we support the guides with accommodation, activities and supplemental salary.
Local Arrangements- We utilize private vehicle and local suppliers for accommodation and activities throughout to ensure the economic benefit stays in the local community. This includes working with local operators and lodging in locally owned lodges whenever possible.
This is a lodging based tour and although the group generally prepares their own meal, when we go out we endeavour to eat our meals in locally owned, family run restaurants which supports local business, as well as allows passengers to experience local flavour and mix with local people.
National Park Visits- On this tour, we include visits to all national parks listed in the itinerary. Our visits support park up keep and conservation projects, and we encourage our clients to visit the visitor centres for additional information about the region.
Educating Travellers- Our published traveller’s code of conduct is further promoted by our leaders throughout the tour, and particularly in the first night’s orientation talk.
Recycling- Established policy to support recycling (and to educate our clients on recycling) on all of our tours. We aim to utilize properties that recycle glass and plastics.
“Leave No Trace”- Leave No Trace is a national and international campaign designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts about how to reduce their impacts when enjoying the outdoors. Because this trip spends much time exploring the National Parks and "wilderness" areas, familiarizing clients with the "Leave No Trace" ethic will help minimize the impact on the natural environment.
Carbon Off-Setting- We partner with Climate Care to encourage clients to off-set domestic/international flights. We are committed to off-set vehicles’ emissions and as such, we match client contributions up to £5,000 per year
Office Based Energy- 100% of our UK corporate headquarters’ power is green (renewable)

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