Pickup location: 31 Wellesley Street West, 07:45
Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi adventure! We’ll leave Auckland at 08:00 and drive south towards the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel is a popular holiday spot for us Kiwi’s and it's not hard to see why. With stunning white sandy beaches, dense fern forests and a rich history of both Maori and European settlement, the Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect place to start your trip!
We’ll arrive at our Hot Water Beach campsite, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Go for a walk along the beach once we’ve set up camp, and this evening we’ll enjoy our very first group dinner together.
Meals included: Dinner
Walks: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific
Bike rides: 8km scenic road cycling
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Grand Traverse - 16 Days
Day 1: Auckland - Hot Water Beach
Day 2: Hot Water Beach
Today you have a full free day to spend relaxing or exploring. We’ll head to Hahei Beach where you can go for a walk along the shoreline or take a boat or kayak to see the iconic Cathedral Cove. Later, we’ll head back to Hot Water Beach, so-named because there is a unique geothermal reservoir of hot water under the sand. At low tide, we’ll grab our shovels and head down to dig our very own hot pools in the sand - the cheapest spa day ever!
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific
Bike rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp
Activities (own cost): Sea kayaking, Hahei Explorer
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific
Bike rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp
Activities (own cost): Sea kayaking, Hahei Explorer
Day 3: Hot Water Beach - Rotorua
This morning after breakfast, we'll make our way down to the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula where we’ll stop at the historic Karangahake Gorge which offers great biking and hiking options through old mining relics. This stunning region combines the natural beauty of the area with some NZ history and is a must-see on the North Island. Afterwards we’ll continue on to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity, adventure activities and cultural experiences. This evening we’ll set up camp and enjoy a group meal together.
There’s a lot to pack into one day but we promise it’ll leave you wanting more!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Walks: Stroll through Karangahake Gorge & unique thermal landscapes in Rotorua
Bike rides: Karangahake Gorge
Activities (own cost): Polynesia Spa, Te Puia
There’s a lot to pack into one day but we promise it’ll leave you wanting more!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Walks: Stroll through Karangahake Gorge & unique thermal landscapes in Rotorua
Bike rides: Karangahake Gorge
Activities (own cost): Polynesia Spa, Te Puia
Day 4: Rotorua
Today you have a full day to enjoy everything that Rotorua has to offer. There are heaps of optional activities in Rotorua and something for everyone. If you’re interested in adventure, we recommend the award winning Canopy Tours eco zipline tour, or go white water rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. If you’d prefer to relax, opt for a healing soak at the Polynesian spa, or if you’d like to explore the natural geothermal features of the area, there's plenty of walks where you can see the activity for free. This evening, we recommend heading to the incredible Te Puia where you'll learn about Maori culture, experience the breathtaking Haka and feast on a traditional Hangi meal.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Walk through Kuirau Park or the Whakarewarewa Forest to see the towering redwoods
Bike rides: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop (33 km)
Activities (own cost): : Zipline Canopy Tour, Rotorua Rafting
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Walk through Kuirau Park or the Whakarewarewa Forest to see the towering redwoods
Bike rides: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop (33 km)
Activities (own cost): : Zipline Canopy Tour, Rotorua Rafting
Day 5: Rotorua to National Park
We begin the day with a drive to visit Wai-o-Tapu bubbling mud, a unique experience not to be missed. Next we’ll stop at the mighty Huka Falls, an impressive waterfall found along the Waikato river. This is also our drop off point for those wanting to go skydiving! If you’re not going skydiving there's a great bike ride to Spa Park along the river's edge - be sure to stop off at the natural hot spring along the way or get an adrenaline buzz from the Taupo bungy which is conveniently located on your way into town. You’ll have some time in Taupo to grab some lunch and check out New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, before we make our way to Tongariro National Park, where we’ll be spending the night.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Walks of various distances past dramatic waterfalls and around Lake Taupo
Bike rides: Huka Falls to Spa Park
Activities (own cost): Skydiving, bungy, giant swing
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Walks of various distances past dramatic waterfalls and around Lake Taupo
Bike rides: Huka Falls to Spa Park
Activities (own cost): Skydiving, bungy, giant swing
Day 6: National Park to Foxton (Tongariro Crossing Day)
Voted one of the best day hikes in the world, today's 19.4km walk takes in some of New Zealand’s most impressive and diverse landscapes. The challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike covers a small section of the country’s oldest national park and dual UNESCO world heritage area, the Tongariro National Park. On a fine day you’ll be able to see Mt Ruapehu, the North Island's highest peak which stands at a towering 2797 metres. You'll also be able to see Mt Ngauruhoe, which featured in the Lord of the Rings movies as Mount Doom.
If you'd prefer not to do this hike, your Guide will take you to see some lesser known but equally stunning views and offer up some cycle options for our bikers. When everyone is back together after the hike we'll make our way to our camp, situated on the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Walks: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Bike rides: Marton Sash & Door (if not doing the Tongariro Crossing)
Activities Included: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (transfer fee only)
If you'd prefer not to do this hike, your Guide will take you to see some lesser known but equally stunning views and offer up some cycle options for our bikers. When everyone is back together after the hike we'll make our way to our camp, situated on the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Walks: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Bike rides: Marton Sash & Door (if not doing the Tongariro Crossing)
Activities Included: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (transfer fee only)
Day 7: Foxton to Picton via Wellington
This morning we’ll drive down to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand! We'll arrive early, giving you most of the morning to explore. We recommend checking out the exhibits at the famous Te Papa Museum, getting to some Lord of the Rings locations on Mt Victoria or taking the iconic red cable car up to the Botanical Gardens. The capital also boasts a thriving café culture, as Wellington is renowned for serving NZ's best cup of coffee.
Later on we’ll be travelling across the Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island. The journey takes around 3.5 hours and travels through the incredibly scenic Marlborough Sounds. The rolling green hills coupled with the deep blue waters make for a magical sight, especially on a clear day. If you can, make your way outside and try to spot dolphins playing in the sounds. Tonight, we'll stay at a great campground in Picton.
Meals included: Breakfast
Included Activities: Inter-Island ferry across the Cook Strait
Activities (own cost): Te Papa National Museum of NZ (free), Cable car
Later on we’ll be travelling across the Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island. The journey takes around 3.5 hours and travels through the incredibly scenic Marlborough Sounds. The rolling green hills coupled with the deep blue waters make for a magical sight, especially on a clear day. If you can, make your way outside and try to spot dolphins playing in the sounds. Tonight, we'll stay at a great campground in Picton.
Meals included: Breakfast
Included Activities: Inter-Island ferry across the Cook Strait
Activities (own cost): Te Papa National Museum of NZ (free), Cable car
Day 8: Picton - Kaikoura
This morning we'll depart Picton and travel through the Marlborough region towards the coast where we’ll see amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains in the distance. We’ll make a stop for lunch along this stretch of coastline and try to spot the native Fur Seals that often relax on the rocks in front of the ocean.
When we arrive in Kaikoura, there are some great optional activities that all involve the ocean! Go whale watching, sea kayaking or fishing, or if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, there’s a great walk around the peninsula or you can hop on your bike and take in the views on two wheels. Our camp tonight is down at the beach and we’ll be preparing a fresh seafood meal, perfect for Kaikoura (unless of course you don't eat seafood, in which case we'll prepare something equally delicious for you).
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Kaikoura peninsula walk
Activities (own cost): Whale watching by boat or by plane, deep sea fishing
When we arrive in Kaikoura, there are some great optional activities that all involve the ocean! Go whale watching, sea kayaking or fishing, or if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, there’s a great walk around the peninsula or you can hop on your bike and take in the views on two wheels. Our camp tonight is down at the beach and we’ll be preparing a fresh seafood meal, perfect for Kaikoura (unless of course you don't eat seafood, in which case we'll prepare something equally delicious for you).
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Kaikoura peninsula walk
Activities (own cost): Whale watching by boat or by plane, deep sea fishing
Day 9: Kaikoura to Lake Tekapo via Christchurch
This morning you'll have the opportunity to take part in one of the most popular activities in New Zealand: swimming with dusky dolphins! It’s an early start but it’s a great way to begin your day from the epic sunrise to getting to spend time with wild dolphins - this is the kind of once in a lifetime experience you won't soon forget. For those of us who aren't swimming, we’ll have a leisurely breakfast and the chance to explore Kaikoura before heading south to Christchurch.
Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations. Still on the mend after two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, you can see evidence of rebuilding happening all over the city. With the chance to rebuild, comes new opportunities and Christchurch has seized the opportunity to become NZ’s coolest city, rivalling Wellington in terms of laneway bars and amazing eateries. We won’t overnight here, as campers we’re averse to big cities, so after we’ve welcomed some new travellers, we’ll continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights!.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Take an early walk around our coastal camp
Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Lake Front
Activities (own cost): Dolphin swimming, dolphin viewing
Accommodation: Dorm
Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations. Still on the mend after two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, you can see evidence of rebuilding happening all over the city. With the chance to rebuild, comes new opportunities and Christchurch has seized the opportunity to become NZ’s coolest city, rivalling Wellington in terms of laneway bars and amazing eateries. We won’t overnight here, as campers we’re averse to big cities, so after we’ve welcomed some new travellers, we’ll continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights!.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Take an early walk around our coastal camp
Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Lake Front
Activities (own cost): Dolphin swimming, dolphin viewing
Accommodation: Dorm
Day 10: Lake Tekapo and trip to Aoraki/Mt Cook
This morning, we’ll wake up in arguably the most beautiful part of the South Island. Lake Tekapo is incredibly scenic, and home to the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains. We’ll go and see some incredible sights today, heading for Aoraki/Mt Cook where we’ll hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and experience stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with some awe inspiring views of the Hooker Valley glacier - trust us, you’ll want to bring your camera for this! This evening, we recommend going for a soak in the nearby hot pools or enjoying some world famous star gazing at the Mt John Observatory - you are staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, after all!
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Walks: Mt John walkway, Hike to the base of Mount Cook & Hooker Valley
Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle
Activities (own cost): Scenic Flight, Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Walks: Mt John walkway, Hike to the base of Mount Cook & Hooker Valley
Bike rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle
Activities (own cost): Scenic Flight, Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing
Day 11: Lake Tekapo to Oamaru
Today we’ll spend the morning in Lake Tekapo before departing this afternoon to travel back towards the Pacific coast. We'll camp in the historic town of Oamaru this evening, close to the unique Moeraki Boulders and the Scottish city of Dunedin. Go for a walk this evening to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Explore the Moeraki Heritage Trail
Bike rides: 13km Alps2Ocean trail ride
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Explore the Moeraki Heritage Trail
Bike rides: 13km Alps2Ocean trail ride
Day 12: Oamaru to Te Anau
If the tide is low this morning, we’ll go for a walk along the beach to see the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities.
Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau. Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island's largest lake. The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city
Bike rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+)
Activities (own cost): Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau. Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island's largest lake. The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city
Bike rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+)
Activities (own cost): Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Day 13: Fiordland National Park
Today we’ll travel along one of the world’s most scenic roads and into Milford Sound! Described as the'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend boarding a cruise, where you'll see dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks and if you’re lucky, some wildlife! At different times of year, penguins, dolphins, seals and even whales have been spotted at Milford. As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This hike is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest.
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Walks: Plenty of short walks from camp
Bike rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5 km+)
Activities (own cost): Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Walks: Plenty of short walks from camp
Bike rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5 km+)
Activities (own cost): Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride
Day 14: Te Anau - Queenstown
After a chance for a morning bike ride on the Lake to Lake Trail, if not done already, we will make our way along the Devil’s Staircase, and catch our first glimpses of Queenstown. The Adventure Capital of NZ, Queenstown is located on the shores of the South Islands second largest lake, Lake Wakatipu. There are many cycle trails & walks for everyone to enjoy.
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Routeburn Track (must be pre-booked and hikers will rejoin the group in Queenstown)
Activities (own cost): Too many to list - something for everyone (check out Flying Kiwi's website or ask them for details)
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Routeburn Track (must be pre-booked and hikers will rejoin the group in Queenstown)
Activities (own cost): Too many to list - something for everyone (check out Flying Kiwi's website or ask them for details)
Day 15: Queenstown
With so much to do we’ll spend another full day in the fantastic Queenstown, so everyone has the opportunity to have those once in a lifetime experiences. Speaking of experiences, may we suggest trying the legendary Fergburger! For those on the Routeburn Track, you will rejoin the group here today and this evening you’ll be able to experience everything this vibrant resort town has to offer. Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a feast at an iconic Queenstown eatery (own cost).
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond
Bike rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km)
Activities (own cost): Too many to list - something for everyone (check out Flying Kiwi's website or ask them for details)
Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond
Bike rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km)
Activities (own cost): Too many to list - something for everyone (check out Flying Kiwi's website or ask them for details)
Day 16: Queenstown
A last chance to indulge in the Queenstown action before finishing your tour with us here and saying farewell to your fellow Flying Kiwi travellers!
Meals included: Breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast
What’s Included
- Experienced tour guide
- All local transportation
- 15 night's accommodation (tents and dorm)
- Meals as specified in itinerary
- All local transportation
- 15 night's accommodation (tents and dorm)
- Meals as specified in itinerary
Yhteenveto
Mitä hintaan sisältyy?
Ylimääräiset paikallismaksut
Please check the itinerary for optional paid activities.
Aktiviteetit
Please see the different activities (either free/included or requiring an extra payment) in the itinerary.
Majoitus
You can choose between Shared Tent with two people, or a Single Tent. There is one night in shared dorm accommodation. If you travel alone and want a shared tent, you will be paired with another traveller of the same gender.
Paikalliset kuljetukset
All local transport is included.
Ateriat
Some meals are included (please see itinerary). Evening meals are prepared on a relaxed and informal rota system. Your great guides will lead things but every 4 or so nights, you will be with a team of other budding chefs preparing some great feasts for your fellow travellers - generally one person chops, another looks after veges, another cooks and someone needs to check the wine!!!
Lisäinfoa
What to bring
- Swimming costume/bikini/togs
- Long sleeved shirts & long pants (for mosquito/sandfly protection & for cooler nights at camp)
- Waterproof jacket/raincoat with hood
- Hat/Sunscreen
- Comfortable trainers
- Flip Flops/Sandals
- A small day pack
- Head torch/Headlamp
- Small Travel Pillow (as we provide a mattress for your tent only)
- 1-2 towels (for showering and swimming)
- Personal toiletries (shower gel etc)
- Insect repellent
- Drink Bottle
- Adapter for electrical appliances
- Portable charger/power pack
- Reusable shopping bag (for grocery shopping etc)
What footwear do we need?
You’ll need to bring a decent pair of comfortable footwear, that you can walk in comfortably, trainers are ideal. Hiking boots are good but not essential. It is also good to bring a pair of flip-flops, sandals or thongs (depending on whether you speak NZ English, Oz English or just English) for the camp showers.
It's summer. Do I really need thermals and a fleece?
Yes! We can experience extreme weather even in the summer.
Do I need a backpack, or is a suitcase okay?
Suitcases are fine - you don’t need to walk great distances with them just between your tent and the bus. The majority of the time while you’re doing activities they will be stored away in the trailer or under the bus. Please try to limit the weight of your main bag to 20kg. A good day pack (small rucksack) or bag you can carry easily is recommended for water bottles, towels, cameras etc.
- Swimming costume/bikini/togs
- Long sleeved shirts & long pants (for mosquito/sandfly protection & for cooler nights at camp)
- Waterproof jacket/raincoat with hood
- Hat/Sunscreen
- Comfortable trainers
- Flip Flops/Sandals
- A small day pack
- Head torch/Headlamp
- Small Travel Pillow (as we provide a mattress for your tent only)
- 1-2 towels (for showering and swimming)
- Personal toiletries (shower gel etc)
- Insect repellent
- Drink Bottle
- Adapter for electrical appliances
- Portable charger/power pack
- Reusable shopping bag (for grocery shopping etc)
What footwear do we need?
You’ll need to bring a decent pair of comfortable footwear, that you can walk in comfortably, trainers are ideal. Hiking boots are good but not essential. It is also good to bring a pair of flip-flops, sandals or thongs (depending on whether you speak NZ English, Oz English or just English) for the camp showers.
It's summer. Do I really need thermals and a fleece?
Yes! We can experience extreme weather even in the summer.
Do I need a backpack, or is a suitcase okay?
Suitcases are fine - you don’t need to walk great distances with them just between your tent and the bus. The majority of the time while you’re doing activities they will be stored away in the trailer or under the bus. Please try to limit the weight of your main bag to 20kg. A good day pack (small rucksack) or bag you can carry easily is recommended for water bottles, towels, cameras etc.