14 Nights / 15 Days
Kayak in the waters of Abel Tasman National Park, trek through the wilds of the South Island鈥檚 national parks, try exhilarating adventures in Queenstown, cross the spectacular Southern Alps, cycle along the remote rail trail in Central Otago.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Tonight, the adventure begins. Feel free to explore 鈥 there will be a group meeting and trip briefing later in the day.
Travel by ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island and then transfer by water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park.
Set off from the beach and kayak along the Abel Tasman coastline towards Marahau. Take part in a safety briefing and preparation, then head out into the water to glide in and out of the bays and islets on the route to Marahau. Look for nesting seabirds and tiny islands, and enjoy amazing views along the way.
Transfer to Paparoa National Park, and enjoy a trek in the park 1-7km (up to 4.3mi). Take in spectacular coastal views hiking in Paparoa National Park. See the famous Pancake Rocks, a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations and blowholes. Then, trek through a spectacular limestone gorge, and spend the night on the edge of the park.
Optional Activities
Kayaking: Grab your life jacket and tour local waters by kayak. Get up close to marine life and see many sights you may miss on shore.
Continue south along the coast towards Franz Josef, stopping for a walk at Okarito Lagoon, a haven for wildlife, that includes a variety of landscapes on the path through the estuary out through the wetlands. Spend 2 nights staying amongst verdant temperate rainforest.
A free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding, quad biking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Optional Activities
(Additional cost)
Ice Explorer Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Quad Bike Franz Josef
Hiking Franz Josef
Horseback Riding Franz Josef
Travel through Te Wahi Pounamu World Heritage Area to Makarora, where you have the afternoon to explore - whether you hike, or opt for a jet boat excursion or scenic flight. See for yourself the views that make New Zealand famous - jagged mountains, snowy peaks, and clear blue waters.
Optional Activities
(Additional cost)
Hiking Franz Josef
Jet Boating Excursion
Makarora Scenic Flight
Travel into the heart of Central Otago, stopping at the resort town of Wanaka, before heading to the ultimate adventure playground that is Queenstown. The options in this adventure capital are endless. Two nights are at a centrally-located hostel, which means you can make the most of your time here.
Optional Activities
(Additional cost)
Bungy Jumping Queenstown
Hang Gliding
Jet Boating Queenstown
Mountain Biking 鈥
Skydiving Queenstown
Free Time Queenstown Full Day Enjoy free time to try some of the challenging optional activities available in the 鈥渁dventure capital of the world鈥.
Optional Activities
(Additional cost)
Bungy Jumping Queenstown
Hang Gliding
Jet Boating Queenstown
Mountain Biking
Skydiving Queenstown
Continue to the fjords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat.
Milford Sound Cruise Milford Sound 2h - 3h
Moody an dramatic with cascading waterfalls, mountains stretching up to the sky and down to the sea - have your camera charged and ready for action, as the search for dolphins and seals begins.
Return to Te Anau with a free day to explore the area surrounding Lake Te Anau, including the start of the Kepler Track. Go for an active adventure or just sit back and relax and soak in amazing scenery. Try trekking the the first portion of the Kepler Track, visit the Native Bird sanctuary, or boat across the lake to the glowworm caves. A the local cinema take in a screening of the award-winning 鈥楢ta Whenua鈥 鈥 鈥楩jordland Film鈥 documentary.
Morning departure to Central Otago to spend the afternoon cycling the Central Otago Rail Trail 42 km (26 mi) along the Historic Otago Rail Trail. Pass through scenery unspoiled by traffic and not visible from any roads.
Drive through breathtaking Central Otago via the Lindis Pass and Aorangi Mt Cook, which is New Zealand鈥檚 highest peak. Arrive in Christchurch for the evening.
Up for an early start to drive the scenic coastal SH1 highway north to Kaikoura.b Known as the Serengeti of the Sea, Kaikoura鈥檚 unique submarine environment supports a phenomenal array of marine life. And it鈥檚 not just marine mammals that can be experienced up-close here 鈥 Kaikoura is one of the world鈥檚 most exciting arenas from which to view ocean birds (pelagic). Hikers can opt to go on several day hikes in the Seaward Kaikoura mountains.
Optional Activities
(Additional cost)
Scenic Flight Kaikoura - observe whales & dolphins from the air
鈥婼outhern Fur Seals Visit
Swimming With Dolphins Kaikoura
Transfer to Picton and visit a seal colony along the way before taking the ferry back to Wellington where the tour ends upon arrival. Onward travel can be booked after 8pm.Depart on arrival to your final destination. Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Absolute New Zealand was the brainchild of Brent Narbey and Nigel Williamson. Both were passionate about travel and promoting New Zealand and Australia as superb tourist destinations, but wanted to do something different from the traditional type of travel 鈥 unique itineraries that offered the best activities and experiences New Zealand and Australia had to offer, with an educational and cultural element.
After much research Absolute New Zealand was born, and from humble beginnings is now a leader in Australasian luxury travel. Read More...
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