The trip far and away exceeded my expectations. Truly was value for money, and then some. Sergio, UK

I’m so glad I chose to hike with you instead of doing it on my own. I learned a lot about hiking and New Zealand in general and saw the most awesome views I’ve ever seen. I will remember this all my life. Victoria, Sweden

Keep on finding and doing things that others don’t do. Christianne, The Netherlands

Thank you for a fantastic trip, and showing me some beautiful places in New Zealand. Tom, UK

The whole experience was awesome. And now I can look back and say I did it! Lise, Denmark

It was a great experience which I’d love to do again. Isabel, Portugal

Length 20 days

Price NZ$4950

Grade D - medium, 3 multi-day hikes
Extras - 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 9 dinners
Extras optional -
- sea kayaking (NZ$89)
- Kaituna rafting (NZ$95)
- mountain biking (NZ$45)
- glacier hiking (NZ$99)
- Rangitata rafting (NZ$195)
Start - Auckland Visitor Centre, corner Victoria & Federal Streets @ 7:00am
Finish - Christchurch 7:00pm

I had the most amazing time ever and hope to return soon and do it again! Lauren, Canada

Possums and stoats must die! Richard, UK

Truly memorable and everlasting experience. Dan, Denmark

New Zealand Uncut

Explore both islands as you weave your way through this magnificent country. Maximise your time in the wilderness yet still marvel at the iconic destinations. Enjoy true wilderness campsites followed by comfortable eco lodges. A range of activities including white water rafting, sea kayaking, glacier walking and mountain biking complement the hikes superbly and keep this tour as diverse and exciting as the landscapes we explore!

Highlights

• Kayaking (optional extra) the beautiful Cathedral Cove coast of the Coromandel Peninsula
• Hiking the Jurassic-like rainforests & river gorges of Whirinaki Forest Park
• Two days of trekking among Tongariro National Park’s active volcanoes
• Exploring the Abel Tasman National Park by boat, kayak, on foot and by swimming
• Mountain biking (optional extra) and soaking in the renowned hot pools of Hanmer Springs
• Guided walk on the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier (optional extra)
• Overnight hiking in Mt Aspiring National Park
• Sampling the adventure activities of Queenstown and Milford Sound
• Spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook while hiking up to Sealy Tarns
• Thrilling white water rafting trip on the Rangitata River (optional extra)

Day 1

Drive along idyllic pohutukawa coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Picnic lunch on the white sands of Hot Water Beach before an afternoon sea kayak (optional extra) or hike along the beautiful Cathedral Cove coast. 2 hours hiking, 4 hours kayaking.

Day 2

Driving south, stop for a picnic lunch and a walk through lush native bush beside the thundering Kaituna River. Option to take a 1 hour rafting trip (optional extra) on the Kaituna River. This trip is for the wild at heart as it travels down one of the highest commercially rafted waterfalls in the world. 1 hour rafting, 1 hour hiking.

Day 3

Pack up your kit for a two-day hike through the spectacular Jurassic-like rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park. Splash through streams and soak up pure wilderness. Learn river-crossing techniques and overnight at a hut/camp where we laze around a campfire. 5 hours hiking.

Day 4

Follow the beautiful Whirinaki River where we often see rare blue ducks and robins, hear kaka (a large bush parrot) and hike beneath majestic tree ferns. Driving south, visit the powerful Huka Falls before relaxing in a lodge near Tongariro National Park. 5 hours hiking.

Day 5

Begin two-day hike across stony deserts to an alpine hut at 1400m, where we get fantastic views of the three main peaks in Tongariro National Park; Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Revel in the experience of sharing a basic alpine hut with like-minded travellers passionate about the outdoors. 5 hours hiking.

Day 6

Hike up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields to the Emerald Lakes. Cross the volcanic plateau before descending on the western side. In good conditions, there is an option to climb one of the volcanic peaks. Enjoy a beer and meal out in the alpine village with great views back on the volcanoes. 6-8 hours hiking.

Day 7

Morning drive to Wellington, New Zealand’s wonderful harbour capital. You have free time to enjoy walking around. You may like to visit the museum of New Zealand, called Te Papa, or the beehive (Parliament House). Wellington is also well known for its vibrant café scene.

Day 8

The group is met by our South Island-based guide and travels through to Nelson and on to Kaiteriteri, the gateway into Abel Tasman National Park. Board a water taxi for a ride into one of the most beautiful campsites in the park, Onetahuti. Wander along the beach, or swim before enjoying dinner prepared by your guide.

Day 9

Start the day with a 1.5hr walk along the Abel Tasman coastal track to Bark Bay; sea kayaks and a local guide meet us there for a paddle exploring the coast. Kayaking is optional, should you prefer to hike instead. Drive to St Arnaud village, situated on the shores of Lake Rotoiti with a dramatic backdrop of mountains. 1.5 hours hiking, 3 hours kayaking.

Day 10

Optional pre-breakfast walk around the Rotoiti Mainland Island reserve. Short drive up on to the Robert Range to start our hike. Wide expansive views of mountains and lakes are the reward for our climb. Drive over the Southern Alps to Hanmer Springs thermal resort for a soak in the renowned hot pools. 5 hours hiking.

Day 11

Option of hiring a mountain bike (optional extra) and exploring the trails that wind their way through the park-like setting of exotic forest species. Alternatively hike up Mt Isobel or relax in one of the local cafes and take another dip in the hot pools. We drive to Flock Hill Station, a large farm. Photograph the pristine reflections of the Southern Alps in Lake Pearson. 5 hours hiking or biking.

Day 12

A morning hike up Bealey Spur where we enjoy brunch at an old ‘Musterers Hut’. Back in the vehicle we pass through Arthur’s Pass before descending through lush native forests to the West Coast. The night is spent at Hokitika, a once thriving gold mining town. In true “kiwi style” tonight’s dinner is a meal of fish and chips (optional), on the beach, watching the sun go down. 4-5 hours hiking.

Day 13

Drive down the coast to Franz Josef Glacier, one of the few places in the world where you can see glaciers descending right down into rainforest. Here you have the option of taking a half-day guided hike (optional extra) up on the glacier. Final destination for the day is the village of Haast with a stop at Ship Creek where Hector’s Dolphins are often spotted playing in the surf. 4 hours glacier hiking.

Day 14

Crossing the Southern Alps lush rainforests give way to high mountain peaks and vast glacially formed lakes and valleys. A stop in the resort town of Wanaka gives you time to wander around and enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas before we head off on an overnight hike into Mt Aspiring National Park. For those that prefer camping there is a sheltered campsite nearby. 3 hours hiking.

Day 15

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in this majestic mountain setting, before a hike up a side valley to view the Rob Roy Glacier. On return to the vehicle the drive takes us over the Crown Range, we stop off for a drink at the historic drover’s hotel at Cardrona and arrive into Queenstown late afternoon. 5 hours hiking.

Day 16

Today is either a free day in Queenstown or you may want to use this day to visit Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park (optional extra). Your guide can arrange coach and cruise or fly and cruise options. If staying in Queenstown there will be plenty of adventure activities to keep you entertained.

Day 17

A free day to take advantage of all the adventure activities available in Queenstown, or join the guide for a day hike to the summit of Ben Lomond, which overlooks Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. 6-8 hours hiking.

Day 18

Leave Queenstown and drive through the MacKenzie country and on to Aoraki/Mt Cook. Hike up to Sealy Tarns, and for the more energetic, on to the crest of Mueller Ridge. An alternative easier but no less spectacular walk is also available up the Hooker Valley to view the Hooker Glacier. 4 hours hiking.

Day 19

Continue north on to Peel Forest near the banks of the Rangitata River. The Rangitata River is one of New Zealand’s premium white water rafting rivers, the whole trip takes about three hours and offers some thrilling sections of grade 5 white water (optional extra). Horse trekking and bush walks are also available. Tonight we stay in a nearby eco-lodge. 3 hours rafting.

Day 20

Last day but still time for yet another spectacular hike. We drive to Mt Somers Reserve, an area of volcanic origins, characterised by deep canyons, honey dew forest and lofty mountain peaks. There is the option of exploring some water caves, which may get you a little wet! Have a celebratory drink before arriving in Christchurch in the late afternoon. 5 hours hiking.

Notes

• All of the accommodation on this trip is included in the trip price.

Additional costs

• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 9 dinners. See trip detailed itinerary for details of which meals are provided.
• The prices for optional activities are listed in the trip summary box on the top right of the page and in the trip dossier. Optional activities include sea kayaking, Kaituna rafting, mountain biking, glacier hiking, and Rangitata rafting.
• Optional activities must be paid for during the tour.

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