auckland & the coromandel peninsula Tours Great Walks of New Zealand

Itinerary:

Days 1-2 Auckland    
Arrive in cosmopolitan Auckland and make your own way to your hotel. On day two, explore the city at leisure.    

Day 3 Auckland to Rotorua    
Pick your car up and drive south to Rotorua. This evening, enjoy a Maori Experience & Hangi Feast.  

Day 4 Rotorua to Tongariro NP    
Head south to Tongariro NP, passing the vast Lake Taupo en route.    

Day 5 Tongariro Crossing    
Considered one of New Zealand’s greatest day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing traces a route through spectacular volcanic scenery. Join your expert guide who will lead you on a challenging eight hour hike.    

Day 6 Tongariro NP to Wellington    
Continue south towards Wellington, the heart of New Zealand’s art and cultural scene.    

Day 7 Wellington to Nelson  
Board the Interislander ferry to cross the scenic Cook Strait to the South Island and drive to the pretty coastal town of Nelson.

Days 8-10 Abel Tasman Coast Track    
Transfer to Kaiteriteri for the start of your 3 day hike. Cruise along the coastline to begin a 6 mile walk in stunning Abel Tasman National Park. On day 9, walk 11 miles through native forests and along golden beaches before a final day hike boasting beautiful coastal vistas. Stop for lunch before the last leg to Marahau, then return to Nelson by coach.    

Day 11 Nelson to Hokitika
Follow the coast road south to Hokitika and browse the arts and craft shows in this small coastal town.  

Days 12-13 Hokitika to Franz Josef    
Continue south to Franz Josef village, admiring the changing scenery. On day 13 take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier before landing on the surface for a guided ice hike.    

Day 14 Franz Josef to Queenstown    
Drop your car in downtown Queenstown and make your own way to your hotel.    

Days 15-16 Queenstown to Hollyford Track    
You’ll be picked up from your hotel this morning for your guided 2 night Hollyford Track walk. Travel by road to the Hollyford Valley before starting the 12 mile walk alongside the Hollyford River. The track is undulating and passes close to several picturesque waterfalls. On day 16 visit beautiful Lake Alabaster and learn about the area’s geology, before taking an exciting jet boat ride along the Hollyford River. Afterwards, walk through native forest and reach a fur seal colony at Long Reef.    

Days 17-18 Hollyford Track to Queenstown    
Explore the coastal paths at Martin’s Bay Spit this morning, home to wild beaches and towering sand dunes. Return to your lodge for lunch before taking a scenic helicopter flight over Milford Sound. From there, journey back to Queenstown by coach. On day 18 give your feet a rest with a 4WD adventure tour of the Wakatipu Basin. Your driver/guide will take you off-roading and lead you to the area’s best-kept secrets.    

Day 19 Routeburn Track    
The Routeburn Track follows age-old Maori trails through the heart of Fiordland National Park. A guided 10 mile hike showcases the best of the route.  

Day 20 Queenstown
Your holiday ends this morning.