New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Christchurch – the largest city in the South Island. After being rocked by an earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch’s downtown has been destroyed, but there are now tonnes of examples of the cool and creative ways the locals have rebuilt. One of the best examples is the Christchurch Cathedral – rebuilt out of cardboard, this is now one of the city’s most interesting architectural features. If you arrive early, maybe explore the sites, cute cafes and cool shops. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to get to know your leader and group. After, why not head out for dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.

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Today, leave the city behind and make tracks for Kaikoura – a seaside town known for its rugged mountain scenery and abundance of marine life. When you arrive, maybe get to know the town’s most famous creatures. You may like to set out on a trip to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all regularly seen around these parts. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales often sighted on whale watching cruises. Stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business.

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Take the morning to soak in the scenery of Kaikoura before heading north to Picton. Take a stroll around this harbour town and perhaps pick up a bite to eat before boarding the ferry to Wellington. Crossing the Cook Strait is one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides – watch as the vast landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds unfold along a beautiful coastline, making way for sweeping vineyards and open skies. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, known for its amazing food and craft beer scene. Tonight, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up a great brew.

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Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). Your leader will show you around the capital this morning. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include a visit to Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame, the parliament buildings, cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and drive on to Taupo, sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake. This drive is a perfect introduction to the wild and varied landscapes of the North Island – pass by the arid scenes of the Rangipo Desert and the soaring volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Arrive in Taupo in the evening. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country.

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The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.

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Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – most proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a Maori elder who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.

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Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel like you’re on another planet. Stop off at a thermal park to get your first look at Rotorua’s otherworldly landscapes, then continue into the town where your leader will show you around the Government Gardens and pleasant lakefront. End the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.

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There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take a stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Choose to head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.

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Start the day with a visit to Hobbiton – the absolute must-do when in New Zealand. On a fully guided tour of the set where scenes from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were shot, you’ll see Hobbit Holes and the Mill, finishing up with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This afternoon, head to the Coromandel Peninsula – a land of beaches and lush rainforests. Take a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat!

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Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unwinding in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience second to none. Complete the final stretch of your journey as you travel to Auckland – New Zealand’s biggest city is in a great spot, meaning you’re never far from the water. The dining and nightlife scene is up there with the best of them, so as it’s your last night together, you may like to head out for dinner with the group to celebrate.

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Your adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange extra accommodation.