Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Make your own way to the 4* Auckland City Oaks where you will spend 1 night in a studio room on a B&B basis. Rest of day at leisure before you start the tour.

Day 2 Auckland to Paihia

Your journey kicks off in New Zealand’s largest city Auckland. Pick-ups start at your accommodation bright and early, before we head north to the seaside town of Paihia. We stop en-route to hug some of the world’s mightiest trees, the native Kauri, enjoy a hike to a beautiful waterfall and stop for lunch and a swim at scenic Waipu Cove. This is followed by a trip to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds (own expense), before settling into our accommodation where you’ll have a group meal and the evening free to relax. Includes dinner

INCLUDED: Beachfront hostel, Tree hugging huge kauri trees at Parry Kauri Forest, Waipu Cove

Day 3 Paihia to Opononi

This morning we take a wildlife cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands, a collection of 144 islands bursting with marine life, and there’s no better way to see it than by boat. Keep a watchful eye out for wild dolphins.

In the afternoon it’s off to the Hokianga Harbour, where we will see the huge sand dunes. Tonight you have the option to take part in a Maori-guided twilight encounter, where you’ll visit the Waipoua Forest, learn about Maori legends and the spiritual inhabitants of the forest, and visit the largest Kauri tree in the world, the “God of the Forest” Tane Mahuta (own expense). Finish the day with a Kiwi classic for dinner, traditional fish and chips. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Comfortable Kiwi lodge, Bay of Islands wild life boat trip

Day 4 Opononi to Auckland

We start the morning with a ferry ride across the Hokianga Harbour to go sand boarding down massive dunes (weather dependant); before we start to make our way south through the mighty Waipoua Forest. Here we will have the opportunity to visit NZ’s largest Kauri trees.  We visit the idyllic Kai Iwi Lakes for a swim in the beautiful crystal clear waters surrounded by a pure white sandy beach, before returning to the ‘big smoke’ for a late afternoon arrival. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Central city hostel, Hokianga Ferry ride, sand boarding, visit Waipoua Forest (NZ’s largest Kauri trees), swim in the Kai Iwi Lakes

Day 5 Auckland to Hahei

We depart Auckland and head south east stopping for a walk to the famous Cathedral Cove.  Accessible only by foot or boat, you’ll discover some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery and stunning views in this beautiful coastal spot. Cathedral Cove is a ‘must see’ on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Afterwards we’ll drive to Hot Water Beach, a unique surf beach where you dig a hole in the sand and sit in your own personal spa pool (tide dependent).  In the afternoon there will be time for a kayaking tour (own expense) before we feast on a delicious BBQ for dinner. Includes dinner

INCLUDED: Comfortable beachside accommodation, Walk to Cathedral Cove, dig a hole at Hot Water Beach

Day 6 Hahei to Rotorua

Today we head for Rotorua, arriving around midday, to discover an area well-known for its Maori heritage, adventure and geothermal activity.  Here you will get the chance to do some great optional activities, such as a visit to Hobbiton.

This evening you will be welcomed into the authentic Tamaki Maori Village, where you will discover Maori art, ancient rituals and traditions.  Tonight we dine on a delicious hangi (Maori feast), enjoy an interactive cultural performance and the company of our Maori hosts. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Central city lodge, Cultural experience with traditional hangi meal, Kapa Haka (Maori song and dance) and interactive cultural performance

Day 7 Rotorua to Whakahoro

We start the day by visiting some bubbling mud pools before stopping at the powerful Huka Falls, NZ’s most photographed natural attraction. Our destination today the most remote parts of the North Island by road. We’re heading for the award winning Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro, a 5,200 acre high country farm that is both a working sheep and beef station and an environmental conservation leader. This afternoon you get the opportunity to take part in a 4WD Bush Safari and farm adventure, where you’ll explore this vast land and the New Zealand native bush, discover the remains of an unbelievable local history, and learn about the farm’s conservation efforts.  Your dinner is all cooked using local produce.  Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Remote country station lodge, Visit Huka falls, 4WD eco-wilderness farm adventure

Day 8 Whakahoro to National Park

Today we make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park, where you’ll get the chance to do what is rated as one of the world’s best one day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.Trek through dramatic natural scenery, past volcanic peaks, vast craters and stunning turquoise lakes on one of the most spectacular treks in New Zealand. Alternatively you can go on one the shorter walks around this volcanic region or visit the Volcanic Centre Museum (own expense). Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Alpine lodge, Tongariro Alpine Crossing and transfers, or Taranaki Falls walk and Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pool)

Day 9 National Park to Wellington

We depart early to arrive into Wellington around midday. Get a taste of ‘Wellywood’ when you head out to the world famous Weta Workshop for an in-depth, behind the scenes look at the studio responsible for blockbuster films such as The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Wellington is known as the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ thanks to Lonely Planet, and it’s a great place to check out the lively arts, shopping, craft beer and café culture scenes. As New Zealand’s capital city, it is home to New Zealand’s parliament and the iconic Beehive government building. We recommend wandering down Oriental Parade, visiting Te Papa National Museum or the botanical gardens. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Central city hostel, Weta Workshop tour

Day 10 Wellington to Abel Tasman

Leaving Wellington we’ll travel across the Cook Strait on the Bluebridge Ferry to the South Island’s coastal town of Picton. Here we meet our coach and cruise through the famous Marlborough wine region.  We visit a local vineyard, enjoy a wine tasting and discover a world famous Sauvignon Blanc; before heading to the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park. Tonight we enjoy some delicious seafood and a BBQ dinner at our exclusive campsite accommodation. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Beach accommodation in the national park, Bluebridge Ferry trip, winery visit

Day 11 Full day in Abel Tasman

Today is a free day to experience the incredible Abel Tasman National Park. Explore this stunning, coastal area famous for being one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand. Walk the coastal track and discover some of New Zealand’s best natural golden beaches or choose an optional activity like sailing or sea kayaking (own expense). Tonight you can self-cater and use the BBQ facilities at our accommodation on the edge of the national park. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Beach accommodation in the national park, Abel Tasman Track and Aqua Taxi or paddle board hire

Day 12 Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs

Today you’ll travel through beautiful scenery in the Kahurangi and Nelson National Parks where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch, before heading to the peaceful town of Hanmer Springs. This afternoon you are free to enjoy this alpine setting. Spend the afternoon surrounded by mountains and forest as you relax in the thermal hot pools. Tonight is a group dinner. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Cozy alpine chalets, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa

Day 13 Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Today we head south and drive directly to the quaint seaside township of Akaroa, nestled in the naturally formed Akaroa Harbour in the Banks Peninsula. Here you have the option to cruise around the harbour to learn more about the area’s native wildlife and early French and British settlement history, head out to swim with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, or stay on dry land to do any of the awesome walks for breath-taking views of the peninsula. After the afternoon’s activities, we make our way back to the city of Christchurch. Check out the city sights as you make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Central city hostel, Peninsula walk

Day 14 Christchurch to Franz Josef

We depart Christchurch this morning for a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains and over the famous Arthur’s Pass to the West Coast. Around almost every corner there is a picturesque backdrop to enjoy so have your camera ready as we stop often for walks and photo opportunities. We visit Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade), before our day ends in the quaint little West Coast town of Franz Josef, home to Franz Josef Glacier. Includes dinner

INCLUDED: Hostel close to all attractions, Pounamu jade factory

Day 15 Full day at Franz Josef

Enjoy a free day and get out and explore the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Navigate the maze of ice and explore the incredible landscape on a guided glacier tour, which we highly recommend (own expense). There are also many excellent bush hikes available in the region. Tonight you self-cater, giving you the opportunity to dine at one of the many local cafes and restaurants in town or make use of the self-catering kitchen at our accommodation. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Hostel close to all attractions

 

Day 16 Franz Josef to Makarora

Today we head down the West Coast towards Mount Aspiring National Park, stopping to take in some breathtaking scenery at the amazing mirror Lake Matheson, NZ’s most photographed lake.  See waterfalls as we travel through the mountainous Haast Pass towards Makarora then visit the stunning Blue Pools.  On arrival in Mount Aspiring National Park we go jet boating, experience the best in shallow water boating skimming just inches from the riverbed, see pristine waterways, snow-capped peaks and native bush. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Unique mountain chalet, Walk around Lake Matheson - Mirror Lake, walk through beech forest to the Blue Pools, jet boat in Mt Aspiring National Park

Day 17 Makarora to Doubtful Sound

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations, with stunning ice-carved fiords, valleys, lakes and mountain scenery; it is our first port of call today. Within Fiordland we visit Doubtful Sound, the deepest of all the fiords, surrounded by towering peaks and huge waterfalls. We will board a purpose built boat and enjoy complimentary afternoon tea while cruising past fur seals, penguins and dolphins. There are also sea kayaks to explore the fiord. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Overnight on the boat, anchored within a secluded bay in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise, sea kayaking, wildlife spotting

Day 18 Doubtful Sound to Queenstown

We depart Doubtful Sound around midday, leaving behind the stunning Fiordland to head for the ‘adventure capital of the world’ Queenstown. Queenstown offers an optional big (make that huge) night out with excellent restaurants, pubs and live music. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Lodge located close to town with awesome views

Day 19 & 20 Full Days Queenstown

You have two free days to fully explore everything on offer. Queenstown is a great place to spend a few days, no matter what your past-time of choice is. Options include: bungy jumping, zipline tours, canyoning, Shotover River jet boating, skiing, sky diving or walk Ben Lomond or Queenstown hill for amazing views, or just enjoy the stunning scenery and do nothing. Optional activities and meals not indicated are at your own expense. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Lodge located close to town with awesome views

Day 21 Queenstown to Central Otago

Leaving Queenstown behind, we’ll jump back on the bus to head for the historic town of Naseby.  Located in a shallow valley in the foothills of the Mt Ida Range, Naseby is a unique gold mining village just minutes from the Central Otago Rail Trail. Arriving by midday, there is time to ride our favourite part of the Central Otago Rail Trail in the afternoon. It’s an ideal activity for riders of all abilities and the best way to soak up the incredible scenery of the area. Includes breakfast and dinner

INCLUDED: Fully restored historic hotel, Mountain bike Otago Rail Trail

Day 22 Central Otago to Christchurch

From Central Otago we head back to the Pacific coast, where we’ll turn to head north on a scenic coastal drive towards Christchurch. Stop along the way to see the fascinating Moeraki Boulders and the town of Oamaru before arriving in Christchurch in the afternoon. Your driver guide will point out the highlights with a tour of the city sights. Includes breakfast

INCLUDED: Central city hostel, Guided city sights tour

Day 23 Christchurch to Wellington

Today we’ll travel north on a scenic drive through Lewis Pass as we make our way to Picton to catch a scenic flight across the Cook Strait back to Wellington. Don’t miss the fantastic views of the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington harbour from the air, on a good day it has to be one of the best scenic flights in NZ. The evening in Wellington is free – why not explore this funky town’s nightlife at any of the bars and restaurants along Cuba Street.

INCLUDED: Central city hostel, Scenic flight across Cook Strait

Day 24 Wellington to finish Auckland

Today is an express day, via National Park back to New Zealand’s largest city Auckland.  We stop along the way for photo opportunities and to eat lunch, before heading back to Auckland for a late afternoon arrival. We hope you had a blast on your New Zealand journey! Includes breakfast. Make your own way to the Auckland City Oaks for one night.

 

Day 25 Depart Auckland

After breakfast check out of your hotel and make your own way back to the airport and bid farewell to New Zealand

 

Auckland City Oaks

 

Facing the city skyline and its harbour, the apartment hotel is in the heart of Auckland, just a few minutes from the marina, shopping and entertainment districts. Art lovers can pay a visit to Auckland Art Gallery that offers a collection of rare books, 53 paintings and 12,500 art works. Facilities include a lobby with 24-hour reception, hotel safe, lift access, free Wi-Fi, a laundry service (fees apply) and a car park (fees apply). Outdoor lovers can also explore Auckland Wine Trail, Metropolis and Vulcan Lane during their stay.

 

Cook pass:

 

High quality backpacker accommodation in a variety of hostels, wilderness lodges, cabins and historic hotels.  Quad-share accommodation is included with your tour. You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to a single or twin/double private room (subject to availability).

Price from €3958 p.p*

*Book this tour to travel before 30th September 2017 and receive a discount of €450 p.p!

Price Includes:

Flights

Airport Tax

Acommomdation as per itinerary

Tours as per itinerary

Transport

 

Price Excludes:

Airport Transfers

Travel Insurance