NZ Traverse - 15 day New Zealand Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula : Accommodation 
Depart Auckland 10am. From Auckland you travel to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula: bring your swimming gear. Relax on Cathedral Cove beach and if the tide is right, dig pools & bathe in the thermal springs of Hot Water Beach. Optional sea kayak around dramatic coastlines. Scenic cycle rides around the beautiful coastal region. We camp by the beach tonight. B / D
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 2: Rotorua: Accommodation
Drive or cycle to stunning Whiritoa beach for a swim or forest walk amongst the massive Pohutukawa trees. We continue to Rotorua and its thermal wonders. Optional activities like the head spinning Zorb, Agroventures, or Luge or the relaxed Polynesian Pools. Cycle ride from camp around the lake nestled below the dormant but dramatic Mount Tarawera. B / L / D
Day 3: Turangi: Accommodation
A relaxed start at lake side camp. We visit Wai-O-Tapu thermal resort. Drive on to the impressive Huka Falls. Walk or cycle to the great lakeside setting of Taupo. Optional skydiving, bungy. Mount Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu dominate the skyline as we journey along the shores of one of the largest crater lakes in the world. Wonderful camp in Turangi. B / D
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 4: Tongariro National Park: Accommodation
Chance to try one of the World’s greatest one day walks - the “Tongariro Alpine Crossing”. Alternatively, relax or cycle in this beautiful area with an inspiring mountain backdrop. After some serious exploring we head to our accommodation for recharging and refuelling. B / L / D
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 5: Wellington to Picton: Accommodation
Arrive Wellington approx 10am. The capital offers café culture, good bars, the celebrated Te Papa Museum and the botanical gardens. If you fancy shopping for souvenirs the capital is ideal. We hit the water for a scenic ferry crossing. There is no accommodation provided in Picton but your driver will help you make a booking in a great local hostel. B
Day 6: Kaikoura: Accommodation
Depart Picton approx 10am. Travel the Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch or sea kayak and coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp with an amazing sunrise. D
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 7: Rangitata Gorge: Accommodation
Optional dolphin swim or seal swim or a chance to cycle by the nature-rich coast. Then on to Christchurch, the “Garden City” to explore before we depart Christchurch 3pm. Head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge, a great ride and camp at the foot of the Alps. B / D
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 8: Lake Pukaki: Accommodation
Optional white water rafting on the Rangitata River. Morning cycle or walks in Peel Forest. Travel through Mackenzie Basin with views of the Main Divide. Cycle to Lake Tekapo and view historic church. Lake Pukaki (great spot for swimming) camp with views of Mt. Cook. B / L / D
Day 9: Oamaru: Accommodation
Morning cycle towards Mount Cook. Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for a scenic quiet cycle ride or walks, swim at the beach. Optional penguin tour. B / D
Day 10: The Catlins: Accommodation
Morning coastal walk or cycle. Visit bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or walking up the world’s steepest street. There is also a chance to sample the delights of the Cadbury (Chocolate) factory or Speights Brewery depending on your tastes. We travel on to the spectacular and natural beauty of the Catlins area for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point lighthouse along a quiet country road. B / D
*Possible upgrade available here
Day 11: Hollyford Valley: Accommodation
Journey through scenic southern pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake Manapouri. Visit the lake town of Te Anau before heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle rides and walks abound. B / L / D
*Possible upgrade available here
Day 12: Te Anau: Accommodation
One of the world’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound. Fantastic stop offs and more photo opportunities than you can handle. Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft). Excellent optional boat cruise to experience the beauty of the fiord. The Routeburn, Greenstone Track walkers depart for their awesome trek. Stunning lakeside camp. B / L / D
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 13: Te Anau: Accommodation
Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Day or overnight walk on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from Mount Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glow-worm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau. B / D
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 14: Queenstown: Accommodation
Journey to Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars, activities and thrills galore. Track walkers re-join group. A big night out. B
*Possible upgrade available here.
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 15: Tour Ends
Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy,
fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, parapenting, skydive,
gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views.
Cycle and walk in alpine areas. B
NOTE:
All
New Zealand tours are flexible. These expeditions can sometimes be effected
by local climatic conditions and anything else unexpected so please
treat this information as a guideline only. When you come to New
Zealand be prepared to take things as they come and above all don't
forget your sense of humour!
Overland NZ - New Zealand Adventure Tours and Holidays.