Extreme NZ
18 Days Christchurch to Auckland
Day 1: Christchurch to Omarama: Accommodation 
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We depart Christchurch and head South through the Canterbury Plains towards McKenzie Country. We stop for views along the way at Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. We have the option of a flight over New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook, which is 3764m and produces fantastic aerial views of the mountains and surrounding areas. Tonight we spend the night at one of McKenzie Countries remote farm stations.
Day 2: Omarama to Dunedin: Accommodation
Today as we make our way to Dunedin, New Zealand's Scottish and Victorian City, we stop along route to see Moreraki Boulders. Formed some 60 million years ago, these boulders have long been a subject of legend and curiosity. Dunedin is at the heart of one of New Zealand's most renowned eco tourism areas. Not only can one see the world's rarest penguin's, the Royal Albatross, New Zealand's Oldest University, but the world's steepest street, and a 19th Century Castle. And let's not forget an optional tour of the Speight's Brewery, 'The Southern Man's beer'. Tonight we can enjoy a night out in this Scottish City.
Day 3: Dunedin to Hollyford Valley: Accommodation
We head into Southland on the 'Southern Scenic Route' towards the famous Milford Sound. We make the ascent up towards the Homer Tunnel, which is 1200m long and an experience on its own. As we drive into Hollyford Valley you will soon understand why we have travelled so far off the beaten track to get here. Come rain or shine this is truly New Zealand at its unparalleled and glorious best. Tonight we will relax before we take in the spectacular scenery.
*Possible upgrade available here - historic cabins with coal ranges.
Day 4: Hollyford Valley to Te Anau via Milford Sound: Accommodation
Today we hop aboard our boat for a breathtaking cruise in the heart of Milford Sound. You will see Mitre Peak, which has a dominate presence on the skyline. Milford Sound is 15km long and about 290m at its deepest. You also have the chance to visit the 160m Bowen falls. The fiords are home to a number of different wildlife, with Fur seals commonly being seen lying about on the rocks. We head back to Te Anau, New Zealand's second largest lake. This lovely little lake side town will allow you to appreciate the spacious open areas, beautiful lake views and the amazing contrasts that the South Island has on offer.
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 5: Te Anau to Queenstown: Accommodation
Today we head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. You have more than a few options available to you for the next 48 hours. First, you can take time to relax and get your breath back, or you can fasten your seatbelt and jump in! .With the variety of activities on offer in and around Queenstown, you will be spoilt for choice. Jump off the bungee bridge, go white water rafting and follow that by a jet boat ride. When you think you have had enough, there's always more! It's out of the wet cloths and on with the dry, as we paint the town red by night. (Winter trips have the option of hitting the slopes, to catch up on some skiing).
Day 6: Queenstown: Accommodation
You have today to explore this adventure town or just relax in the
array of coffee shops on and around the lakes edge; the surrounding
view will see your day pass very easily. Queenstown is one of top, and
most scenic adventure venues in the world. Within the stunning setting
of mountains and lake, you can do almost anything here. There are a
number of wineraries here that offer very good wines - especially Pinot
Noir - and claim to be the most southerly wineraries in the world. So
instead of jetboating on the Shotover, perhaps a relaxing wine trail is
more to your liking.
Day 7: Queenstown to Fox Glacier: Accommodation
Today we make our way to the wild and wet West Coast; but first we will stop at Arrowtown, one of the first gold mining settlements in New Zealand. Its tree lined streets and historic buildings lie beautifully nestled at the foothills of the Crown Range. We will then make one more stop before arriving at Fox Glacier, at Wanaka, one of the most desirable places to live in New Zealand. With Lake Wanaka lapping at the shores, the picture postcard Southern Alps as its background and bordering Aspiring National Park, you will soon feel the same way as many others. We now head through the remote area of Haast and the dense rain forests, and make our way to the foot of Fox Glacier.
Day 8: Fox Glacier to Pukekura: Accommodation
Covering 13 kilometres and descending 1200 metres, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are only 6 km from the Tasman Sea and are amongst the fastest moving in the world. Here you have the chance to partake in some optional excursions such as a guided walk on ice, or maybe you would like to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over this amazing mass of frozen water. After the glaciers have been conquered (or not..) we head up the West Coast to the small settlement of Pukekura, population 2. Pukekura is really known for the Bushman's Centre and Museum, and the adjoining cafe that serves 'road kill soup fo the day'....
Day 9: Pukekura to Punakaiki: Accommodation
We drive further north today stopping at Paporoa National Park where we see the famous Pancake Rocks and blow holes at Dolomite Point at the small coastal settlement of Punakaiki. The National Park offers an array of outdoor activities: trekking, horse trekking, kayaking and rock climbing. For those that mya have had their fill of adventure in Queenstown, you can always take time to curl up with a good book or perhaps watch for the dolphin pods that vie with the surfers for the best wave.
Day 10: Punakaiki to Abel Tasman NP: Accommodation
We
continue north and for the next two nights we camp at Marahau, the
gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman National Park, is
New Zealand's smallest National Park, but one of the most beautiful.
23,000 ha of rolling hills, native bush, hidden golden sand beaches and
over 91km of coastal scenery and is home to the Tonga Island Marine
Reserve.
Day 11: Abel Tasman National Park: Accommodation
The National Park can be enjoyed by walking the coastal track one way
and with the return trip by launch or water taxi , or by sea kayaking
the Coast and drifting slowly taking in the spectacular sights and
watching dolphins, seals and the wildlife. There are numerous water
taxi operators that offer day trippers the option of being dropped off
at one beach and picked up at another. Or you can walk the length of
the Coastal Walkway.. You can go sea kayaking, swim with seals, go
sailing, have a microlight flight or go tandem hang gliding. Options
galore.
Day 12: Abel Tasman to Nelson: Accommodation
Before we leave the South Island, we will visit Nelson which is known as the sunniest place in the country. Nelson is a very lively and modern town and is renowned as a vibrant arts, crafts and festival centre. Within 100 kms are some of the best beaches in New Zealand and some of the most diverse National Parks. Nelson has over 300 artists resident in town, so it is obvious the Arts also feature heavily as an attraction. Wineries and local breweries are another big draw card..
Day 13: Nelson to Wellington: Accommodation
Driving to Picton, we once again board the ferry to enjoy the scenery as we leave the
South Island and head for Wellington. You will have time now to enjoy
New Zealand's Capital city one more time.
Day 14: Wellington to Rangitikei: Accommodation
From Wellington we travel north to the Rangitikei region. After passing through Taihape (the home of The World Gumboot Throwing Festival..) we carry onto a remote farmstay on the Rangitikei River. The Lodge is set in amazing countryside with million dollar views of the magnificent Rangitikei River; and with the Ruahines towering above the retreat, it is the perfect place to spend a very peaceful night. Spend the afternoon by the pool , fishing for trout in the river, taking a bush walk or even playing country style mini-golf.
Day 15: Taihape to Ohakune: Accommodation /
This morning you have the option to take a gentle raft trip up the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River to the Mokai Canyon where you can take a chair lift to the top of the bungy bridge and opt for either a Bridge Swing or a Flying Fox ride. Otherwise, jump in the truck and drink coffee in the Canyon cafe and watch your fellow travellers swing through the 80 metre deep canyon! From here we continue to Ohakune near the southern edge of the Tongariro National Park. Ohakune is our base for the next two nights.
Day 16: Ohakune to Pipiriki to Ohankune: Accommodation /
We travel to the tiny village of Pipiriki to take a jet boat ride to the 'Bridge to No-where.
You will have a guided jet boat tour of the majestic Wanganui River and
it's fern-clad gorges and then come to the Mangapurua Landing. This is
the gateway to the'Bridge to Nowhere' in 'The Valley of
Abandoned Dreams' which you arrive at after an easy 40 minute walk
through native bush. After lunch, you jump in your canoes and paddle
back to Pipiriki. Simply relax and take in the tranquil and majestic
river. Back in Ohakune for the night.
Day 17: Ohakune to Waitomo via National Park: Accommodation
We travel through the National Parkback in the Waikato
region; one of New Zealand's richest
agricultural areas, with its green rolling hills and the largest river
in the country snaking its way north. Waitomo ('wai' water and 'tomo'
hole) with its underground world of limestone caves is one of the
regions biggest attractions. There are over 360 recorded caves in the
area with the longest one being over 14km long. You can visit the Glow worm caves
- a galaxy of luminous larvae which is well worth the effort. If you
do not wish to visit the Glow Worms, you can always opt for the famous
Black Water Rafting or other caving activities.
Day 18: Waitomo to Auckland
We head North over the Bombay Hills before arriving in Auckland where this tour comes to an end.
NOTE:
All Overland NZ tours are flexible and we do our utmost to take you to the best places we possibly can. Our 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!