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Start Auckland; afternoon free to relax at your central hotel or wander the downtown to get your bearings in New Zealand's largest city. Catch a ferry to Devonport or clamber up the Mt Eden volcanic cone to get panoramic views of the city and its bright blue harbours and gain a sense of the city’s complex volcanic past. There will be a briefing in the hotel foyer at 6pm this evening. Afterwards those who wish, can gather for a group meal, your leader will organise.
We depart Auckland and head south through the dairy farming plains of the Thames Valley before passing over old ignimbrite flows to reach Lake Rotorua with its stunning crater lakes and volcanoes. We savour a picnic lunch sitting on the beach of Lake Tarawera - an ancient caldera crater amongst forest and volcanoes. In the afternoon we enjoy a bush walk along a good trail alongside this splendid lake - there are plenty of great swimming spots. We use a water taxi to travel one way. Sample good kiwi kai (food) with an evening meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Rotorua.
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 4
Altitude Gain: 100
It is a 1.5-hour drive to the Jurassic-like rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park. This park covers an area of 60,000 hectares and is famous for its podocarp trees, an ancient off-shoot of the conifer family that evolved before flowering plants. It is thought that forests like this once covered the super-continent of Gondwanaland more than 150 million years ago. This is where the BBC ‘Walking with Dinosaurs’ series was filmed. Step back in time as you hike amongst weeping ferns, forest giants and rare birdlife. On our way back to the vehicle we keep an eye out for the rare Blue Duck that are sometimes seen in this river.En-route to Taupo we visit Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, where you can walk at your own pace through this fascinating thermal wonderland of geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations.We'll visit Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo, situated on the shores of the largest lake in New Zealand; which was formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions over the last 2000 years.
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 4
Altitude Gain: 100
A 1-hour drive gets us to the Tongariro National Park. Established in 1887, it was New Zealand's first National Park, gifted to the people of New Zealand by a Maori chief (Tukino Te Hue Hue) who saw this as a way of protecting the tapu (respect or sacredness) of the land - in particular the summits of the active volcanoes. It is also a dual World Heritage Area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.Enroute to the Park, we enjoy a short 1 hour hike through stunning forest around the slopes of Mt Pihanga and to the mystical Lake Rotopounamu (Lake of Greenstone). The next two nights are spent in a hotel on the edge of the park, providing a great opportunity for you to explore the area at your leisure. In the afternoon hike to Taranaki Falls, cascading 20 metres over a 15,000 year old lava flow.
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Altitude Gain: 100
Today is a full days hiking on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best day walks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at times, to the craters of Mt Tongariro. Hike up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields before climbing up the last steep section to Red Crater, and down to the Emerald Lakes - our usual lunch stop. Admire the volcanic views and steaming vents that make this hike so outstanding. This is a tough walk so those who prefer a more restful day can find plenty to do at the village (unguided): Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or simply drink coffee and view the great exhibits at the Park Visitor Centre. Enjoy your second night in this village.Today and yesterday may be swapped around in order to take advantage of the best weather on the Tongariro Alpine crossing.
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12
Altitude Gain: 800
This morning we drive to Wellington, arriving in the early afternoon. Wellington is New Zealand’s wonderful harbour capital. The giant fault-created harbour almost encircled by steep suburbs gives it a giant coliseum feel. You have free time to enjoy walking around the central city and absorb the lively atmosphere. Wellington is well known for its vibrant café, art and culture scenes. There is no shortage of places to have a coffee or a drink - with more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York. You may like to visit the museum of New Zealand, called Te Papa, or the beehive (Parliament House).
We transfer to Wellington airport for the short flight across the Cook Strait to the South Island. Here we meet our South Island-based guide. A pleasant drive through the orchards and vineyards of Nelson Bay takes us to Kaiteriteri, a popular holiday spot for kiwis and a gateway into Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman’s wilderness flows unhindered to a coast of golden beaches and granite headlands; there are no roads here - just boat and walking access. We hail a water taxi to reach the lovely Onetahuti Beach in the heart of the park. From here we start our hike on the famed coastal track and hike through to our tranquil campsite at Bark Bay. A great spot to gaze at the stars before falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean.
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 3.7
Altitude Gain: 100
Today we wander through lush coastal forests, cross Falls River via a 47 metre suspension bridge then depending on the tides we may cross an estuary or follow the all tide track. Cleopatra's Pool is a worthwhile side trip, here the river has carved a smooth slide down the rocks into deep clear pools - you may not be able to resist taking a dip! We finish our hike on the golden sand beaches of Anchorage, where a water taxi takes us back to Kaiteriteri and our vehicle. We spend the night in Murchison, a quiet rural town on the edge of the wilds. This is the north eastern limit of the vast wilderness ranges and rivers that dominate much of the South Island.
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 6
Altitude Gain: 120
This morning we drive west beside the mighty Buller River to the rugged West Coast. At Cape Foulwind we take a short walk to view a seal colony. The New Zealand fur seal pups are born in December and January. We might see the young pups frolicking around in rockpools sheltered from the heaving waves that pound this part of the coast. After lunch we start an overnight hike in Paparoa National Park. Amongst the largest remaining tract of coastal native forest in New Zealand are towering limestone cliffs, caves and rivers - an ideal area for hiking. Starting at the mouth of the Fox River, we take a historic pack-horse route to Dilemma Creek, and then follow the river upwards to the Ballroom Overhang where we spend the night. Your guide will show you river crossing techniques and you will be thankful for your proper hiking boots, which are essential in this terrain. The Ballroom is a large limestone overhang which shelters a serene campsite just above the Fox River. The evening is spent sitting around the campfire and enjoying a delicious meal.
Distance in Km: 5
Distance in Miles: 3
Altitude Gain: 150
After a leisurely breakfast we hike back down the Fox River before driving south along the coast to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks. These 30-million-year-old limestone rocks have formed immense features with thousands of layers. Continuing south, we stop at Hokitika. Originally known as the 'Capital of the Goldfields', Hokitika was once a thriving and prosperous port. Much of its old character remains and it is now a major centre for greenstone (pounamu) or jade. This hard stone is treasured by the Maori who used it for decorative jewellery and for carving some of their lethal weapons – the war clubs known as meres. From Hokitika we continue south to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where you will see glaciers descending into the level of the rainforest.
Distance in Km: 5
Distance in Miles: 3
Altitude Gain: 60
We make the most of being in the South Westland World Heritage Area this morning and hike to a view point of the Franz Josef glacier. This dynamic glacier falls 2400m over 12kms as it makes its journey from high in the Southern Alps to temperate rainforest just 250m above sea level.After we return from the hike we continue our drive through this remarkable World Heritage Area on to Makarora crossing back over the Southern Alps en route at Haast Pass stopping to explore remote beaches and coastal lagoons and forests on the way. Tonight we stay we stay in the lakeside town of Wanaka.
Distance in Km: 3
Distance in Miles: 2
Altitude Gain: 100
After a relaxed breakfast enjoying the stunning views over Lake Wanaka we set off on today’s hike to the Rob Roy Glacier. We start off with a beautiful drive up the Matukituki Valley, driving through large sheep, cattle and deer farms along the way. Our hike starts from Raspberry Flat and crosses a suspension bridge across the Matukituki River before climbing through Beech forest alongside the raging boulder strewn stream of Rob Roy. Eventually the track emerges above the tree line in a delightful alpine meadow with a superb vista of the Rob Roy glacier. We take lunch here before wandering back down the valley to the vehicle. We drive over the Crown Range into Queenstown where we stay for the next two nights.
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Altitude Gain: 400
Labelled the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers the chance to sample numerous optional activities! Alternatively, you may choose to sit back, relax and take in the amazing views from the shores of Lake Wakatipu on this free day. There are also some great day walks (some up to eight hours) that leave from this bustling little town. Your guide will outline all the options on how to make the most of your day.
We head into Fiordland National Park - World Heritage Area, the largest National Park in New Zealand. The huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri are the border of Fiordland’s dramatic inland coast. The area is dominated by water, either in the form of lakes, ocean fiords or as falling rain – which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest. We hike on the Kepler track, firstly around the lake shore before climbing gently up through the forest and limestone outcrops to the bush-line. From these broad tussock tops you are rewarded with the sweeping views of the Fiordland wilderness including the Murchison and Kepler mountains and Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Descend back to the lake and follow the lakeside trail back to the vehicle. We base ourselves in Te Anau for the next two nights. An ideal base to explore and experience Fiordland National Park.
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Altitude Gain: 720
Optional 2 hour boat cruise. We rise early and drive through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound itself. Here we have the option to take a cruise on the fjord with its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (1722m). Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals often play near the boat. An afternoon hike takes us up to Key Summit (the tail end of the renowned Routeburn track) for fantastic views across the gneiss and granite Darran Mountains. After the hike return to Te Anau via the splendid Eglinton Valley, one of the only road accessible valleys in Fiordland National Park.
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 6
Altitude Gain: 350
After several days of rigorous hiking give the legs a rest today on our drive north to Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park. A stop in Cromwell is a good opportunity to sample some of the delicious fruit that is grown in this area as well as taking a stroll through the quaint and lovingly restored historical precinct of the town. Central Otago’s high country landscape, contains some of New Zealand’s largest high country sheep stations, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares – Patagonian like in size and splendor. Crossing Lindis Pass we continue through the MacKenzie country to the shores of Lake Pukaki and then west to Aoraki/Mt Cook (3724m). Arriving late in the afternoon the remainder of the afternoon is yours to do as you please, either hike (unguided) the nearby Red Tarns track or relax and enjoy the stunning views of Aoraki.
Today we hike up the Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns, with awesome views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman (the two highest peaks in New Zealand) and Mueller Glacier with its terminal meltwater lakes. There is time in the afternoon to take another hike up to the Hooker Valley, or alternatively take a stroll around the village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center.
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Altitude Gain: 900
Time for one final hike this morning, as we explore the nearby Tasman Valley, a stunning area of alpine vistas, lakes and glacial morraines. Leaving Mt Cook we continue north through the MacKenzie country, taking a break at Lake Tekapo - aqua blue waters framed by the Southern Alps. Tekapo is filled by glacially fed rivers which deposit tons of glacial flour (finely ground rock) into the lake; this flour is so fine that it is suspended in the water and refracts the light giving the lake a stunning colour. After crossing the Canterbury plains we arrive in Christchurch in the mid afternoon, and here the trip concludes after 3 weeks of hiking through volcanoes, thermal wonderlands, rainforests, glaciers and remote mountain valleys.
Distance in Km: 4
Distance in Miles: 2
Altitude Gain: 100
16 nights hotels, lodges, cabins and 2 nights huts/camping14 days walking,
including 2 treks with overnight stays in huts and camps (carrying overnight
gear)Group normally 4 to 15 plus tour leader and local staff. Min. age 16
yrsLow altitude throughoutTravel by private minibus
The itinerary includes 14 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 3 dinners.Usually the
group and the leader prepare the meals together as many of the meals are
picnic/buffet style lunches or dinners.Breakfasts are generally
buffet/continental style; lunches are sandwiches, salads and fruit. The
evening meals prepared in the backcountry are a little more basic for
practical reasons, but still flavoursome and nutritious (mainly
vegetarian).Please note: food for lunches and dinner will be purchased during
the tour by your leader, and you may be asked to help out with picking up
these supplies.
16 nights hotels, lodges, cabins and 2 nights huts/camping14 days walking,
including 2 treks with overnight stays in huts and camps (carrying overnight
gear)Group normally 4 to 15 plus tour leader and local staff. Min. age 16
yrsLow altitude throughoutTravel by private minibus
This trip rated Activity Level 4: Moderate/ChallengingTreks vary in length
and terrain: half day to full day, to overnight, on well formed tracks to
remote valleys. Away from the tourist areas, tracks can become slippery and
rough and there are a number of river crossings (your boots will get wet!).We
hike together as a group stopping for lunch and regular snacks. On hiking
days we average 3-5 hours a day, with the longest day being 6-7 hours
walking, not including rests.On the day walks you will need a small (30)
litre day pack. However, there is two overnight hikes on which you will need
to carry your own sleeping bag, clothing and a share of the group equipment
so a larger (50 litre) pack is required. For the second overnight hike expect
packs to weigh up to 10kgs as equipment will be shared among the group (the
Abel Tasman hike has most of the gear transported by boat)Please be
advised during this trip that usually the group and leader prepare the meals
together as many of the meals are picnic/buffet style lunches or dinners.
Hotels, Lodges, Cabins, Mountain Huts and Camping16 nights hotels (with en suite facilities), lodges and cabins (some en suite
and some with shared facilities) and 2 nights huts/camping with shared
facilities. The camping is in a wilderness setting, basic facilities and
generally the group will be expected to put up and take down their own tents
and pitch in with cooking and washing up. Single rooms are available for 15
nights of this tour for a supplement, and must be requested in advance, so
please inform us at the time of booking. En suite bathrooms are unlikely on
nights 2, 3, 8, 10 and 11. Single tents are provided for the camps (the 2
remaining nights).
Because we are visiting remote wilderness areas our groups are no larger than
15. For some activities additional local operators and guides will be used.
On most departures we will use a different tour leader for the north and
south island. For groups from 12 passengers up, 2 tour leaders will accompany
the group.
The itinerary includes 14 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 3 dinners.Usually the
group and the leader prepare the meals together as many of the meals are
picnic/buffet style lunches or dinners.Breakfasts are generally
buffet/continental style; lunches are sandwiches, salads and fruit. The
evening meals prepared in the backcountry are a little more basic for
practical reasons, but still flavoursome and nutritious (mainly
vegetarian).Please note: food for lunches and dinner will be purchased during
the tour by your leader, and you may be asked to help out with picking up
these supplies.
For travel between each hike destination we use minibuses towing a custom
camp trailer.For the flight internal flight between Wellington and Nelson,
the checked luggage allowance is 23kgs per person, with a carry-on luggage
allowance of 7 kg.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 22 daysWe normally use the scheduled
services of Emirates (depending on availability). As flight timings and
schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales
staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings
may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two
weeks before departure. Travelling land only: 19 days starting in Auckland
and ending in ChristchurchFull joining instructions including local emergency
numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you
do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them
earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.The start
hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes’ drive from the airport (depending on
time of the day), in the heart of central Auckland.If you cannot take the
group transfer you can catch an airport Skybus which will cost approximately
10 GBP (18 NZD) and can drop you around 700m from the start hotel. Further
details can be found at https://www.skybus.co.nz/ A number of other
shuttle buses are available from the bus shuttle rank which is accessible
through Door 11 in the arrivals area. They also operate outside the Air New
Zealand and Qantas domestic terminals. The cost is from 30NZD one way for one
adult and 10NZD for an additional person. This shuttle will drop you off at
the hotel entrance. You can pre book this service
at https://www.supershuttle.co.nz/Taxis are available for all arriving and
departing flights from both the international and domestic terminals. Taxis
ranks are situated at the western side of the Jean Batten International
Terminal and in front of the Air New Zealand and Qantas domestic terminals.
The airport to central city taxi fare is approximately 75-95NZD.On arrival at
the hotel please make the hotel staff aware you are part of an Exodus group
and check with reception on where and what time to meet the guide and the
rest of the group.
Weather in New Zealand is very changeable throughout the year and all months
are moderately wet. Fine sunny spells can happen at any time of year but the
departures have been timed to coincide with the best chance of good weather;
although you should come prepared for rain. The temperature in Auckland will
vary from approximately 11-23C (min-max) from October-March however it will
be slightly cooler in October. The weather on the South Island will be
slightly cooler with a range of temperatures of approx. 7-20C (min-max). As
New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are opposite to those
in the UK. Summer runs from December to February, spring September to
November and autumn March to May.
Back pack (essential - must be at least 50 litres capacity for overnight
hikes)DaypackGood quality hiking boots/shoes3-season sleeping bagWaterproof
raincoat (goretex or similar)Warm fleece or woollen jumper (not
cotton)Thermals (top and long-johns - it can be cold!)Fleece/woolly
hatSunhatSunglassesCasual clothing for travel and eveningsShorts for
hikingFlashlight or headtorchThick socksWe provide thermarest mats where
necessaryYou can hire the following equipment (payable locally in
NZD):Sleeping bag (down, 3 season) with cotton liner $100Backpack (60 litre)
$100Thermals (top+bottom) $30Fleece jacket $30Raincoat (Goretex or
equivalent) $80Full set (all of above) $280Gaiters $30Walking pole (per pole)
$30All hire gear must be arranged prior to arrival in New Zealand and will be
issued on day of Auckland departure.Biosecurity in New Zealand. Please be
aware that NZ has very strict quarantine regulations. Hiking boots will
always be checked on your entrance to the country. We recommend you pack
these in the top of your bag should a visual inspection be required. They
need to be clean with no loose soil in the sole. Spot fines (GBP220/ NZD440)
are issued for any person bringing fruit into the country and this includes
any fresh food you may have been given on your flight. Please see
www.mpi.govt.nz for more details.
Waterproof over trousersGaitersWalking polesGlovesTowelInsect repellent (for
sandflies)Water purification tablets for use on trekLightweight sandals or
trainersLightweight travel towel (useful for swimming)
We suggest bringing NZD cash and supplementing this with ATM withdrawals
where available (in the larger towns). Please check with your bank that you
can use your card in NZ prior to travel. Optional ExcursionsOptional
activities on this trip are plentiful and this list is not exhaustive, but
should give you a good starting point:Water taxi option after Kepler Hike:
approx. NZD25Milford Sound Cruise: from NZD80Optional excursions available in
places such as Queenstown may be with local suppliers which Exodus has not
approved, and thus clients take part in these activities entirely at their
own risk.
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but gratefully received. It is at your
discretion whether or not to reward for excellent service. As a guide, we
recommend that you consider between NZD25-50 per person for your North Island
guide (6 days guiding), and between NZD65-130 for your South Island guide (13
days guiding). Rounding up the bill in restaurants is a good idea if you wish
to offer a gratuity.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.