Head to Toe (Adventure Tour)

What's Included:
Transport Auckland to Christchurch  - 11 nights accommodation  - Waitomo Glow worm caves - Boiling Mud Pools - Spectacular Lady Knox Geyser - Wai o Tapu Thermal Wonderland - Thunderous Huka Falls - Breathtaking drive through Tongariro National Park   - Mt Victoria summit visit - Scenic Interisland Ferry - TranzCoastal train from Picton to Christchurch - TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth -  Scenic drive through Westalnd National Park - Lake Matheson 'the mirror lake' -Stop at the original bungy site, the historic Kawerau Bridge - Majestic Milford Sound day trip and cruise - Scottish city of Dunedin - Spectacular drive through the Mackenzie Country and views of Mt Cook

Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
This morning we will pick you up from your arranged location before heading south to Rotorua. Then you get the chance to view the city from Mt Eden, a volcanic cone and Auckland’s highest natural point.  Continue south to Waitomo, where you will see the amazing geological features of the caves, before taking a tranquil boat ride to view the glow-worms.  Later in the day travel on to Rotorua, a town with a distinctive aroma due to the geothermal activity in the region.  A great meal option is the Tamaki Maori Hangi and Concert – which is an entertaining way to learn more about Maori culture as well as eat traditional food.

Day 2: Rotorua - Taupo
Take a stroll through the redwood forest before witnessing the eruption of Lady Knox Geyser.  View boiling mud, brightly coloured pools and silica terraces at Wai O Tapu thermal wonderland.  If you are feeling adventurous, try the Giant Swing or the Trapeze at Rock n Ropes. Stop briefly at Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo – where you have the afternoon to try some of the many activities on offer in this stunning lakeside town.

Day 3: Taupo - Wellington
Today you will view some of the most spectacular scenery on offer as you drive through New Zealand’s first National Park – Tongariro.  The scenery may look familiar to those who have seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy, as extensive filming took place here.  Continue down to Wellington, where you will get a great view of the city from the summit of Mt Victoria before being dropped off at your accommodation.  While you are in the capital make sure you visit Te Papa, the national museum.

Day 4: Wellington - Christchurch
Catch the 9.30 ferry across to Picton, checking your luggage in to Christchurch.   When the ferry arrives in Picton you will be met by the train – then enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery on the way to Christchurch.

Day 5: Christchurch - Greymouth
Board the TranzAlpine and travel past picturesque valleys, mountains and lakes through Arthur’s Pass. Arrive in Greymouth, on the West Coast, in the early afternoon.

Day 6: Greymouth - Franz Josef
Witness greenstone carving in Hokitika before travelling to Franz Josef.  You will arrive in time to either take part in half day glacier hike, or a heli hike to fresh powder snow at the top of the glacier. Alternatively, walk through native bush or kayak on a nearby lake.

Day 7: Franz Josef - Queenstown
Travel through some of New Zealand’s most idyllic scenery – Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, and past the orchards and vineyards of Central Otago, before arriving in Queenstown, where the adventure activities on offer are limitless. Get moving!

Day 8: Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel along one of New Zealand’s most beautiful roads before reaching Milford and taking a cruise through the fiords – viewing amazing valleys, waterfalls and wildlife.  This is an amazing day trip at any time of the year – each day shows off different and spectacular views of one of the most untouched areas in the world.

Day 9: In Queenstown
Spend the day trying out some of the huge range of activities on offer in ‘the adventure capital of the world’.

Day 10: Queenstown - Dunedin
Pass through former goldfields to Dunedin, where you can either visit the Speight’s Brewery or Cadbury World. Another option is to join a wildlife tour to Otago Peninsula and see yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and Royal albatross.

Day 11: Dunedin - Tekapo
Travel through stunning MacKenzie country, past Lakes Benmore, Ruataniwha and Pukaki, which on clear days offer stunning reflections of Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps.   After arriving in tranquil Lake Tekapo, visit some of New Zealand’s most photogenic spots –the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie dog statue on the lakeside.

Day 12: Tekapo - Christchurch
Journey through the foothills of the Southern Alps. Arrive in Christchurch in the early afternoon where you can visit the international Antarctic centre, go punting on the Avon, or hit the shops.