Kiwi Experience: New Zealand at its best! (minimum 17 days)

AUCKLAND TO HOT WATER BEACH
?Spend the afternoon walking or kayaking to Cathedral Cove, or take a surfing lesson at Hot Water Beach!

After visiting the Kiwi Experience office we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. We then carry on to Hot Water Beach (rated one of the top ten beaches in the world by Lonely Planet) where you can take a surfing lesson and head out with your shovel at low tide to dig your own hot pool in the sand.

HOT WATER BEACH TO WAITOMO
Check out New Zealand’s gold mining history before travelling on to experience the glow-worms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo.

After an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and a bit of New Zealand’s gold mining history. Next it’s onto Waitomo (wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave) where you will get the chance to visit world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. If you're feeling adventurous, here is your chance to go underground and expereience one of the top rated NZ activities with the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

WAITOMO TO ROTORUA
Last chance to explore Waitomo before heading to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand.

We start the day with a walk through the Ruakuri Reserve and a breakfast stop at the Long Black Café before heading off toward Rotorua. Along the way we will stop at The Shires Rest where you can jump off and take a tour through the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set. Tonight don’t miss the chance to stay overnight at Tamaki Marae, where you can experience a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert with Tamaki Tours – a night not to be missed!

ROTORUA TO TAUPO
A popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied!

The first activity of the day is exploring the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, with New Zealand’s largest geyser and a chance to see a real live Kiwi bird. The afternoon journey to Taupo includes stop offs to explore the area’s lakes and Taupo’s famous Huka Falls. Taupo is rightly known as the adventure capital of the North Island with optional activities on offer such as skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, the Volcanic Centre and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!

TAUPO (EXTRA DAY)
We recommend staying an extra night in Taupo because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.

Enjoy a sleep-in (for those not doing the Tongariro Crossing) and experience one of the many activities on offer.  A walk down to Spa Park to relax in the natural hot springs by the river is a great way to spend the day (or night).

TAUPO TO RIVER VALLEY
Visit Tongariro National Park, take and enjoy some stunning free walks before arriving at River Valley Adventure Lodge

We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and a two hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel through to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. The lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding, and a small golf course. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.

RIVER VALLEY TO WELLINGTON
New Zealand’s capital city is full of culture, cafes and cable cars!

We head away late after a morning white water rafting or horse riding, and head throughthe rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep.  We arrive in Wellington late in the afternoon. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife.  It’s home to the largest cultural attraction in New Zealand, Te Papa Museum, which is well worth a look (and it’s free).

WELLINGTON TO PICTON TO KAITERITERI
Travel across the stunning Cook Strait to the seaside town of Picton, then on to Kaiteriteri where the beautiful golden sand beach is practically on your doorstep.

You can choose to take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island, through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds; or arrange a flight. Travel via the Pelorous Bridge to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, then on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. You can simply wile away the evening on the golden sand beach just metres from your accommodation. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park.

KAITERITERI TO WESTPORT
Snow-capped mountains and adventure activities on the Buller River

Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays nearby Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to a one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest.  We stop in the iconic Nelson Lakes on the way so you can get the legendary wharf jumping shot. In Wesport we meet the team from Buller Adventure Tours where you can experience the best value for money jet boating, horse trekking and quad biking in New Zealand.

WESTPORT TO LAKE MAHINAPUA
Spend the night in a traditional West Coast pub!

Today we journey down the spectacular State Highway 6 that stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline, from Westport in the north, to the Haast Junction in the south. The road winds through a diverse series of landscapes which never cease to amaze both locals and visitors alike. This includes fertile farmland, sparsely populated towns, deserted goldfields, lush green rainforests, and the snow-capped Southern Alps. Highlights include the Cape Foulwind seal colony, rugged beach walks, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.

LAKE MAHINAPUA TO FRANZ JOSEF
Continue along the rugged West Coast of New Zealand towards Franz Josef.

This morning will have a breakfast at Lake Mahinapua and hit the road on our way to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.

FRANZ JOSEF (EXTRA DAY)
We recommend staying an extra night in Franz Josef because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.

Today is your chance to hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, rated as one of the top three activities to do in New Zealand, by Kiwi Experience passengers.  You could also take the option of a heli-hike, and be flown up the glacier, or take a more sedate approach and explore the various walks in the area.

FRANZ JOSEF - WANAKA
Take the time to chill out by Lake Wanaka.

We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka in the afternoon.

WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN
Adventure capital of New Zealand…and the world!

It’s only a short drive today through to New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. Highlights include Puzzling World and stopping at the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. On arrival in Queenstown you can book all activities and confirm onward bus travel at Base, as well as get a group photo with all your new West Coast mates.  Then it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!

QUEENSTOWN (EXTRA DAY)
We recommend staying an extra night in Queenstown because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.

Queenstown is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots to hang out in New Zealand.  Take the time to spend a few days here as it is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as New Zealand’s most beautiful spot!

QUEENSTOWN TO MILFORD SOUND TO QUEENSTOWN
See amazing views of mirror lakes, mountains and cascading waterfalls on this one day trip.

Travel through to Milford Sound checking out the most amazing scenery in New Zealand along the way. The day consists of a two hour boat cruise through the Milford Sound exploring soaring peaks, towering waterfalls and New Zealand nature at its best. See the Homer Tunnel, gigantic waterfalls and amazing fiords.

Your trip will also include a free fresh packed lunch with a sandwich, cheese, fruit, biscuits, juice and tea and coffee so you can picnic where you want on the boat while enjoying the views.

In summer you have the option to jump off in Milford to spend a night or two. Provided the weather and bank balance permits you have the option of flying back to Queenstown, otherwise it’s back on the  bus to take you back to the adventure capital. A hot buffet lunch can be purchased as an optional extra.

QUEENSTOWN TO LAKE TEKAPO
Head to Lake Tekapo, discover the untouched beauty and crystal clear skies in what's the world's largest dark sky reserve.

We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone - relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.

LAKE TEKAPO TO CHRISTCHURCH
Head to the ‘garden city’ Christchurch.

We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand.