Dagprogramma. Avontuurlijk Nieuw-Zeeland. Dag 1 - Auckland to Paihia

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1 Dagprogramma Avontuurlijk Nieuw-Zeeland Ontdek de subtropische Bay of Islands, kajak in Whanganui National Park, wandel langs de vulkanen van Tongariro en fiets de Otago Rail Trail. We slapen in een cabin bij het strand van Coromandel, in een traditionele Marae en aan boord van een schip in de spectaculaire Doubtful Sound. Je reist in een internationaal gezelschap en overnacht in eenvoudige cabins, backpackresorts en kleine motels, meestal met gedeelde faciliteiten. Dit is een actieve en complete reis voor een zeer gunstige prijs! Dag 1 - Auckland to Paihia Today we pick up bright and early from Auckland to head north to Paihia with stops on the way to see giant kauri trees and take a hike to a beautiful waterfall or stop for a swim at scenic Waipu Cove. You will also have the chance to visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds (own expense). After settling into our accommodation, the evening is yours to relax. Activities included: Wrap your arms around the enormous Kauri Trees at Parry Kauri Forest and swim at scenic Waipu Cove

2 Dag 2 - Paihia to Opinoni The Bay of Islands is a collection of 144 island bursting with marine life, there s no better way to see it than by boat. This morning we take a wildlife cruise, keeping a keen eye out for dolphins. In the afternoon it s off to Opononi and the Hokianga, we get greeted by a local Maori and welcomed to the area, see huge sand dunes and take part in an evening tour or Tane Mahuta God Of The Forest (own expense) (B,D) Activities included: Boat trip in the Bay of Islands, explore sand dunes and experience a traditional Maori welcome Dag 3 - Opinoni Auckland It s across the Hokianga Harbour to go sand boarding today down the massive dunes before we start to make our way south through the mighty Waipoua Forest littered with 1000 year old trees. We visit the idyllic Kai Iwi Lakes for a swim in the crystal clear waters draped with beautiful white sand before departing for Auckland arriving late afternoon. Activities included: Sandboarding, swimming in the Kai Iwi lakes, discovering Waipoua Forest and the country's biggest Kauri - Tane Mahuta and a journey on the Hokianga Ferry. Dag 4 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel) Depart from Auckland heading South East stopping off at the famous Cathedral Cove. Accessible only by foot or by boat, this beautiful coastal spot is one of the must see sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. We then drive to the unique Hot Water Beach where you can dig up your own personal spa pool in the sand (tide dependent). Overnight in beach side cabins and enjoy a BBQ dinner. (D) Activities included: Walk to Cathedral Cove and dig yourself a natural warm bath at Hot Water Beach Dag 5 - Hahei to Rotorua We arrive into Rotorua around lunchtime, an area known for its Maori heritage and thermal activity. This gives you the opportunity to do some great optional activities like white water rafting, zorbing or the luge (additional cost). In the evening, you will be welcomed into the authentic Tamaki Maori Village, where you can discover and learn more about Maori art forms, ancient rituals and traditions. Sit down to a traditional Maori hangi (feast) with your Maori hosts. Overnight in a Rotorua hotel with thermal pools. (B,D) Activities included: Cultural experience with traditional hangi meal, Kapa Haka (Maori song and dance) and an interactive cultural performance

3 Dag 6 - Rotorua to Whakahoro We start the day with a swim in a natural hot river before travelling to the spectacular Huka Falls. Then it s off to stay at the eco award-winning Blue Duck Station, a working sheep and beef farm, where you will take part in a farm safari and get the opportunity to see their conservation work in action in this spectacular place. During summer months there's an option to go on a short kayak through the gorge at the base of the Kaiwhakauka Falls. Your dinner is all cooked using local produce. (B,D) Activities included: See beautiful Huka Falls and enjoy a 4WD eco-wilderness adventure on our exclusive farm stay Dag 7 - Whakahoro to National Park Today we head back to the Tongariro National Park to give you the chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing; rated as New Zealand s best one-day walk. Alternatively other options include shorter walks around this volcanic region or visiting the Volcanic Centre Museum. Accommodation tonight is at the Alpine Lodge. (B,D) Activities included: Your choice of Tongariro Alpine Crossing and transfers or walk to Taranaki and Tawhai Falls AKA Gollum's Pool Dag 8 - National Park to Wellington Today we make our way to Wellington, New Zealand s capital city. Here you will see parliament buildings, including the iconic Beehive. There is plenty to do in Wellington like visiting Te Papa, the national museum and art gallery or the botanical gardens. (B) Dag 9 - Wellington/Picton to Abel Tasman From Wellington, we travel across the stunning Cook Strait to the coastal town of Picton where we join the coach that takes us through Marlborough, NZ s premier wine region to Abel Tasman National Park. Participate in a wine tasting and discover our world famous Sauvignon Blanc at a local winery. Visit the beautiful sandy golden beaches before heading to our accommodation for a bit of seafood and a BBQ dinner. (B,D) Activities included: Travel to the South Island aboard the Bluebridge Ferry and visit a winery in the famous Marlborough wine region.

4 Dag 10 - Full day in Abel Tasman You have a whole day to experience this incredible area. Walk the coastal track famous for some of New Zealand s best beaches or choose any of the optional activities on offer including sailing or sea kayaking (own expense). Tonight we provide you with BBQ facilities for you to self-cater. Accommodation is back at our cabins adjacent to the National Park. (B) Activities included: Explore the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy one of the many hikes, relax on one of the golden sand beaches or jump on an Aqua Taxi to reach one of the more remote tracks within the park. Dag 11 - Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs We are heading to the peaceful Hanmer Springs, first travelling through Kahurangi and Nelson National Parks. Both boast beautiful scenery and superb walks. We have a picnic lunch today before spending the afternoon relaxing in the hot pools. Dinner is a group meal. (B,D) Activities included: A visit to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa Dag 12 - Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura Kaikoura is known for its huge array of wildlife such as whales, dolphins, seals and albatross. We get to Kaikoura early so you can choose from the many optional activities such as walking around the cliff tops to see the seals and amazing views to joining a whale-watching cruise (additional cost). We spend the night in this charming coastal village. (B) Dag 13 - Kaikoura via Christchurch to Franz Josef Don t forget your camera today, as there are many fantastic photo opportunities. The day starts with a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains, followed by a brief visit to Christchurch. Next we travel over the famous Arthur s Pass and down onto the West Coast. Around almost every corner there s a new picturesque backdrop to enjoy. We also visit Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade) and the Bushman s Centre to learn about local history. The day ends at Franz Josef to see the famous glacier. We sleep in a rainforest lodge at Franz Josef. (D) Activities included: A visit to the Pounamu jade factory Dag 14 - Full day at Franz Josef The day is spent in Franz Josef, a World Heritage area. As well as the Glacier, the area is famous for its excellent walking trails. There are many great options but a highly recommended guided trip (own expense refer Notes) will enable you to get closer to the glacier. Tonight is self-catering; there are plenty of local cafes and restaurants to enjoy or make use of the self-catering kitchen. (B)

5 Dag 15 - Franz Josef to Makarora We head down the coast towards Mount Aspiring National Park and along the way see some breathtaking scenery including Lake Matheson, NZ s most photographed lake. We also visit a waterfall and travel over a spectacular alpine pass. Once we arrive at the National Park there s plenty of time to enjoy some of its activities including walking, scenic flights or jet boating (own expense). We spend the night in Chalets (B,D). Activities included: Walks around Lake Matheson also known as "Mirror Lake" and through the beech forest to the Blue Pools Dag 16 - Makarora to Queenstown Today s a day for the real thrill seeker as we head to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Before we get there, we visit Wanaka, a picturesque town, great for a spot of lunch. We then head to Bungy Bridge to see where the adventure all started. There s no pressure, you can jump or watch and it s up to you. In the evening we ll visit Queenstown s nightspots, often as lively as the bungy jump. (B) Dag Full Days Queenstown Enjoy two free days to explore Queenstown. Optional activities and meals are at own expense. Overnight accommodation included. Dag 19 - Queenstown to Doubtful Sound Fiordland National Park, with its stunning scenery, is our first port of call today. Within the National Park, there s Doubtful Sound, a true treasure of NZ. We board a purpose built boat and with the help of a nature guide we ll see fur seals, penguins and dolphins. There are also sea kayaks to enjoy. The night is spent on the boat, anchored within a secluded bay. (D) Activities included: Overnight Doubtful Sound cruise and sea kayaking Dag 20 - Doubtful Sound to Central Otago We leave the boat and then head through the stunning Otago Region. There are interesting relics of the gold rush to be enjoyed, particularly during our stop at the historic mining town of Arrowtown. Tonight we stay in unique accommodation in Otago Gold Country. (B,D) Dag 21 - Central Otago to Rangitata It s an active start to the day as we grab mountain bikes and ride parts of the Otago Gold Mining Trail. The trail is a lot of fun and a mountain bike is an ideal way to explore it. The trail is fine for all levels of riding abilities. We then head to Rangitata, one of the oldest sheep stations within the region and where we spend the night. (B) Activities included: Mountain biking along the historic Otago Gold Mining Trail

6 Dag 22 - Rangitata via Christchurch to Picton/Wellington The penultimate day is a whirlwind trip, which includes Christchurch, Picton and Wellington. Highlights of the day will include the stunning Marlborough Sounds, the Christchurch harbour and the flight over the Cook Strait. Activities included: Scenic flight across the Cook Strait back to the North Island Dag 23 - Wellington to Auckland Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. We stop along the way for photos and to have lunch in the township of a dual World Heritage area - National Park. (B) (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)