22 Day North to South

Transcription

1 22 Day North to South Winter departures: May - September 2017 Departs from: Auckland Day: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 7:30am Days: 22 Nights: 21 ITINERARY Day 1: Auckland to Hahei Depart Auckland in the morning and head south to the Coromandel Peninsula via the old colonial town of Thames. We ll settle into our accommodation in Hahei before heading to Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa pool in the sand (tidal dependent). Accommodation: Exclusive accommodation by the waterfront Free Activities: Hot Water Beach visit Day 2: Free Day in Hahei Today you have a full free day to embrace the laid back Coromandel lifestyle. Get up early to catch the sunrise on the beach, then take a scenic coastal walk or opt to kayak to stunning Cathedral Cove. You can also take a glass bottom boat tour through the nearby marine reserve. Accommodation: Exclusive accommodation by the waterfront Optional Activities: Kayaking, glass bottom boat tour Free Activities: Walk to Cathedral Cove, sunrise on the beach Day 3: Hahei to Raglan We leave Hahei early to travel towards the mighty Waikato River. Our destination is the worldrenowned Raglan surf beach, with cow spotting and a walk to Bridal Veil Falls on the way. Chill out on the beach or go hard surfing the waves in this funky surf and arts town. Accommodation: An eco-lodge surrounded by native bush near the beach Optional Activities: Learn to surf Free Activities: Waterfall walk, relax on the beach, spot glowworms in the bush, West Coast sunset, Inspiration Point. Day 4: Raglan (via Waitomo) to Rotorua Head to the rural town of Waitomo this morning for the chance to explore its famous cave systems and see the twinkling glowworms. We then carry on towards our overnight stop Rotorua, where you can spend the afternoon touring the Hobbiton Movie Set or checking out this popular tourist town. Accommodation: Comfortable central city lodge Optional Activities: Waitomo must do caving options, Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Free Activities: Walk around Ruakuri Reserve, Waitomo Valley Caves walk. Day 5: Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua The morning is free to try one of the many adventure activities on offer in Rotorua. We depart Rotorua at midday and drive into the remote area of Lake Aniwhenua. We will meet a local Maori guide who will take us to visit the area s sacred sites and a local Marae for a traditional welcome and afternoon tea. Tonight, we feast on a ground cooked hangi dinner at our lakeside accommodation. Accommodation: Scenic lakefront lodge Included Activities: Kohutapu Experience guided tour of sacred Maori rock carvings, Marae experience, afternoon tea, delicious ground cooked hangi feast and buffet breakfast. Winter Itinerary 22 Day North to South 1

2 Optional Activities: White water rafting, zorbing, ziplining Day 6: Lake Aniwhenua to Whakahoro After breakfast we depart and head to Taupo to see Huka Falls, and for the brave we have time for skydiving! In the afternoon, we make our way to Blue Duck Station, an award-winning 7,200 acre high country farm that is both a working station and an environmental conservation leader. Settle in and spend the evening learning a little more about what makes this unique destination one of Stray s top rated stops. Accommodation: Country station lodge and breakfast. Optional Activities: Skydiving! Free Activities: Huka Falls, enjoy your hosts hospitality and stories on the local wildlife and history. Day 7: Free Day in Whakahoro Today you have a free day to explore this truly amazing and secluded location in depth. There are plenty of farming and conservation-based activities for you to immerse yourself in an authentic New Zealand station experience. Accommodation: Country station lodge Included Activities: Eco-Warrior 4WD farm tour. Optional Activities: Horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and goat hunting. Free Activities: Walk around the property, take in the lush scenery, walk to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall. Day 8: Whakahoro to National Park We depart at 6am and head to the active volcanoes of the nearby dual World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park. Today you get a chance to do what is rated as one of the world s best one day walks: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Be prepared for some epic scenery as you walk around the base of Mt Doom from the Lord of the Rings films. Accommodation: Alpine lodge Optional Activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Free Activities: Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre. Day 9: National Park to Wellington Today we head to Wellington, New Zealand s capital city, via Ohakune, Taihape and Bulls. You have the afternoon to cruise around the shops and cafes along popular Cuba Street, explore the New Zealand wonders found in Te Papa or stroll along the waterfront. Included Activities: Central city hostel Free Activities: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views, visit Te Papa National Museum. Day 10: Wellington to Marahau We catch the 8am Bluebridge Ferry (check-in 7am) across to Picton on the South Island and meet the Stray bus. We will cruise through the famous Marlborough vineyard area and the coastal town of Nelson on our way to our amazing overnight stop of Marahau, right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Accommodation: Unique Stray accommodation on the edge of the national park Optional Activities: Wine tasting, skydiving. Included Activities: Ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton. Swim, walk, mussel tasting around the fire. Day 11: Free day in Marahau You have the entire day free to explore this stunning coastal national park renowned for its golden sand beaches. Hike, sail, kayak or skydive Abel Tasman National Park is gorgeous no matter which option you choose. Winter Itinerary 22 Day North to South 2

3 Accommodation: Unique Stray accommodation on the edge of the national park. Optional Activities: Full day sailing trip, kayaking, skydiving, water taxi, horse riding or hang gliding. Included Activities: Walk part of the Abel Tasman track and catch an Aqua Taxi home, or just relax on one of the golden sand beaches! Day 12: Marahau to Westport Today we head south towards the wild West Coast passing through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road that was rated one of the Top 10 drives in the world by Lonely Planet. We stop at Cape Foulwind to visit the seal colony and then head for the historic coal mining town, Westport. The sunset from our accommodation tonight is a must see if the weather is clear! Accommodation: Charming character villa in the centre of town. Optional Activities: Surfing, caving, craft brewery tour. Included Activities: Westport seal colony, West Coast sunset. Day 13: Westport to Franz Josef An early start takes us further down the rugged West Coast to the spectacular limestone Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes. We ll stop to take a short walk and grab refreshments at the café before we head for the historic gold mining town, Greymouth. We do pick-ups in Greymouth and make a stop in Hokitika before reaching the quaint little town of Franz Josef, home to the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Accommodation: Lodge in the middle of the rainforest Free Activities: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and their mighty blowholes, Truman Track walk. Day 14: Free Day in Franz Josef Enjoy a full free day to explore the glacier. Live your glacier walking dream with a guided tour on the glacier or hike to view it from below, then unwind in the spa pools afterwards. Accommodation: Lodge in the middle of the rainforest Optional Activities: Ice Explorer Trip (short helicopter flight onto the glacier) Glacier Valley Walk Free Activities: Any of the good bush walks in the area Day 15: Franz Josef to Wanaka Depart early to take a walk to the mirror-like Lake Matheson, stop at Fox Glacier for pickups, and then travel through the mountainous Haast Pass and Makarora. We pass by the beautiful Lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka late afternoon. Free Activities: Lake Matheson walk, Ship Creek walk, Blue Pools walk, Thundercreek Falls walk, explore Wanaka Day 16: Wanaka to Queenstown This morning, head out on a guided bike tour around the lake before we depart Wanaka and cruise down to the famous A.J. Hackett bungy site, where you can take the plunge - if you dare! Then, it s on to the Adventure Capital of the World! Queenstown offers an optional big (make that huge) night out with a variety of excellent restaurants, pubs and live music. Included Activities: Guided bike tour Day 17-19: Free Days in Queenstown With so much to see and do in and around Queenstown, you need three full days to take it all in! To get you started, a couple highlight activities are included in your package. Day 1: You'll take an exhilarating Shotover Jet Boat ride through the spectacular Shotover River Canyons in the morning and then have the afternoon free for more Queenstown fun. Winter Itinerary 22 Day North to South 3

4 Day 2: Depart early on a day long trip to the jaw dropping Doubtful Sound in stunning Fiordland National Park, where you'll take a three hour wilderness cruise and learn more about this incredible natural wonder. Day 3: Make the most of your final free day doing any of the other incredible activities on offer or further exploring Queenstown. Optional Activities: Any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jetboating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding...), trip to Milford Sound. Included Activities: Shotover Jet and Doubtful Sound Day Trip. Free Activities: Sleep in, great walks, take in beautiful views from this cool resort town. Day 20: Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook Depart Queenstown early to drive over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and past Lake Pukaki, then head north to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand s highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook, arriving in the early afternoon. Accommodation: Stunning alpine lodge Optional Activities: Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, 6WD Argo Tour. Free Activities: Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, do one of the many great short walks to the Hooker Glacial Lake. Day 21: Mt Cook to Rangitata Today we make our way to the Lord of the Rings landscape of Rangitata. We head past turquoise Lake Tekapo, where we stop for ice-skating, snow tubing or a swim at the hot springs. We arrive early afternoon in Geraldine, and then continue through to spend the night at a remote lodge in the Rangitata Peel Forest. Accommodation: One of Canterbury s original sheep stations Optional Activities: Horse ride through Peel Forest. Free Activities: Take photos of stunning scenery, go for a walk. Day 22: Rangitata to Christchurch Depart early for an express haul across the Canterbury plains to Christchurch, arriving at the Christchurch International Airport by 9.40am, where your journey comes to an end. We hope you had a blast! Tour Highlights Hot Water Beach - dig your own hot tub in the sand! Walk to Cathedral Cove - considered one of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches. Maori cultural experience with traditional meal and story telling Bubbling hot pools in Rotorua Mighty Huka Falls Bush safari at unique eco-wilderness stop Tongariro Alpine Crossing Te Papa National Museum in Wellington Abel Tasman National Park Franz Josef Glacier Mount Aspiring National Park Two free days in Queenstown Day trip to stunning Doubtful Sound Winter Itinerary 22 Day North to South 4

5 Inclusions Experienced Tour Guide throughout the trip 21 nights accommodation (price is for a dorm bed - upgrades are available) Ferry crossing between the North and South Islands Mourea: Maori cultural experience traditional meal, interactive performance, dinner, breakfast Lake Aniwhenua: Kohutapu experience guided tour of sacred Maori rock carvings, Marae experience, afternoon tea, ground cooked hangi feast and buffet breakfast Whakahoro: Eco-Warrior 4WD farm tour Marahau/Abel Tasman: Aqua Taxi Wanaka: Guided Bike Tour Queenstown: Shotover Jet Queenstown: Day trip to Doubtful Sound What to Bring Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear, hat and sunscreen, motion sickness tablets, water bottle, towel and toiletries, warm clothing and waterproof jacket, insect repellent, camera. Accommodation Standard accommodation is for a dorm bed. You can upgrade your accommodation to a single or twin/double private room (select this option when booking - subject to availability). Please note that at some destinations your private room will include an ensuite bathroom and some it won't. Twin/double upgrade rates are based on two people sharing a room and can only be booked if you are travelling with a companion. Please note: During Winter our Stray Journeys are operated on our hop-on hop-off bus network. This means some passengers on your trip who are travelling on flexible passes will be hopping on and off the bus. Stray Journeys passengers will follow a fixed itinerary with specified inclusions. You can expect to travel on a modern comfortable bus (mid-coach) and to be led by a knowledgeable Driver Guide. No meals are included with Winter Itineraries except for at Lake Aniwhenua (includes afternoon tea, dinner and breakfast). Winter itineraries are discounted to compensate for this. A 15% discount off these rates is available for children aged 12 and under. Winter Itinerary 22 Day North to South 5