Adventure at World’s End

1.Tag: Arrival in Auckland and Coromandel

»Kia ora!« Welcome to Aotearoa, the »country of the long white cloud«. Auckland is known as »the city of sails« and once you get to the harbour you will know why. You meet your guide at 08:00 o’clock in the hotel lobby today. After a short briefing we head straight towards the turquoise waters of the Coromandel pensinsula. When the timing is right, we grab our swimmers and a spade and head to Hot Water Beach. There are hot springs below the sand that reveal themselves at low tide. Dig a hole, make yourself comfy and enjoy!

Included activities:
– Hot Water Beach

2.Tag: Cathedral Cove and Rotorua

After breakfast we explore the famous Cathedral Cove. A short walk takes us down the cliff to the beach and its well-known arch. The ocean carved stunning  formations into the rocks. Beautiful beaches invite you to spread your towel and admire the setting. Take your swimmers, if you are keen to take a dip. After a relaxing morning, we drive towards Rotorua; en route, we’ll visit Matamata – best known for being the home of Hobbiton. For Lord of the Rings fans, a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set is an absolute must-do. On a fully guided tour of the 12 acre Middle-earth set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn! If hobbits aren’t your thing there are plenty of scenic short walks to enjoy Matamata’s lush green rolling hills. Later today we arrive in Rotorua. The charming town lies within a very active geothermal area, so you smell the town before you see it. The water in its colourful lakes are piping hot, the local park is filled with steam and there are geysers and mud pools around every corner.

Included activities:
– Walk to Cathedral Cove

3.Tag: Geothermal Rotorua

Today the choice is yours: you can relax in the local springs, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, raft down a 7m waterfall. Those who want to explore Rotorua should take a walk around the Maori community Ohinemutu. When you go there, make sure to visit the church. It features a Maori Jesus. Or head to Waitomo, which is known for its glowworm caves that are waiting to be explored. If you’re thinking of a guided walk, you will quickly realise that things are done differently in New Zealand. You can go rafting through the pitch-black underworld or abseil, jump and swim through the darkness during a caving adventure. If you don’t fancy getting wet, your guide will organise a less pulse raising activity for you. Whichever you chose, you’ll have a fantastic time.

4.Tag: Rotorua to Murupara

This morning we visit Te Puia Maori Village. Here you’ll learn more about Maori history and culture, come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, see jumping mud pools and get up close and personal with kiwi birds. Later this afternoon we head to Murupara – a living Maori village – where you will experience a tribal tour by a village elder. Here you’ll also have a chance to learn the world-famous haka dance, and weave your own dinner plate using flax. Tonight’s dinner is a traditional hangi meal. Cooked in an underground earth oven you can expect tender meat and delicious vegetables infused with a smoky, earthy fragrance – it will fill your puku (belly) right up. The best part about spending the evening at Kohutapu Lodge? The majority of proceeds from this activity go back to the local community.

Included activities:
– Visit Te Puia Maori Village
– Visit of a Maori community incl. cultural performance and hangi

5.Tag: Murupara to Taupo

After breakfast we take the short drive to Taupo, taking in the powerful Haka Falls on the way. Lake Taupo is roughly the size of Singapore and on a sunny day it’s stunningly beautiful. Go for a swim, relax by the water, or explore the town. If a Skydive is on your bucket list, you are at the right place. Once you jumped out of the plane and the parachute has opened, you are gliding above the lake with mesmerising views of the snow-capped volcanoes of Tongarioro Nationalpark in the far distance.

6.Tag: A free day in Taupo

Today is yours. Many travellers come to Taupo to hike the Tongariro Crossing with its green lakes and mystical volcanic landscape. So naturally, when the weather conditions allow, you have the chance to do just that. The hike is no walk in the park but we guarantee that your efforts will be rewarded. If you fancy a bit of relaxation, head to the local hot springs or take a walk along the lake.

7.Tag: Taupo to Wellington

After breakfast we buckle up and begin the long drive to Wellington. There’s some unmissable scenery on offer. Lord of the Rings junkies, you’re in for a treat. On the way we pass through Tongariro Nationalpark and follow State Highway 1 that offers views of three active volcanoes. We reach New Zealand’s capital in the late afternoon, so you have plenty of time to check out the city’s cafes, restaurants and bars. Wellington is regularly voted as the world’s best place to live in and today we find out why. There is just enough time today to take a behind-the-scenes tour through the Weta Studios, where the Lord of the Rings movies were produced. Alternatively you can ride the cable car to the Botanic Gardens, visit the national museum Te Papa, take a stroll along the picturesque harbour or simply spread your towel on one of the beaches. If you are into beer, make sure that you follow the craft beer trail. Whatever you decide to do, you will quickly understand why the Wellingtonians love their city so much.

8.Tag: The South Island

After breakfast our guide takes us to the top of Mount Victoria, from where we enjoy a complete panorama of the city and, on a clear day, we might even get a glimpse of the South Island. There are lots of walks leading down to the city and you can pick your favourite one. Lord of the Rings fans should follow the »Hobbit Trail« that leads to different filming locations within the park. In the afternoon we board the ferry that takes us to the South Island. Find yourself a sheltered place in the sun, feel the breeze and enjoy the journey. If you are lucky, you may spot a pod of dolphins. So keep your eyes wide open. When you get off the boat in Picton, you feel like you are in another country. We board our coach and drive to Kaikoura. This evening you should to try some crayfish – the town’s name giver.

Included activities:
– Walk to the top of Mount Victoria
– Ferry ride from Wellington to Picton

9.Tag: Kaikoura to Christchurch

The waters off Kaikoura’s coast are bursting with nutritions that attract plenty of sea mammals. There are about 300 pods of dolphins in the area and whales join them throughout the year. Why not join a boat trip to get up close with these lovely animals? The town is also well-known for its seal colonies that hide their babies in the nearby forest. Our guide makes sure that we get the chance to say hello to these gentle creatures, before we continue to Christchurch.

Included activities:
– Visit to a seal colony

10.Tag: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

After breakfast our guide takes us on a tour around Christchurch. The city was struck by a strong earthquake in 2011 and is still recovering. Your guide will show you how the inhabitants rebuild the city. Although Christchurch is under threat of another big earthquake any time, the city attracts lots of young people who bring along hip cafes, cool little shops and an inspiring love for life. After lunch we continue to the next highlight, Lake Tekapo. You can rub your eyes as long as you like, the turqoise colour of the lake is real. We explore the area with the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd and, if you feel fit enough, you can climb to the top of Mount John. You should return at night because this area boasts the best night sky in the whole of New Zealand.

Included activities:
– Christchurch city tour
– Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
– Experience Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve

11.Tag: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

If you are hungry for some action, be patient, tomorrow will be your chance to let it all out. We are heading to New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown. On the way we drive past picture perfect landscapes with more stunningly blue lakes and snow-capped peaks. Many of the scenes of Return of the King were filmed here, so it’s another epic day for Lord of the Rings fans. Before we head into town, we make sure to stop at Kawarau Gorge, which happens to be the World Home of Bungy, so give it a go or enjoy watching the jumpers scream their way through the gorge. Once we are in Queenstown our guide takes us around town. We suggest you take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Queenstown is famous for its nightlife, so mingle with the other travellers and enjoy the night. Before you start the party, we recommend you join the others in the queue for a delicious Fergburger. This is a true Queenstown institution.

Included activities:
– Hike up Mt John
– Stop at Kawarau Bridge

12.Tag: Time for action in Queenstown

Today is all yours. Ask your guide for a full list of all the activities on offer and pick your favourite. Almost anything is possible. If you want to see New Zealand’s most famous fiord, join a day trip that will take you to Milford Sound. If you are looking for more Lord of the Rings locations, we’ve got you covered on a 4WD tour. If you fancy a hike, ask your guide for his recommendation. For a rush of adrenalin, try canyoning, extreme jet boating or the huge canyon swing.

13.Tag: Queenstown to Wanaka

After breakfast you can relax, or, if you fancy, you can try one of the other activities on offer in Queenstown. When your thirst for adventure is stilled, we travel up the road to charming Wanaka. The town is often refered to as Queenstown’s little sister but you will soon find the atmosphere is a little more laid-back. You can go for a walk along the beautiful Lake Wanaka or hike to the top of Roy’s Peak to enjoy the view of the town and the Southern Alps. If you are in for a movie, visit Cinema Paradiso. This quirky cinema serves finger-licking good cookies straight out of the oven during the break.

Included activities:
– Stop in Arrowtown

14.Tag: Wanaka to Franz Josef

Enjoy a free morning in Wanaka, before we buckle up and follow one of the most scenic routes in all of New Zealand to Franz Josef. The road leads us past waterfalls and along the dramatic coast. As we hit the road, we’ll stop at one of our top lakeside lookout points at Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and pick the best option. From the cascading waterfalls of Haast Pass to classic Kiwi coastal views, you won’t want to nap on the bus in case you miss anything. Your guide will have some epic surprise photo stops and short walks along the way. In the late afternoon we arrive in Franz Josef and you have time to explore the town and decide what you want to do tomorrow.

Included activities:
– Lake Hawea Lookout
– Haast Pass

15.Tag: Glacier exploration in Franz Josef

Franz Josef is just a few kilometers away from Franz Josef Glacier, so today you are in for some glacier exploration. You can opt to see it from above during a scenic flight, or even land upon its icy top and explore it with a guide. Alternatively you can rent a bike, ride to the park entrance and follow the track to the glacier’s edge. The path leads you through a forest that suddenly opens up to a rocky, almost moon-like landscape. You continue following a river bed and pass cascading waterfalls along the way, until you reach the glacier tounge and marvel at the blue ice of the glacier. Please stay behind the barriers as glaciers are unpredictable and ice can break off without notice.

16.Tag: TranzAlpine to Christchurch

The last day of your tour has arrived and we make sure that it’s a stunner. We will drive along the scenic coastal highway and stop in Hokitika, where we visit a greenstone factory. If you are still looking for a souvenir, you might find one here. If there is enough time, we also pay a visit to the National Kiwi Centre to get a glimpse of these funny birds. Around midday we arrive in Greymouth and board the famous TranzAlpine train that takes us across Arthur’s Pass. Sit back and take in the views as the landscape changes from coast, to rainforests, to snow-capped mountains. You traverse the wide Canterbury Plains until you reach Christchurch in the early evening. Enjoy the last evening with your new friends in one of Christchurch’s quirky bars.

Included activities:
– Visit Hokitika Greenstone Factory
– TranzAlpine train crossing

17.Tag: Christchurch and departure

Today it’s time to say goodbye. Don’t be sad. You have made new friends and take wonderful memories home with you.