Top n Tail (Adventure Tour)

What's Included:
Transport Auckland to Auckland  -  17 nights accommodation  - Waitomo Glow worm caves  - Wai o Tapu Thermal Wonderland -  Thunderous Huka Falls  - Return journey on scenic Interisland Ferry  - Picturesque Abel Tasman Day trip with cruise -  Punakaiki Rocks and blowholes  - Scenic Truman Track  - View Geenstone carving in Hokitika - Majestic Milford Sound day trip and cruise  - The original bungy site at historic Kawerau Bridge - Stunning journeys through Kahurangi, Paparoa, Westland, Mt Aspiring, Fiordland and Tongariro National Parks  - Mackenzie Country and views of Mt Cook  - Kaikoura seal colony  - View endangered wildlife at Mt Bruce - Art deco town of Napier  - Beach resort of Moutn Maunganui  - Scenic Karangahake Gorge - Historic goldmining town of Thames.

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 - Nelson
Board the Interisland ferry, and travel through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Picton, where you will meet the coach.  Then travel past vast grape-growing areas before arriving in the relaxed town of Nelson, known for its unique atmosphere and dynamic population of local artists.

Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park
Travel on the coach from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park, where you will board the boat and cruise through crystal clear water.  You will disembark at either Bark Bay or Torrent Bay, and walk along golden sand and pristine native bush, before meeting the coach and returning to Nelson.

Day 6: Nelson - Greymouth
The scenery will change as you reach the rugged West Coast.  Walk along Truman Track through stunning native bush to a deserted beach, before visiting the incredible pancake rocks at Punakaiki.

Day 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: In Queenstown
Spend the day trying out some of the huge range of activities on offer in ‘the adventure capital of the world’

Day 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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.

Day 14: Christchurch - Kaikoura
Motor through north Canterbury before reaching the coast.  You get the chance to view endangered mammals at a seal colony, before arriving in the unique town of Kaikoura.   In the afternoon – make the most of the bountiful marine life in the area by joining a whale watching expedition or swim with a pod of dusky dolphins.

Day 15: Kaikoura - Wellington
Drive by the vineyards of Blenheim before arriving in Picton. Board the Interisland ferry adn return to Wellington.

Day 16: Wellington - Napier
This morning will will pick you up from your arranged location before heading north to Napier. We drive over the Rimutakas after leaving the capital.  The first stop this morning will be at Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre to see endangered wildlife such as Kiwi and Tuatara. Continue on through the Wairarapa, passing a wind farm and the historic Tui brewery in Mangatainoka.  Arrive in Napier at lunchtime. This will allow you enough time to visit some of the local wineries or journey out to Cape Kidnappers and see the largest on-land gannet colony in the world.  Take the time also to walk around prominent art deco buildings in the central city and find out more about the earthquake, which shattered the city in the 1930s and led to the reconstruction in the unique art deco style.

Day 17: Napier - Mount Maunganui
Travel over the hills to Taupo, where you stop briefly at Huka Falls before continuing on to Rotorua. Choose one of the sight seeing options to complete during your time here – the thermal area at Whakarewarewa, a great view overlooking the lake at Skyline Gondola, an adrenaline rush at the Agrodome, or a culinary experience mixed with some culture at the realm of Tane.  After leaving Rotorua, it is a short drive further on to Mount Maunganui, a pretty beachside town.

Day 18: Mount Maunganui - Auckland
Spend the morning either relaxing on the beach or taking the climb up Mount Maunganui before driving back to Auckland, passing through native bush and unique small towns such as Paeroa and the historic goldmining town of Thames.