New Zealand : Natural New Zealand

Day 1 Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula
You will be collected by your Kiwi Dundee specialist guide and leave Auckland by mini-coach. Travel along the seabird coast, where depending on the time of year, you may spot a variety of sea and shore birds. After a visit to the historic mining town of Thames, follow the west shore of the Coromandel Peninsula, which is lined with red-flowering pohutukawa trees, to a sub-tropical rainforest, where giant kauri and lush ferns are found. Cross the mountainous backbone of the peninsula to reach the east coast, for a two night stay at the Puka Park Lodge (or similar).

Day 2 exploring the Coromandel Peninsula
A day of stunning contrasts begins with a visit to an abandoned gold mine, now home to glow worms. Then explore a coast of white sand beaches and lush forests in search of kauri gum, petrified wood, crystals and even gold. After a picnic lunch, visit Hot Water Beach, where if the tides are right, we can take a natural sauna in the sand and continue onto Cooks Beach learning about the area’s fascinating history.  Breakfast & Lunch are included today.

Day 3 Coromandel - Rotorua
Travel through the fruit growing region of the Bay of Plenty and visit an avocado and kiwi fruit orchard. Heading inland, reach Rotorua, famed for its variety of geothermal springs, geysers, mud pools and silica terraces, as well as its fascinating Maori cultural events. Stay overnight at the Quality Hotel or enjoy a B&B.  An evening hangi and Maori concert is recommended. Here your Kiwi Dundee guide will say farewell.  Breakfast and Lunch are included today.  Overnight at  Quality Hotel or B&B.

Day 4 Rotorua - Christchurch
The morning is free to explore Rotorua and you don’t have to go far to find the hot springs – they are all over the town, but some of the most interesting are at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. The Maori Arts and Crafts Centre offers a fascinating insight into their way of life. Transfer to the Rotorua Airport for the flight to Christchurch, on the South Island (flight at extra cost). On arrival transfer to Quality Hotel or a B&B, where you stay for two nights.

Day 5 Christchurch
Spend the day at leisure.  Breakfast is included today.

Day 6 Christchurch - Arthurs Pass
You will be collected by your Canterbury Trails specialist guide for the start of your South Island tour. Head to the Port Hills for a view of over the Canterbury Plains then cross to the foothills of the Southern Alps and into the high country leading to Arthurs Pass. This alpine village is located on the divide and you’ll stay at the nearby Wilderness Lodge for 2 nights.  Afternoon Tea and Dinner are included today.

Day 7 exploring around the lodge
Spend today discovering the high country on foot, by canoe or on mountain bikes. Enjoy the alpine plants, mischievous birdlife and outstanding scenery. You’ll also learn about life on a sheep station and take part in some of the day to day activities, or we can just relax and enjoy our stunning surrounds.  Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner are included today.

Day 8 Arthurs Pass - Fox Glacier
Cross over the divide through the National Park of Arthurs Pass, possibly encountering the audacious kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. Winding down through the Otira Gorge, come to the lush rain-forested valleys of the West Coast. This route was used by miners and leads to the once thriving gold-mining town of Hokitika, now a great place to purchase Maori greenstone. Continuing down the rugged West Coast, to Franz Josef Glacier for a short walk to a look out for a memorable view of the glacier advancing towards the rainforest. Carry on to Fox Glacier for an overnight stay at Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel, Te Weheka (or similar).  Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are included today.

Day 9 Fox Glacier - Lake Moeraki
Spend the day exploring the glaciated plains of Fox Glacier where everyone has the option to take a guided glacier walk or helicopter trip (at extra cost). After lunch, take a gentle stroll around idyllic Lake Matheson, where incredible reflections of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman can be seen. Driving south again, stop at Bruce Bay and Lake Paringa en route to Lake Moeraki, one of New Zealand’s top nature spots, where we stay for two nights at the award-winning Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge.  Breakfast, Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea and Dinner are included today.

Day 10 Lake Moeraki
Explore the glorious surrounds of Lake Moeraki. Enveloped by pristine lowland rainforest, and cut through by rivers that drain off the snow-capped Southern Alps, the lodge is in the heart of a World Heritage conservation area that also takes in a spectacular coastline. Lashed by the waves of the restless Tasman Sea, its moody beaches are backed by tracts of forest, where some of the tallest trees in New Zealand are found. On the shore, fur seals haul out and Fiordland crested penguins can be observed going to and from their nesting sites.  Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner are included today.

Day 11 Lake Moeraki-Wanaka-Queenstown
Leaving Moeraki, stop at Ship Creek, where you may be lucky enough to see Hector’s dolphins playing in the surf. Walk through a primeval swamp forest to see the ‘dinosaur’ trees, and fossick for greenstone on the beach. Then it’s over the Haast Pass to the drier tussock grasslands of Otago, stopping at a lovely waterfall along the way. Skirting Mt Aspiring National Park, arrive in Wanaka and follow the mountain road through the Crown Range to Queenstown, with a stop at historic Arrowtown en route. Next three nights at Millbrook Resort.  Breakast, Morning Tea and Afternoon Tea are included today.

Day 12 Queenstown
A free day for you to choose from the many activities on offer at this lively, hospitable town. There are scenic lake cruises, gondola rides, walks or you can enjoy a round of golf or some fly fishing. The more energetic may be tempted by a river rafting or jet boat trip. Your guide will be available to offer advice and help with transport to your chosen activity.  Breakfast is included today.

Day 13 Milford Sound
The road to Milford Sound leads through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in New Zealand – glaciated valleys, jewel-like lakes, precipitous mountains and pristine forests. Once through the Homer Tunnel, descend to the Sound and join a cruise to view thunderous waterfalls and mile-high Mitre Peak. Those who wish can take a scenic flight or helicopter ride to return to Queenstown (at extra cost). Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are included today.

Day 14 depart Queenstown
After breakfast, there is time for some last minute shopping before you check out and continue your travel arrangements. Your guide will transfer you to the airport if required.  Breakfast is included today.