Adventure Odyssey

Single Supplement: From $1,125

2010 Dates: Jan 11; Feb 15; Mar 22

This is one of our many multi-sport adventure itineraries. Call us to learn more about other New Zealand trips or available dates.

Adventure Odyssey is a 14 day North and South Island adventure that will take you sailing, 4-wheel driving, caving, native bird watching, rafting, jet boating, sea kayaking, glacier walking and hiking. You will also have the opportunity to drop into an active volcano and be introduced to the Maori culture!

Day 1 : Christchurch
The day starts with a scenic drive around the Christchurch’s Port hills, which offer panoramic views of Banks Peninsula. Following this we visit Orana Park where we go on a short native bird life tour. You will meet some of our elusive native birds such as the nocturnal Kiwi, the Tieke (Saddle Back) and the Whio (Blue Duck). Following this we head across the fertile Canterbury plains via the small rural town of Geraldine to Fairlie, where we meet our farm stay hosts. (L, D)

Day 2 : Mount Cook National Park
After a short farm tour and hearty breakfast, we head toward Mt Cook. Crossing Burke Pass, we enter the Mackenzie Basin. We follow the shores of the Lake Pukaki to Mt. Cook National Park. We take a walk up the Hooker Valley, watched over by our tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. Along the way we cross two swing bridges, beneath which the thundering Hooker River flows. Upon our return we board our coach for the drive to Queenstown. (B, L)

Day 3 : Queenstown
This is a free day. Some optional activities include a round trip to Milford Sound by coach and/or plane, a trip to Skippers Canyon by 4 wheel drive vehicle, a cruise on a historic steam boat across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak sheep station, a ride on the gondola, a visit to Arrowtown and Gibbstown winery, a walk around the public parks and gardens, bungy jumping, a guided wine tour, relaxing by the lake, or shopping. (B)

Day 4 : Fox Glacier
We head out of Queenstown early to head towards Jackson Bay, joining the awesome Waiatoto jet-boat experience. We are driven by our skilled, professional driver up the Waiatoto River, which takes us deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park. A walk option provides the chance to enjoy the solitude of your surroundings before returning to the coast. Once back in the bus we head along the coast to Fox Glacier Township, in the Westland National Park (a World Heritage area). An evening option is to take a leisurely stroll around Lake Matheson. Another option is to take a helicopter ride to the upper Fox Glacier nevé. We stay the night in Fox Glacier Village at the Te Weheka Inn. (B, L)

Day 5 : Glacier Hiking
Following a briefing from our experienced glacier guide, we depart for a 3 hour walk onto the Fox Glacier. After lunch we continue through extensive areas of luxuriant forest to Hokitika and finally to Punakaiki. Before dinner we take a walk around the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. (B, L)

Day 6 : Cave Rafting
Our adventure today is cave rafting. We travel north along the spectacular coast to Charleston. Here we join our cave rafting tour, which takes us up the Nile River in a small train. We change into wetsuits, grab our inner tubes and head underground. We exit the caves by floating downstream. After lunch, we continue north until we meet the Buller River, which we follow inland via its bush clad gorges. We stop in the upper gorge to experience New Zealand's longest Swing Bridge, before continuing to Murchison and then to Nelson. (B, L)

Day 7 : Sea Kayaking on Malborough Sound
The drive from Nelson to Picton is a beautiful one with mixture of pastoral landscapes intermingled with native and exotic forests. There is time for a stop at a few scenic lookouts along the way before we rendezvous with our kayak guides. We then experience a half-day tour of the beautiful Marlborough Sound via the comfort of a stable, double sea kayak. Continuing along the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound by coach we reach our night's accommodation, Portage Resort Hotel. (B, L)

Day 8 : Queen Charlotte Walkway
The Queen Charlotte Walkway is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to the busy Abel Tasman National Park. It follows the hilly spine that separates the Pelorus sound (to the west) from the Queen Charlotte Sound. It begins at the historic Ship Cove, and continues 71 km to its finish at Anakiwa, the southern end of the sound. Unfortunately you won't have time to walk the whole track; however there is plenty of time to do a section of around 21 km from Ship Cove. Shorter walking options are available, but need to be organized with your guide. (B, L)

Day 9 : Wellington
A water taxi takes us back to Picton and after lunch we board the Cook Straight ferry for the scenic journey to Wellington. Late afternoon we have a short visit to Te Papa, the national museum, which is walking distance from your hotel. (B, L)

Day 10 : Birdwatching on Kapiti Island
This morning we journey by coach and boat to Kapiti Island, a conservation gem, access to the island is strictly limited, in order to preserve the islands bird life. This is a rare chance to view some of these birds in the wild, many of which have all but vanished from the mainland. The island is introduced by a Department of Conservation guide who provides an interpretation and historical account of the islands colorful past. By mid afternoon we return to our coach and complete the drive to River Valley Lodge.
(B, L, D)

Day 11 : Rafting the Rangitikei River
The Rangitikei River (home to some of the spectacular Lord of the Rings footage) is also home to some high class river rafting. Dependent on the degree of challenge sought; there are three options available. By mid afternoon it’s back on the road for a relaxing drive north to Rotorua. If time allows on the way, we stop for a short walk at the Craters of the Moon thermal area and view the mighty Huka falls. Tonight is free to explore Rotorua. (B, L)

Day 12 : White Island
After an early breakfast, we head down to Whakatane, the launching point for our 50 km launch ride to the steaming, active volcano, White Island. Here you don your gas mask and helmet and board the small tender vessel that ferries you to the island. What follows is a fascinating tour and a hike to the crater rim. Back on board we have a delicious lunch as the boat begins the journey back to Whakatane. In the evening we will attend a cultural experience on a marae, (the traditional center of a Maori village) where we will experience a formal Maori welcome by our hosts. They will then entertain us with a Maori concert, we return to our accommodation in Rotorua. (B, L, D)

Day 13 : 4x4-ing in Rotorua
The morning starts with a visit to the Rotorua Bathhouse Museum where we explore the differing aspects of the Maori and early European cultures. After the museum it’s time to try something completely different. This activity involves little 4 x 4 vehicles, lots of mud and sweaty palms. All perfectly safe, but just a little nerve racking! After this its time to let the nerves settle on the drive through the fertile Waikato farmlands to Auckland. (B, L)

Day 14 : Sailing in Auckland
A short drive to Auckland's viaduct basin from our base at the Barrycourt Motor Inn. Here we board our yacht for a sail on Auckland's sparkling Waitemata Harbour. As we leave the marina it shouldn't be too hard to see why Auckland is known as the City of Sails! Learn some sailing jargon, take the helm, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the sea breeze over a late breakfast. After the sailing it’s time for our final goodbyes, your guides will deliver you to your central city hotel or will arrange transport for you to the International Airport. (B)

Included:

• 13 nights quality accommodation on a twin or double basis
• Experienced driver/guide
• Transport using comfortable modern vehicle
• Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All activities listed in itinerary
• All hikes as indicated include National Park fees
• NZ Goods and Service Tax (GST) of 12.5%

• International airfare
• Activities not specified in itinerary
• Items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, wine with meals, phone calls etc.
• Gratuities
• Travel Insurance

*Price subject to change based on exchange rate at time of booking.