Ultimate Explorer

New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. This tour provides an action-packed adventure vacation along with great flexibility. If you want to spend longer in a location then you can do so by catching a later bus passing through (by prior arrangement). With bicycles, camping gear and much more on board this tour is ideal for outdoor focussed travellers and groups of all fitness levels.

You will visit many out of the way special places that are off the beaten tourist path as well as visiting New Zealand's famous tourism icons. Your guides will provide you with many insights into New Zealand's nature, geography and history and they are there to help you make the most of your camping vacation.

You will camp in great locations and will do so in comfort to maximize your holiday enjoyment. If the weather turns bad, you can usually upgrade to a cabin, lodge or chalet (subject to availability). Cooking is done in groups on a roster basis so you won’t spend every night cooking.

Activities marked with a "*" signify they are done at additional cost.
Meals in italics indicate they are provided as part of the tour package.

Day 1. Auckland to Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland at 10am and escape the city, heading for the golden beaches and warm waters of the Bay of Islands. Visit the Treaty House* at Waitangi, take a mangrove walk leading to the Haruru Waterfalls or cycle a scenic route. End the day with stargazing at our camp. (Lunch/Dinner)

Day 2. Bay of Islands
Wake up to a delicious pancake breakfast. Spend the day in the Bay of Islands with clear waters, ranging in hue from turquoise to deep blue. Relax at the beach or surf on our free boogie boards. Enjoy Opua Forest walks, cycle the scenic loop to Russell visiting Kauri Grove on the way. There is an option to join a trip to Cape Reinga*, sail the Bay of Islands*, swim with dolphins* or dive the Rainbow Warrior*. At night time see an optional Maori Concert*. You will stay a second night at the same campsite. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 3. Sand dunes - Waipoua Forest - hot pools
A day full of adventure. Great cycle routes and walk options, then on to the dunes of Opononi for beach fun and optional sand boarding*. Cycle or bus to Waipoua Forest to explore the giant Kauri trees. Travel Hibiscus Coast to our camp at the famous Waiwera hot pools* for a relaxing dip. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 4. Coromandel - Hot water beach
Return through Auckland, then depart at 10am for the Coromandel Peninsula. If you like, cycle along some of the scenic route following Pohutukawa-lined shores with magnificent views of the peninsula. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Cathedral Cove or dig pools where thermal water springs from the sands at Hot Water Beach. Optional sea kayak* around dramatic coastlines. Camp near the beach tonight. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 5. Rotorua
Some exciting cycle options. Soak up the atmosphere and sulphur of Rotorua and its thermal wonderland. There are also a heap of optional activities including the head spinning Zorb* and the Polynesian pools!* Cycle to the lakeside camp nestled below the dormant but dramatic Mount Tarawera . (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 6. Volcanic Plateau - Taupo
A relaxed start at our lake side camp with the chance to walk or cycle the route ahead. We visit Wai-O-Tapu*, mud pools & geysers. Drive on to the impressive Huka Falls. Walk or cycle to the great lakeside setting of Taupo. Optional skydiving*, bungy* or rock ‘n ropes*. Majestic Mts Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu dominate the skyline as we journey along the shores of one of the largest crater lakes in the world. Drive to Turangi and our camp. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 7. Tongariro - Kapiti Coast
An early start if you wish to walk New Zealand’s most popular day hike, the "Tongariro Crossing"*. Alternatively you can visit the Volcanic Centre museum or cycle around the mountain. Pick up hikers from the end of the track then drive on to the camp on the Kapiti Coast. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 8. Wellington - Picton
Arrive in Wellington by 11am. The capital offers café culture, good bars, the celebrated Te Papa Museum and the botanical gardens. If you are still keen and feeling flush the capital is a great place for some shopping. Accommodation is not provided in Picton but your driver will help you make a booking. (Breakfast)

Day 9. Kaikoura - Whale Watch
Depart Picton at 10am. Travel the Pacific Coast to Kaikoura, cycle the stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch* and awesome coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp on the Kaikoura coast and an amazing sunrise opportunity. (Lunch/Dinner)

Day 10. Dolphin/seal swim - Christchurch
Optional dolphin swim* or seal swim* if you prefer or a chance to cycle or walk nature-rich coast. Explore Christchurch (the “Garden City”) where you can try the Gondola* or Tram* and depart Christchurch 4pm. Head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge with great walks, rides and accommodation at the foot of the Southern Alps. (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 11. Rangitata Rafting - Lake Pukaki
Optional White Water rafting* on the Rangitata river or take a morning cycle or walk. Travel through Geraldine and the Mackenzie Basin with great views of the Main Divide. Walk or cycle to Lake Tekapo. Cycle scenic hydro canals. Camp at Lake Pukaki with stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. There will be time for a swim in the lake. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 12. Aoraki/Mount Cook - Waitaki River
Morning cycle. Time spent enjoying Mount Cook National Park and hiking around the Hooker Valley walk and Tasman Glacier area with gorgeous blue pools. Cycle down the Waitaki River Valley, and take in the sea air on a coastal route to our beach camp near Oamaru and a chance for penguin watching*. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 13. Otago Peninsula - Catlins
Take a morning coastal walk or cycle. Head towards Dunedin and view the bizarre Moeraki Boulders on the way. Arrive in picturesque Scottish Dunedin and explore the town. There are options to go to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve* and Royal Albatross Colony* on the rugged Otago Peninsula. There is also the chance to sample the delights of the Cadbury factory* or Speight’s brewery* depending on your tastes. Travel into the spectacular natural beauty of the Catlins area for the night. (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 14. Te Anau
Journey through southern pastures on a scenic route and stop for lunch in Manapouri. Cycle on to Te Anau or walk part of the famous Kepler Track*. Cycle the shores of Lake Te Anau and stay at an old workers camp in Hollyford Valley where we soak up the tranquility of Fiordland. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 15. Milford Sound
One of the world’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound with excellent photo opportunities. Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft)! Highly recommended optional boat cruise* to experience the grandeur of the fiord. The Routeburn*, Greenstone Track* walkers depart at The Divide for their awesome trek. Return to camp by stunning Lake Te Anau. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 16. Te Anau
Explore Te Anau with plenty of time to walk, fish* or cycle in the area. Optional overnight hike on the Kepler Track* with panoramic views from Mount Luxmore. Also the chance to try jet boating* or visit the enchanting glowworm caves. Stay in the same lakeside camp in Te Anau. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 17. Queenstown
Journey to Queenstown and a great ride along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars*, activities* and thrills galore*! Track walkers re-join group. A big night out. (Breakfast/Lunch)

Day 18. Queenstown
Queenstown has many optional adrenalin activities. These include: Bungy-jumping*, Fly-by-wire*, Jet Boating*, Rafting*, Horse Trekking*, Maori Concert*, Parapunting*, a Gondola ride* and much more. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. You will depart Queenstown at 3pm and head to the camp beside a tranquil lake with hikes, cycling and swimming. (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 19. Haast Pass - West Coast
A relaxed morning at the camp. Travel to Lake Wanaka and through Haast Pass with optional Jet Boating* on the Wilkin River. Cycle steep downhill, through rainforest, cycle past waterfalls and pools to the wild west coast. Camp at Okuru, a world heritage area with bird life, lagoon and beach walks. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 20. Fox Glacier - Okarito
Drive to Fox Glacier for optional Guided Glacier Walk* or Heli Hike*. Cycle to Okarito beach camp. Here you can see the rare White Heron Sanctuary, enjoy spectacular walks and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 21. Hokitika - Punakaiki
Spend the morning at Okarito with a stunning early morning walk to watch the sunrise. Cycle the route ahead. Journey to Hokitika to visit a Greenstone Factory, and enjoy a stunning coastal walk and cycle. Beach camp at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and Paparoa National Park. (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 22. Pororari River - Glow worm caves
Pancakes for breakfast, then explore the outstanding sub-tropical flora and admire limestone formations of the Pororari River Canyon. Take cycle rides, visit glow worm caves, and the beach. There is an option to raft* and take a Horse Trek*. Stay a second night in Punakaiki. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 23. Abel Tasman
Travel through the Buller Gorge for some cycling and beautiful scenery to one of New Zealand's most stunning spots - the Abel Tasman region. Cycle a backcountry route. Optional skydive* or flight in an acrobatic plane*. Stay two nights at Marahau, with the Abel Tasman National Park on our doorstep. (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 24. Abel Tasman
Relax with a free day for exploring the area, or walk, cycle, sail*, sea kayak* or 'boat and walk'*, to the golden beaches. Swim in crystal clear waters. Enjoy a night out at a cool café. (Breakfast/Lunch)

Day 25. Nelson - Picton - Wellington
Spend some time in Nelson. Take an optional sky-dive*. Cycle along Queen Charlotte Drive. Travel through the Marlborough wine region. Arrive in Picton by 6pm then take the ferry to Wellington. Spend the night in Wellington. (Breakfast)

Day 26. Wellington
A morning of your own in Wellington, departing at 1pm, and travelling on to Taranaki for an easy dinner. Camp the night at Onaero Bay, a lovely bush surrounded estuary.

Day 27. Waitomo caves
Visit Waitomo, a limestone wonderland created by erosion over millions of years. Optional Blackwater Rafting*, Glow Worm Caves*, walks. Arrive in Auckland by 6pm. Your tour ends here. (Breakfast/Lunch)

Grade: A-B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day if you choose.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on hiking days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Good health required.

There are no special fitness requirements to go on this camping tour, because you choose entirely how active you want to be and what pace you want to set. All cycling is optional and the pick up and drop off system enables you to cycle the distance that you choose. Simply ride in the comfortable buses when you want to take it easy.

A key figure in the tour is your guide. Only guides with natural people skills combined with a respect for the environment and our culture are choosen. An enthusiastic and professional approach ensures your adventure is safe, well-organised and the experience of a lifetime.

Essential Items

Torch

Raincoat

Clothes for warm and for cold weather

Swimming suit

Towel

Wash cloth

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Sturdy shoes or hiking boots for walking

Slip on shoes for in the bus

Backpack or day pack

Warm sleeping bag

Bring a small pillow if you require one.

Luggage:
Lockers are provided in the bus to store your luggage.

The comfortable buses carry all the equipment needed to make a home away from home. There's also a fully equipped, customised trailer. Features include:

Special kitchen for delicious hot meals wherever you go

Hot and cold water tanks bring convenient tap water

Luggage-only locker to keep your possessions safe and secure

Purpose-built bicycle racks making your bike or ours safe and ready to use

1 or 2 person tents (with mattresses) available for hire, otherwise bring your own

Boogie boards for playing in the surf (North Island only)

Toys — volleyball, rugby, cricket and all kinds of games

Bicycles are available for hire. Late model 24 speed aluminium framed mountain bikes are provided. A mixture of Avanti Montari's, Gary Fisher Tassajara's and Specialised Hard Rock bikes. You will be supplied with a helmet (compulsory in New Zealand) and detailed cycle maps. You are welcome to bring your own bike (a handling fee will be charged). Cycling is not compulsory.

Your driver/guide takes care of all the food shopping saving you time. Cooking is done on a group basis with a roster system so you do not need to cook every night. Healthy and delicious daily recipes are provided in an easy to follow cookbook. Tea, coffee and plenty of fruit is provided for when you need refreshments or a snack.

Note: meals are only provided as shown in the itinerary. You will be able to buy your meals or prepare your own food in the camp kitchen when meals aren't provided. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements then please let us know on making your booking.

Tents are three-person dome tents that are easy to erect. They are available for hire as a single or you can share with one other person to save money. Alternatively bring your own tent. If the weather turns bad, you can usually upgrade to a cabin, lodge or chalet (subject to availability).

There is one night in Picton and one night in Wellington at your own cost. Your Driver/Guide can assist with accommodation requirements while you are travelling.

Hiking the Tongariro Crossing from $10

Hiking the Routeburn Track from $90

Sky Diving at Lake Taupo or Abel Tasman N.P. from $200

Milford Sound Cruise from $60

Whale Watching from $115

Swim with the Dolphins from $150

Guided glacier walk from $50

Glacier heli-hike from $235

Horse trekking, half day from $85

Sea-kayaking from $99

Maori concert from $45

Routeburn Track - This is an optional two night hike in the Milford Sound area. This track is highly recommended, however, due to Department of Conservation booking conditions confirmation and payment is required prior to your travel. If you require more information about this please ask.

Swim with the Dolphins Kaikoura - there are a limited number of pre-booked spaces - if you want a guaranteed space confirmation and payment are required prior to your travel. If you require more information about this optional activity please ask.

The following items are paid for at the beginning the tour. Please indicate when making your booking whether you will be wanting any of these items.

Cycle Hire - $360.00

Private Cycle Handling - $150.00

Tent Single supplement - $70.00

Sleeping Bag - $48.00

Not included in price:

Meals eaten out (see itinerary)

Optional activities as outlined in "Optional Activities" section above

Hire of any gear listed above

Accommodation while in Picton and Wellington

In respect of the flexible style of this product no guarantee can be made that any activity or amenity, especially those marked as optional, will be available. Failure to participate in, or disputes over any such activity or amenity can in no way be held the responsibility of the operator or its agents. The operator reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary, without notice if necessary. Any loss or damage to the operator's equipment through your neglect must be covered by you. If for any reason it is necessary for the operator to cancel your booking the operator reserves the right to do so. You will in such a case receive full monies back or be able to change to another departure. Additional expenses, if incurred through any of the above, will be borne by you.

Price includes:

All travel

Side trips to wilderness areas and walking tracks

Ferry between Picton and Wellington travelling both north and south

Use of specialised and sports equipment on board

Boogie boards (North Island)

Food and drinks as outlined in the food section above

Camp fees

Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:

More than 65 days prior to departure: loss of deposit or 20% of full price

More than six weeks before departure: loss of 30% of all payments made

Between two and six weeks of departure: loss of 50% of full payments made

Within two weeks of departure: full loss of payments made
Deposits are not refunded

You can transfer to another trip at any time if a place is available. A transfer fee of $25 applies. After such a transfer any cancellation will result in forfeiture of full payments made.

Travel Insurance:
We recommend you take out travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal accident, cancellation and personal property.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.