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Self Drive ToursPlease feel free to contact us about specific tours, we focus mainly on tailormade tours. | ||
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Currently Available Self Drive Tours
Glaciers - Christchurch - 10 days / 9 nights |
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Trekking, Cyling and Adventure ToursPlease feel free to contact us about specific tours, we focus mainly on tailormade tours. | ||
CYCLING ADVENTURES PEDALTOURS World-class quality cycling adventures are being offered in New Zealand - to clients who may have little experience but are looking for activity as part of their holiday experience, but adaptable to all strengths and fitness levels where necessary. Generally quiet backroads are used where possible to enable more enjoyment of the passing scenery - cyclists from 20-65 years old have been catered for successfully. Maximum groups of 11 with two guides per group, and back-up transport of course! Tours are inclusive of all meals from lunch on day one to lunch on the final day. Tours range from 4 - 10 days in duration - we outline these below. For more detailed information including departure dates (which range from mid-October to mid-April) please contact us. WINE & WHALES Enjoy some of the best wines produced in New Zealand, while enjoying the delights of cycling. Discover the Marlborough region, world renowned for its wines, Nelson for its arts and crafts, and Nelson Lakes for their tranquil charm and beauty. Experience the rugged beauty of the Kaikoura coastline and perhaps an optional early morning whale watch. Together we cycle the back roads enjoying the best of the region, including the hospitality and charm of Top House, an historic staging post of the 1800’s. Finishing back in Christchurch over Lewis Pass, with a chance to continue with the next trip departing the following day. 5 days from Christchurch north to Marlborough: * Wine tasting * Nelson arts and crafts * Historic Top House * Kaikoura Coast * Optional whale watch or dolphin swim * Lodge HISTORIC TRAILS BBQ’s, lakeside reflections, and forests. A true New Zealand camping trip ! Rediscover James MacKenzie’s historic trails into the majestic MacKenzie Basin. Experience an overnight farm stay on the shores of Lake Benmore, a mountain bike ride along a spectacular private road. Cycle peaceful backroads and camp among ancient beech forests before arriving at Queenstown on the Lake Steamer SS Earnslaw from Walter Peak Station. 6 days from Christchurch to Queenstown with * Mackenzie Country * Farmstay Lake Benmore * Beech forest camp * Historic goldmining towns * SS Earnslaw cruise * Lake Wakatipu * Luxury camping WESTLAND ESCAPE Explore the West Coast by bike as we journey from Queenstown back to Christchurch. Contrast the arid Cardrona Valley with the lush beech forests of the Haast Pass and the Westland World Heritage Park. Accommodation throughout is in lodges while we cycle and walk amidst the grandeur of the walks and glacier visits before we finally return via Arthur’s Pass where we board the scenic Tranz Alpine Express for the trip back into Christchurch. An excellent extension to the Milford Wilderness experience 5 days of cycling and touring from Queenstown including * Cardrona Valley * Haast Pass beech forest * Westland Heritage Park * Glacier walk * Historic Hotels * Lake Matheson * Tranz Alpine Train trip MILFORD WILDERNESS A 10 day fully lodged journey through the best of South Island lakes and high country. Enjoy exploring the vast MacKenzie Basin by cycle and discover the grandeur of walking beneath Mt Cook. Lunch at the old historic Cardrona Hotel, explore picturesque Arrowtown, before travelling onto Te Anau and Milford Sound. Overnight in the magnificent fiord onboard your own floating hotel. Walk amongst the towering peaks and trails of the area before cycling back to Walter Peak Station and arriving at Queenstown on the lake steamer SS Earnslaw. 10 days of fully lodged cycling and walking : * Arrowtown visit * Milford Sound overnight cruise * Optional Skippers Canyon * Mount Cook walk * Lake Ohau forest trek * Lakes Wanaka, Te Anau and Wakatipu Milford Wilderness Special Tour. A special 12 day / 11 night cycling tour, fully accommodated with up to 6 hours of cycling per day Highlights. • Beech clad valleys and high country lakes. • Special secret cycle in deepest Fiordland in what is arguably the • prettiest valley in NZ. • Overnight on Milford Sound with kayaking included for the energetic. • Explore the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. • Enjoy close up views of Mt Cook. • Jet boat and Funyac tour of the mighty Dart River. • Cruise on the ancient steamer Earnslaw. • Last dinner in Queenstown together. • and much much more. Itinerary Day 1 Departing Christchurch at 8.30am, we drive to a nearby location for our first ride and the chance to rediscover the fun of cycling on friendly tracks. After this early familiarization and exercise we drive onto the vast Canterbury plains and cycle and drive into the foothills before cycling into an historic homestead, our special farmstay for the night. Day 2 Following a traditional breakfast we start the day with a cycle section before driving into the vast MacKenzie Basin with its views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Huge glacial lakes and hydro canals add interest to the day as we cycle and walk beneath Mt Cook and the alpine village. At days end we drive and cycle the final section into Lake Ohau and our lodge accommodation. Day 3 An early morning lakeside cycle either road or single track away from the mountains and onto Lindis Pass, the crossing into the Otago watershed. A chance to free wheel past the historic gold mining areas of NZ's past. By coach and cycle we approach Lake Wanaka and enjoy a superb lakeside track before climbing by bus to the Cardrona Alpine Resort and a rest prior to the nights celebrations. Descending to Cardrona and Wanaka. Back to Cardrona Alpine Resort for a privileged view from the mountain tops of the sunrise. Day 4 Can be a rest day or as energetic as you like in this biking wonderland. Tracks all over this range will test the most skilful biker or you can meander over easy terrain. Day 5 Our day starts with a downhill cycle to the Crown Range road and a drive and cycle to the top and our first view of Queenstown. We cycle into the Queenstown basin. Via the scenic trails we enter and explore Arrowtown, a goldmining center of the past. By coach and bike we travel to the top of Lake Wakatipu, and at Glenorchy relax in our mountain lodge with its awesome views and hospitality. Day 6 Surrounding the lodge the opportunities to explore the nearby Rees and Dart Valleys are endless. There are several options available for clients on this day, superb cycling, jetboating kayaking and walking. Or perhaps just an optional day to relax and enjoy the scenery. Included is the special Dart River Jet and Funyak trip. Day 7 From Glenorchy and Queenstown we take a leisurely cycle and drive to Lake Manapouri and our accommodation. For the rest of the day we walk the lakeside sections of the Kepler Track through the beech forests. After the past days activities this is a relaxing day before the balance of the trip. Accommodation; motel units Day 8 By bus and bike we penetrate deep into the Grebe Valley over the Borland saddle. This day's cycle into a seldom visited wilderness area is a trip highlight. We return to our accommodation at Lake Manapouri. Day 9 Departing Te Anau we drive into the Fiordland National Park amid the beech forests and mountains, that the region is famous for. The beautiful sealed road tracks through the wilderness as we coach and cycle onto the Lake Marian or Routeburn Walk to experience spectacular views surrounded by mountains. We coach through the Milford Tunnel and then enjoy the sheer delight of a 17km cycle descent down into Milford Sound and our accommodation for the night on the S.S. Milford Wanderer or similar vessel. This boat takes us out of the Sound to the open seas before returning to a sheltered spot for the night. By 9am the next morning we have enjoyed optional kayaking or fishing before returning to shore and the start of another day. Day 10 By bus we travel back up to the top of the Homer Tunnel and then enjoy a spectacular walk into the Gertrude Valley. Afterwards we cycle down the valley and on to historical Gunn's camp and the museum. Local bush walks and cycling down the majestic Eglington Valley slowly return us to Te Anau and our Lodge for the night. Accommodation; Lodge Day 11 Out of Te Anau we cycle and bus the backroad into Lake Mavora. We enjoy a further cycle by the lakeside and through the beech forest. By bus we travel to the Von valley for lunch. From here we farewell our supporting coach as we cycle on to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and down to Walter Peak station. Here we join the day-trippers at the farm and enjoy the hospitality of a farm show and farm-style afternoon tea. Finally on to the steam ship Earnslaw and a sing - a -long with Harold as we sail across the waters to Queenstown. By bus we transfer to our lodge for the last evening before we go separate ways. Accommodation; Lodge Depart Queenstown. Accommodation A variety of Lodge accommodation is used in this trip. Most nights are on a twin share basis. The Milford Wanderer is a 4 berth bunk configuration. ADVENTURE TRIP Many visitors to New Zealand express an interest in spending a few hours or a few days in our wilderness environments, so we have selected some of the shorter treks and adventure packages that may be incorporated into a New Zealand tour. If you require more detailed information, please contact us. TREK WHIRINAKI (2 DAYS) This soft-adventure package introduces you to a world renowned rainforest with an easy one-day trek; and to the “tangata whenua” (original people of the land) through the guides and local village visit. Depart by coach with overnight luggage to Murupara, in the Ureweras. The Whirinaki Forest Park is a 60,000 hectare enclave of native mixed podocarp, broadleaf and hardwood rainforest, including our tallest native species, the kahikatea. It is populated by a diverse range of native bird species. Helicopter in to the campsite complete with two-person tents, hot showers and flush toilets! On day two you walk out with your gear (packs provided) through the forest to the vehicle, with a picnic lunch enroute. Then you are driven to a nearby Maori “marae” (communal meeting place) where you are given the traditional welcome, and enjoy an early “hangi” (underground oven) dinner with the locals, and the opportunity to talk to the tribal elders about their customs and history. Then coach back to Rotorua. MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES (8-DAY) A walking tour where you can enjoy the wonders of five of New Zealand’s best National Parks in an eight day tour. Experience the bush clad lakes of St Arnaud, the coastal beaches of the Abel Tasman and the new Kahurangi National Park. From the nikau palms of Karamea to the limestone of the Paparoas and across the alpine meadows of Arthur’s Pass take the TranzAlpine Express train back to Christchurch. All meals included. Clients need to be able to walk for up to two hours with regular spells, carrying a light day pack only. TONGARIRO 5 Day package - day treks only (3) Consisting of snow-capped volcanoes, alpine lakes, pristine rain forest, rivers with dramatic waterfalls and an array of natural flora and fauna, Tongariro National Park is a remarkable trekking opportunity. We offer fully guided walks through the low-lying forests as well as the moonscape rock, tussock grass and alpine herb landscape. The sacred three mountain peaks of the park were gifted by the Maori people to the nation in 1887, and formed the nucleus of New Zealand’s first National Park - now consisting of 2640 hectares. DAY 1: Arrive at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Whakapapa Visitor Information Centre. DAY 2: Transfer to the chairlift to take the ride to Knoll Ridge Chalet, 2000 metres. From there walk to Dome Shelter where you’ll see the crater whose crater lake disappeared in the 1996 eruption, and views to Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. On a clear day, see coast to coast. DAY 3: Embark on New Zealand’s best known one-day walk - the Tongariro Crossing. Your full day walk takes you past the active Red Crater, and the Emerald and Blue Lakes, and the Ketetahi Hot Springs. DAY 4: A reserve day in case weather precludes taking either walk on the previous days. Otherwise, choose two shorter half day walks for the morning and afternoon - e.g. Tama Lakes, Silica Rapids, Taranaki Falls. DAY 5: After a leisurely breakfast, depart. ADVENTURE TRIP EXPLORING THE WHANGANUI For a river adventure: new and exciting segment to add when travelling north or south between Wellington and Tongariro National Park, or similar. You will be accompanied along the Whanganui River, the country’s newest National Park, by your hostess, and a local guide with 25 years experience and knowledge of the river. Quietly cruise down the river and take in the scenery and wildlife, experience exciting rapids and gorges: you will find the river is forever changing her face. DAY 1 We start the day off with a ride in the “River Spirit” Jetboat, the largest and safest jetboat on the river. It is comfortable, quiet and environmentally clean, meeting the toughest European standards. Then an easy 40 minute walk through New Zealand’s native bush until you come upon the unexpected and impressive sight of The Bridge to Nowhere. If time, explore the Mangapurua Valley. DAY 2 We start the day with fantastic scenery of the Mangaio Gorge, where there are Maori legends and history to learn about. Then on to Puraroto Cave, which can only be viewed by boat, touch the walls and experience for yourself their ancient feeling. Pipiriki is our next stop, once one of the main tourist attractions in New Zealand, with houseboat and hotels - today it is a small settlement with mainly Maori population. Jerusalem is famous for well known poet James K. Baxter who made his home there in 1969, and for the former Roman Catholic mission station. Then on to Kawana Mill a historic place. View Koriniti Marae meeting house and museum, which are full of river history and impressive old carvings. An unique river lifestyle, the Flying Fox is a lovely destination for lunch. Next is Hipango Park an interesting Maori Pa site, with a lovely short bushwalk. The cruise ends near the city of Wanganui. QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK The Queen Charlotte Track is a spectacular track through the sunken valleys of Marlborough Sounds - linking historic Ship Cove with Anakiwa, at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound. This walk has only recently been developed and is not yet over used. It is peaceful and unspoilt in a part of New Zealand that remains undiscovered to all but a few special people!. DAY 1 From your hotel in either Blenheim or Picton, transfer to take a boat to Ship Cove, where the walk begins. Ship Cove was the site of Captain Cook ’s New Zealand base for repairs, replenishment of water and vegetables, during the 1700s. Today we walk to Endeavour Inlet passing Resolution Bay, through virgin beech forest resplendent with huge tree ferns and catch a glimpse of the outer Sounds. (Walk approx 5 hours, 14 km). DAY 2 Today’s walk takes us around Endeavour Inlet. Mostly flat walking, we wander through regenerating coastal forest ( this area was once farmed) abounding with native birdlife. There is an optional side walk at the head of Endeavour Inlet to visit remains of antimony mines - a major industry late last century. (Walk approx 4 hours, 12 km). DAY 3 A challenging walk today - travelling the ridgeline between Camp Bay and Torea Saddle with truly grand panoramic vistas as a well earned reward OR have an easy day - taking water transport from Punga Cove Resort to Torea Bay and walking over to Portage (approximately half an hour), following the route Maori took to carry (portage) their whaka to the Kenepuru Sound. Walk approx 8 hours (20.5 km). DAY 4 Our last day sees us walking from Portage to Anakiwa. At first we ascend to a ridgeline track, which utilises an old bridal path. After Mistletoe Bay the route sidles and drops into beautiful Davies Bay before the last half hour through mature beech forest ending at the settlement of Anakiwa. (Walk approx 6-7 hours, 17 km.) ADVENTURE TRIP HOLLYFORD VALLEY TRACK The Hollyford Valley in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is a place of breathtaking natural beauty, unique in world terms; it is part of our first World Heritage Park. The walk begins deep in the alpine beech forests and follows the river valley north-west to the sea north of Milford Sound. The Hollyford is classed as a low-altitude walk, and is downhill nearly all of its 56 km length, with certain sections travelled by jetboat! Clients should however still have a reasonable fitness level. Groups are limited to parties of maximum 14, with a fully-trained guide, for a relaxing and personal experience. Day 1: Te Anau Arrive in Te Anau. In you own time enjoy the beauty of Lake Te Anau and all its associated activities. The Hollyford Track pre-tour briefing begins at 7pm back at the hotel. Day 2: Waterfalls, Pyke River Lodge Your early morning departure takes you from Te Anau, through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the Track in the Hollyford Valley. Visit the museum at Gunns Camp before beginning your journey, tracing the footsteps of early explorers and settlers along the Hollyford River to the Pyke River Lodge. As the Track undulates gently through native beech forest and passed gushing waterfalls enjoy tales of past local characters while studying your surrounding forest and birdlife. Day 3: Lakes and Wildlife experience Begin your days walk with a short excursion to Lake Alabaster and across Fiordland’s longest swing bridge. Then rest the feet as you enjoy a scenic boat trip down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic site of Jamestown. Meander through ancient Podocarp forest before visiting the fur seal colony at Long Reef on the wild West Coast. A boat trip returns you to Martins Bay Lodge, a short distance up river. Day 4 for 5 day option. Martins Bay Beach and Coastline Explore, with your guide, the seven kilometre Martins Bay Beach, learn its fascinating history and see its various plant and birdlife. Take this day to either further stretch your legs with the various walks available or, if you prefer, return to Martins Bay Lodge where a variety of additional activities await. Enjoy a second night of warm hospitality at Martins Bay Lodge before your Final Day itinerary. Final Day for 4 day Fly Out option: Scenic Flight, Milford Sound Cruise Enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound, with views of the Track route down the Hollyford Valley, Mt. Tutoko, Fiordland’s highest peak and of course the Sound. Cruise the famous Milford Sound before boarding your return coach to Te Anau. Day 5: Final Day Fly Out option: Scenic Flight, Milford Sound Cruise - Te Anau Enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound, with views of the Track route down the Hollyford Valley, Mt. Tutoko, Fiordland’s highest peak and of course the Sound. Cruise the famous Milford Sound before boarding your return coach to Te Anau. Walk Out Option: Martins bay Lodge to Te Anau An early morning boat trip takes you back along lake McKerrow to the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Return with your guide to the start of the track, note again the flora’s transformation from the windswept, salt stunted bushes at the sea to the dense beach forest of the inland mountain valley. ADVENTURE TRIP MILFORD TRACK GUIDED WALK “The finest walk in the world!” An adventure trek through some of the most sensational scenery and varied terrain in the World Heritage Wilderness of the Fiordland National Park. From the head of beautiful Lake Te Anau to the grandeur of Milford Sound. Relax after an exhilarating day amidst nature's finest in excellently appointed lodges and savour your achievement. DAY ONE Queenstown departure. You will be picked up from your Queenstown accommodation at 8.45am and transported by coach to Te Anau where you will join those walkers who are starting in Te Anau. A preamble will be held at the Guided Walk Centre in The Station, Cnr Camp Street and Shotover Street at 7.00pm the evening prior to your walk departure date. You will be issued with a pack, sleeping sheet and raincoat and a chance to have your last minute questions answered. Te Anau departure. A preamble will be held at 9.30am at the Milford Track Guided Walk Office in Te Anau to answer your last minute questions. You will be issued with a pack, sleeping sheet and raincoat. Both options: After lunch in Te Anau you will travel by coach to Te Anau Downs where you board the launch taking you to the head of lake Te Anau, the beginning of the of Milford Track. It's a short, easy walk to Glade House, 1.6 km. Settle in and enjoy the environment. DAY TWO (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Some 16 Km to walk today. Cross the Clinton River and walk amidst a Beech forest. Time to become acquainted with Fiordland's bush and bird life. Lunch at Hirere Falls and then onto the `Praire'. A rocky climb to Marlenes Creek and it's not too far to Pompolona Lodge, hot showers and a hot meal. DAY THREE (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Cover 15 km today. Up the Mackinnon Pass in a series of long zigzags. Stop at the Memorial to Mackinnon and Mitchell. Lunch at Pass Hut. The Track descends into the rain forest of the Arthur valley to Quintin Lodge. Sutherland Falls is about 30 minutes walk along from Quintin. DAY FOUR (breakfast, lunch, dinner) A long trek, 21 km, mostly downhill. A break at Boatshed ... MacKay Falls ... Lake Ada ... Giant's Gate Falls ... Sandfly Point (well named) ... Milford Sound! You've made it! Tonight we will board one of the famous Red Boats for a floating exploration of Milford Sound, watch for dolphins and fur seals, discover Whiskey Falls. On returning to Mitre Peak Lodge you will enjoy a celebratory dinner to mark your achievement. DAY FIVE (breakfast) This morning after breakfast there is a scenic coach ride back to Te Anau or Queenstown (depending on which option you have chosen) through the Homer Tunnel and mountain wilderness, arriving in Te Anau at approximately 11.00am before continuing on to Queenstown via Queenstown airport arriving approximately 3.00pm Milford Track offers a 5 Day / 4 Night Package with the following four options . Te Anau/Te Anau, Te Anau/Queenstown, Queenstown/Queenstown and Queenstown/Te Anau Packages do not include pre track accommodation or meals in Te Anau or Queenstown. 13 DAY ADVENTURES A refreshingly different adventure tour. Highlights include: walking, sailing, rafting, kayaking, scenic flight, jet boat ride, visits to 5 National Parks, 2 Maritime Parks, Rotorua, Queenstown and Mt. Cook. Experience the great New Zealand outdoors in a small companionable group. The tour is accompanied throughout by an experienced mid life guide. A good level of walking fitness is all that is required. North and South Island segments can be taken separately. Day 1: Auckland (L) Sail in a keel boat on the sparkling Waitemata Harbour. Take part in the sailing or sit back, relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Lunch and swim at a nearby is land. Day 2: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua (B,L,D South to Waitomo famous for its limestone caves. Pull on your wetsuit, goofy boots and headlamp, some basic instruction, then off to an underground stream for some blackwater 'rafting' through the 'star studded' glow worm caves. Travel to Rotorua where we are welcomed onto a Maori marae (sacred meeting place) for a concert and hangi (meal). Evening bathe in a hot mineral pool. Day 3: Rotorua - Tongariro National Park (B,L) Explore Rotorua's unique geysers, boiling mud, coloured pools and silica terraces. Later visit Wairakei geothermal valley and the powerful Huka Falls before driving along the shores of Lake Taupo to the foothills of Mt Ruapehu. Day 4: Tongariro National Park (B,L) Take a chairlift ride and then hike to the summit of Mt Ruapehu (an active volcano). Enjoy extensive panoramic views from the Dome, then glissade back down the snow slopes on plastic mats. Alternatively (if unfavourable weather) hike to Ketatahi Hot Springs high on the slopes of Mt Tongariro, or walk in the nearby Forest Parks. Day 5: Tongariro National Park - Marlborough Sounds (B,L) Drive to Wellington stopping for a picnic lunch in a lovely rural garden. Cross Cook Strait by Interisland ferry and cruise through the scenic Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Day 6: Marlborough Sounds - Motueka (B,L) Paddle sea kayaks around the sheltered bush rimmed bays of Queen Charlotte Sound, stopping for morning tea at a secluded cove. Later we drive across the hills to Motueka, well known for its local craftwork. Day 7: Motueka (B) Free day to enjoy optional activities. Day 8: Motueka - Hokitika (B,L) Today's adventure is white water rafting. Slip into wet suits, receive some basic instruction, then off on a roller coaster ride down the moderately graded Gowan and Buller rivers (ideal for first time rafters). After lunch in a backcountry pub, drive down the scenic Buller Gorge to the rugged West Coast, stopping to view the famous Punakaiki 'pancake rocks', before continuing southwards to the old gold centre of Hokitika. Evening walk along the beach. Day 9: Hokitika - Fox Glacier (B,L) Drive south through areas of luxuriant forest to Fox Glacier, stopping to visit the Bushman's Centre and Lake Ianthe. An afternoon walk on the spectacular white ice of the glacier. Optional helicopter ride and landing on the Upper Fox Glacier. Day 10: Fox Glacier -Queenstown (B,L) After crossing Haast Pass we take an exciting 20 minute scenic flight around some of the finest scenery in the Mount Aspiring National Park before landing in a remote and peaceful valley hemmed in by magnificent mountains. A 3 hour hike through mature beech forest and grass river flats is followed by a thrilling 20 Km (12 mile) jet boat ride down river. Continue to Queenstown passing alongside Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Day 11: Queenstown (B) Free Day. Day 12: Queenstown - Mt. Cook - Twizel (B,L) Travel down the Kawarau Gorge, then through the tawny hills of the Lindis Pass and over tussock covered plains of the Mackenzie Country to Mount Cook National Park. Walk up the Hooker Valley. Day 13: Twizel - Christchurch (B,L) Tour a high country sheep station (ranch). After lunch on to Christchurch where the tour ends. | ||
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| Home | Poetry room | Guided Tours | Independent & Self Drive Tours | Learning English in NZ | Incentive&Convention | Booking - Contact Us | Maps & Info | Links | Terms & Conditions | ||
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