kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park

Here's an itinerary that covers Bays, Beaches, Thermal pools, Volcanic Island, Inland Lakes, National Parks, Fjords, Glaciers and high adventure in North & South Island in a 21 day rush of  pure adrenaline! Idyllic golden sandy beaches, secluded bays, gentle beech forests, captivating granite cliffs, wetlands, estuaries, world famous coastal walking track and never-ending sunshine. Whether you are looking for an active holiday of nature walks, tramping, kayaking or just a romantic lazy holiday 'Abel Tasman' park is a perfect destination.  Add Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Farm stay, Queenstown, Mt. Cook, Christchurch and you have a perfect New Zealand holiday.  

Day 1: Arrive at Auckland international airport.
You will be met by our representative with a placard in your name. Private transfer to your hotel in Auckland.

Day 2: Drive to Bay of Islands, Paihia (3 to 4 hrs). Overnight at Paihia.
Rental car will be delivered at your lodge in the morning. 
It's a BOAT, It's a BUS, It's BOTH! Ride high on the land and in the water and see the Bay of Islands as it's never been seen before - Paihia Duck is a brand new amphibious vehicle designed to give you a land and water sightseeing experience like no other. Visit the quaint and picturesque towns of Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri - the scenery is nothing short of spectacular and can only be fully appreciated by cruising through the area. There are numerous activities too - fishing, forest and beach walks, all kinds of water sports and great golf courses. The Maritime Park here is a natural wonderland with an abundance of wildlife including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species.

Day 3: Cape Reinga excursion
Private transfer to a small airport (1 hr) for your Scenic flight to Cape Reinga over the ninety mile beach. Return back to Paihia.

Day 4: Drive from Paihia to Auckland to Rotorua (7 hrs drive).
The city of Rotorua is known for its thermal geysers, volcanic lakes, Maori culture and loads of activities. This is a land steeped in Maori history, legend and stories. Rotorua is surrounded by 11 major lakes which are actually volcanic lakes and it lies on the shores of the shimmering lake Rotorua. The stunning natural setting offers endless possibilities for adventure activities, fun and relaxation. Overnight at Rotorua.

Day 5: Rotorua to Whakatane (1.5 to 2 hrs). Farm stay
Morning cruise to the volcanic White Island, post cruise drive to Rotorua (2hrs). Overnight at a farm near Rotorua.
Lakeview Heights is a quality, spacious home with outstanding views over Lake Rotorua. We are 20k from the city. They breed Arab horses, sheep and calves.
The Volcano - White Island (Whakaari) is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old.  However, the small portion of the island that is visible above sea level has been in its present form for an estimated  16,000 years - evidence of a continually changing landscape. Walking on White Island is like walking on the moon. 
Farmstays are a great way of getting to know real New Zealanders and to learn more about the farming lifestyle. Some farmstays offer you the chance to stay in the comfort of a typical New Zealand rural family home, while others offer self-contained accommodation.You may get to enjoy home-cooked meals, and you will have the chance to join in with whatever is happening on the farm. Depending on the type of farm and the season, you could experience milking, shearing, lambing or harvesting kiwifruit and other crops.

Day 6: Drive from your farm to Rotorua airport (approx 30 mins). Drop your rental at Rotorua airport. Board flight for Christchurch. Arrive at Christchurch, private transfer to your hotel in Christchurch. Day at leisure. Christchurch is a stylish and contemporary city, full of unrivalled natural and architectural beauty - 19th century buildings, majestic trees, extensive gardens, interesting bridges and meandering paths all providing a striking backdrop for the vibrant scene of ever-changing arts, cultural and heritage activities. Overnight at Christchurch. 

Day 7: Explore Christchurch on own
Rental car will be delivered at your hotel in the morning.  Wander through the central city lanes and alleyways of South of Lichfield, Poplar Lane and High Street where you”ll uncover some of Christchurch”s best shopping from high-end fashion to eclectic boutique stores. Take in the variety of rich architecture while you indulge over a cup of espresso and sample delectable cuisine at one of Christchurch's many restaurants, cafes and bars located in these unique alley precincts.  When the sun sets, the lanes are transformed into the newest, hippest places to be seen in Christchurch. Stay out late and sample stylish cocktail bars, laid-back pubs, and excellent cuisine then dance the night away till your feet ache. Overnight at Christchurch.

What can you do in Christchurch City?
* Explore the cultural heritage in the Christchurch”s Cultural Precinct
 * View the fine art at The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu that exhibit's New Zealand and international art
 * Experience the Canterbury Museum with its excellent cultural and natural collections.
 * Enjoy the bustling weekend art and craft market stalls at the Christchurch Art Centre with live street
entertainment, music and a multitude of food stalls.
 * Spend the afternoon relaxing with a gentle stroll through the wide open space and woodlands of Hagley Park.
 * Take a leisurely punt ride along the gentle meandering Avon River and experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Christchurch botanic gardens.

Day 8: Drive to Kaikoura (3 hrs)
Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds. The environment is truly spectacular - the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape. Kaikoura”s special talent is marine mammal encounters - whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops. Overnight at Kaikoura.



Day 9: Kaikoura whale watch ocean cruise
Share in the most breathtaking adventure of a lifetime. Enter the world of one of nature's most magnificent mammals - the giant sperm whale. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater.
Post cruise check out of your hotel and drive to Abel Tasman - either Motueka or Marahau.  Overnight at Abel Tasman. 

Day 10: Abel Tasman Park
Named for Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first visited the region in 1642, this national park is New Zealand's smallest - but it's perfectly formed for relaxation and adventure. Visitors love the way the Abel Tasman National Park mixes physical exertion with beach life. Bursts of hiking or kayaking are punctuated by sun bathing, swimming and sedate snorkelling around the characteristic granite outcrops. Inviting sandy beaches fill the spaces between trees and tide line. Crystal clear streams tumble down mossy valleys to join the ocean. Overnight stay near Abel Tasman Park.
Suggested day walks and kayaking trips at Abel Tasman at extra cost:
a) Great Day Out walk: Cruise the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, viewing the fascinating Seal Colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve along the way. Return to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach to walk 3hrs 30mins (11.5kms, 7 miles) along the easiest section of the coast track, with spectacular views over Tasman Bay. The track winds through sunny Kanuka forest with hidden fern grottos and crystal mountain streams. 8.30am to 5.30pm. Recommended!
b) Dine and stride walk: If you want more than a picnic, cruise to Awaroa Bay. A short walk takes you to the Lodge & Cafe for lunch. (Lunch at own cost). Afterwards, enjoy a 1hr 30min walk to Tonga Beach (check times for tidal crossing at Onetahuti) or take a stroll along the Awaroa beach front.
c) Bark Bay Falls walk: Choose optional walking or laze on the golden sands, swim, sunbath or relax in the shade of native forest. Cruise to Medlands drop off and walk 10 minutes to Bark Bay beach. Walk around the stunning estuary to Bark Bay Falls (approx 1 hour) and return for your pick up at Medlands Beach. Walking time: optional up to 1hr 15mins (4 kms); Time ashore: 1hr 45mins to 6hrs 45mins.
d) Seals and Beach walk: View the fascinating Tonga Island seal colony and walk through native forest from
Tonga Beach to Bark Bay. Walking time: 2hrs 15mins (5 kms), Tonga Beach (Onetahuti) to Medlands - Bark Bay. Time ashore: from 3 hrs 40 mins to 5hrs 45 mins.
e) Pitt Head Walk: Cruise to the golden expanse of Anchorage Bay then take a walk on the sand, swim in the calm azure waters or take a stroll to picturesque Te Pukatea Bay (approx 30 min) and return. A walk to Te Pukatea via the Pitt Head track with spectacular coastal views will take approx 1hr 15mins return. Walking time: optional up to 1hr 15mins (4 kms); Time ashore: 2hrs to 7hrs 30mins.
f) Beaches, Bays and Seals day kayaking trip: Cruise the forest-fringed bays and granite archways of the unique coastline into to the best sea kayaking territory in Abel Tasman National Park. 4 hours paddling on the water with guide to enjoy exploring the wondrous headlands, coves and islands of the granite coast. Pause at a sheltered cove for lunch (supplied by us). Take time out to relax on the beach, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand, or explore the native forest. On your return journey, if conditions allow, visit the seal colony at Pinnacle Island. Watch out for resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast.
g) Split apple paddle half day trip: If you are short on time or breath, this trip is ideal for you! Kayak the spectacular granite coast in only 3 hours with up to 2 hours 30minutes paddling.  Your Guide knows all the best, secret spots taking into account the tides, weather and your interests and abilities. Enjoy the features of the stunning Kaiteriteri coastline, including the famous "Split Apple Rock". Pause at a sheltered cove for a break before returning to Kaiteriteri by 12 midday in time to catch an afternoon boat cruise into the Park if you wish.

Day 11: Abel Tasman: Walk, relax or kayak in the park
Choose any one of the above options for another fascinating day at the park. Overnight stay near  Abel Tasman Park.

Day 12: Queenstown- the mecca of adventure sports!
Fly Nelson airport to Queenstown (not included in cost).  Day at leisure.
The first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle.
Optional activities for the day at extra cost:
a) Ride the Skyline Gondola for the classic picture postcard shot across Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown to The Remarkables mountain range. Try your driving skills on the luge track. Exhilarating stuff. Have dinner at the restaurant that has stunning views of the Lake and town below.
b) What better way to view the magnificent scenery than by taking a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, the elegant turn-of-the-century vintage steamship. It is the only coal fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Cruises depart regularly throughout the day. You can choose to complete a cruise only, or a cruise, combined with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, heritage excursion, barbecue lunch or evening buffet dining. Cruise Duration 1hr 30mins. If you do the activities, set aside extra time eg cruise with guided farm tour is 3hr30mins and is highly recommended for all ages. Guided farm tour: Experience rural New Zealand as we take you on a walking tour of the farmyard.  You can help feed the sheep and get close to the red deer and Scottish Highland cattle. Watch the sheep dogs in action rounding up a mob of ewes, watch a sheep being shorn and maybe try your hand at spinning wool. Then stroll through the lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel”s Homestead for a traditional high country morning or afternoon tea.
c) Spend a afternoon shopping for new clothes in Queenstown's stylish retail precinct. Follow it up with a pub hopping tour of Queenstown's fabulous pub district. Dont miss out on Minus 5!, the mecca of vodka drinkers.
Overnight at Queenstown.


On the Dart River safari..highly recommended by TW

Day 13: High adventure in Queenstown.
Set aside this day to fulfil one of your crazy wishes attempting high adventure. There are many options that you can do at extra cost. But here's a list of our top 4 Queenstown favourites:
a) Bungy: You have 3 options to choose from. Kawarau, the world's first bungy site (43m), The ledge bungy (47m), the only night bungy in NZ & the mind numbing Nevis highwire (134m). Go for it!
b) Skydive from 15000ft: It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft into thin air. It takes courage. Harnessed to an experienced jumpmaster, expect sensory overload as you step out that aircraft door at 15000ft and for some 60 seconds plummet towards the ground @200kph. Game?
c) Want to Swing 400 metres above Queenstown? Then come to the Ledge Sky Swing based right in the heart of Queenstown. Find yourself hanging over Queenstown, before pulling the quick release cord and setting the action in motion. Just as your brain convinces you the fall will never stop, you begin arching out 400 metres over Queenstown. The Ledge Sky Swing is the only swing in New Zealand operating at night but it might pay to leave dinner to afterwards.
d) The Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular 1 1⁄2 hour Jet Boat journey through the Dart”s ever-changing braided river system, where you”ll be thrilled by the Jet Boat's capabilities including jet spins and awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time. It includes an easy guided 30 - 40 minute walk through the “Heritage Trail” at Paradise, where your knowledgeable guide will enliven your walk with an informative and entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest, the unique flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area. You“ll also journey by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route, while hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including “The Lord of the Rings”.
The Wanderers can organise one or all the above tours and help you choose from many other possible options as well.
Overnight at Queenstown.

Day 14:  Doubtful Sound cruise experience
Self drive early in the morning for Manapouri. Board your overnight Doubtful sound cruise at 12.30 pm (please confirm the timing).
Doubtful Sound, located in a World Heritage Area, is an overwhelming place.
You can feel the power of nature here - the remoteness, the wildness and the peace. Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. In Maori legend, the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa created this incredibly beautiful fiord with the assistance of four young sea gods who carved out its sheltered arms. Today Doubtful Sound remains an unspoilt wilderness of many moods; one minute clear blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist-cloaked. Overnight on board the cruise.  

Day 15: Doubtful Sound.
Alight from the overnight cruise and self-drive to Queenstown. Overnight at Queenstown.

Day 16 & 17: Optional adventure activities in Queenstown
All the 'left over' activities listed in Day 8 can be done in the 2 remaining days. You can also drive down to scenic towns of Glenorchy, Arrowtown and Lake Wanaka. Overnight at Queenstown for 2nights.

Day 18: Mt.Cook and the Tasman Glacier.
Drive to Mt. Cook (approx 5 hrs). This is an extremely scenic drive passing through the quaint towns of Cromwell, Omarama and Twizel. The last hours drive is spectacular as you drive past Lake Pukaki with Mt.Cook and the ranges looming in the foreground. Overnight stay at Mt.Cook.

Day 19: At Mt. Cook
The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is alpine in the purest sense -with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields. Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest.
Optional activities at Mt.Cook at extra cost:
a) Mount Cook Ski Planes offer the most spectacular alpine scenic flight in the world. The aircraft takes you from Aoraki Mount Cook Airport directly into the heart of the Tasman Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the world. After an awe inspiring flight through breathtaking scenery your ski equipped aircraft lands on one of the glaciers in the Mount Cook, the engine is stopped, and you alight onto the glacier where climbers would take hours or days to reach. With the engine shut down you are able to experience the "natural quiet" of the mountains, broken only by the occasional avalanche or sounds from the glacier as it makes its way down the mountain. Upon re-embarking an even more spectacular takeoff from the snow covered glacier is followed by the return flight to base following the other side of the valley with your pilot identifying points of interest including climber huts, icefalls, peaks, and occasional ski tourers and climbers, before your landing back at your point of departure. Highly recommended by The Wanderers!
b) Glacier exploration: An up close amazing encounter with icebergs, on a glacial terminal lake. Depart from Mount Cook Village outside The Hermitage Hotel. The bus will take you on a pleasant trip to the Tasman Valley, followed by an easy 1/2hr stroll through the National Park. Then board your MAC boat, and enjoy the ever changing ice face of theTasman Glacier icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. 3hrs trip duration.
c) Star-gazing at the Mt.Cook airport. A trip of 1hr duration post dinner, its quite a heavenly sight as the guide shows you the star formations using a powerful telescope.
d) Walks around the resort: If you would like to stretch your legs what better place to do so than the Mt. Cook region. Try one of the following 3 easy options or all of them.
Governors Bush Walk (1 hour return): This delightful bush walk begins at the public shelter and explores one of the last stands of silver beech forest in the Park.  A gradual climb leads to a lookout point before the track descends and returns to the village.  This popular walk offers birdlife, a good viewpoint of the mountains and shelter in poor weather.
Bowen Bush Walk (10 minutes return): This easy forest walk begins across the road from Alpine Guides.  The loop tracks wanders through totara and celery pine forest and has an alternative exit or entry towards Glencoe Lodge.
Glencoe Walk (30 minutes return): Start from behind the Hermitage.  The walk zigzags through totara trees with a ferny understorey, emerging at a lookout near the prominent water tanks above the Hermitage.  Walkers are rewarded with a birdseye view of the village and beyond to the white ice of the Hooker Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook.  Sunrise and sunset are good times to catch light-play on the mountains.
Overnight at Mt. Cook.

Day 20: Mt. Cook to Christchurch on the inland Scenic route 72 (5hrs).
Another excellent drive through the Canterbury Plains , past rolling pastures and spectacular lakes including Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.  Past Mt.Somers, Glentunnel and into Christchurch. On one side, serene pastures and fields; on the other side, the rock solid beauty of New Zealand's longest, highest mountain range. Overnight at Christchurch.

Day 21: Depart for Christchurch airport. 

Tour Cost (per person on twin Sharing):
Option 1 (with Marahau Lodge):    NZ$ 4,999 Per Person
Option 2 (with Avalon Manor Motel): NZ$ 4,899 Per Person
Valid till 31st May 2009

•    Approx Rate of exchange: 1 NZD = Rs.27    (the exchange rate that is valid at the time of payment will be charged)

Cost includes:
•    Accommodation with daily breakfast on Twin Sharing basis as per below hotel list
•    Cape Rienga Scenic flight, White Island Cruise, Doubtful Sound overnight cruise (Double room not Quad room) with breakfast and dinner ex Manapouri
•    14 days rental car  (ICAR -Toyota Camry equivalent) with basic insurance and unlimited kilometres
•    Private return airport transfers in Auckland (once) & Christchurch (twice)
•    Whale Watch Cruise in Kaikoura

Hotel/Motel and Room Type:
Auckland:      Scenic Circle Airedale, Standard Room
Bay of Islands: Paihia Beach Resort, Standard Room
Farmstay, near Rotorua: Lakeview
Christchurch:  Scenic Circle Cotswold Hotel - Standard Room
Kaikoura: White Morph Motor Inn- Studio
Abel Tasman: Avalon Manor - Executive Spa-bath Studio
Or Marahau Lodge - Studio Ensuite
Queenstown: Crown Plaza Hotel -  Lake View Room
Doubtful Sound over night cruise - Double Cabin
Mt Cook: Hermitage Hotel - Motel Studio

Double Sound Overnight cruise ex Manapouri:
Departs: 12.30pm Day 1 from Manapouri
Returns: 12.00pm Day 2 at Manapouri

Optional Tour Cost: will be advised at the time of enquiry.

Itineraries:

10 Days Wonderful New Zealand

10 Days South Island with Abel Tasman National Park

16 Days Romance and Adventure

23 Days Best of New Zealand