Itinerary Expand allAuckland to Christchurch Depart London.Flights usually depart London in the afternoon. Day 1 Arrive AucklandThe day is free to relax and recover from the jet lag. If you're arriving today into Auckland Airport, there is the possibility to arrange a free arrival (shared shuttle) transfer from the airport to the hotel. If you wish to utilise this free arrival transfer, you must request and book this with Exodus at least 1 month before departure.Auckland is a beautiful city and worthy of some time to explore. The nearby Viaduct restaurants are an ideal means of overcoming the last of the jet lag and the day just slowly passes by. If you are feeling lucky visit the Sky City Casino tower for one of those lunches you just don't forget. Please meet at the start hotel at 6pm for a full briefing with your leader.Copthorne Auckland City Hotel or similar Day 2 Visit Rangitoto IslandAuckland is the City of Sails, so what better way to start your holiday than to take a cruise across the Gulf to the beautiful Rangitoto Island; which at only 600 years old, is the youngest volcano in New Zealand. The island has undergone a significant restoration programme and is entirely pest-free which encourages the native flora and fauna to thrive. We will walk through lava fields and forests to the summit of the island which stands 259m above sea level and has some stunning panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.Please note: occasionally access is temporarily and unexpectedly denied to various Islands off the Auckland coast including Rangitoto due to cultural considerations. In this case we respect the local Maori wishes and will try to visit an alternative island if possible.Walk Profile- Rangitoto Island: Distance- 8.5 km/5 miles, total ascent 249m and descent 245m, approx. 2-3 hours.Copthorne Auckland City Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 To RotoruaLeaving the city behind us we head south to Rotorua (approx. 3.5 hours drive) and our accommodation. On arrival we stretch our legs with a hike around the redwood forest followed by an optional afternoon at leisure in town or a hike at Blue Lake. The evening highlight is the Marae (ceremonial ground) visit. Our Maori hosts welcome us in their traditional manner before entertaining us with a concert and hangi (traditional meal).Walk Profile- Blue Lakes Circuit: Distance- 6 km/3.7 miles, total ascent 125m and descent 117m, approx. 1.5 hours.Jet Park Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 To Tongariro N.PWe explore one of New Zealand's most colourful thermal areas with boiling mud pools, hot streams and silica terraces. The natural wonders that first attracted the Maori in the 14th century, and later the European's, still draw large numbers of tourists every year. Rotorua is a unique natural wonder and a must see destination. Leaving Rotorua we drive south (approx. 3 hours) to Tongariro National Park. On the way we visit the steaming Wai-O-Tapu geothermal valley and impressive Huka Falls.Walk Profile- Wai-O-Tapu: Distance- 8.5 km/5 miles, total ascent 109m and descent 152m, approx. up to 3 hours.The Park Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Free day in Tongariro N.P; option to hike Tongariro Crossing and other activitiesToday you wake up in the heart of the Tongariro National Park. Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the park's important Māori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. Today you will be able to discover the wonders of this spectacular park.For those individuals who are physically fit and well equipped, there is the option of walking the Tongariro Crossing. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has been called one of the greatest one-day walks in New Zealand and provided the weather is kind, the rugged volcanic desert, craters and glacial valleys combined with the incredible views make this a day to remember. The crossing should not be under estimated and there are a number of steep sections where the loose surface can make it tough going, so come well-prepared. The crossing can take 7-8 hours depending on walking ability. There is a return shuttle service (return Tongariro Crossing transfer $NZD50 per person) from your hotel to the start and finish of the crossing. Your leader will provide you with information about the walk and also will be able to advise you on the fitness and equipment required. If you are intending to do the Crossing please bring sturdy walking shoes/boots, a suitable daypack, wind and waterproof jacket and a warm hat.Walk Profile (unguided)- Tongariro Crossing: Distance- 19.4 km/12 miles, total ascent 765m and descent 1125m, approx. 7-8 hours.For those not wishing to do the crossing there are a number of other options available to also experience the wonders of this very unique environment. These include the Taranaki Falls walk, one of Tongariro National Park’s best short walks, this easy loop takes in a variety of volcanic landforms, forest and native shrubland along with excellent views of volcanoes and cascading waterfalls.Walk Profile (unguided)- Taranaki Falls: Distance- 6 km loop/3.7 miles, total ascent 115m and descent 115m, approx. 2.5 hours.Other options for the day include a visit to the Tongariro National Park Conservation centre, a trip on Mount Ruapehu’s Sky Waka gondola with a short walk to the viewing platform, a visit to the Tokaanu public hot pools or a unique Rafting experience including the opportunity to help with conservation efforts for an endangered native duck. Your leader will discuss the options and additional costs for the day. Based on the weather and interest of the group, your leader will be available to join the majority of the group in their chosen activity. Where external transfers are required or the services of an external provider, then additional costs will be payable on the day. Please also see Optional Excursions section of the trip notes for further details.The Park Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 To WellingtonRelax following yesterday's free day of exploring the Tongariro N.P as we drive (approx. 5 hours) south to Wellington. Continue across the Rangitikei and Manawatu Plains and down the Kapiti Coast to Wellington. On Wellington's waterfront is Te Papa, the NZ National Museum which we can explore in the afternoon along with the beautiful Botanic Gardens and cable car and enjoy the exciting nightlife of New Zealand's capital city.The Bay Plaza Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Ferry across Cook Strait to Marlborough; drive to Abel Tasman N.PAfter an early breakfast we board the ferry and leave the North Island behind as we cross the Cook Strait, passing the Marlborough Sounds with 1500kms of beautiful coastline. From Picton we have a 90 min drive to Nelson where we can take time out to explore the city and a chance to stretch the legs with a short walk to the geographical centre of New Zealand. After this visit we drive to Motueka (approx. 60 min) on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, with its idyllic golden sand beaches and forests.Walk Profile- Geographical centre of New Zealand: Distance- 1.6 km/1 mile, total ascent 86m and descent 90m, approx. 1 hour.Avalon Manor Motel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Half day coastal walk; boat to MotuekaOut of Marahau, this morning coastal walk takes us through the beautiful beaches and coastal vegetation as the track weaves through the park, providing a kaleidoscope of impressions. The path is well maintained and the walk will take approx. 3-4 hours. We meet our sailing boat at the Anchorage Bay, providing the return to Marahau and some time to relax dining out at the small town of Motueka. (Depending on tides, sometimes the sailing trip will be completed first).Please note, today your leader has a guide free day. Instead you will be accompanied by a local guide on this morning's coast walk who has expert local knowledge about the Park. Transfers from Motueka return will be provided.Walk Profile- Marahau to Anchorage: Distance- 12.7 km/8 miles, total ascent 217m and descent 214m, approx. 3-4 hours.Avalon Manor Motel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 9 To Buller River; sunset walk at PunakaikiOur departure from the Abel Tasman National Park is followed by a scenic drive down the mighty Buller River. After a short stop at Cape Foulwind to see the local seal colony, we then stop at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks, to watch the setting sun (total driving time approx. 5 hours). If the tide is up the ground can physically shake and water spurts from the blow-holes and fissures that dot the coastline.Walk Profile- Cape Foulwind: Distance- 3.5 km/2 miles, total ascent 76m and descent 98m, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes.Punakaiki Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 To Fox Glacier passing Okarito en routePassing through areas of lush forests, we continue south down the beautiful west coast. We drive onto the small village of Okarito nestled on the lagoon, home of the rare Kotuku (white heron). On offer here is optional kayaking where we float in on the incoming tide and explore the bush-clad waterways seeking out the abundant bird life the lagoon is famous for. Those looking to stretch their legs can hike to the nearby Trig station (approx. 1.5 hours) for the spectacular views over the Southern Alps. Later we continue the short drive through to Fox township.Walk Profile- Okarito Trig Walk: Distance- 4.2 km/2.6 miles, total ascent 171m and descent 170m, approx. 1.5- 2 hours.Depending on time, you may have an opportunity to hike to the lookout for the Franz Josef Glacier.Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Walk to Fox Glacier; continue to WanakaAfter breakfast we backtrack to the township of Franz Josef. From here, we will go for a walk to the lookout point for the glacier (if not completed the day before). Thereafter we drive on and stroll around the reflective Lake Matheson, a photographer's dream.We then continue south along bush-clad roads and past the dramatic coastline with its wild windswept beaches to the settlement of Haast. Turning inland we climb over Haast Pass, the southernmost crossing of the Southern Alps that forms the boundary between Westland and Otago. From here the tussock lands of the eastern slopes merge with the beech forests. We travel through to Wanaka, home for the next two nights.Walk Profile- Lake Matheson Loop: Distance- 2.6 km/1.6 miles, total ascent 42m and descent 42m, approx. 1.5 hours.Walk Profile- Fox Glacier Valley Walkway: Distance- 2.6 km/1.6 miles, total ascent 68m and descent 69m, approx. 1 hour.Wanaka Hotel/ Lake Wanaka Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Jet boat in MatukitukiIn the morning we head into the Mount Aspiring National Park and experience an exciting jetboat ride along the braided rivers leading into the park. Jetboating was invented in NZ as a means to negotiate the shallow braided rivers which we use to access a track leading to a hike into the cirque surrounded by huge mountain walls. Back at our coach we eat our picnic lunch before driving onto our 3 hour hike at the beautiful Diamond Lake that provides stunning views of the river delta and the landscape.Walk Profile- Matukituki Valley (walk during Jet boat): Distance- 2.2 km/1.3 miles, total ascent 29m and descent 29m, approx. up to 1 hour.Walk Profile- Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Circuit: Distance- Up to 7.1 km/4.4 miles, total ascent 437m and descent 432m, approx. 2-3 hours.Wanaka Hotel/ Lake Wanaka Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Transfer to Milford Sound and board overnight boatFrom Wanaka we depart early heading for Te Anau and then into the Eglington Valley, enjoying a series of short walks in the spectacular Milford region and then into Milford Sound itself where we join our floating accommodation for the night. The Milford Mariner boat has private two bed cabins with en-suite facilities where we enjoy our overnight stay amidst dolphins and mighty peaks towering above the fjord.Walk Profile- various short walk options on Milford Road of up to 1 hour/2 kms duration depending on group fitness, weather and time permitting.Real Journeys- Milford Mariner boat Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 14 Cruise Inner Sound; drive to QueenstownAfter an early morning breakfast we cruise the inner sound again searching for dolphins and seals before disembarking and retracing our tracks to The Divide and the start of the Routeburn Track. Here we take a 3-hour walk (approx. 6.8km) to Key Summit for some spectacular views. After this hike we drive via Te Anau (approx. 4 hours) onto Queenstown, where we stay for the next two nights.Walk Profile- Routeburn Track: Distance- 6.8 km/4.2 miles, total ascent 430m and descent 413m, approx. 3 hours.Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 Free day in QueenstownA free day to enjoy the scenic delights of this world famous destination! There are numerous activities on offer which your leader can advise about locally. Or, you may just prefer to simply spend the day shopping or relaxing!Today your leader has a guide free day but they will be able to advise you on how best you can spend your free day in Queenstown.Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 16 Transfer to Mt Cook N.P.; trek in Hooker ValleyTravel through the barren Kawarau Gorge where large amounts of gold were dredged at the turn of the century. Drive over Lindis Pass to the tussock-covered plains of the Mackenzie basin and into the Mt Cook National Park (total approx. 4 hours). Beneath NZ's highest peak we walk into the Hooker Valley with its crashing glaciers and glacial lakes. By early evening we reach our accommodation and watch the spectacular view from the warmth of the restaurant.Walk Profile- Hooker Valley: Distance- 10.5 km/6.5 miles, total ascent 209m and descent 218m, approx. 3 hours.Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge /Aoraki Court Motel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 17 Drive to Christchurch via Canterbury PlainsAfter breakfast we drive to Christchurch via the Canterbury Plains. After the devastating earthquakes of 2010/11, Christchurch is undergoing a major rebuild, unrivalled in the world. The afternoon is free for you to explore this city as well as the beautiful gardens and Hagley park followed by an optional final group dinner.Heartland Hotel Cotswold Christchurch or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 18 End ChristchurchFor Land Only clients, the trip will finish after breakfast and check-out from the hotel.A free departure transfer by taxi from the Christchurch hotel to Christchurch Airport is included but it must be booked in advance with Exodus before your trip commences. If you wish to utilise this free departure transfer, please advise Exodus at least 1 month before departure. Meals included: Breakfast Depart ChristchurchFor those travelling the on group flights, the flight usually departs in the afternoon/early evening and will arrive in the UK the following day. Until departure we have some free time in Christchurch to relax or enjoy some last minute shopping before departing to the airport. Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast Arrive London
New ZealandFrom 1 October 2019, British nationals (including citizens of the EU, USA, Canada and South Africa) travelling (or transiting) by air or cruise and entering New Zealand without a visa (tourists) will need to hold an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority- NZeTA) before travelling to New Zealand. You will be able to apply for an NZeTA from July 2019. An NZeTA will last up to 2 years (valid for multiple visits) and cost NZD 9 for mobile application requests and NZD 12 for web browser requests.An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will also be introduced alongside the NZeTA and will cost NZD 35 (to be paid at the same time whilst applying for an NZeTA online). Once paid, the IVL will last as long as the NZeTA is valid.You must request your NZeTA well in advance of your trip to New Zealand. It can take up to 72 hours to approve your NZeTA. If you do not hold an NZeTA when you check in for your flight, you will not be allowed to board.Please visit the Immigration New Zealand website for further information on the new requirements and to apply for the NZeTA.TRAVELLING VIA THE USA If you are travelling via the USA (even for transit) and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Programme (most British citizens with a machine-readable passport), you are now required to register in advance for an Electronic Travel Authority (ESTA). There is a USD14 charge for the ESTA, which is only payable online with a credit card. Please see the FCDO website for further information. All other non-residents passing through the US must get a visa in advance.
Hotels & Cruise BoatYou will spend 16 nights in comfortable hotels most of which have en-suite facilities. There will also be one night spent aboard a cruise boat with ensuite facilities. Accommodation on this trip uses a mixture of character motels and friendly hotels, some of which offer spectacular views. Single rooms are available for a supplement (on request), this covers all nights apart from 1 evening when we are aboard the Milford Mariner boat.Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.Below is a list of the standard hotels used on the trip for the late 2022/early 2023 season departures. However, please be advised these are subject to change and some departures may be accommodated in different a hotels of a similar standard:Auckland: Copthorne Auckland City HotelRotorua: Jet Park HotelTongariro N.P: The National Park Hotel Wellington: The Bay Plaza HotelMotueka- Abel Tasman N.P: Avalon Manor MotelPunakaiki: Punakaiki Resort Fox: Heartland Hotel Fox GlacierWanaka: Wanaka Hotel or Wanka LodgeMilford Sound: Real Journeys - Milford Mariner (boat)Queenstown: Heartland Hotel QueenstownMt. Cook N.P: Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge or Aoraki Court Motel Christchurch: Heartland Hotel Cotswold Christchurch
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Reviewed March 2019 Anne BlackA wonderful trip. This trip covers a lot of ground, with a packed itinerary and with plenty of walking in beautiful scenery. The weather was very kind to us - we even saw Milford Sound with clear blue skies!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I couldn't single out just one - there were too many. The North Island volcanoes and geothermal activity were amazing but the South Island scenery was spectacular. The ' Abel Tasman' day was one highlight - a beautiful walk followed by a swim and beach picnic then a return journey by sail - perfect. Sunrise at Lake Matheson, the boat trip on Milford Sound and walk to Key Summit were other highlights, as were the unexpected extras arranged by Sean and Merisha.What did you think of your group leader? Joint leaders Sean and Merisha were great!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Travel as light as you can - there are chances to wash clothes at lots of the motels. I brought far too much luggage and regretted it! Do bring layers, even though we had fantastic weather the temperature ranges were big. We didn't use our waterproofs much but I don't think our weather was typical. If you can, add an extra day or two in NZ at the start and end of the trip.Is there anything else you would like to add? New Zealand is a beautiful and fascinating country. We had a great group and excellent leaders. I would highly recommend this trip.
Reviewed March 2019 Ann EmanuelTitle is good. It’s a very full an encompassing trip. It covers a great deal and involves a lot of hiking, which is really the only way to truly see and appreciate this spectacular country.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Many many beautiful views.What did you think of your group leader? We had 2, they we’re both absolutely excellent and complimented one another perfectly.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be fitIs there anything else you would like to add? Our small group of 10 was very special and together with our guides we really seem to bond. All of us had a great time. As a solo traveller, I got lucky - it was a special group! Our guides were over-the-top wonderful! We got lucky with the weather too which was beautiful.
Reviewed November 2018 Graham WrightAn Unexpected Journey. An excellent introduction to both islands. There is so much to see and do that the time we had just whizzed by. It is clear that this trip only just touches the surface but in saying that we had an unprecedented insight into the geography, geology, flora, fauna and cultural diversity, balancing the city explorations with the more exciting challenges provided by the spectacular scenery. To achieve this itinerary you have to withstand long travelling interspersed by the activities included. It would have been good to have extra days in certain areas to enhance the experience but you can only do so much in 19 days. However, in saying that, this trip cannot be faulted and certainly shows New Zealand at its best.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many as each area we visited gave totally different experiences. The Tongariro crossing was not to be missed- fortunate with the weather but there was snow in the craters at the plateau with high winds on the crater edges. Geothermal valleys. Walking up to the terminal face of Fox glacier (despite no polar bear!) Cruising the Milford Sound-seeing the penguins. Walking through the indigenous tropical forests. Walking in the snow at the foot of Mount Cook and crossing glacial torrents in full flood. Walking at night on a Glow Worm trail- like thousands of LED lights- quite enchanting. Sobering walk through the disembodied Christchurch- still recovering and has not regained its soul yet.What did you think of your group leader? All this could not be achieved without the excellent guidance, support and knowledgeable expertise of our two guides, Chris and Rich who both complemented each other- one being a Kiwi and the other a Devonian export. Nothing was too much trouble for them in trying to accommodate individual interests, adjusting the activities according to the prevalent weather conditions and providing a constant supply of snacks to sustain us upon our activities. They appeared to have a magical influence over the weather and visitors, providing a narrow window of opportunity that allowed us to visit volcanic landscapes and geothermal valleys without the crowds or rain that would normally be expected. Their energy and enthusiasm to share their knowledge of the islands and its peoples went without saying. They were quick to ascertain the abilities of each individual member and gave optional activities when needed. The entire trip was skilfully organised and despite the long distance driven by both of them, they were able to protect themselves from being on constant demand.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for long travelling. Be prepared for Vivaldi weather (four seasons). If you are reasonably fit and used to mountain terrain, all walks should be within your grasp. Make the most of your time.Is there anything else you would like to add? The accommodation was excellent and the resort spa was much appreciated.
Reviewed November 2018 Ann KeeneFabulous walking in New Zealand A wonderful itinerary and excellent guides/leaders with infectious enthusiasm for this amazing country!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Tongariro Crossing and the visit to the Milford Sound, but so many wonderful days so very difficult to choose just one. I would therefore say, the entire trip!What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was Chris Cameron and second leader was Richard Mortiboys. Chris was an excellent experienced leader with a lovely friendly personality and huge knowledge of the country and all the plants. She had boundless energy and tremendous enthusiasm for the country which was very infectious. Her organization of every part of the day was very clear and well planned, ensuring the best possible experience and full confidence in her leadership. Richard was the second in command and he and Chris worked very well together, sharing the driving and general care of each and every one in the party. He was extremely kind and caring when some of us had left items at various places enroute and he spent a great deal of time and effort to ensure that these items were successfully forwarded. They were both excellent leaders and they certainly made the trip a resounding success.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't pack too many items. When you are moving on regularly, there isn't the time or the inclination to uncover more than the top few items of clothing!Is there anything else you would like to add? I do not see how this trip could be improved! It just had everything to make it a wonderful comprehensive tour of North and South Islands.
Reviewed February 2018 Annabel IonsAWESOME NEW ZEALAND This trip is one of the best we have experienced with Exodus. The varied walking, landscape and experiences on the trip make it an amazing adventure. Beware though there are many long distances to cover (we did over 3500 Km in the 19 days), but Ian and Sonya made it very interesting with their local knowledge and frequent rest stops at interesting places. The highlight of the walking was of course the Tongariro Alpine Crossing which on the day we did it was truly spectacular with the Emerald lake just like the Guide books. The Abel Tasman Coastal walk again like the guide book pictures. The Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walk was tough but well worth it for the views. Other experiences met all our expectations – Sailing on Tasman sea, Jet boat on River Motukituki where at times we were in 5 inches of water, Helicopter to Fox Glacier (paid locally) and overnight on Milford Sound in Fiordland. Christchurch was sad to see but it is good to that they are beginning to get the city rebuilt. It is important to note that a few walks and experiences can be affected by weather. Although it was summer we dodged Storm Fehi – Tongariro was closed the day after we walked it, Windy Wellington was stormy Wellington, roads near Fox Glacier were closed due to landslides and they had had no electricity for 3 days before we arrived. However we managed all the planned itinerary except walking to Fox Glacier due to landslide. All in all an AWESOME tripWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the summit on the Tongariro Alpine Pass and seeing the Lakes as shown in all the guidebooksWhat did you think of your group leader? Ian was an excellent leader. He was a very confident and safe driver which is important on this trip. He kept us up to date with weather and reasons for his decisions in view of Storm Fehi. We had plenty of rest stops mostly in very interesting places.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take note of distances travelled in order to cover the area - New Zealand is a huge country Be aware that although summer itinerary might be changed due to weather
Reviewed January 2018 Djamila StachowskiThe best of New Zealand What an amazing trip! I cannot recommend it highly enough - it showcasts everything that New Zealand has to offer, and despite travelling for 3 weeks it is not enough. We wanted to stay longer, explore further, be stunned by the mindblowing views. From the rolling hills on the North Island to the majestic mountains and fields in Middle Earth and Milford Sounds on the South Island - it is impossible to choose a favourite spot, and certainly calls for another trip in the near future. I loved, loved, loved it, the country, the people and how happy it made me.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I cannot pick a most inspirational moment, but Mount Aspiring National Park, Milford Sound and Mount Cook left quite an impression - I am in awe. The views! Simply stunning.What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic leaders. I very much appreciated having two leaders, both very friendly, approachable, fun and entertaining and of course, knowledgeable about flora and fauna. Both were a treasure!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for mindblowing views.Is there anything else you would like to add? n/a
Reviewed April 2017 Anna CheerTrails of New Zealand A perfectly balanced blend of touristy sightseeing activities, incredibly beautiful, varied walks and exciting, unforgettable experiences. We were blessed with fantastic weather, too!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Standing under the 80m high Fairy Falls on the bow of the Milford Wanderer, water pummelling down on our heads, totally surprised, completely exhilarated and utterly happy. I have to add first seeing Red Crater on the Tongariro Crossing, jetboating, catamaran sailing on the Tasman Sea, walking through Tiritiri Matangi Island’s gorgeous native woodland ringing with exotic bird calls and cicadas, the joy of seeing the glorious colour of Huka Falls. The trouble is that every day had moments like these, so how do you choose!?What did you think of your group leader? Hayley and Josh are an extraordinary young couple, calm, cheerful, incredibly hard working and competent. If everyone drove like Josh, the roads would be safer places. Every suggestion regarding where to eat or shop or what to do in our free time turned out to be good. In his review, Martin mentioned the lady stranger who had a fall, but not that Hayley actually carried her most of the way down a steep mountain after giving first aid! There were, inevitably, some long drives, but Hayley and Josh arranged an enjoyable short walk or other activity at least every two hours. I think I’d trust these two in almost any situation.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don’t scratch your Blackfly bites! They really are the scourge of South Island, but DEET does deter them so use it. I kept leaving it too late. Bites I managed to resist scratching settled down quickly, those I took the tops off had scabs for weeks and have left scars. Be prepared for the jet lag - it took us a week to get over it after coming home. Take lots of notes as well as taking photos -see below!Is there anything else you would like to add? It has been five weeks since the end of our holiday. It has taken this long to go through all my photos and notes, remembering more and more things that we did, to do research on the internet and to write a journal. Only now do I feel able to take an overall view and write this review. This holiday is a full-on three weeks of new experiences and it is almost impossible to take it all in at the time. For us and, I imagine most people, this was a holiday of a lifetime and I really do recommend making a photographic journal to fix those memories. It is a lot of work, but rather like having the holiday again!
Reviewed March 2017 Martin BiggTrails of New Zealand We had promised ourselves this trip for some time and had high expectations. We were looking for a good mix of activities to see and experience the country. Trails of New Zealand went way beyond our expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed the amazing places, the range of walks in different landscapes, the fun of jet-boating, sailing and cruising, and luging, and the unique birds and wildlife.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We had so many experiences which will stay with us: walking the stark volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Crossing; walking to and flying over Mount Cook and landing on pristine Fox glassier; sailing a catamaran; or travelling at 80mph up a braided river; the magnificent kauri and redwoods, and not forgetting the kiwis. On our way to Milford Sound on the South Island it poured with rain and we were not expecting to see much. However, soon after we boarded the boat the skies cleared and the fiord was filled with magnificent waterfalls. It was magical as we explored Milford Sound in boats and kayaks, and our ship nosed its way past and into the silver cascading water against a backdrop of majestic snow covered peaks.What did you think of your group leader? Josh and Haley were superb leaders. They were very organised and ensured that we knew all we needed to know. They provided supplements to our meals and provided a super spread when they catered for us. They were great at sharing additional information and encouragement to the slower and faster members of the group. When they found that an unknown walker had had a serious fall they ensured that she returned down the mountain safely while continuing to look after our group. When the bus developed a technical fault it was dealt with quickly and efficiently.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go!!! It is a long way so pace and prepare yourself, but it will repay you many times over. The country is very varied and so is the weather, so go prepared for everything - it was coldest and wettest at sea level and hottest in the mountains.Is there anything else you would like to add? This trip is a good balance of activities. You should be reasonably fit and prepared for the unexpected. We were delayed for two hours when a giant kauri fell across the road, and there are no alternatives. So we had a great time chatting with everyone including the fire brigade and police. It is that sort of country.
Reviewed March 2017 Helen CockTrails of New Zealand This was a wonderful walking holiday. We were fortunately blessed with extremely good weather, so the views were unforgettable.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Helicopter flight to the Fox glacierWhat did you think of your group leader? The group leader was excellent - always keen to please, make excellent meal suggestions and slightly adjust the program to fit the group.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make the most of this wonderful trip!Is there anything else you would like to add? If there was one small suggestion I could make (and believe me, it is small and nit-picky), I would recommend cleaning the bus windows if it has become dusty; this could prevent a photoshoot stop on a few occasions. This idea came from a previous tour I made with a different company.
Reviewed March 2017 Eileen BiggHighlights of New Zealand An excellent and varied itinerary through stunning scenery. Much travelling thoughtfully balanced by good walks. A good mix of group activities and free time.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Definitely the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - hard work and a long day but worth it. The views round Lake Matheson. The waterfalls in Milford Sound. We clocked up a few first experiences: first time in a jet boat (great fun and something we would not have done otherwise), first helicopter flight, first time sailing a catamaran (yes, I took the helm), first time on the Luge ...What did you think of your group leader? Hayley and Josh were calm, efficient, funny, informed, caring and very committed. They were great. They prepared us well for each day's activities.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a daysac as well as your 40 litre rucksack, if you can. Pack layers - it can be very hot and very cold. Don't forget sunhat, suncream and insect repellant. Poles can be hired for the Tongariro crossing.Is there anything else you would like to add? This trip doesn't cover Auckland and Northland up to Cape Reinga, the Coromandel peninsula, the deep south or Kaikoura so you might want to try to fit them in before and/or after the trip. After all, it is a long way to go back again!
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