16-Day Grand Traverse National Tour

**Auckland to Hot Water Beach** Pickup location: Mayoral Drive, at the Bus Stop opposite the Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, 08:00am Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi adventure! We’ll leave Auckland at 8am and drive south towards the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel is a popular holiday spot for us Kiwi’s and it's not hard to see why. With stunning white sandy beaches, dense fern forests and a rich history of both Maori and European settlement, the Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect place to start your trip! We’ll arrive at our Hot Water Beach campsite, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Go for a walk along the beach once we’ve set up camp, and this evening we’ll enjoy our very first group dinner together. Meals: Dinner Bike Rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp Walks and Hikes: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific Optional Activities: Sea Kayaking, Hahei Explorer Available Upgrades: Yes

**Hot Water Beach** Today you have a full free day to spend relaxing or exploring. We’ll head to Hahei Beach where you can go for a walk along the shoreline or take a boat or kayak to see the iconic Cathedral Cove. Later, we’ll head back to Hot Water Beach, so-named because there is a unique geothermal reservoir of hot water under the sand. At low tide, we’ll grab our shovels and head down to dig our very own hot pools in the sand - the cheapest spa day ever! Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: 8km scenic road cycling from Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach camp Walks and Hikes: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific Optional Activities: Sea Kayaking, Hahei Explorer Available Upgrades: Yes

**Hot Water Beach to Rotorua** This morning after breakfast, we'll make our way down to the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula where we’ll stop at the historic Karangahake Gorge which offers great biking and hiking options through old mining relics. This stunning region combines the natural beauty of the area with some NZ history and is a must-see on the North Island. Afterwards we’ll continue on to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity, adventure activities and cultural experiences. This evening we’ll set up camp and enjoy a group meal together. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Bike Rides: Karangahake Gorge Walks and Hikes: Stroll through Karangahake Gorge & unique thermal landscapes in Rotorua Optional Activities: Polynesian Spa Available Upgrades: Yes

**Rotorua** Today you have a full day to enjoy everything that Rotorua has to offer. There are heaps of optional activities in Rotorua and something for everyone. If you’re interested in adventure, we recommend the award winning Canopy Tours eco zipline tour, or go white water rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. If you’d prefer to relax, opt for a healing soak at the Polynesian spa, or if you’d like to explore the natural geothermal features of the area, there's plenty of walks where you can see the activity for free. This evening, we recommend heading to the incredible Te Puia where you'll learn about Maori culture, experience the breathtaking Haka and feast on a traditional Hangi meal. Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop (33 km) Walks and Hikes: Walk through Kuirau Park or the Whakarewarewa Forest to see the towering redwoods Optional Activities: Zipline Canopy Tour, Rotorua Rafting, Te Puia Available Upgrades: Yes

**Rotorua to Tongariro National Park** We begin the day with a drive to visit Wai-o-Tapu bubbling mud, a unique experience not to be missed. Next we’ll stop at the mighty Huka Falls, an impressive waterfall found along the Waikato river. This is also our drop off point for those wanting to go skydiving! If you’re not going skydiving there's a great bike ride to Spa Park along the river's edge - be sure to stop off at the natural hot spring along the way or get an adrenaline buzz from the Taupo bungy which is conveniently located on your way into town. You’ll have some time in Taupo to grab some lunch and check out New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, before we make our way to Tongariro National Park, where we’ll be spending the night. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Bike Rides: Huka Falls to Spa Park Walks and Hikes: Walks of various distances past dramatic waterfalls and around Lake Taupo Optional Activities: Skydiving, bungy, giant swing Available Upgrades: Yes

**Tongariro National Park to Foxton Beach/Tongariro Crossing Day** Voted one of the best day hikes in the world, today's 19.4km walk takes in some of New Zealand’s most impressive and diverse landscapes. The challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike covers a small section of the country’s oldest national park and dual UNESCO world heritage area, the Tongariro National Park. On a fine day you’ll be able to see Mt Ruapehu, the North Island's highest peak which stands at a towering 2797 metres. You'll also be able to see Mt Ngauruhoe, which featured in the Lord of the Rings movies as Mount Doom. If you'd prefer not to do this hike, your Guide will take you to see some lesser known but equally stunning views and offer up some cycle options for our bikers. When everyone is back together after the hike we'll make our way to our camp, situated on the beach. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Bike Rides: Marton Sash & Door (if not doing the Tongariro Crossing) Walks and Hikes: Walks of various distances past dramatic waterfalls and around Lake Taupo Optional Activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Available Upgrades: Yes

**Foxton Beach to Picton via Wellington** This morning we’ll drive down to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand! We'll arrive early, giving you most of the morning to explore. We recommend checking out the exhibits at the famous Te Papa Museum, getting to some Lord of the Rings locations on Mt Victoria or taking the iconic red cable car up to the Botanical Gardens. The capital also boasts a thriving café culture, as Wellington is renowned for serving NZ's best cup of coffee. Later on we’ll be travelling across the Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island. The journey takes around 3.5 hours and travels through the incredibly scenic Marlborough Sounds. The rolling green hills coupled with the deep blue waters make for a magical sight, especially on a clear day. If you can, make your way outside and try to spot dolphins playing in the sounds. Tonight, we'll stay at a great campground in Picton. Meals: Breakfast Walks and Hikes: Explore Wellington! Optional Activities: Te Papa National Museum of NZ (free), Cable car Available Upgrades: Yes

**Picton to Kaikoura** This morning we'll depart Picton and travel through the Marlborough region towards the coast where we’ll see amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains in the distance. We’ll make a stop for lunch along this stretch of coastline and try to spot the native Fur Seals that often relax on the rocks in front of the ocean. When we arrive in Kaikoura, there are some great optional activities that all involve the ocean! Go whale watching, sea kayaking or fishing, or if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, there’s a great walk around the peninsula or you can hop on your bike and take in the views on two wheels. Our camp tonight is down at the beach and we’ll be preparing a fresh seafood meal, perfect for Kaikoura (unless of course you don't eat seafood, in which case we'll prepare something equally delicious for you). Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Walks and Hikes: Kaikoura peninsula walk Optional Activities: Whale watching by boat or by plane, deep sea fishing Available Upgrades: Yes

**Kaikoura to Lake Tekapo via Christchurch** This morning you'll have the opportunity to take part in one of the most popular activities in New Zealand: swimming with dusky dolphins! It’s an early start but it’s a great way to begin your day and is the kind of once in a lifetime experience you won't soon forget. For those of us who aren't swimming, we’ll have a leisurely breakfast and the chance to explore Kaikoura before heading south to Christchurch. Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations. Still on the mend after two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, you can see evidence of rebuilding happening all over the city. With the chance to rebuild, comes new opportunities and Christchurch has seized the opportunity to become NZ’s coolest city, rivalling Wellington in terms of laneway bars and amazing eateries. We won’t overnight here, as campers we’re averse to big cities, so after we’ve welcomed some new travellers, we’ll continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights! Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Bike Rides: Lake Tekapo Lake Front Walks and Hikes: Take an early walk around our coastal camp Optional Activities: Dolphin swimming, dolphin viewing Available Upgrades: Yes

**Lake Tekapo** Today you have a full free day to explore Lake Tekapo. Hike the Mt John Walkway for 360 degree views of the Mackenzie Basin flats and the surrounding lakes and mountains, go and see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, play some frisbee golf or just relax at the campsite. This evening, we recommend going for a soak in the nearby hot pools or enjoying some world famous star gazing at the Mt John Observatory - you are staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, after all! Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle, Cowans Hill Walks and Hikes: Mt John walkway, Cowans Hill Optional Activities: Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing Available Upgrades: Yes

**Lake Tekapo to Oamaru via Aoraki Mount Cook** This morning, we’ll wake up in arguably the most beautiful part of the South Island. Lake Tekapo is incredibly scenic, and home to the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains. We’ll go and see some incredible sights today, heading for Aoraki/Mt Cook where we’ll hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker Valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and experience stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with some awe inspiring views of the Hooker Valley glacier - trust us, you’ll want to bring your camera for this! This afternoon we’ll travel back towards the Pacific coast. We'll camp in the historic town of Oamaru this evening, close to the unique Moeraki Boulders and the Scottish city of Dunedin. Go for a walk this evening to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Bike Rides: 13 km Alps2Ocean trail ride Walks and Hikes: Hooker Valley, Historic Precinct Oamaru Available Upgrades: Yes

**Oamaru to Te Anau** If the tide is low this morning, we’ll go for a walk along the beach to see the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities. Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau. Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island's largest lake. The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Bike Rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+) Walks and Hikes: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city Optional Activities: Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride Available Upgrades: Yes

**Fiordland National Park** Today we’ll travel along one of the world’s most scenic roads and into Milford Sound! Described as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend boarding a cruise, where you'll see dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks and if you’re lucky, some wildlife! At different times of year, penguins, dolphins, seals and even whales have been spotted at Milford. As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This hike is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Bike Rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5km+) Walks and Hikes: Plenty of short walks from camp Optional Activities: Milfourd Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride Available Upgrades: Yes

**Te Anau to Queenstown** After a chance for a morning bike ride on the Lake to Lake Trail, if not done already, we will make our way along the Devil’s Staircase, and catch our first glimpses of Queenstown. The Adventure Capital of NZ, Queenstown is located on the shores of the South Islands second largest lake, Lake Wakatipu. There are many cycle trails & walks for everyone to enjoy. Meals: Breakfast Walks and Hikes: Routeburn Track (must be pre-booked and hikers will rejoin the group in Queenstown) Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, skydiving, horse-riding, white water rafting, jet boating & the list goes on! You are in the adventure capital of the world! Available Upgrades: Yes

**Queenstown** With so much to do we’ll spend another full day in the fantastic Queenstown, so everyone has the opportunity to have those once in a lifetime experiences. Speaking of experiences, may we suggest trying the legendary Fergburger! Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a feast at an iconic Queenstown eatery (own cost). Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km) Walks and Hikes: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, skydiving, horse-riding, white water rafting, jet boating & the list goes on! Available Upgrades: Yes

**Queenstown - Final Day of the Tour** A last chance to indulge in the Queenstown action before finishing your tour with us here and saying farewell to your fellow Flying Kiwi travellers! Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: Road cycling around town or on one of the many Queenstown trails