Aotearoa Adventurer

Itinerary Description

Auckland: catch a game of rugby or venture out west to the famous black sand surf beach of Piha. Auckland is a diverse region with vineyards, volcanoes, shops, surf and coffee all within a short distance.

Whangarei - a subtropical city by the edge of a beautiful harbour. Mount Parahaki watches over the city - you can walk or drive to the summit for great views.

Bay of Islands (Paihia) - the birthplace of the nation. The 144 sheltered Islands of the region provide a marine playground for dolphins and whales. Take a cruise to the famous 'Hole in the Rock'or discover the history behind the arrival of the first Maori settlers in the Hokianga.

Cape Reinga - according to Maori legend, this is the place where spirits depart on their journey back to their homeland - Hawaiki. Enjoy a jam packed day as you journey to the top of New Zealand with awesomeNZ - get at one with nature, do the dunes, hear the legends and much more!

Waitomo: Think adventure, caving, blackwater rafting, and glowworms in a natural labyrinth of subterranean caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, millions of years in making. Enjoy a Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the World Famous Glowworm Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glow worms suspended from the cave ceiling.

Rotorua: With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most famous destinations.

Taupo: Lake Taupo is actually a huge volcano which last erupted in 181 AD. According to Maori legend, the lake is the pulsating heart of Maui's fish. Try fishing for trout, ski Mount Ruapehu or take a guided kayak expedition to view the rock carvings at Mine Bay.

Napier/Hastings: Completely rebuilt following the devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier has one of the most outstanding collections of 1930s architecture in the world. The region is also famous for its many award winning vineyards and the accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

Palmerston North: One of New Zealand's largest provincial cities, is a vibrant youthful city with an active student population. For sports enthusiasts, the rugby museum is an essential stop.

Wellington: New Zealand's capital city, Wellington is also known as our arts and culture capital. The central city is nestled between a beautiful harbour and forested hills. Museums, galleries, fine food and great live entertainment venues make this city a great place to visit in any season.

Interislander Cook Strait Ferry: travel the Cook Strait between the North & South Islands of New Zealand. The 92km voyage between Wellington and Picton takes 3 hours and has been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.

Picton: is situated at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound one of four Sounds which make up the Marlborough Sounds. The Queen Charlotte Sound is the main thoroughfare for the Interislander ferries which provide passenger, car and rail transport to Wellington.

Nelson: a pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island. Take your pick from the many outdoor adventure activities in the region including sea kayaking in the famous Able Tasman National Park, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, sailing, horse trekking or swimming with seals.

Punakaiki: the closest town to the amazing Pancake Rocks and accompanying blowholes. The rocks are the result of a layering of limestone and weathering process. Catch the blowholes during high tide for the best action!

Greymouth: The Shantytown museum is a great place to appreciate the rich local history of gold mining. Greymouth is also famous for the great beer boycott of 1947 when the price of beer was raised by hotels in the area. The standoff between locals and hoteliers lasted four-and-ahalf months before the hotel keepers capitulated and the price returned to normal. For the short term at least.

Fox / Franz Josef Glacier: Amidst the greenery and lushness of the temperate rainforest, these glaciers are easily accessible on a guided ice walk or heli-hike.

Wanaka: the lakeside town of Wanaka is a great base for some of the best snow venues including Treble Cone, Cardrona and Waiorau.

Queenstown: the resort town of Queenstown is sophisticated and stunningly scenic. Its lake and mountain landscape is an adventure playground for numerous adventure activities.

Milford Sound: Take an unforgettable journey through the magical Milford Sound and experience the true beauty of the South Island. One thousand years ago, Maori travelled overland to Milford in search of the much prized pounamu (greenstone). These treks from the east used traditional pathways across passes such as Mackinnon Pass on the Milford Track. Today, our awesomeNZ Milford Sound tour follows in the footsteps of the ancient Maori and takes you deep into Fiordland National Park. Explore the Fiord on the Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise. Learn the history of this world famous region, travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, glacier carved valleys and cascading waterfalls.

Dunedin: New Zealand's oldest city, a university city of Scottish heritage, possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture, and world-famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. Dunedin offers a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants, arts & crafts, attractions and eco tours & cruises.

Christchurch: In spite of the earthquake, Christchurch is still the gateway to the South Island, and the home of new opportunities. Local business people have responded innovatively and created thriving entertainment, education and business hubs on the outskirts of the Central City.

Kaikoura: The seaside town of Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination, mainly for whale watching (the Sperm Whale watching is perhaps the best and most developed in the world) and swimming with or near dolphins.

Blenheim: is situated in the Marlborough region of New Zealand on the north east corner of the South Island, due west of Wellington city. Blenheim's attractions include its wine industry, the Marlborough Sounds, gourmet foods and adventure activities.