New Zealand is among countries that start with N listed on Countryaah.com. Because of the remote location and the late settlement by humans, a unique flora and fauna has developed in New Zealand. A considerable part of the species (about 85% of the plants) occurs exclusively in New Zealand.
- Day 1: Arrival begins
- 2nd day: 2nd day of arrival
- 3rd day: (Monday) Kia Ora!
- Day 4: (Tuesday) From Auckland to the Bay of Island
- Day 5: (Wednesday) Boat tour in the Bay of Island with an island stop
- Day 6: (Thursday) Day trip to Cape Reinga to the lighthouse at the northernmost point of New Zealand
- Day 7: (Friday) From the Bay of Island to Whitianga
- Day 8: (Saturday) By bike and kayak to Hahei Beach, ending at Hot Water Beach (Saturday)
- Day 9: (Sunday) Waimangu Valley geothermal wonderland
- Day 10: (Monday) Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Where the earth hisses and bubbles
- Day 11: (Tuesday) Taupo – Wanganui National Park
- Day 12: (Wednesday) Canoeing on the Wanganui River and continuing to Wanganui
- Day 13: (Thursday) Kapiti Island bird sanctuary and drive to Wellington
- Day 14: (Friday) Wellington – Picton
- Day 15: (Saturday) Queen Charlotte Sound and Queen Charlotte Track
- Day 16: (Sunday) Picton – Abel Tasman National Park
- Day 17: (Monday) Kayak tour in the Abel Tasman National Park
- Day 18: (Tuesday) Marahau – Nelson Lakes – St Arnaud
- Day 19: (Wednesday) St. Arnaud – Fox Glacier
- Day 20-21 (Thursday-Friday) Copland Track
- Day 22 (Saturday) Queenstown: Day off
- Day 23 (Sunday) Doubtful Sound: Sailing trip, on to Dunedin
- Day 24 (Monday) Yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions watch, Moeraki Boulders – Twizel
- Day 25 (Tuesday) Mt Cook National Park – Free day
- Day 26 (Wednesday) Mt Cook – Christchurch
- Day 27 (Thursday) Goodbye New Zealand!
- 28th day (Friday) Arrival at home
At the northernmost point of New Zealand is Cape Reinga, and this place is called in the Maori language “the spirits jumping off point”. From here the souls of the deceased start their last journey back to Hawaiiki, the homeland of their ancestors. The huge kauri trees that we admire in the Puketi forest also play a role in the mythology of the indigenous people. According to the Maori belief, “Tane” is the god of the forest and brought light, air and space between heaven and earth.
Our German-speaking tour guide can explain all of this to us in the most profound way: She lived with the Maori for many years. And it leads us to the classic highlights – Hot Water Beach, the crater lakes and lava rubble of the Tongariro National Park – as well as to less visited places like Taupo Point in the Abel Tasman National Park. Hardly anyone paddles this far, so we can watch sea lions, dolphins and countless sea birds in peace. Also interesting is our tour with the mail boat, which supplies farms in the Marlborough Sounds with food and newspapers: We often get to know locals, dropouts and artists who live alone in the sound.
For a two-day sailing trip with a kayak tour, we go into the hidden Doubtful Sound. This fjord is the right place for those looking for peace and quiet. Hopefully it will rain, then the steep walls will turn into waterfalls. The name of the sound comes from James Cook, who called the bay Doubtful Harbor: he believed he could never sail out of here again.
Meals: B = breakfast / L = lunch / packed lunch / D = dinner
1st day:
Arrival begins
Individual departure from Austria, Germany or Switzerland (or Europe)
2nd day:
2nd day of arrival
Day of arrival
3rd day:
(Monday) Kia Ora!
KIA ORA and welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our accommodation in Auckland city center. The rest of the day is free to explore the largest Polynesian city in the world. The viewing terrace of the Sky Tower, which can be seen from afar, for example, offers a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of the city and the Hauraki Gulf. The lifestyle of the Aucklanders is reflected in the lively scenery of the Viaduct Basin with its bars and cafes. In the immediate vicinity you can also admire the majestic sailing boats in the largest “marina” in the world. Briefing in the hotel with our tour guide is 6 p.m. Dinner in the hotel restaurant and a walk to the harbor mile.
Overnight in a 4 * hotel in Auckland
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4th day:
(Tuesday) Auckland to the Bay of Island
Our journey towards Northland begins north of Auckland. The hilly region has a rural character. The evergreen kauri trees grow here, with a trunk diameter of one to four meters. The west coast of the Tasman Sea region is not very structured and has many sandy beaches. The east coast bordering the Pacific is more rugged than the west coast. There are many small fjords, peninsulas and natural harbors, including the Bay of Islands. On the way north you drive to the Waipoua Forest. The trees belong to the largest native tree species. The largest kauri living today is estimated to be around 2000 years old. The trees reach a diameter of one to four meters and make you look like dwarfs. The trees play an important role in Maori mythology. Numerous new plantings should secure the existence of the gigantic giant trees. A short hike brings us to the Tāne Mahuta – the largest kauri tree alive today.
Finally we reach Paihia, your overnight place for the next three nights and a great starting point for exploring the “Bay of Island”.
Driving time: approx. 5 hours (330 km)
Sailing tour: all day
overnight stay in a 4 * motel in Paihia
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5th day:
(Wednesday) Boat tour in the Bay of Island with an island stop
Today we go, like real kiwis, a full day exploration of the Bay of Islands by sailing boat with an island stop and lunch. There is the possibility to swim in the crystal clear, azure blue water. With a bit of luck we will see the first penguins, dolphins and many sea birds in a wonderfully picturesque setting.
Your boat leaves the port in Paihia around 10 a.m. Toilets, showers, changing rooms and numerous covered seating are on board. The scheduled arrival time in Paihia is planned between 4: 00 p.m. and 4: 30 p.m.
Overnight in a 4 * motel in Paihia
(- / L * / -) * packed lunch
6th day:
(Thursday) Day tour to Cape Reinga to the lighthouse at the northernmost point of New Zealand
In the northwest of the North Island is Cape Reinga, a place of special cultural and spiritual importance for Maori. Marked by an old Pohutukawa tree is the “Reinga”, the place of “crossing” from which, according to Maori legends, the souls of the deceased start their last journey to the homeland of their ancestors (Hawaiiki). The Pohutukawa tree is believed to be 800 years old and is said to have never bloomed. Here we individually undertake an approx. 3-hour coastal hike and have the opportunity to take a swim break.
On the way to Cape Reinga is Ninety Mile Beach, which stretches over 88 km from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga. The beach was once used as a runway for planes and is still officially used as a route for four-wheel drive cars.
Driving time: approx. 3 hours (215 km)
Hike: approx. 3 hours (5 km, +/- 100 m)
Overnight stay in a 4 * motel in Paihia
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7th day:
(Friday) From the Bay of Island to Whitianga
Today is a long day of transfer from the Bay of Island to the Coromandel Peninsula. The peninsula is very hilly and mostly covered with subtropical rainforest. Once the transfer is over, many new, unforgettable impressions await you here. On the way, we always take breaks for lunch and to take photos.
Driving time: approx. 6 hours (420 km)
Overnight in a 3 * motel in Whitianga
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8th day:
(Saturday) By bike and kayak to Hahei Beach with a conclusion at Hot Water Beach (Saturday)
You start the day in a multi-active way early in the morning (around 7 a.m.). You receive your rental bikes. The ferry takes you to the other side of the peninsula around 7: 30 a.m. in approx. 4 minutes and start your bike tour to Hahei Beach (approx. 45 min, 13 km, approx. +/- 90/102 m ascent; your guide accompanies you in the car as support.) Golden sandy beaches and azure blue sea await you. Arrived at Hahei Beach, paddle a kayak across the crystal clear sea to Cathedral Cove (Start: 8: 45 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m.; approx. 3.5 hours with a local guide and tour guide). Cliffs, some 40 meters above sea level, alternate with bays in which the species-rich vegetation of New Zealand has settled. With a bit of luck you will be accompanied by dolphins again while paddling. Your destination, Cathedral Cove, is on Mercury Bay and is a cave that has a cathedral-like, pointed ceiling. The tides could create this shape over many centuries. Here you have enough time to take a look at the cave and swim or snorkel in the crystal clear sea (with your own equipment). Bathing suits should therefore not be missing. ack in Hahei, it’s back on the bikes to Hot Water Beach. (Approx. 1h, 20 km, + 130 / -140 m) Here you can dig your own bathing tub (depending on the tide). Because here, 64 °C hot water emerges from two springs directly on the beach, which are accessible for about 2 hours at low tide. The crux of digging your bathtub is getting the temperature right between the ocean water and the thermal spring. Your guide is sure to give you tips. + 130 / -140 m) Here you can dig your own bathing tub (depending on the tide). Because here, 64 °C hot water emerges from two springs directly on the beach, which are accessible for about 2 hours at low tide. The crux of digging your bathtub is getting the temperature right between the ocean water and the thermal spring. Your guide is sure to give you tips. + 130 / -140 m) Here you can dig your own bathing tub (depending on the tide). Because here, 64 °C hot water emerges from two springs directly on the beach, which are accessible for about 2 hours at low tide. The crux of digging your bathtub is getting the temperature right between the ocean water and the thermal spring. Your guide is sure to give you tips.
Bike tour back to Whitianga and drop off the bikes.
Bike tour: approx. 45 min. (13 km, +/- 90 m)
Kayak
tour: approx. 3 hours Bike tour: approx. 1 hour (20 km, + 130 / -140 m)
Overnight stay in the 3 * Motel in Whitianga
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Day 9:
(Sunday) Waimangu Valley Geothermal Wonderland
From Whitianga you drive south early in the morning via Rotorua, the geothermal center of New Zealand, towards the Waimangu Valley. The 17 km long valley is a rift valley about 25 km south of Rotorua. Here you have the opportunity to explore the youngest thermal area in the world. The geothermal ecosystem is the only example of a naturally regenerated ecosystem in New Zealand. Arrival in the evening in Turangi around 8 p.m. Possibility to have dinner in the restaurant.
Driving time: approx. 4 hours (300 km)
Overnight in a 4 * motel in Turangi
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10th day:
(Monday) Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Where the earth hisses and bubbles
“The mountain is calling” in Tongariro National Park, on the southern shore of Lake Taupo. Very early in the morning you start one of New Zealand’s most spectacular day hikes in Taupo – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing! The hike (approx. 6 – 7 hours) takes you across a picturesque landscape, past hot springs, turquoise crater lakes -Emerald Lakes- and bizarre lava debris through the middle of the volcanic area. There is a smell of sulfur everywhere, the earth is steaming and fumaroles rise. The active volcanoes are a link in an underground chain of fire that ends at Mt. Taranaki. Mt. Tongariro, Mt. Ruapehu and Mt. Ngaruhoe are also the movie stars among the volcanoes. They served as the backdrop for the film adaptation of “Lord of the Rings”. Mt. Ngaruhoe is the famous Mount Doom. This hike is very weather dependent,
Note: This hike is not accompanied by your guide – you are traveling as an independent hiker. Your guide will give you a detailed introduction and the necessary maps on site. The crossing transfer to the starting point as well as the collection at the end is organized. Ankle-high hiking boots are essential for the hike.
Start in Turangi around 7 a.m. Drive to the starting point of the trek about 40 minutes.
Hike: approx. 6-7 hours (approx. 20 km, + 800 / -1100 m)
Overnight in a 4 * motel in Turangi
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11th day:
(Tuesday) Taupo – Wanganui National Park
The journey continues to the small settlement Pipiriki on the Whanganui River in the Whanganui National Park. There the next means of transport, a jetboat, is waiting for us, with which we are brought up the Whanganui to Mangapurua Landing towards Bridge to Nowhere (approx. 30 min). From here a hiking trail in the middle of the jungle takes us to the bridge after 40 to 45 minutes. A local guide will show you the way. The Bridge to Nowhere “Bridge to Nowhere” has spanned the Mangapurua, a branch of the Whanganui River, since 1930, but leads to nowhere on both sides. Due to its remote location, the bridge can only be reached by kayak or jet boat. The bridge was once supposed to support access to a land area that the New Zealand government had planned for newly settled farmers in 1917. In the early 1940s, the residents there finally gave up the constant fight against the jungle and relocated. The jungle has meanwhile taken everything back. Back in the cozy lodge, a delicious dinner awaits us. From the windows of the lodge you have a fantastic view of the green, steaming jungle.
Driving time: approx. 2.5 hours (177 km)
short hike: approx. 45 minutes (3 km)
Overnight stay in the 2 * Bridge to Nowhere Lodge
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12th day:
(Wednesday) Canoeing on the Wanganui River and continuing to Wanganui
After breakfast and freshly strengthened, a unique paddling experience awaits us today. With the kayak or canoe we paddle for 2 hours on the Wanganui River back towards Pipiriki. The jet boat is waiting for us before the rapids and brings us the last stage back to the starting point in Pipiriki. The river is an Eldorado for paddlers to discover the natural beauty and historical sites of Whanganui National Park from the water. After the instruction on paddling has been given, we can leave the rest of the world behind and enjoy the tour through the jungle and the impressive landscape in peace. The Wanganui River was the location of the award-winning New Zealand drama “River Queen”. In Pipiriki, the starting point of the paddling tours in Whanganui National Park, we go ashore again.
Note: Life jackets are provided for the canoe tour. The main luggage is transported in the jet boat. If the canoe tour cannot take place due to the weather, we can take a wonderful walk on the way to Wellington as an alternative.
Note: Life jackets are provided for the canoe tour. The main luggage is transported in the jet boat. If the canoe tour cannot take place due to the weather, you can take a wonderful beach hike as an alternative.
Driving time: approx. 4 hours (270 km)
Kayak tour: approx. 2 hours
overnight stay in a 3 * hotel in Wanganui
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13th day:
(Thursday) Bird Sanctuary Kapiti Island and on to Wellington
A 20-minute boat trip in the morning brings us from the mainland to the bird sanctuary Kapiti Island, where we land directly on the beach. A visit to this nature reserve is only possible with a special license in a guided group, the number of visitors per day is strictly limited. For good reason, because here we can see birds like the little spotted kiwi or dwarf kiwi, which are extremely rare or even extinct on the main islands. These birds find an ideal habitat here, as possums, rats and similar natural enemies of the sometimes flightless birds were exterminated some time ago. Let’s listen to the birds singing. In a natural history tour from our local Maori guide, we not only learn about the special fauna and flora and the Kapiti Island ecosystem as a whole, but also about the history and stories of the island’s native Ngati Toa Maori tribe. The icing on the cake is a great all-round view from the vantage point over the island and Tasman Sea. Back on the mainland, we continue to Windy Wellington. New Zealand’s capital awaits us with great bars and restaurants.
Overnight in a 3 * hotel in Wellington
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14th day:
(Friday) Wellington – Picton
The ferry to the South Island starts around 2 p.m. In the morning we still have time to visit the “Te Papa” museum (optional). Translated, the full name means “The place of the treasures of this land”. Here you can touch and experience the history of New Zealand by means of exhibitions on the history of the Maori and their culture, the geological nature of the country (including a very real earthquake simulation) and the life of the Kiwis themselves. Alternatively, we can stroll along the harbor mile.
The ferry continues to the South Island to Picton. The Cook Strait to be crossed on this way is 22 km wide at its narrowest point and is an official part of Highway 1. It connects the Tasman Sea with the South Pacific Ocean and was named after James Cook, who sailed it first. The approx. 4-hour crossing is often very bumpy, but has great views ready when entering the entrance to the island world.
Travel time (ferry): approx. 4 hours
overnight in a 4 * motel in Picton
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15th day:
(Saturday) Queen Charlotte Sound and Queen Charlotte Track
In the early morning around 8 o’clock we take a 1.5 hour boat ride into the Marlborough Sounds. The destination is Ship Cove. From here the most beautiful section of the Queen Charlotte Track to Furneaux Lodge starts. Alternatively, we can take the boat directly to Furneaux Lodge and take an easier and shorter hike and enjoy the bay. In the afternoon the boat picks us up at Furneaux Lodge and drives us back to Picton. Arrival in Picton around 4pm.
Hike: approx. 5 hours (15 km, +/- 200 m)
overnight stay in a 4 * motel in Picton
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16th day:
(Sunday) Picton – Abel Tasman National Park
Today the spectacular journey continues through the Marlborough region towards the smallest, but also probably most beautiful national park in New Zealand – the Abel Tasman. The Marlborough region is known around the world as a producer of excellent wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc. Greenlips mussels are also very popular here. We discover this area on a 4-hour bike tour. From Nelson it’s on the bikes along the coast to Rabbit Island. From there by ferry about 5 minutes to the small coastal town of Mapua and on to Motueka. The tour guide awaits us here.
Bike tour: approx. 3-4 hours (40 km)
overnight in a 4 * motel in Takaka
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17th day:
(Monday) Kayak tour in Abel Tasman National Park
Get in the boat and into the waves! With our local guide we paddle on the crystal clear sea of the Tasman Sea past golden beaches and dense jungle. Off the most popular tourist trails, we dive into an unforgettable animal world, which we can observe from the water!
Start of the paddling tour: 8: 45 a.m. End: 12: 30 p.m. Local English speaking guide and tour guide.
If the sea kayak tour cannot take place due to the weather, you can alternatively go on a day hike, e.g. on the Abel Tasman Track.
Kayak tour: approx. 5.5 hours (approx. 16 km)
overnight stay in a 4 * motel in Takaka
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18th day:
(Tuesday) Marahau – Nelson Lakes – St Arnaud
In the morning we continue to the idyllic Nelson Lakes, which were named the cleanest lakes in the world in 2013. The starting point is the mountain village of St. Arnaud on Lake Rotoiti and at the same time the center of the Nelson Lakes. The best view over the two lakes Lake Rotoiti (the long lake) and Lake Rotoroa (the small lake) can be enjoyed from Mt. Robert at 1421 m altitude. The approx. 5 to 6-hour hike first leads us in a zigzag through beech forests over the tree line. From up here a spectacular view opens up over the lakes and the southern foothills of the Southern Alps. The way back finally leads us along the shores of Lake Rotoiti, where our tour guide is waiting for us again.
Driving time: approx. 2.5 hours (160 km)
Hike: approx. 5 hours (approx. 9 km, approx. +/- 700 m)
Overnight stay in a 4 * lodge in the mountain village of St. Arnaud
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19th day:
(Wednesday) St. Arnaud – Fox Glacier
We’re reaching the wild west coast! In many places time seems to have stood still here. Gold is still being mined in the hinterland. The first highlight is the pancake rocks, in English: pancake rocks. The name comes from the characteristic rock structure that looks like pancakes have been piled on top of each other. When the tide is high and there is a strong westerly wind, the huge “Blowholes” fountains spray into the air and you can hear the waves breaking on the rocks – an impressive spectacle. Then it goes along the coast to the Franz Josef Glacier where you take a short hike.
Short hike: approx. 40 minutes (2 km, +/- 100 m)
Overnight stay in the 3 * Motel in Fox
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Day 20-21 (Thursday-Friday) Copland Track
Another insider tip on our trip – the Copland Track. We shoulder the rucksack for the next two days. Our destination is the Welcome Flat Hut with hot springs. From Highway 6, the path leads us along the Karangarua and Copland Rivers, through dense rainforest to our overnight destination. There are natural hot springs nearby where we can relax our muscles and enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains. Overnight in the Welcome Flat Hut. One route: approx. 18 km, 7 hours with backpack and luggage for 2 days (sleeping bag, things, stove and cutlery, groceries). Cookers and cutlery are provided by our on-site agency.
Note: Our tour guide drives us to the starting point of the hike and accompanies us for a while. After that, our tour guide goes back to the vehicle and brings our unneeded luggage back to an accommodation in Fox. The next day we are picked up from the track around noon and drive to Queenstown.
http: //www.doc.govt.nz/coplandtrack
If the track cannot be completed due to the weather, an alternative hike is offered. Intended overnight location: Okarito. Additional costs for the additional overnight stay must be paid by each participant on site (between NZD 50, – and NZD 75, – per person).
Day 20:
Hike: approx. 7 hours (18 km)
Overnight in a hut in Okarito
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Day 21:
Hike: approx. 7 hours (18 km)
Overnight in a 3 * lodge in Queenstown
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Day 22 (Saturday) Queenstown: Day off
The Mecca for the adventurous and adrenaline junkies. The day is at our disposal until the afternoon. There are countless recreational opportunities in and around town. Our tour guide will be happy to give us tips. In the afternoon we continue to Manapouri.
Driving time: approx. 2.5 hours (175 km)
Overnight in a 3 * hotel in Manapouri
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Day 23 (Sunday) Doubtful Sound: Sailing trip, on to Dunedin
A very special experience in New Zealand is a visit to the Fiordland. The highlight is the sailing trip in Doubtful Sound. In addition to the most famous fjord in the area, Milford Sound, there are numerous other fjords that are every bit as popular as the main attraction. On the contrary: if you are looking for peace and solitude, the bigger and more hidden Doubtful Sound is in the right place. The fjord is known for its numerous waterfalls. With a little luck it will rain – the up to 600 m high cliffs will then turn into impressive waterfalls. The name of the sound comes from James Cook, who called the fjord Doubtful Harbor, because he doubted that he could sail out of this indentation again. After the sailing trip on to Dunedin. Today’s typical student town, owns the first university in the country and offers an active cultural scene. The city is often referred to as “Edinburgh” of New Zealand because of its Scottish origins. Baldwin Street, for example, is visited. According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the steepest street in the world. The maximum gradient of the almost 350 meter long road is approx. 35%. Over the decades, the street has become a well-known landmark in the city.
Sailing tour: approx. 5 hours
overnight in a 3 * hotel in Dunedin
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Day 24 (Monday) Yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions watch, Moeraki Boulders – Twizel
We start the day with a drive to the coastal town of Moeraki. From here we hike about 1 hour to a colony of yellow-eyed penguins. Not only the rare penguins, also a large colony of the New Zealand fur seals, live here. Then we drive (approx. 7 km) to the Moeraki Boulders. These large stone balls that can be found at the stand look like the marbles of a giant. Our way continues to Twizel in Mt. Cook National Park, where we arrive around 6pm.
Short hike: approx. 1 hour (2.5 km +/- 100 m)
overnight stay in a 3 * motel in Twizel or Omarama
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Day 25 (Tuesday) Mt Cook National Park – Free day
Today in the national park is at our disposal. The area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3424 m. Sir Edmund Hillary trained here for his Everest ascent. Let’s enjoy the day in this unique landscape, surrounded by white, snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Numerous hikes lead us into the beauty of the national park. Our tour guide will certainly give us one or two tips.
Overnight stay in a 3 * motel in Twizel or Omarama
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Day 26 (Wednesday) Mt Cook – Christchurch
Today is the last day of travel. We start early in the morning towards Christchurch. We drive past the beautiful Lake Tekapo, where you will have a few photo stops and a short hike. We arrive in Christchurch in the afternoon.
Driving time: approx. 3.5 hours (282 km)
Hike: approx. 2-3 hours (8 km, +/- 310 m)
Overnight stay in a 3 * motel in Christchurch
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Day 27 (Thursday) Goodbye New Zealand!
Transfer to the airport and home
28th day (Friday) Arrival at home
Note:
The itinerary can be changed for climatic or important organizational reasons. The daily stages and the overnight locations (motels / hotels) described in the detailed program serve only as a guide. Our tour guides are entitled to change the program depending on the weather and route conditions as well as the performance of the group and the availability and quality of free accommodation (beds in the lodges).
