Naturally New Zealand 15 Days – North & South Islands *From $5,599 per person (land only) Share
Designed to immerse you in the rich culture and stunning scenery, Naturally New Zealand offers a wide range of truly authentic New Zealand experiences that will have your heart singing!
Experience a cultural twilight walk with Māori guides through ancient forest, scenic flight to the Northernmost point of NZ to see the Pacific Ocean and Tasman sea's collide, tobogganing on sand dunes, cruise to the famous 'Hole in the Rock' in the stunning Bay of Islands, a high country wilderness lodge stay including sheep shearing, southern night sky and nature walks; a guided glacier walk; scenic flight to Milford Sound and cruise on the fiords and a day exploring the eco rich corner of New Zealand – the Otago Peninsula including Penguins, Albatross and Larnach Castle!
And don’t be surprised if your most memorable experiences are the friendly New Zealand people you will meet while staying in fabulous ‘Guest and Hosted’ style accommodations - from lovingly restored villas and heritage homes, to wilderness lodges nestled in the mountains!
Package includes:
14 nights accommodation at 4 & 5 Star accommodation;
Twilight Encounter (voted one of 82 ‘Experiences of a Lifetime’ by Lonely Planet);
Cape Reinga Scenic Flight & Toboganning;
Bay of Islands cruise to famous 'Hole in the Rock';
Wilderness Lodge Stay;
Southern Night Sky Walk;
Sheep Dogs and Sheep Shearing;
Half Day Guided Glacier Walk;
Scenic flight to Milford Sound and Scenic Cruise;
Otago Peninsula Private Tour to Larnach Castle; Albatross, Penguins and Seals
Not Included:
Airfares - contact us for a quote;
Optional sightseeing experiences;
Meals (unless specified);
Travel Insurance
"New Zealand is an amazingly rugged and beautiful country and the folks at Active Downunder know it best. Jane was excellent and her knowledge inspired confidence that the 'Naturally New Zealand' itinerary would be excellent. Not sure we've seen more beautiful, rugged land than that at Milford Sound. The pilot was informative and because the weather was good, spent a bit more time in the air. The cruise of Milford completed the perfect day--bringing nature close up and personal after the flight. Our tour in Dunedin with Classic Jaguar Limo and our wonderful guide was so much fun. I'm sure we wouldn't have seen nearly enough of Dunedin without our guide: Lanarch Castle and its story was fun; the albatross and penguins won our hearts. This was a trip to remember!" W. Smoski, IL - Feb 2011Read full testimonial
"What a wonderful trip! The areas we visited were so different from each other and each beautiful. The tours were all wonderful and accomodations were outstanding (we felt pampered). This was a trip of a lifetime for us - thank you, thank you!" S. Bourn, CO - Feb 2007Read full testimonial
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland You will arrive in Auckland early this morning. Transfer to central city hotel - walking distance to the waterfront, enjoy a sail on an America's Cup boat or ride the ferry to Waiheke Island for lunch at a vineyard or to Rangitoto Island where you can walk to the top for fabulous views back across the harbour to Auckland city.
Day 2: Auckland - Matakohe / Kauri Museum - Dargaville - Waipoua Forest This morning you will collect your rental car. Enjoy a leisurely drive north to Waipoua, stopping along the way to visit the fascinating Kauri Museum in Matakohe if you wish. Stop by the 'Funky Fish Cafe' for refreshments before arriving at your accommodation, 'Waipoua Lodge' - nestled on a ridge overlooking the 9000 ha Waipoua Forest. The historic lodge and apartments are set in landscaped gardens. Owners and hosts, Ian and Fran will welcome you to relax in the lodge by the fire, in the library, or choose a soothing wine from the bar. Dinner (additional cost) offers New Zealand's best natural produce.
Day 3: Waipoua / Guided Twilight Encounter with Māori Guides in Waipoua Forest Today,
enjoy a wide range of sightseeing experiences from walks in the kauri
forests to the Kai Iwi Lakes for swimming, mountain biking, trout
fishing, kayaking, golf, and much more. Early
evening offers you a tour experience of a lifetime. Using well maintained
walking tracks this 4-hour night experience visits the oldest and
largest known kauri trees in the world; Te Matua Ngahere and Tane
Mahuta, the Father and the Lord of the Forest. Let the night noises,
foreign environment, time, local Māori guides and ecological and
cultural interpretation (Māori story, song and instruments), awaken
your senses.
Day 4: Waipoua - Bay of Islands / Waitangi Treaty Grounds / Maori War Canoe Today you will travel north, exiting the forest as the highway climbs steeply to reveal the majestic beauty of the historic Hokianga Harbour and views out to the stunning giant sand dunes. Heading inland you will drive towards the Bay of Islands - a myriad of secluded beaches, islands and a subtropical paradise. This afternoon you may like to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Your accommodation is the Bay of Islands Lodge, a luxuriously appointed 5 Star Boutique Lodge situated in a private native bush reserve, with panoramic uninterrupted views. Dinner (additional cost) is also available at the lodge and should be pre-booked.
Day 5: Bay of Islands: Cape Reinga Half Day Scenic Flight & Tobogganning / Afternoon Cruise to the 'Hole in the Rock'
Cape Reinga Half Day Scenic Flight and Tobogganing An unforgettable half day experience to Cape Reinga and Northland including a scenic flight and drive tour. Fly by fixed wing aircraft along the spectacular West Coast and famous Ninety Mile beach and land on a remote air strip. A comfortable vehicle awaits to whisk you away to explore Cape Reinga. Next it’s off to the giant sand dunes for some fun tobogganing, followed by a spot of morning or afternoon tea on a remote sandy beach before your return flight via the Bay of Islands.
Afernoon cruise to the 'Hole in the Rock' Experience the world famous 'Hole in the Rock', see whales, birds and other wildlife the Bay of Islands is famous for. Cruise among the 144 islands the Bay of Islands is famous for and enjoy the stunning scenery and informative commentary about marine mammals, geography and history.
Day 6: Bay of Islands - Auckland - Christchurch Today you will drive back to Auckland and connect with an early afternoon flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival you will collect your rental car and drive approx 90 minutes through the foothills of the Southern Alps to arrive at Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge, nestled in a spectacular mountain setting. Tonight you will enjoy a fabulous 3-course dinner, followed by an optional guided walk to view the magnificent mountain night sky.
Day 7: Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass Early risers can join the lodge guide on a walk to listen to the dawn chorus of bellbirds, walk amongst ancient beech on a carpet of moss and discover dramatic mountain landscapes at first light. After breakfast you may like to take a map and choose one of the many self guided walks available or join a guided activity (additional cost) which can include a canoe safari, limestone castles and desert landscapes, alpine flowers and more. On one of the evenings of your stay you can watch the sheep dogs at work and have a go at blade shearing sheep.
Day 8: Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge - Fox Glacier Your drive takes you through Arthur’s Pass, over the Otira Viaduct, and out towards the rugged West Coast of New Zealand. The contrast in scenery from one side of the Southern Alps to the other is immediately evident as you pass through lowland rainforest, wild beaches and the unspoilt nature. Stop in Hokitika, small town New Zealand where you can watch artisans working with the much prized ‘Pounamu’ (Greenstone) which is found in the nearby rivers. Wander the arts and crafts stores before continuing to the small town of Fox Glacier - your home tonight.
Day 9: Fox Glacier Today you will join your guides for a *half day guided glacier walk. If you are looking for something a little more exhilirating you may like to upgrade to the 'Heli Hike' which includes an exciting helicopter flight and glacier landing so you can explore the many ice caves. Either way, you will enjoy learning about New Zealand's unique glaciers from your guides and get up close and personal with this river of ice! *a good level of fitness and agility is required for this walk. Alternatively, we can book you on a light late afternoon walk to see the Terminal of the Glacier and during the day you may like to enjoy a walk along Gillespies Beach or a 90 minute stroll around stunning Lake Matheson, known for it's fabulous reflections.
Day 10: Fox Glacier - Lake Wanaka Today is a very scenic drive down the West Coast, with many opportunities to stop and take photo's and break for short bush and waterfall walks before heading over the Haast Pass to arrive in Lake Wanaka - your base for the next three nights to explore the Southern Lakes Region (Arrowtown, Queenstown, Wanaka).
(Queenstown is approx 1hr 15mins drive from Wanaka)
Day 11: Wanaka / Scenic Flight to Miflord Sound and Cruise on the fiords The best scenic route to Milford Sound begins from Lake Wanaka and Makarora Valley. Take in huge chunks of Mt Aspiring and Fiordland World Heritage National Parks. Stunning vistas of rugged untouched wilderness, numerous glaciers, mountains, snow, ice, rivers, valleys and rainforest. Fly the full length of Milford Sound before landing and taking in the views from the water on a 1hr 45min scenic boat cruise. You will be back in Wanaka in time for an afternoon activity or simply time to relax after a fabulous experience!
Day 12: Wanaka Free day to explore
Day 13: Wanaka - Dunedin (via Central Otago) Today offers a lovely rive through the golden heartland of Central Otago, an area of dramatic landscapes, breathtaking colour, abundant flavours and pioneer sprited people. In summer, stop by an orchard stall of succulent fruits, spring admire the first wildflowers, autumn the stunning shades of colour, and winter cross-country skiing. Arrive early evening at your accommodation, a Dunedin Heritage Home.
Day 14: Dunedin / Otago Peninsula Experience / Penguins / Albatross and Larnach Castle Today you will be picked up from your accommodation in a Classic Jaquar. This full day private tour provides a private guide/driver who will share their extensive knowledge of the stunning Otago Peninsula with you. You will visit impressive Larnach Castle, along with an experience to see albatross and penguins.
Day 15: Dunedin - Auckland - Los Angeles or San Francisco Today
you will bid your friendly New Zealand accommodation hosts farewell and
drop your rental car at the airport before connecting to Auckland for
your international flight back to the USA.
Conditions: Itinerary is strictly subject to availability at time of booking. This itinerary can be customized to fit your needs. Activities can be added, accommodations and car hire upgraded (additional cost) etc. Advertised pricing: All itineraries are subject to seasonal price variations. Note, travel over the December / January time period will incur high season surcharges. Itinerary is subject to our booking conditions.
