Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Mollies Boutique Hotel

On arrival in Auckland you will be met by your guide and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.

Auckland is a colorful, vibrant metropolis and the city's spectacular setting on the sparkling Waitemata Harbour gives rise to its title ‘City of Sails’. Its most obvious landmarks are the Harbour Bridge, the Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island, the region’s youngest volcano. Here the visitors can enjoy the magnificent harbour, walk and hike in the hills of bush where native flora and fauna abound or partake in the activities of the city.

Depart with your Maori Guide on a scheduled Urban Maori Tour including transfers & afternoon tea. Enjoy an overview of Auckland and learn about Maori legends and contemporary Maori life in New Zealand. View pa sites and meet Maori artists in their studios, where you can view their traditional and contemporary art work. On completion you will be returned to your hotel.

“Mollies” is the love child of talented couple, Frances Wilson and Stephen Fitzgerald. Their passion for opera, design and fine antiques is evident in every room. With centuries an eye for beauty has resulted in this wonderfully eclectic, yet soothing environment.

Meals – Breakfast lunch and dinner are on your own arrangements, afternoon tea will be provided while touring Auckland. This evening enjoy pre dinner drinks and canapés in the hotel.

 Day 2: Auckland
Mollies Boutique Hotel

This morning depart on scheduled ferry service to Tiri Matangi Island - one of New Zealand's most successful conservation projects - a predatory free sanctuary for NZ native and endangered bird life and protection of our native forests. Once on the island you will endeavor on a privately guided tour with a Department of conservation guide (The Department of Conservation is the central government organisation charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders), learning about the preservation of our heritage and native wildlife.

Meals – This morning enjoy a full breakfast in the hotel dining room, lunch will provided while on tour and this evening enjoy pre dinner drinks and canapés, dinner tonight is on your own arrangements.

Day 3: Nelson- Abel Tasman National Park
Awaroa Lodge

This morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel followed by a private transfer to the airport. Fly from Auckland to Nelson (flight booking and cost not included).

Nelson lies right at the heart of New Zealand, on the curving coastline of the northwest corner of the South Island. The landscape of the region embraces alpine lodges, wilderness mountain country, clear rivers, forests, limestone outgroups, rocky coasts and legendary sandy beaches. Nelson culture boasts a vibrant arts and crafts scene and a great collection of wine and beer makers. Three National Parks are on Nelson’s doorstep. The most recognised, Abel Tasman National Park, is a coastal wonderland of sea, sky and golden beaches.

On arrival in Nelson you will be meet by your pilot and transferred to your awaiting Cessna aircraft. Fly from Nelson to Awaroa Airstrip by scheduled fixed wing aircraft.

Awaroa Lodge was originally built in 1991 to offer New Zealand and international travellers the opportunity to experience a unique national park and beach destination. In realising this dream it was agreed to ‘touch the earth lightly’ and preserve the authenticity of a unique and beautiful location, nestled in native bush, set on 19 hectares of private land surrounded by Abel Tasman national park. Sustainable tourism has remained at the forefront of thinking, reflected in the significant wetland enhancement process, and the commitment to environmentally friendly business practice which has gained Green Globe benchmark status.

Meals – This morning enjoy a full breakfast in the hotel dining room, today lunch & dinner are on your own arrangements.

Day 4: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park
Awaroa Lodge

After breakfast this morning depart on a three hour private introductory Eco Sustainability Tour with the Lodge Manager. Explore wetlands area and learn about the predatory control, view native birdlife, see recycling centre and learn about their eco policies. Visit the organic garden and select vegetables for lunch.

The remainder of your day will be at leisure.

Meals – This morning relax with a full breakfast in the lodge dining room. Lunch today will be prepared using fresh produce from the organic garden; this evening dinner is on your own arrangements.

*Note – Gumboots will be provided for the tour.

 Day 5: Nelson – Abel Tasman National Park
Awaroa Lodge

Meet in the lodge lobby with an A&K representative and depart on a full day of sightseeing of the Abel Tasman Park. The smallest of the national parks in New Zealand it stretches along a beautiful accessible coastline of sandy, bush wrapped beaches locked between rocky headlands. Board water taxis to travel between the bays and enjoy a guided walk within the park, which is rich in birdlife, native bush and quiet estuaries and beaches, there is endless scope for exploring and enjoying the marine world on the coastline. Enjoy a picnic lunch today.

Meals – Enjoy full breakfast in the Lodge Lobby, lunch today will be provided during your tour. Dinner today is on your own arrangements.

Day 6: Nelson – Queenstown—Te Anau
Fiordland Lodge

This morning enjoy breakfast in the lodge before your scheduled water taxi from Awaroa Lodge to Marahau. On arrival in Marahau you will be transferred to Nelson Airport for your flight to Queenstown.

Fly from Nelson to Queenstown via Christchurch (flight booking and cost not included). On Arrival in Queenstown you will be met by a guide before being transferred by private vehicle to Te Anau.

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, one of the world’s most beautiful areas. From here you can discover the magic of the Milford or Doubtful sounds, other attractions include glowworm caves, scenic flights and the world famous Milford walking track.

Located just five kilometers from Te Anau Township Fiordland Lodge is set on forty acres of land in the world heritage area of Fiordland National Park. The lodge is perfect for relaxation as you take in the breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau and the mountains of Fiordland.

Meals – Enjoy a full breakfast in the lodge this morning. Lunch today is on your own arrangements. This evening enjoy pre dinner drinks and canapés in the lodge followed by a relaxed dinner in the lodge.

Day 7: Te Anau
Fiordland Lodge

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred by courtesy vehicle to the track office.

Board the awaiting coach and travel to Te Anau Downs, where walkers then board a catamaran for a spectacular cruise on Lake Te Anau to the start of the Milford Track, including an informative commentary during your time onboard. On arrival depart with your guide for a 5 to 6 hour leisurely walk (6.8 miles) of the initial section of the Milford Track, where you will hear about the natural and human heritage of this world famous track. Enjoy many photo opportunities along the way and settle for lunch at the historic Glade House. Following the guided walk you will return to Te Anau by Catamaran and coach.

On you return you will be met and transferred by courtesy vehicle to your accommodation.

Meals – Breakfast this morning will be in the lodge dining room, today enjoy lunch while discovering the Milford Sound. This evening relax with dinner in the lodge.

Day 8: Te Anau – Doubtful Sound
Fiordland Navigator

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Manapouri.

Upon arrival in Manapouri you will take a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, where you will board your await coach and take a sixty minute journey crossing the scenic Wilmott Pass.

On arrival into Doubtful Sound board the Fiordland Travel vessel, where you will spend the remainder of your day enjoying a leisurely overnight cruise around the unspoilt and remote wilderness of the Doubtful Sound. Your journey departs from Deep Cove, traversing down the fiord and into Hall Arm. Kayaks and tender vessels will be available for passengers to explore at their own pace. Return to the vessel and settle on the decks to absorb the wild yet intimate beauty of this place as you cruise to the mouth of the Tasman Sea to view the seal colony an Dome Rocks – an amazing photographic opportunity! The vessel will then anchor at one of its favourite moorings where passengers can enjoy their evening meal and relax in the observation lounge.

Meals – Breakfast this morning is the lodge, lunch will be provided onboard the cruise, a buffet dinner will also be provided onboard.

Note: you are required to take an overnight pack onboard the Fiordland Navigator. Your excess luggage will be securely stored in the booking office in your absence.

Day 9: Doubtful Sound -- Queenstown
Matakauri Lodge

Enjoy breakfast this morning onboard the Fiordland Navigator before crossing Wilmott Pass by coach and returning to Manapouri where you will disembark the boat.

On your return to Manapouri you will be transferred by private four wheel drive vehicle, exploring the back country regions and sheep station across Walter Peak. Duration of the trip is approximately four hours.

Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by rolling farmlands and mountains. As well as being a base for countless outdoor activities, Queenstown is oriented towards visitors in its shopping and recreational facilities.

Matakauri Lodge is nestled amongst bush on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The nine-acre property is fully landscaped with rolling lawns, a meandering stream, native New Zealand plants and surrounding pine forest. Its adjoining villas are luxuriously appointed and have been designed to be in harmony with the lakefront environment. The four villas and three suites have spacious lounges, king size beds, fireplaces and extra large bathrooms.

Meals – Breakfast onboard Fiordland Navigator, lunch today will be provided on the 4WD tour. This evening relax with pre dinner drinks and canapés at the lodge before being seated for dinner.

Day 10: Queenstown – Dunedin via the Catlins
Corstorphine House

This morning enjoy breakfast at the lodge before departing for Dunedin. You will be accompanied by a driver/guide; the trip through to Dunedin will include exploring the Catlins coastline. There will be opportunities to stop for short walks and photographs along the way. This journey will take an approximate time of five to six hours.

The city of Dunedin, founded by Scottish migrants is clustered around the harbour which is the home of the Port of Dunedin. Dunedin's main attractions include Larnach Castle, Olveston House and the Royal Albatross colony which can be found on the nearby Otago Peninsula.

Corstorphine House is set in 12 acres of private gardens and was built in 1863 and extended in 1905 and is located just five minutes from the city centre. Staying at Corstorphine House is a special experience. All of the six suites have stunning views of the city, harbour and surrounding mountains.

Meals – Breakfast this morning in the lodge dining room, lunch today will be a packed lunch enroute to Dunedin. Dinner this evening is on your own arrangements.

Day 11: Dunedin
Corstorphine House

Meet in the lobby with your nature guide and depart on a private tour to the Otago Peninsula, one of the world’s unique areas, that is close to good ocean feeding grounds, resulting in a large variety of marine creatures living on the adjacent terrestrial habitat. Encounter some of the world’s rarest wildlife at the exclusive Elm Wildlife Conservation Area and enjoy unobtrusive viewing of the ‘star’ of today’s tour; the Royal Albatross at Taiaroa Headland. The royal albatross is one of the largest of all sea birds with a wingspan of up to 10 feet. You will also get a glimpse of some of the other wildlife attractions on the peninsula such as Hookers Sea Lions, Blue Penguins, NZ fur seals and Yellow-eyed penguins. Enjoy a picnic lunch today with your nature guide and conclude your tour at your hotel.

Meals – Breakfast at Corstorphine House, lunch today will be on tour of the Otago Peninsula. Dinner this evening is on your own arrangements.

Day 12: Dunedin Christchurch
Depart

This morning enjoy breakfast at Corstophine House before your private transfer to Dunedin Airport.

Fly from Dunedin to Christchurch (flight booking and cost not included). On arrival in Christchurch make your way to connecting flight to Australia. Fly from Christchurch to Australia (flight booking and cost not included).

Meals – Breakfast this morning at Corstorphine House, lunch & dinner are on your own arrangements.

More information from Elevate Destinations:

• View trip on provider's website
  elevatedestinations.com/itineraries/new-zealand-eco-tour/…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips