Ultimate Explorer (trip)

Ultimate Explorer

  • Auckland and Christchurch
  • Active & Adventure
New Zealand

from $3,399* per person27 DaysOctober-April
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Flying Kiwi Adventure Tours 26 people max
Our most popular trip and quite possibly the best thing you can do in New Zealand. Grab life with both hands on this in depth, all-points covered action and adventure wilderness experience. This trip guarantees to show you the best of the North and South Island and the experience of a lifetime

For those starting in Auckland you can head north first to enjoy the Bay of Islands, or head south first and hold on to the prospect of the warm waters at the end of your trip.

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Locations visited/nearby

New Zealand

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Itinerary

point 1: Depart Auckland 10am. Leave
the city for the golden beaches and warm
waters of the Bay of Islands. Visit the
historic Treaty House. Enjoy the mangrove
walk leading to the thundering Haruru
Waterfalls. Cycle scenic route. Star-gazing
around the camp fire. L/D U

point 2: Delicious pancake breakfast. Spend
the day in the Bay of Islands clear turquoise
waters, just relaxing at the beach or taking out
one of the free boogie boards. Enjoy lush Opua
Forest walks. Cycle scenic loop to Russell
visiting Kauri Grove on the way. Great optional
trip to Cape Reinga, sail the Bay of Islands,
dolphin swimming, Waka paddle and village
tour or dive the Rainbow Warrior. In the evening
enjoy an optional Maori Concert and Haka! A
second night at same camp. B/D U

point 3: A day full of adventure. Great cycle
routes & walks, then on to Opononi’s dunes
for beach fun and optional sand boarding. Cycle
or bus to Waipoua Forest to explore the giant
Kauri trees. Travel Hibiscus Coast to camp near
Waiwera hot pools for a relaxing dip. B/L/D U

point 4: Return to the “City of Sails”. Depart
Auckland at 10am if heading south first. The
beautiful Coromandel Peninsula awaits us so
bring your swimming gear. Relax on Cathedral
Cove beach and , if the tide is right, dig pools &
bathe in the thermal springs of Hot Water Beach.
Optional sea kayak around dramatic coastlines.
Scenic cycle rides around the beautiful coastal
region. We camp by the beach tonight. B/D U

point 5: Drive or cycle to stunning Whiritoa
beach for a swim or forest walk amongst the
massive Pohutukawa trees. We continue to
Rotorua and its thermal wonders. Optional
activities like the head spinning Zorb,
Agroventures, or Luge or the relaxed
Polynesian Pools. Cycle ride from camp
around the lake nestled below the dormant
but dramatic Mount Tarawera. B/L/D

point 6: A relaxed start at lake side camp.
We visit Wai-O-Tapu thermal resort. Drive on
to the impressive Huka Falls. Walk or cycle
to the great lakeside setting of Taupo.
Optional skydiving, bungy. Mount Tongariro,
Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu dominate the
skyline as we journey along the shores of
one of the largest crater lakes in the world.
Wonderful camp in Turangi. B/D U

point 7: Chance to try one of the World’s
greatest one day walks - the “Tongariro
Alpine Crossing”. Alternatively, relax or
cycle in this beautiful area with an inspiring
mountain backdrop. After some serious
exploring we head to our accommodation
for recharging and refuelling. B/L/D U

point 8 For those who are heading south
we hit the water for a scenic ferry crossing
(cost included) or if you are heading north
rejoin us at noon (point 26).
We arrive in Wellington by 10am. The
capital offers café culture, good bars, the
celebrated Te Papa Museum and the
botanical gardens. If you fancy shopping
for souvenirs the capital is ideal. We do not
provide accommodation in Picton but will
help you make a booking in a great
local hostel. B

point 9: Depart Picton 10am. Travel the
Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning
coastal route where close encounters with
fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are
common. Optional whale watch or sea
kayak and coastal walk. Stay at a beach
camp with an amazing sunrise. D U

point 10: Optional dolphin swim or seal
swim or a chance to cycle by the nature-rich
coast. Then on to Christchurch, the “Garden
City” to explore before we depart
Christchurch 3pm. Head across Canterbury
plains to Rangitata Gorge, a great ride and
camp at the foot of the Alps. B/D U

point 11: Optional white water rafting on
the Rangitata river. Morning cycle or walks
in Peel Forest. Travel through Mackenzie
Basin with views of the Main Divide. Cycle
to Lake Tekapo and view historic church.
Lake Pukaki (great spot for swimming)
camp with views of Mt. Cook. B/L/D

point 12: Morning cycle towards Mount Cook.
Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making
our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru
before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for
a scenic quiet cycle ride or walks, swim at the
beach. Optional penguin tour. B/D

point 13: Morning coastal walk or cycle. Visit
bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and
picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or
walking up the world’s steepest street! There is
also a chance to sample the delights of the
Cadbury (Chocolate) factory or Speights Brewery
depending on your tastes. We travel on to the
spectacular and natural beauty of the Catlins area
for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point
lighthouse along a quiet country road. B/D U

point 14: Journey through scenic southern
pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake
Manapouri. Visit the lake town of Te Anau before
heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic
camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle
rides and walks abound. B/L/D U

point 15: One of the world’s most scenic routes
into Milford Sound! Fantastic stop offs and more
photo opportunities than you can handle! Cycle
the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel
(3000ft)! Excellent optional boat cruise to
experience the beauty of the fiord. The Routeburn,
Greenstone Track walkers depart for their awesome
trek. Stunning lakeside camp. B/L/D U

point 16: Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to
walk, fish or cycle in the area. Day or overnight walk
on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from
Mount Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet
boating or visit the enchanting glow-worm caves.
Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau. B/D U


point 17: Journey to Queenstown along the shores
of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the
lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home.
Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are
bars, activities and thrills galore! Track walkers
re-join group. A big night out. B U

point 18: Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin
activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse
trekking, parapenting, skydive, gondola ride - this
place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle
and walk in alpine areas. Depart Queenstown at 3pm.
Camp beside a tranquil lake with hikes, cycle and
swimming all available and a chance to wind down
and compare notes and photos from your
Queenstown thrills! B/D

point 19: A relaxed morning at the camp. Optional jet
boating then over the dramatic Haast Pass. Chance for
a cycle with great downhill sections through rainforest,
past waterfalls and pools to the wild West Coast.
Head to our camp at Fox Glacier and explore the
hidden glow-worm grotto. B/L/D U

point 20: Spend the morning taking in the wonderful
scenery before an optional guided walk or heli hike on
the spectacular glaciers. Cycle to Okarito beach
camp. White Heron Sanctuary, spectacular walks and
breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. B/L/D

point 21: Morning at Okarito. Great cycle route
along the coast. Visit Bushmans Museum, check out
famous Greenstone factories of Hokitika. Stunning
coastal walk and cycle. Excellent beach camp at
Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and
Paparoa National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for kiwi
birds!! Many great walks and rides to choose
from. B/D U


point 22: Traditional Flying Kiwi pancake breakfast.
Explore the outstanding sub-tropical flora and admire
limestone formations in the Canyon. Cycle rides, glow
worm caves, beach. Optional horse riding, and
kayaking. Stay at same great camp. B/L/D U

point 23: Travel through the Buller Gorge for some
cycling and beautiful scenery to one of NZ’s most
stunning spots - the Abel Tasman region. Cycle backroad
route. Optional skydive or fly an aerobatic plane.
We stay 2 nights at Marahau, with the Abel Tasman
National Park on our doorstep. B/D U

point 24: Free day for exploring the area. Walk, cycle,
optional awesome sailing the scenic coast, sea kayak,
boat and walk the golden beaches. Swim in crystal
clear waters. Night out at a cool cafe. B/L U

point 25: Morning cycle options along the coastal
road alongside golden beaches. Time to soak up
Nelson’s cafe culture and arts. Travel through the
wine region. Picton by 6pm. For those who are heading
north we hit the water for a scenic ferry crossing
(cost included). We don’t provide accommodation but will
help you make a booking with a great hostel. B

point 26: Time in morning to explore then we depart
Wellington at noon and on to Taranaki. Camp in the
stunning Taranaki. No meals U

point 27: Leave early and head to Waitomo Caves -
a limestone wonderland created by erosion over
millions of years. Optional blackwater rafting or some
excellent walks. Arrive in buzzing Auckland by 6pm
for a taste of big city life “kiwi style”. If heading north
as part of your trip we don’t provide accommodation
but will help you make a booking. B/L

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