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New Zealand Active Adventure (ex Christchurch)

New Zealand Active Adventure (ex Christchurch)

From $ 3,640 AUD

Description

Lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure and prepare to gain an adrenaline-pumping perspective of New Zealand. This is a trip for people who know their limits – then wave goodbye to them as they bungy jump head-first into the Waikato River, it’s for people who want to admire New Zealand’s unbeatable scenery – then swing into it on Taupo’s ‘Cliffhanger’, and it’s for people who can’t just witness cascading rapids – they have to jet-boat through them at a speed that exceeds their heartbeat. If you want to reach mountain bike trails by helicopter, check out Maori cliff carvings by kayak and feel the need to take control of your own adventure (by handing it over to an elastic cord) – then this trip was designed with you in mind.

Trip Name
New Zealand Active Adventure (ex Christchurch)
Last Updated
2020-10-04
Days
9
Capacity
15
Highlights
  • This trip is for those who want their breath to be taken away by more than the jaw-dropping views: heli-bike, jet-boat and bungee-jump your way through New Zealand’s North and South Island.
  • Abel Tasman National Park was crafted by mother nature for the adventurous at heart, capture its pristine beauty by kayak, or hike one of the many famous trails.
  • Hold on tight for a wild ride along the Whanganui River on a jet-boat experience that feels like a rollercoaster on water. Then swap the boat for a bike and cruise through nature on two-wheels.
  • Hike into the depths of a fairytale-like forest and reward your efforts with a pancake lunch, cooked on the world’s eternal barbecue at Natural Flames.
  • Take the reins and choose your own adventure in the North Island’s outdoor sport capital – Taupo.
  • From hiking trails to biking tracks – the options are endless, and the choice is yours.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Christchurch
Kia-ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, however if you arrive early, why not head out and soak up the atmosphere of Christchurch. With a whole new range of pop up cafes, restaurants and bars, Christchurch has hit the ground running in the aftermath of the tragic 2011 earthquake and continues to cope creatively thanks to the resilience of its people. Although in the process of an epic rebuild, this transitional period brings a collection of exciting new buildings opening at an astonishing pace, and the infectious positivity of its people, who will only be pleased to see you. After your meeting this evening, why not head out with your new adventurous travel buddies for an optional group dinner.
Day 2 - Murchison
Rise and shine as you depart for Murchison at 7.30 this morning. Drive out of Christchurch and venture through the spectacular Lewis Pass, offering beautiful mountain views – just a sample of the scenery to come. Arrive in Murchison, nestled in the Nelson Lakes, and head out to witness the wonder of Natural Flames – the world’s only eternally burning fire, located in a woodland reminiscent of a fairytale. Hike through the fern-filled forest to the point where the natural gas flames spring from the earth, and enjoy a light pancake lunch, cooked upon the fire – mother nature’s barbecue! Return to your accommodation for the evening, located in a peaceful and rural setting near the Buller River.
Day 3 - Nelson
This morning, soak up the views on a scenic drive from Murchison to Nelson, stopping by the picturesque Lake Rotorua for a photo stop and a leg stretch. Continue to the coastal town of Nelson, nestled within a stunning landscape of idyllic beaches, untouched forest and rugged mountains. This New Zealand hotspot is a magnet for the outdoor enthusiast, and today provides the opportunity to feed your adventurous spirit on a bike ride with a twist – heli-biking! From easy-peasy to hardcore trail options, this two-in-one experience offers a helicopter ride with views over Nelson, followed by the ultimate downhill ride through this breathtaking backdrop. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to keep your two feet and wheels on the ground, then skip the ‘heli’ part and get stuck into the trails straight away. Or, if your idea of adventure lies in a bottle of Pinot Gris, then why not head out on a winery tour, or simply relax back in town.
Day 4 - Nelson
The adventure continues today as you head to Abel Tasman National Park, it may be one of New Zealand’s smallest national parks, however it’s home to some of the most beautiful walking tracks in the country. The range of trails are limitless, just ask your guide for their recommendations depending on your abilities and the time of year. Afterwards, why not capture the beauty of the Abel Tasman from the water and swap your hiking boots for paddles on a guided kayaking experience along the coastline? Alternatively, you might like to take a catamaran taxi across to one of the upper bays and enjoy a leisurely walk back to your pick-up point, where you’ll continue to your accommodation for the evening, nestled on the edge of the national park.
Day 5 - Wellington
It’s an early start as you journey through unbeatable scenery to Wellington, located on New Zealand’s North Island. After breakfast, drive to Picton where you’ll catch a ferry through the extensive network of sea-drowned valleys that make up the Marlborough Sound, providing plenty of incredible photo-ops! Continue to cruise across the Cook Strait to the country’s capital, arriving early in the afternoon. Enjoy free time to enjoy the small-city buzz of Wellington – with its epic caffeine and craft-beer scene and endless array of museums, galleries and theatres. Be sure to check out the National Museum, ‘Te Papa’, or ‘Our Place’ for an immersive insight into New Zealand’s history combined with modern art. This evening why not check out Wellington’s vibrant restaurant scene and head out for an optional group dinner.
Day 6 - Ruapehu
Bid farewell to Wellington this morning and drive up through the centre of the island to the incredible surrounds near Mt Ruapehu. After your city break in New Zealand’s capital, plunge back into the great outdoors with an optional hike to the spectacular Taranaki Falls, located at the base of the mountain. The easy 2-hour trek (approximately 5.3 km) across cascading rivers and through thick fern forest, rewards you with sweeping views of the volcanic plateau, and an opportunity to soak up the spray of the falls as you walk beneath them. Later, head to the unique Blue Duck Station – an outdoor enthusiasts’ playground and your accommodation for the night. Nestled in a remote area with a natural setting on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers, enjoy a chilled evening and a good night’s rest, ready for tomorrows activities.
Day 7 - Mt Ruapehu
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast and prepare for an excellent day of adventure as you kick-start your morning with an adrenaline-inducing jet boat adventure along the Whanganui River. Hold on tight for a wild ride that gives you the high of a rollercoaster on water. Soak up the spray and the breathtaking views as you zoom through the national park at high-speed. Skim past riverbanks cloaked with native bush, and weave through fern-covered gorges as you venture deeper into the wilderness to the landing site. Stretch your shaking legs on land until you reach the Bridge to Nowhere, and with seemingly nowhere in sight – this bridge offers beautiful views that stretch across the surrounding landscape. After lunch, switch things up and capture views of the national park from handlebar height as you head back to Blue Duck Station by mountain bike.
Day 8 - Taupo
This morning drive to Taupo, the heart and soul of North Island adventure and distinguished by its picturesque lakefront setting and outdoor sports. Get stuck into the buffet of activities on offer today, from bungy jumping to mountain biking, you won’t have any problem finding something that floats your boat. Speaking of boats, if you enjoyed the thrill of yesterday’s river excursion, there’s the option to do some more jet boating right here, or if you can’t get enough of New Zealand’s geologic wonders, then why not head off on a hike – Taupo is a massive crater lake and offers spectacular views across the volcanic landscape (weather permitting). For a culture fix, why not hire a kayak and check out the Maori cliff carvings at Mine Bay or go for walk along the river to the natural hot springs where you can bathe in the hot stream. If you can’t decide, your knowledgeable leader will be on hand to offer their suggestions.
Day 9 - Auckland
Your active New Zealand adventure wraps up in Auckland today. If you’ve chosen to extend your stay then there’s plenty to see and explore in the country’s largest city. Alternatively, if you’re departing today, please refrain from booking your flight prior to 9 pm to allow for travel delays.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-11-202114-11-2021AUD $ 3,640-
25-12-202102-01-2022AUD $ 3,640-

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map