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Peregrine Travel Centre

New Zealand Active Adventure

New Zealand Active Adventure

From $ 3,955 AUD

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Description

Get active in one of the world’s most outdoor-oriented destinations – mighty New Zealand. This nine-day southbound adventure has all of the ingredients for an energetic escape – jet boating down the Whanganui River, hiking to Taranaki Falls, and so many optional thrill-seeking adventures to choose from – helibiking, bungy jumping, kayaking and more! You’ll stay in secluded areas at unique lodgings to get up close and personal with nature, and spend time chilling out in so many idyllic surrounds. From the scenic views of the Marlborough Sounds to the hustle and bustle of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, uncover the wild side of New Zealand.

Trip Name
New Zealand Active Adventure
Last Updated
2020-03-09
Days
9
Capacity
15
Highlights
  • You have the power to choose your own adrenaline rush with numerous optional activities during your active adventure. Bungy jumping? Mountain hikes? Helibiking? New Zealand’s got you covered.
  • Lap up the thrills and spills of a jet boating adventure through the winding Whanganui River. Both that and the cycle back to your lodge will have you and your small group in a spin.
  • Choose to kayak through the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, or opt to sit back and relax on one of the scenic sea shuttles to take you into its pristine and lush surrounds.
  • Discover the strangely satisfying phenomenon of Natural Flames – gas flames that naturally spring from the earth – a truly unique experience in the depths of Murchison’s forests.
  • Admire the dramatic landscapes and stunning lakes and sounds as you traverse New Zealand’s countryside – it’s not just the thrill-seeking activities that will get your heart pumping!

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 print and review a final copy 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 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 may be 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 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 - Auckland
Welcome to Auckland! You’re free to arrive at any time today, as there aren’t any activities planned until an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Before then, the city is free for you to explore, and your centrally located hotel is right near the action on Queen Street, so check out the CBD, see New Zealand’s best art at one of Auckland’s galleries, head out a little to the delights of Cornwall Park or witness the city from the water by hopping on a ferry. Afterwards, why not get a group of your fellow travellers together for a drink at a downtown bar – your group leader will have some suggestions for you.
Day 2 - Taupo
This morning, drive to Taupo – the centre of all things thrill seeking on New Zealand’s North Island. This lakeside town has all kinds of active adventure to choose from – whether it’s jet boating near Huka Falls, bungy jumping from 47 metres to the waters below or mountain biking around the rugged countryside, Taupo has got you covered. For something calmer to start off your day, why not opt for a lake cruise to Taupo’s striking Maori cliff carvings, a short hike along the Waikato River or a visit to the local hot springs for a soak. On a good day, Lake Taupo offers spectacular views over the snow-capped countryside, including the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu mountains in the distance.
Day 3 - Mt Ruapehu
Leave the township of Taupo in the late morning, driving along the shores of the lake bound for Mt Ruapehu. In the early afternoon, there’s the option to embark on a two-hour self-guided hike to the stunning Taranaki Falls at the base of Mt Ruapehu. Here, not only will you get some scenic views over the falls, you’ll also be able to check out some vistas of the volcanic plateau nearby. Later on, check into your accommodation for the night, Blue Duck Lodge. This secluded lodge, situated at the northern edge of Whanganui National Park, is an ideal base for exploring the best of the North Island’s untouched beauty over the coming days – you’ll really feel like you’re one with nature now.
Day 4 - Ruapehu
Stock up on breakfast and then head off on a day of included activities in the area. Begin by strapping in for a jet boating adventure down the Whanganui River, weaving past the rapids and threading your way through the Whanganui National Park. This river is considered sacred to New Zealand’s Maori Iwi people, and so much so that it has become the first landmark in the world to be recognised as a living entity. After boating until your heart’s content, head on land to visit the Bridge to Nowhere – a concrete footbridge spanning over the forest seemingly placed in the middle of nowhere. It’s, however, the perfect spot to stop, rest and enjoy the scenic views. Swap the boat for two wheels and make your way back to the lodge on a mountain bike. As it’s a pretty active day today, make sure you have plenty of water on you.
Day 5 - Wellington
Set off out of the national park and down the scenic Kapiti coast to Wellington, arriving early afternoon. Once you’ve checked into the hotel and got your bearings, you’re free to explore New Zealand’s waterside capital. You might like to check out the Museum of New Zealand, known as Te Papa. This combined museum and exhibition space is a forum to present, explore and preserve the heritage of the nation’s cultures and knowledge of the natural environment. Otherwise, you may like to take the cable car to check out Wellington’s renowned Botanic Gardens. Wellington is also known for its thriving bar and restaurant scene, with plenty of nightlife each night, so be sure to get out and about with your travel crew in Te Aro or along the waterfront.
Day 6 - Nelson
It’s time to get back on the water, but this time it’s between the islands! Take the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton this morning (approximately 4 hours) – it will be an early start to catch the 8 am ferry, but will free up some time in the afternoon for some South Island exploring. Be sure to have your camera charged for today, as cruising through the Marlborough Sounds is nothing short of spectacular. Once arrived, have the best part of the afternoon free to check out the Nelson area, where you will spend the evening.
Day 7 - Nelson
Get out in nature today and explore the Abel Tasman National Park. The Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand’s smallest national parks, but what it lacks in size makes up in pristine beauty. Think sandy beaches budding up against verdant forests, and crystal-clear streams weaving through mossy valleys to the ocean. Walking trails in the national park are some of the most beautiful in the country and suit a range of fitness levels. Perhaps you’d like to hop on a sea shuttle to one of the upper bays then walk back to your pickup point. Otherwise, you could take to the water yourself and book in on a sea kayaking adventure to witness the park from the Tasman Bay. Your group leader will have a number of options to suit you.
Day 8 - Murchison
This morning, you’ve got the chance to choose your own adventure, and this part of the South Island is the perfect place to get your heart pumping. You might like to check out the unique craze of helibiking. Yes, it’s part helicopter, part mountain biking, and full on. If that’s not for you, do not fear – there are non-helicopter rides available as well. Otherwise, chill out on a winery tour sampling some of the country’s best or just relax in the picturesque town of Nelson. Later on, continue onwards to Murchison. Your 2.5-hour drive is as scenic as it gets – you’ll hug Lake Rotoroa and see some of New Zealand’s great landscapes pass you by.
Day 9 - Christchurch
Today is something you won’t see too often. Take a hike through some of the lush forests around Murchison until you reach a certain point, dubbed ‘Natural Flames’. As the name suggests, gas flames spring naturally from the earth and provide quite a unique sight over the forest. Not only will you be able to see these flames in action, they’ll help you cook a light pancake lunch! Afterwards, drive on to Christchurch, where you will arrive between 5 and 6 pm at a centrally located hotel. Once you’ve arrived, you are free to leave at any time, as there is no accommodation booked for tonight. As this trip does not spend any time checking out Christchurch, we recommend staying an extra couple of days to see the best of the South Island’s largest city. If this interests you, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-01-202118-01-2021AUD $ 3,955-
05-02-202113-02-2021AUD $ 3,955-
03-03-202111-03-2021AUD $ 3,955-
29-03-202106-04-2021AUD $ 3,955-
08-01-202216-01-2022AUD $ 3,955-
05-02-202213-02-2022AUD $ 3,955-
05-03-202213-03-2022AUD $ 3,955-
02-04-202210-04-2022AUD $ 3,955-

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