| Duration: | 18 Day(s) - 17 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Hiking Tours |
Kia ora - welcome to New Zealand
Auckland to Christchurch 18-day Hiking Explorer Tour
Nationwide Self Drive
This 18-day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch
Personal airport meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation
All-inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand-based specialists - so you sit back and relax
An exciting itinerary will be customized to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
We offer Self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accommodations, activities, and attractions (you select) we book your rental car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day, or perhaps you prefer a Private driver trip (fully guided) or, Escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
Explore Tongariro National Park's famous Tongariro Crossing day hike, considered one of the finest day walks in the world. Then journey by scenic train Coastal Pacific and Interislander ferry south to the capital city of Wellington (Te Papa is a must-see and it's free!) - then south to beautiful Christchurch (brand new city.
From Christchurch, you drive to Mount Cook National Park to self-explore the many tracks and trails (the Hooker Valley should be your priority) before heading deeper south and into the Southern Lakes region. From here you take the 3 day/2 night guided walk on the famous Routeburn track from Glenorchy.
Returning to iconic Queenstown you take the short drive to stunning Lake Wanaka and time to self explore the wonderful tracks of Mount Aspiring National Park before continuing north to the mighty glacier region to also marvel at ancient rain forests. Take to the air with a twin glacier scenic flight before returning to Christchurch on board the world-acclaimed Tranz Alpine scenic train (rated top 10 worlds).
Sample itinerary, please note - we will add, and include your accommodations once we have discussed with you your preferences -
Quick Summary
Auckland to Christchurch 18-day Hiking Explorer
Day 1: Welcome to Auckland the 'City of Sails'
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Day 2: Tongariro National Park
Travel on the Northern Explorer scenic train south to Tongariro National Park
Accommodation: The Park Hotel Ruapehu
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: The Tongariro Crossing
Today you'll accomplish one of the greatest day walks in the world - The Tongariro Crossing
Accommodation: The Park Hotel Ruapehu
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Taupo
Skirt the edge of Lake Taupo as you're guided into the township of Taupo
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Christchurch
Today you'll fly to the South Island city of Christchurch and collect your rental car.
Accommodation: The George Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Mt Cook National Park.
Enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country to Mt Cook National Park.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Mt Cook National Park
Explore the many walking tracks within Mt Cook National Park or perhaps take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Lindis Pass
Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Queenstown
Explore the sights of Queenstown and this afternoon attend your Routeburn Track briefing
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Routeburn Track
Travel from Queenstown to the start of the Routeburn Track, then hike to Lake Mackenzie.
Accommodation: Routeburn Track Lodges
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Routeburn Falls
Fantastic mountain views today and tonight you stay at the Routeburn Falls Lodge
Accommodation: Routeburn Track Lodges
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Forested Lowlands
Descend to the forested lowlands, before you return by coach to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Crown Range to Wanaka
It's a short drive over the Crown Range to Wanaka, so there's time to enjoy a wine tour or walk if you like.
Accommodation: Edgewater
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14: Mou Waho Island
Explore the walking tracks of Wanaka or maybe take a guided tour to Mou Waho Island.
Accommodation: Edgewater
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15: Haast Pass
Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 16: Twin Glacier
Take to the air on a Twin Glacier scenic helicopter flight.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 17: TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch
Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.
Accommodation: The George Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 18: Departure
Depart Christchurch today.
