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Grand Kiwi - itinerary

15 Days Grand Kiwi
Connections Adventures
To book this tour please call 08700 66 45 11

Land Only Itinerary

DAY 1: Auckland to Paihia, Bay of Islands
Our journey begins as we head across Auckland’s scenic harbour and travel north. We will break our journey at Parry’s Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands. A good opportunity tonight to get to know our fellow travellers as we share a sunset drink on the beach.
Waitangi Motel
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DAY 2: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Today is ours to explore this fascinating region by way of a range of optional activities. If chilling on the beach is your scene then relax, the day is yours!! and we’ll gather for dinner and swap stories about our day in the Bay!
Waitangi Motel
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DAY 3: Paihia to Auckland
Today the option to swim with the local dolphins or take the “excitor” out to, and through, the “Hole in the Rock” before returning to Auckland. The impressive site of the Sky City Tower rising amongst the CBD greets us as we cross the yacht-filled harbour and arrive back into “the city of sails”.
base Auckland
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DAY 4: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves
A morning break at Huntly on the banks of the Waikato River before winding our way through farming land to the small township of Waitomo. Here a labyrinth of caves awaits exploration. Onto the smelting pot of Rotorua, and time to settle into our lodge before our evening meal.
Alpin Motel
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DAY 5: Rotorua
Rotorua is truly alive as we’ll see with our morning drive by Lake Rotorua and town tour on route to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve. Time to enjoy a Maori concert followed by a traditional Maori “hangi” meal. We’ll finish off our afternoon with a scenic gondola ride at Mt Ngongotaha and a couple of downhill luge rides.
Alpin Motel
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DAY 6: Rotorua to Wellington
On the road again, we head past Wairakei geo-thermal area and visit the raging waters of Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo. We head around New Zealand’s largest lake and travel past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Then it's time to hang up our travellin’ shoes and relax before dinner in Wellington.
Sharella Motor Inn
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DAY 7: Wellington to Nelson
A drive along the harbour and up Mt Victoria this morning for a view of Wellington and surrounds. Time then to check out Te Papa the National Museum of NZ or enjoy one of the many cafes or catch up on your e-mails. We then make our journey across Cook Strait and cruise into the little town of Picton from where we then travel on to Nelson.
Aloha Lodge
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DAY 8: Nelson
The day is yours to explore this amazing area. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters. There are loads of amazing options sure to suit. Tonight we’ll gather for a scrumptious meal and reflect on the day.
Aloha Lodge
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DAY 9: Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikora
Today we head back across the Bryant Ranges and past the many vineyards of the Marlborough region. We’ll make our first stop Montana vineyard. It's then on to Kaikoura where you'll have the chance to whale watch or explore this popular region. Then southwards to Christchurch.
Cathedral Camelot Hotel
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DAY 10: Christchurch to Fox Glacier
The scenery will amaze you today as we head off across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps. We’ll stop for a break at Arthur’s Pass then continue on to the visitor’s centre in Franz Josef, and an opportunity here to take a scenic twin glacier helicopter flight to our afternoon destination** - Fox Glacier.
Fox Glacier Inn
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DAY 11: Fox Glacier to Queenstown
Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and today we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice! We’ll then head back into the mountains to negotiate Haast Pass on our way to Queenstown past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Rydges Lakeland Resort
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DAY 12: Queenstown
Today it's time to play! And adventure awaits us everywhere. Choose from a huge selection of optional activities sure to get the blood pumping, with everything from bungy, shotover jets, balloon rides and horseback riding. You name it – it's all here and awaiting you in Queenstown!! We’ll regroup at dinner and share our day’s experiences.
Rydges Lakeland Resort
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DAY 13: Milford Sound
An early start today as we beat the rush of the crowds into Milford Sound. Wake up with a caffeine break at the township of Te Anau and admire the reflection in Mirror Lake before we travel on to enjoy Milford Sound, really a Fiord carved by glaciers many moons ago. A short walk at the Chasm before we make our return journey to Queenstown.
Rydges Lakeland Resort
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DAY 14: Queenstown to Lake Ohau
The morning is yours to explore Queenstown further. Time for an adrenalin charge? We then drive out along the Kawarau River this afternoon, home to AJ Hackett’s original Bridge Bungy site. Our home tonight is nestled into the hills on the shores of Lake Ohau.
Lake Ohau Lodge
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DAY 15: Lake Ohau to Christchurch
Today we follow the southern lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue water lakes and the ever-present Southern Alps as a backdrop. First stop Lake Pukaki and a chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters to Mt Cook. We follow the canal system over to Lake Tekapo where there is an opportunity to take a scenic flight. Another photo opportunity at the “Church of the Good Shepard” before we enter the Canterbury plains and reach our final destination.
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Reverse Itinerary
DAY 1: Christchurch to Lake Ohau
Our journey commences in Christchurch where we head across the Canterbury Plains and follow the southern lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue water lakes with the ever-present Southern Alps as a backdrop. We then travel onwards to Lake Pukaki and a chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters to our destination, Mt Cook. From here it’s only a short drive to our lunch stop in Mt Cook Village. We then make our way to our home tonight, Lake Ohau.
Lake Ohau Lodge
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DAY 2: Lake Ohau to Milford Sound
This morning’s drive takes us over the Lindis Pass and along the Kawarau River, with its familiar Lord of the Rings scenery. Our lunch break is in the township of Te Anau on the shores of one of New Zealand’s many large glacial carved lakes. Our cruise tonight is a real highlight! There will be plenty of time on your overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of the Sound. After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening buffet meal in the spacious dining saloon.
Overnight Cruise (quad share)
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DAY 3: Milford Sound to Queenstown
Time for additional cruising this morning before returning to the wharf. We make our way back through Te Anau and onwards around lake Wakatipu to the adrenalin mecca of the southern hemisphere!! Queenstown has it all – spectacular scenery, great hikes, cafes, shops, and every adrenalin charged activity you can imagine! You can enjoy some free time this afternoon to experience a slice of what the town has to offer.
Rydges Lakeland Resort
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DAY 4: Queenstown
It's here your Connections Adventure kicks off and the day is yours to explore Queenstown. An adventure awaits us at every turn!! Try one of many optional activites including a bungy jump (or three!), raft on the Shotover River or surf the waters of the Kawarau whilst river boarding. You name it – its all here and awaiting you in Queenstown!!
Rydges Lakeland Resort
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DAY 5: Queenstown to Fox Glacier
An early start today as we journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and this afternoon we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice! If you prefer to search higher on the glacier for stunning ice caves and formations take an optional heli-hike onto the upper icefall and enjoy a more sedate walking pace as you explore with your guides and await the return of your helicopter.
Fox Glacier Inn
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DAY 6: Fox Glacier to Christchurch
Let’s hope Lake Matheson’s waters are still and the skies clear so we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountain peaks in it’s waters, as we start our day with a morning walk before heading off into the mountains. The scenery will continue to amaze you today as we head once again across the Alps. Through the Otira Gorge with waterfalls cascading overhead, a quick break at Arthur’s Pass, then back down onto the Canterbury Plains.
Cathedral Camelot Hotel
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DAY 7: Christchurch to Nelson
Our morning’s drive takes us to the small town of Kaikoura, with the pale blue waters of the Pacific lapping its shore. Marine life abounds in the rich waters and the resident sperm whales are there for the viewing* 12 months of the year. Those who prefer terra-firma can go on a coastal hike and enjoy the waters from a distance or kick-back in a café and enjoy the local delicacies. Continuing north we stop at Ohau Point to spy out some NZ fur seals before entering the vineyards of the Marlborough region, famous for its wines.
Aloha Lodge
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DAY 8: Nelson
Awake to Nelson with the highest recorded days of sunshine in New Zealand, and the day is yours to explore this amazing area. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters. There's loads of optional activities to choose from that are sure to suit your budget and adventure level! Tonight we’ll gather for a scrumptious meal and reflect on the day.
Aloha Lodge
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DAY 9: Nelson to Wellington
We head to Picton where we make our way to the Interisland ferry for our trip across Cook Strait. Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds from the outer viewing decks as we cruise through and on towards the North Island. We take a drive along the harbour and up Mt Victoria this afternoon for a 360-degree view of Wellington and surrounds. After some free time in the city we hang up our travellin’ shoes and relax before dinner.
Sharella Motor Inn
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DAY 10: Wellington to Taupo
A chance this morning to check-out Te Papa, the National Museum of NZ, explore the nearby city centre, take a stroll along the harbour or catch up on your e-mails. On the road again this afternoon, we depart Wellington and head north past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe and around New Zealand’s largest lake to Lake Taupo.
Silver Fern Lodge
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DAY 11: Lake Taupo to Rotorua
You’ll have some leisure time this morning to enjoy some of the many optional activities at Lake Taupo. Bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving - the choice is yours! We’ll make head to the raging waters of Huka Falls, and past Wairakei Geo-thermal area. You’ll see that Rotorua is truly alive with our afternoon visit to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve. Following our traditional Maori “hangi” meal we learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour in this unique village. Tonight we’ll enjoy a “kiwi-style” barbeque dinner and some time out at the Blue & Green Lakes (weather permitting).
Alpin Motel
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DAY 12: Rotorua
The day is yours to explore the region. Time for an optional day trip to the small township of Waitomo. Here a labyrinth of caves awaits exploration. Want to turn up the heat? How about a day trip to nearby White Island and walk on a live Volcano? Perhaps take a raft or kayak on the local Kaituna River, check out the local area in a 4wd tour or relax with a soothing massage or mud bath! After dinner there’s time to relax under the stars in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool.
Alpin Motel
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DAY 13: Rotorua to Paihia
This morning we travel north along the Waikato River to Auckland - New Zealand’s largest city. We make our way to the heart of the city centre to take a look from the impressive icon that is the Sky City viewing tower. Once at the top you will have the opportunity if you wish, to take the plunge off the edge!. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Once settled into our motel, we’ll share a refreshment on the beach.
Waitangi Motel
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DAY 14: Paihia Bay of Islands
Today is ours to explore this fascinating region by way of a range of optional activities – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Try a drive along, or flight over, 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea and board down the Te Paki sand dunes. Relax as you sail the inner Bay on a catamaran and look for dolphins, take a paddle through mangrove forest to Haruru Falls or take a day cruise and hike at Cape Brett. If chilling on the beach is your scene, then relax - the day is yours!!
Waitangi Motel
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DAY 15: Paihia to Auckland
This morning we journey southwards back towards the city of Auckland. As we again cross the bridge you can appreciate the magnficient harbour, islands and modern city environment that has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Not a bad spot to finish your journey with us!
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