Great Crossing

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  AUCKLAND - COROMANDEL

  Departure from Auckland at 10am for the Coromandel, renowned for its natural beauty, misty rainforests, and white, pristine sandy beaches. Enjoy the view during a beautiful coastal walk or discover the coast by sea kayak. Visit the famous and unique hot water beach, dig, then relax in your own thermal pool! Soak in the breathtaking scenery and get your cameras ready for spectacular sunrises at our seaside camp. Meals included: Dinner Possibility to upgrade the cabin: Yes Optional activities (at your own expense): Sea kayaking

• day 2

  COROMANDEL - ROTORUA

  The morning is filled with activities as we head south, towards the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. On the way, those visiting Hobbiton leave us at Matamata to continue towards the cultural and geological heart of the North Island, the perfect place to discover Maori culture and the spectacular natural hot springs of Rotorua. There are many activities to choose from, such as zip lining, OGO, luge, or even biking in the Whakarewarewa forest. We recommend ending your day with a Maori cultural experience at the Tamaki Maori Village. There really is something for everyone! Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Cabin upgrades available: Yes Optional activities (at your own expense): Hobbiton, Tamaki Maori Village, OGO, luge, hot pools, zipline canopy tour.

• day 3

  ROTORUA - TURANGI

  Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before discovering the geysers and mud pools in the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu. First, we visit the Lady Knox Geyser before exploring one of New Zealand's largest geothermal networks, a unique landscape with its colorful sulfur lakes and various volcanic views. We then take the time to explore the impressive Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo, considered the adrenaline capital of the North Island. Test your fear of heights on the giant swing, bungee jump, or skydiving—the scenery is worth it! We end the day with a beautiful walk along the shores of Lake Taupo towards the Turangi camp. Meals included: breakfast and dinner Cabin upgrade available: yes Optional activities (at your own expense): bungee jump, giant swing, Wai-O-Tapu (free, it's on us!)

• day 4

  TURANGI - KAPITI COAST

  Today, you have the chance to experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered the best one-day hike in New Zealand. This route offers a remarkable journey through volcanic landscapes. Lava flows, emerald-colored lakes, magnificent views, and steaming vents make this hike an unforgettable moment. For those who do not enjoy hiking, it is possible to take short walks in the area or to cycle on the Tongariro River trail. After the hike, we head south and stay on the Kapiti Coast, in a small quiet place called Paekakariki. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner Cabin upgrade available: yes Optional activities (at your own expense): Tongariro Alpine Crossing, white-water rafting (grade 3 rapids).

• day 5

  KAPITI COAST - WELLINGTON - PICTON

  Heading south towards "the coolest little capital in the world" (as recently named by Lonely Planet), our early arrival around 9am gives you time to discover some of Wellington's attractions or simply soak up the culture and atmosphere of our capital. There is something for everyone, including the highly recommended Te Papa Museum. Go see rare New Zealand birds at Zealandia or take a trip up Mount Victoria to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and harbor. Later in the day, it will be time to say goodbye to the North Island, as the South Island welcomes us with the picturesque landscape of the Marlborough Sounds as we cross the Cook Strait by ferry. Camping is not possible tonight, so we are staying in a very friendly hostel where we have reserved dorm beds for everyone on board. Meals included: Breakfast Hostel costs: Dorm beds from $30 per person, private single/double room from $72. Optional activities (at your own expense): Te Papa Museum (free), guided cinema tour, Zealandia, cable car.

• day 6

  PICTON - KAIKOURA

  Today, we travel along the picturesque Pacific coast to Kaikoura, where encounters with seals and seabirds are frequent. Kaikoura means "crayfish meal" (Kai - food, koura - crayfish), a reference to the abundance of seafood and marine life in the region. The town has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a hotspot for whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and seal spotting. This picturesque town is located by the ocean, at the foot of the mountains, in a spectacular setting. Stretch your legs with a recommended walk on the peninsula in the afternoon and work up an appetite for a delicious feast of fresh, locally caught seafood. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Cabin upgrade available: Yes - limited options Optional activities (at your own expense): Whale watching, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing

• day 7

  KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH - RANGITATA

  For those who wish, it is possible to get up early to admire a wonderful sunrise and enjoy one of our most popular optional activities: swimming with dolphins. The resident dolphins are among the most interactive and entertaining in the world, and it is not uncommon to swim with groups of 50 or more in their natural habitat, the ocean! We then have the chance to explore this picturesque seaside town before heading south towards Christchurch, to pick up and drop off those who are starting or ending their tour. You will have time to explore the city of Christchurch and buy your lunch in one of the many quirky container cafés at the Restart Mall. At 2:30 pm, we head towards the Southern Alps with a fantastic view of the Canterbury Plains, true Lord of the Rings country! Tonight, the unique campsite is at the Shearers' Quarters (a currently operating farm) located at the foot of the Southern Alps. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Cabin upgrade available: Yes Optional activities (at your own expense): Swimming with dolphins, dolphin watching

• day 8

  RANGITATA - LAKE PUKAKI

  Wake up with a view of the mountains and refresh yourself with even more white-water rafting on the mighty Rangitata River! If rafting isn't for you, no problem: enjoy a morning bike ride or a walk in the Peel Forest. We then continue through more endless landscapes (they don't stop in the South Island) until we reach the living postcard that is Lake Tekapo. Here, you will see the most spectacular turquoise waters, which get their color from the glacial flour brought by rivers flowing down from the glaciers high in the mountains. Leaving Tekapo, we head to one of our best wilderness camps, on the shores of Lake Pukaki. You can pitch your tent and admire the view of the lake, with New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook, visible in the distance. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner Cabin upgrade available: no - beautiful lakeside campsite (alternatives will be found in case of bad weather) Optional activities (at your own expense): white-water rafting (grade 5 rapids!!), horse riding

• day 9

  LAKE PUKAKI - MT COOK - MOERAKI

  Immerse yourself in the snowy mountain landscapes that make New Zealand famous and explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Walk to the base of New Zealand's highest mountain by following a trail in the Hooker Valley, where you will cross suspension bridges and have breathtaking views of the mountains before ending at a glacial lake with a view of the Hooker Valley glacier. We then return to the Pacific coast for a quick stop in the historic town of Oamaru before continuing to the small village of Moeraki. Walk to a beautiful viewpoint offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little blue penguin along the coast. If you have a bike, it is possible to visit a colony of extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins near the camp. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Cabin upgrade possible: Yes - limited options Optional activities (own expense): n/a

• day 10

  MOERAKI - DUNEDIN

  Before heading south, we make a stop at the nearby Moeraki Boulders, then we stop in the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the second largest city on the South Island. This southern city is home to the steepest residential street in the world and the coast is home to fantastic and rare wildlife. It is possible to take a tour on the Otago Peninsula to observe some of this diverse wildlife, which includes the albatross and the fur seal. For adventurers, why not try surfing at one of Dunedin's best spots! Our camp is a short distance from the beach, with a variety of restaurants nearby. Meals included: Breakfast Cabin upgrade available: Yes Optional activities (at your own expense): Speight's Brewery tour, surfing, Otago Peninsula wildlife tour.

• day 11

  DUNEDIN - FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK

  Today, it is one of our longest travel days, as we cross some of the most spectacular natural landscapes of New Zealand on our way to Fiordland. Large parts of the landscape have been sculpted over thousands of years, leaving breathtaking trails that wind through the snow-capped mountains. We stop briefly at Te Anau, the hub and gateway town to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, as well as your last chance to get supplies for those who will do the Routeburn Track tomorrow. From Te Anau, we make our way into the gigantic Fiordland National Park, which covers some 12,500 km2 and is the largest national park in New Zealand. Tonight, the camp is a very special place, located in the heart of the Hollyford Valley, established in the 1930s. You can learn more about the camp's history by visiting the on-site museum. Cyclists have the chance to bike to camp through native bush, and hikers can take short walks from the camp (ask your guide about the secret glowworm trails). Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Cabin upgrade available: Yes - limited options Optional activities (own expense): n/a

• day 12

  FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU

  Travel along one of the most scenic roads in the world to Milford Sound! Described as the "eighth wonder of the world," Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice age. We highly recommend taking a boat tour on Milford Sound, with spectacular waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and the chance to spot dolphins, penguins, and seals! As this is the only road in and out, we take the same breathtaking route back to our lakeside campsite at Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the 3-day Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's 9 Great Walks. This 3-day hike crosses two national parks and is a haven for native birds. Recharge your camera, as this hike offers you everything: mountain peaks and steep rock faces, pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and dense, lush forest. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch Cabin upgrade available: Yes Optional activities (at your own expense): Milford boat cruise, Routeburn Track, Te Anau, glowworm caves, and boat ride.

• day 13

  TE ANAU - QUEENSTOWN

  Today, we are heading to Queenstown along the shores of the photogenic Lake Wakatipu. Once arrived in the adventure capital of New Zealand, you can enjoy spectacular views, a free gondola ride, and a wide range of activities. Everything is here: from adrenaline with bungee jumping, canyoning, and skydiving, to a relaxing horseback ride or a boat cruise. This place has something for everyone. There are superb trails around the lake, ideal for mountain bikers and hikers, all with magnificent views of this alpine region. Meals included: Breakfast Cabin upgrade available: Yes Optional activities (at your own expense): There are too many to list them all, there is something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details).

• day 14

  QUEENSTOWN

  With so many things to do, we spend the entire day in fantastic Queenstown, with the opportunity to enjoy these unique experiences (don't forget to try the legendary and very tasty Fergburger!). The Routeburn Track walkers rejoin the group here at noon to try some of the many exciting activities this vibrant town has to offer. Tonight, we dine in one of Queenstown's many delicious restaurants – a great opportunity for your group to enjoy a real Kiwi feast (at your own expense). Meals included: Breakfast Cabin upgrade available: Yes Optional activities (at your own expense): There are too many to list, there's something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details).

• day 15

  QUEENSTOWN

  Another chance to try one of the many activities such as bungee jumping, canyoning, skydiving, paragliding, horseback riding or gondola rides – to name just a few! It's the last day of the tour and there's plenty to keep you busy, with options to extend the trip or stay for more fun and excitement in the stunning adrenaline capital. Meals included: Breakfast Optional activities (at your own expense): There are too many to list them all, there's something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details).