Pure Discoveries Kauri Tour

Travel north via Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge visiting the Reed Memorial Park. Here walk along an elevated canopy walkway through a remnant of the original kauri forests– some kauri trees are known to be at least 500 years old. Take in the picturesque Whangārei Falls formed more than 2 million years ago, before continuing to the Bay of Islands, a stunning region of 144 sub-tropical islands scattered through warm shallow waters and bays abundant in natural wonders and marine life. Regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is rich in both Māori culture and early European history. You are welcomed to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, to learn the story of Waitangi including the signing of the 1840 treaty between Māori tribes and British settlers; the magnificent meeting house; the interactive and contemporary museum; and the war canoe (waka). Next, take a ferry to the seaside village of Russell spending the next two nights at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

Today you have your choice of two excursions:

A) Discover the Far North of New Zealand. Journey along the magnificent 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, the northern tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific Ocean. This full day tour includes a picnic lunch.

B) Enjoy a Hole in the Rock Cruise. On the way to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, hold your breath as the skipper skilfully navigates through the famous Hole in the Rock and into Grand Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting). Return to Russell to meet a local guide for an insight into this historic town’s rip-roaring past!

Head south through rural towns and past delightful beaches before arriving in Auckland; New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’ including panoramic views from Bastion Point; trendy Parnell Village the lovely bays of the waterfront drive; and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area. Also enjoy a guided tour of the Auckland Museum which gives an excellent introduction to the artistic legacy and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific

Travel across the fertile Hauraki Plains to Thames then head up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. This coastal drive is quite spectacular and on a clear day, keep an eye out for the SkyTower which can be seen across the Firth of Thames. Visit the nearby Driving Creek Railway climbing 120m on a narrow - gauge line to the ‘EyeFull’ Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and back over the Hauraki Gulf. Drive east across the Peninsula through beautiful scenery to reach the resort of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.

White cliffs, golden beaches, inviting turquoise waters and green forests are the colours of the Coromandel, with scarlet highlights courtesy of the flowers of Pōhutukawa trees in summer, making this one of our favourite regions. Rightly famous is Hot Water Beach, where warm springs bubble up through the sand, and when the tide is right you can dig out your very own ‘spa’ pool for a wallow in the warm waters. Walk down into Cathedral Cove– your efforts are rewarded with one of the most photogenic beaches in New Zealand. Depart by water taxi back to Hahei where your driver will be waiting to take you to Cooks Beach – named after Captain James Cook who sailed on the HMS Endeavour into Mercury Bay in 1769 – famous for its long golden sandy beach which is now a popular retreat for Kiwis during summer month.

Taking the Pacific Coast Highway through the beachside towns of Whangamata and Tauranga in the beautiful Bay of Plenty before turning inland to visit a well-formed bushwalk with scenic lookouts over Okere Falls. Rotorua is the epicentre not only of New Zealand’s geothermal activity but of Māori heritage. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without including Te Puia, not only an active geothermal site but the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts and a Kiwi conservation project. At Te Puia, it’s part of their culture to welcome, guide, entertain, and treat you like part of the family and you are treated to a private guide throughout your time here.

Today you have your choice of two excursions:

1. Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the site of the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886. This devastating eruption buried local Māori villages and destroyed the world-famous ‘Pink and White’ silica terraces, once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. This catastrophic event changed the landscape forever and created the valley you can now walk through, past boiling craters and jewel-coloured steaming lakes. Take a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the site of the old silica terraces, hear the story of Guide Sophia and see the new terraces of silica slowly forming.

2. Experience the real Middle-Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Visit the delightful setting for The Shire featured in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series. Your Hobbiton guide will escort you through the ten-acre site, recounting fascinating details of how the movie set was created. The Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse and other structures created for the films can be viewed, and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-Earth.
This evening visit Tamaki Māori Village for Te Pā Tū. The evening experience and feast is aligned to and changes with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Feast on Māori song, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) amidst towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest - formed amphitheatre. Hākari (feasting) begins with forest horotai (canapes) and culminates in a lavish 4-course fusion feast. Hāngī is featured in varied seasonal menus designed by Māori chefs served to table, al fresco when weather is warm, or in the wharekai (dining room) if cooler. During summer months, Tū Te Rā celebrates harvest and concepts concerning ancient Māori warfare and peace. Over winter months, Tū Te Ihi celebrates the Matariki star cluster with mystical ritual, energy, and passion. Return hotel transfers included –other travellers will be on board.

Visit the powerful Huka Falls then view the vast Lake Taupō– more inland sea than lake, though its fresh waters teem with trout. Across the lake stands the mighty volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro within the Tongariro National Park. Onto Napier to view one of the world’s most complete examples of Art Deco architecture, second (arguably) only to Miami Beach. This joyful seaside town had a tragic birth, being virtually levelled by fierce fires that followed the devastating 1931 earthquake. Napier was rebuilt in the most up -to- date style of the time, which today is referred to as Art Deco. This afternoon your local guide brings history and architecture alive with entertaining stories as you discover Napier on foot. Today’s journey has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening’s treat is dinner at New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate, where you enjoy dinner in the restored seminary buildings with sweeping views of Napier.

Travel through the vineyards and orchards of Hawke’s Bay and the bush- clad ranges of the Wairarapa into New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. On arrival view New Zealand’s magnificent Parliament Buildings including the iconic ‘Beehive’ building. From the Kelburn lookout take the Wellington Cable Car down into the central city precinct before visiting Te Papa– one of the most exciting museums in the world, featuring New Zealand insights; the shaping of its land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, its unique wildlife, landscapes and its distinctive popular culture.

Your day commences with one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world. Traveling through the waters of Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound the ferry is often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow waves. Disembarking in Picton travel the short distance to Blenheim in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. What better way to enjoy this region famous for its Sauvignon Blanc than with a wine tasting at one of Marlborough’s premier wineries? From Marlborough cross to the Nelson district a corner of the South Island is blessed with a sunny microclimate and your base for the next two nights.

Enjoy the journey with the Premium lounges upgrade providing comfortable seating with free buffet and bar included. There really is no better way to cross Cook Strait on the ferries!

Paradise found! Abel Tasman National Park is a mosaic of golden coves and turquoise lagoons sheltered by forested ranges to the south. With few roads in this pristine wilderness, most journeys are made by boat. This morning from Kaiteriteri, your tour includes a choice of one activity from these three options:

A) Non-Walking Option: Full Park Scenic Cruise (3-4 hour cruise) Enjoy a morning cruise exploration of New Zealand’s smallest National Park. View world-famous Split Apple Rock, New Zealand Fur Seals, the golden sands and turquoise waters of Anchorage, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Awaroa and Tōtaranui Beach. Enjoy time at your leisure in Kaiteriteri, and return to Nelson on the late afternoon transfer.

B) Walking Option 1: Astrolabe Beaches and Bays (7km, 2.5 hour walk) After the Full Park Scenic Cruise, disembark at Apple Tree Bay for a self - guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach. Late afternoon shuttle transfer back to Nelson.

C) Walking Option 2: Forest and Swing-Bridge (10.5km, 4 hour walk) After the Full Park Scenic Cruise, disembark at Medlands Beach for a rewarding and varied self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach including the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool. Late afternoon shuttle transfer back to Nelson.

Driving via the Nelson Lakes National Park - an enchanting alpine landscape of rugged peaks, forests, stunning glacial lakes and the beginning of the awe-inspiring Southern Alps make a stop at the quaint village of St. Arnaud on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Turn inland to follow the Buller River Gorge-one of the world’s best but least-known scenic drives, carved out of the forest by 19th-century prospectors, it follows the deep river gorge, often crossing it on single-track bridges. Emerging from the forest the road hugs the coastline south to the small settlement of Punakaiki-renowned for its wild, rugged coastline and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks' - these stratified limestone stacks are an extraordinary monument of nature. 

Journey south along the Great Coast Road which was recently voted one of the top ten coastal drives in the world by Lonely Planet. Pass through historic towns reaching Hokitika and its galleries specializing in pounamu (greenstone) jewelry and artworks. Stretch your legs at the dramatic Hokitika Gorge where the blue/green waters pass through the rugged rocks. Continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to Franz Josef then on to the small remote village of Fox. The huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level. Weather permitting, an optional helicopter ride with a snow landing is a terrific way to experience the sheer grandeur of these West Coast glaciers (at extra cost).

Get ready to lift off in the safe hands of your pilot, gazing over staggering ice formations and rugged South Island terrain. Then you'll touch down on the snowy glacial plains, inhale the mountain air and take snaps with your chopper before heading back to base. Duration is 20 minutes. The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are constantly moving. On this flight, which glacier we land on and where is dictated by daily movement of the ice formations and the weather patterns that these vast areas of ice impact.

Have your camera ready for your visit to nearby Lake Matheson for a morning stroll- when conditions are right the lake perfectly mirrors beautiful Mt Cook in its still waters. Head over the Haast Pass along the river road beside the icy river and deep in to Mt. Aspiring National Park. The atmosphere lightens as we reach lovely Lake Wānaka, reflecting the mountain peaks that in winter offer superb skiing, and the pretty resort town of Wānaka.

Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers! Fly over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice flow high up into the upper reaches. Land in the snow at the head of one of the glaciers and survey the path the glacier has carved below you. Duration is 30 minutes with snow landing. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.

This morning you have your choice of one of two excursions:

A) Today, join a passionate local eco-guide. Depart Wānaka by boat and quickly leave civilisation behind as you cruise across the lake to a predator-free island. A walking track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native vegetation, filled with very vocal birdlife, to the top of the “island’s secret”; a lake on top of the island with a small island in it! Music will fill your ears, as the echo of birdsong here is astounding. Carrying on a little further you come to the very top of the island and have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wānaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool below. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the panorama. The flightless Buff Weka often join visitors on the island; this rare flightless bird has been extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920.

B) Experience New Zealand's most authentic 4WD adventure, the perfect mix of incredible scenery, history, heritage and farming life. Explore remote and seldom-travelled back roads of an authentic New Zealand High Country farm overlooking sparkling Lake Wānaka. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers and wild river valleys, you'll see farm animals including Red Deer, cattle and sheep up close. Visit historical sites and experience what life was like for Wānaka's first farmers. With two optional walks through pristine alpine meadows and ancient lakeside forests, this journey offers a unique insight into Wānaka’s rich history, heritage, modern-day farming life and breath-taking scenery.

This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or enjoy your own choice of activities.

Depart Wānaka with our first stop at the much- photographed Cardrona Pub before traversing the Crown Range road to visit historic Arrowtown – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Continue your journey via the road pinned between the base of the Remarkables mountain range and the spectacular Lake Wakatipu. Journey through a glacial formed valley that is now farmland, to reach Lake Te Anau, the largest (by volume) freshwater lake in the South Island and gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Explore a mysterious underground world of rushing water, before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms. Your excursion duration is approximately 2 hours. Your journey begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival there is time to view informative displays at Cavern House before your experienced guides invite you to accompany them underground in small groups. As you explore by path and small boat, observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of hundreds of tiny glowworms is a magical sight. Afterward, relax on your return cruise to Te Anau.

The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Areais on of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is breath- taking in any weather. Board a comfortable vessel for a cruise past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye peeled for seals and dolphins which are often seen in the waters of the fiord. Following the cruise, retrace your journey back to Te Anau travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley then across the Southland farmlands and around spectacular Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown

Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal -clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of Queenstown create the perfect backdrop for a visit full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. Today is free for you to do your own thing: thrill seekers may choose to zip- line at Bob’s Peak, get drenched on a Shotover jet -boat ride or go white -water rafting. Other enjoyable but less hair -raising activities include the gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, or a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon. Boutique wineries and local gardens welcome visitors and the classic steamship TSS Earnslaw is an elegant way to discover Lake Wakatipu during a cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Nomad Safaris offers a complete 4WD tour into the historic Skippers Canyon. The Nomad Safaris Skippers Canyon adventure is a half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley making this one of the most adventurous roads in the world. Enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery from high above the gorge. The Shotover River was known as the richest river in the world in the days of the gold miners. Gold is still being found today, therefore, you may get lucky and find a pot of gold.

For those keen on The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, join Nomad Safaris for an unexpectedly delightful journey. Enjoy a half-day tour that visits the spectacular backdrops to much of the action in 'The Lord of the Rings'. This tour is based around several of the specific sites where filming took place. These are real places - there are no film sets - they are areas of outstanding natural beauty. In safari-equipped 4WD vehicles, you will be taken on a true off-road adventure. Experienced guides will take you through diverse scenery around the Whakatipu Basin while providing an informative commentary along the way. See historic Arrowtown and go over the Arrow River, as well as experiencing the truly remarkable views from the Skippers Canyon Saddle. Some of the sites you will visit during this tour include 'The Ford of Bruinen' and 'The Pillars of the Kings'.

For a dining experience like no other, cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the iconic 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. This steamship is one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere. After enjoying the steamship journey and lake views, disembark at Walter Peak High Country Station, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel's Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner which the chefs will prepare in front of you. After dinner, enjoy a quintessential Kiwi farm experience  including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the night-time cruise home, enjoy a sing-a-long with the ship's pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the deck as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Steeped in Queenstown's pioneering history, your experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. This steamship is one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Station, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel's Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch which the chefs will prepare in front of you. After lunch, enjoy a quintessential Kiwi farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration, or take a walk around the beautiful lakeside gardens before the cruise back to Queenstown.

Enjoy a jetboat ride on crystal-clear water in a wild and picturesque landscape, amidst the towering peaks, glaciers and ancient forests of Mount Aspiring National Park. With unrivalled National Park access, the boats cover up to 90km of river; the longest jet boat ride in the region. This relaxed pace half-day tour is ideal for those looking to take their time and make the most of being in this phenomenal place. Your guides give you their authentic touch, sharing stories of the area's rich history, the Greenstone trail and renowned Maori legends.

Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. Enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride skimming over thrashing rapids in just inches of water through the narrow twisting gorges of the Shotover River. Experience the adrenaline rush as your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops and skims around crags and boulders then hold on as the driver spins the boat in the 'trademark' Shotover Jet 360-degree spin.

Fly above Queenstown over the Whakatipu Basin and spend 20 minutes capturing the stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and Glenorchy. Experience a serene and remote alpine landing with views of mountaintops, the glacially formed shores and sweeping high country grasslands.

Continue north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past pretty Lake Dunstan and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Descend into the unique Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. Take a beautiful drive along Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook. We stay overnight in the rural town of Twizel

Experience 500 year old icebergs up close and join a guided excursion for a memorable encounter with New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Transfer into the Tasman Valley then take a guided 30-minute alpine walk learning about the flora along the way as well as the features and behaviour of the glacier before reaching the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. Board a custom-built MAC Boat and cruise the lake with an experienced guide to explore icebergs and the terminal face of the glacier itself - see the ice melt and hear the moraine rocks splash into the murky waters. This will give a true perspective of how awesome the glacier is.

This short scenic option is ideal if you're looking for the opportunity to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight with incredible alpine views. Sweep through the rugged high country landscape of the Ben Ohau mountain range to a landing site in the mountains (snow is subject to seasons). Enjoy the fantastic vista from this alpine setting as you look out to the mountains and glaciers, and down the valleys that were carved out by glaciers centuries ago. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight, you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.

Visit a local home set on the shores of Lake Tekapo and learn the secrets of making a Pavlova - a truly Kiwi dessert! For morning tea, enjoy the taste of your pavlova as you drink in the views of this beautiful lake. View the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most -photographed spots; a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps. Pass across the high country’s tussock plains, through the small rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, and onto Ashburton. From here travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Most English of New Zealand cities suffered a succession of terrible earthquakes in 2010/11. Post-earthquake the city combines urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture, and creativity.

This morning we join punting boatmen, resplendent with straw boaters and traditional Edwardian dress for a relaxing cruise in flat-bottomed punts along the River Avon through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a journey in style onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre. This is the final part of our journey together so tonight we enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Haere rā– farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast you are transferred to the Christchurch Airport for your return home, taking with you your fond memories of your time in New Zealand. Alternatively, should you wish to extend your stay, we can assist you with additional travel arrangements