call our experts
800-728-2875

business hours
M-F: 8-5 PST

asia / pacific: new zealand

z -Top to Bottom Adventure

This unique and flexible adventure explores the natural wonders of New Zealand's north and south islands. Traveling in a small group armed with all the tools for a great adventure vacation (bikes, kayaks, bodyboards, snorkeling gear etc.), each day offers new opportunities for exploration. If you wish to kayak, the guide will show you where; if you wish to ride, the guide will take you to the best track in that area. Guides will give you basic instruction in each activity then it's up to you! Explore the unknown trails off the beaten track where your guides knowledge of the local areas will allow you to make the most of New Zealand's varied terrain and spectacular destinations. This is not a typical sightseeing tour, this is an active adventure focusing on experiencing New Zealand, not just seeing it! Accommodations are chosen for location and include comfortable holiday homes & cottages. Most meals are prepared by the guide and picnic lunches will be prepared at each location. Dining out in restaurants are an optional extra at the discretion of the group. If you seek high adventure with maximum flexibility and a great vacation value then explore New Zealand Top to Bottom.

Days 1-2 - Arrival in Kaitaia

Welcome to the 'far north' of New Zealand, famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and excellent fishing. The region is steeped in early European and native Maori history. Meet the group and guide for a delicious Welcome Dinner and trip orientation. After an early morning in the surf, enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out on an exploration to Cape Reinga. A BBQ on the beach is a perfect way to start three weeks of serious fun in New Zealand!

Accommodations: Kaitaia Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3-4 - Bay of Islands

Drive south along the beautiful east coast to the Bay of Islands viewing some of the most magnificent coastal scenery in New Zealand. Numerous options for kayaking to offshore islands, surfing or snorkeling exist along this stretch of coast. Scuba diving trips are also available (at additional cost). The Bay of Islands is punctuated by dozens of secluded beaches and coves, with crystal clear waters ranging in hue from turquoise to deep blue. Dotted with nearly 150 islands, the region is aptly named.

Accommodations: Bay of Island Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Auckland

Head south to Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most multi-cultural city. You'll get a chance to wander round the Viaduct - a vibrant downtown area, and until recently home to the Americas Cup. While the Cup is no longer here, the vibrant atmosphere continues with numerous bars and restaurants open late. Although Larry Ellison and Cindy Crawford have moved on, friendly locals abound and are more than willing to share a tale or two.

Accommodations: Golden Sand Beach Front
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Days 6-7 - Coromandel Peninsula

Drive east to the Coromandel Peninsula - a rugged, densely forested peninsula where rivers force their way through gorges and pour down steep cliffs into the sea. From our base in Hahei, we can hike to Cathedral Cove, accessible only at low tide through a gigantic arched cavern. We then walk south to Hot Water beach where thermal waters brew just below the sand. Our Guide will show you how to dig your very own spa in the sand from where you can sit back and contemplate whether to surf, scuba dive or snorkel.

Accommodations: Coromandel Peninsula Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Rotorua

Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in NZ, with bubbling mud pools, gurgling hot springs and gushing geysers. Explore the thermal features of Rotorua and tour a pre-European Maori village. For dinner attend a traditional Maori feast - a Hungi, where all meats and vegetables are cooked in the traditional fashion beneath the ground on hot rocks. Local Maori hosts will introduce us to their underground cooking techniques, culture and history.

Accommodations: Rotoura Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Tongariro National Park

The Central North Island is an area of distinctive geography and scenery, and Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park (est. 1887) and a World Heritage area. This status recognizes the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. The Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu mountains are at the heart of the park and form the southern limits of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. It was this area Peter Jackson chose to film part of Lord of the Rings - you will recognize Mordor and the Plains of Gorgoroth as we hike the Tongariro Crossing, a 7-8 hour trek through spectacular terrain, passing two active volcanoes, lava flows, emerald colored lakes and hot springs.

Accommodations: Tongariro Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Wellington

Arrive in the capital city of Wellington, the physical and cultural centre of New Zealand. Situated on a beautiful harbor ringed by hills perfect for mountain biking and hiking, Wellington prides itself on being a centre for arts and crafts, with an abundance of restaurants, cafes, nightlife and activities. Affectionately called 'Wellywood', Wellington is fast becoming a major player in international film and TV circles with the studios used for Lord of the Rings located here. A short hike up Mount Victoria will reward you with stunning vistas of the city and on a clear day, views as far as the Marlborough Sounds. This afternoon visit Te Papa, the country's national museum.

Accommodations: Wellington Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 11 - Marlborough Sounds

Leaving Wellington take a ferry across Cook Strait, through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. The Sounds, formed by the sea invading its deep valleys after the Ice Ages, provides the perfect playground for our toys. Spend the afternoon exploring the area by sea kayak, mountain bike or on foot. The Queen Charlotte Walkway offers excellent mountain biking to those who chose this option. From the water there is a good chance you'll spot dolphins and Little Blue Penguins. In the evening we will cook up a feast of fresh local seafood.

Accommodations: Marlborough Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 12-13 - Abel Tasman National Park

Drive west to Able Tasman National Park, stopping in Nelson - a beautiful town, nestled between stunning beaches and mountains. Local artisans and craftspeople abound and you'll get the chance to pick up some original pieces the area is so well known for. At Abel Tasman discover the country's most popular National Park. Explore this coastal area of stunning bays, golden sand beaches and limestone headlands by sea kayak and on foot.

Accommodations: Abel Tasman Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Punakaiki

Explore the wild West Coast. At Cape Foulwind hike to a seal colony that offers stunning views of the Tasman Sea and mighty Southern Alps. Similarly you can relax and play on one of the coasts famous surf beaches. Entering Paparoa National Park, explore miles of deserted beaches, the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, and a number of forest walks in the area. Two other great options are a kayak trip on the Pororari River, or ride mountain bikes alongside the limestone cliffs and giant tree ferns of Bullock Creek. This evening we will enjoy a BBQ on the beach as the sun sets into the Tasman Sea.

Accommodations: Punakaiki Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 - Fox Glacier

Begin the day with an early drive south along the rugged West coast stopping along the way at the craft center of Hokitika, the nation's center for greenstone carvers. Hike to the terminal face of the Glacier or take an optional walk on the ice. Hoisting our alpenstocks, we follow the guide as he cuts steps into the ice, leading us on a journey of discovery through crevasses and over moraines. In recent times, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers have advanced far down the mountains cutting a path of destruction through the surrounding rock and rainforest. 'Calving' is a common occurrence at the glacier terminal, and in a dramatic display of the power of nature, large chunks of ice separate from the glacier and crash to the ground. After dinner, we will see New Zealand's famous glow-worms in the rainforest surrounding the town of Fox Glacier.

Accommodations: Mount Cook View
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 16-17 - Wanaka

Start the day with an early walk around Lake Matheson revealing the reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks: Mounts Cook and Tasman. Travel along the World Heritage Highway. A rainforest hike brings to an isolated beach offers a chance to view nesting penguins. Then it's up and over the Haast Pass and along the beautiful shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Make a brief stop to sample local wines at a picturesque winery before continuing on to Wanaka. The next day we will drive through the Matukituki Valley to hike in Mt Aspiring National Park. This is a World Heritage Area of majestic mountains and natural rainforest, and our favorite day hike in New Zealand. Hike up through a narrow gorge beside a crystal clear stream for a couple of hours to a clearing. Surrounding glaciers cling to cliff faces, broken by a myriad of waterfalls. Occasionally an ice avalanche will shatter the silence. Later drift downstream on the currents of the Matukituki River while enjoying some of the best mountain scenery in New Zealand. That evening explore the vibrant town of Wanaka and sample some of the great local cuisine.

Accommodations: Wanaka Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 18 - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

Drive to Te Anau on our way to Milford Sound. Enjoy a short walk along the Kepler Track, or a kayak in Lake Te Anau. After passing through the Homer Tunnel mountain bike one of the most stunning roads in the world as you descend into Milford Sound. Embark our waiting vessel for an overnight cruise of the Sound. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound before anchoring for the night. Beneath the towering presence of Mitre Peak, you can kayak around sheltered bays, venture ashore in the tender craft or simply sit back and unwind. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a delicious meal and share stories of the day's adventures.

Accommodations: M/V Friendship
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 19-20 - Queenstown

After a relaxed breakfast on board, we drive to Queenstown, 'The Adventure Capital of the World'. Choose from an exciting array of optional (and extra cost) activities including rafting, jet boating, bungy jumping, fly-by-wire, canyoning, tandem paragliding, hang gliding, sky diving, horse trekking, river surfing, fishing, vintage plane flights, glider flights, or take a goldfield or sheep station tour. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy the atmosphere of sidewalk cafes in this alpine resort. If you'd rather do some hiking around Queenstown there are a number of excellent walks as well as mountain biking and kayaking opportunities. On our final night we will enjoy a farewell dinner and share stories of our adventures.

Accommodations: Queenstown Vacation Home
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 21 - Departure

A final relaxing gourmet breakfast with the group is the perfect way to end your time in Queenstown. There is usually time for another activity or some last minute shopping before your transfer to the Queenstown Airport for flights home or to continue another adventure. If on the other hand you have fallen in love with New Zealand by now, we can direct you to our local Immigration office.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast
Single Travelers: For those requesting Single Occupancy, there is a $695 surcharge. With our Roommate Share program, if you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double occupancy rates even if we are unable to match you with a roommate.

Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
x

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com