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Special Interest Tours >
Independent Intrepid Holidays >Active Outdoors
| North Island Active Outdoors - 6 Nights / 7 Days |
Highlights:
* beautiful sandy beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula
* discover the magic of an enchanting glow-worm canyon during an evening guided kayak trip
* boat trip & guided hike to White Island, active marine volcano
* rafting on the Rangitaiki River through lush forest |
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| Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 Auckland - Lower Coromandel |
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- pick up rental car and depart Auckland travelling south via Paeroa to Waihi Beach
- perhaps pause en route for a short walk in the scenic Karangahake Gorge
- explore the crater rim of the Martha Gold Mine, visit the gold mining museum in Waihi
- finish the day with a walk or swim at beautiful Waihi Beach, just a short stroll from your accommodation
- overnight: Waihi Beach Lodge (bed and cooked breakfast), or similar
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| Day 2 - Explore Coromandel Peninsula |
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- join a small group guided tour of the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula
- visit white sands of Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, learn local history and Maori lore
- enjoy native forest, spectacular beaches and ocean views
- overnight Waihi Beach Lodge (bed and cooked breakfast), or similar
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| Day 3 - Coromandel Peninsula - Tauranga |
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- time to explore Waihi Beach or just laze in the warm sand
- a short drive south to Tauranga, a recreational paradise
- nearby pristine sands of Mount Maunganui, meca for holidaymakers
- at dusk, join a guided kayaking excursion on Lake McLaren, discover the magic of the enchanting glow-worm canyon (moderate fitness required)
- overnight: Ambassador Motor Inn, or similar
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| Day 4 - Tauranga - Whakatane |
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- spend the morning enjoying the beaches and cafes of nearby Mount Maunganui
- a short afternoon drive to Whakatane, on the banks of the Whakatane River
- overnight: Rendezvous Motel, or similar
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| Day 5 - White Island Volcano Day Excursion - to Rotorua |
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- a fun-filled, ocean-going, eco-tourism experience
- depart Whakatane by boat, destination White Island (80 minute boat trip each way)
- 2 hour guided walk amidst an ever-evolving landscape
- hissing fumeroles, lava bombs, glittering crystals, unusual rock formations and hot thermal steam
- venture to the edge of the spectacular crater
- learn the history and geology of this unique volcanic island (moderate fitness required)
- return to Whakatane late afternoon
- short drive via Kawerau to the geothermal city of Rotorua
- overnight: Ventura Inn (bed and continental breakfast) or similar
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| Day 6 - River Rafting & Sightseeing - Rotorua |
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- morning river rafting on the Rangitaiki, near Rotorua
- relaxing, yet keenly adventurous and challenging rafting
- bouncing cascades of crystal water meandering through lush forst
- afternoon free for independent optional sightseeing
- perhaps visit Wai O Tapu thermal reserve, try a tandem skydive or thrilling jetboating
- evening Maori cultural experience and entertainment (optional)
- overnight: Ventura Inn (bed and continental breakfast) or similar
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| Day 7 - Rotorua - Auckland (or Wellington) |
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- Your choice to return to Auckland (perhaps via Waitomo to visit Ruakura Glow-worm Caves)or continue south via Taupo to Wellington
- surrender your rental car late afternoon
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| Package Includes: |
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- 6 nights' share twin accommodation at the properties specified or similar
- 4 breakfasts as specified in the itinerary
- 7 days' rental compact car (CCAR), unlimited kilometres and basic insurance
- guided full day tour of Coromandel Peninsula
- guided Waimarino evening kayaking glow-worm trip, including light refreshments
- guided full day trip to White Island, including morning tea and picnic lunch
- guided half day White Water Rafting trip on the Rangitaiki River
- detailed day by day itinerary
- 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (government imposed)
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| Price: |
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NZD$1595 per person (valid until 30 Sept 2010)
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Please note that our packages are land only and do not include airfares.
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| Important Notes: |
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Price is per person and based on share twin room occupancy. If you are travelling as a single, please let us know and we will advise single room supplements. Alternatively, if you have a family group, we can quote accordingly.
Prices are indicative, subject to change and not applicable during any black-out periods. All arrangements are subject to availability.
Bookings can be made by Visa, Mastercard or cashiers cheque at no extra charge.
This itinerary can be modified to suit your personal requirements.
Some activities included in this package require moderate level of fitness. Please ask if you are unsure of your personal capabilities. Some activities can be upgraded to be more strenuous i.e. the river rafting - please ask if you prefer a more challenging experience
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| South Island Active Outdoors - 7 Nights / 8 Days |
Highlights:
* food and wine city of Nelson on the shores of Tasman Bay
* beautiful sandy beaches and kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park
* dramatic beaches and pancake rocks at Punakaiki
* lush rainforests of the West Coast
* half day guided hike of awe-inspiring Fox Glacier
* river jetboating in the Mt Aspiring National Park
* free time in Queenstown to explore and play |
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| Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Nelson |
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- Today you will arrive in to the northern South Island and the lovely town of Nelson following either your arrival flight or ferry arrival in Picton and subsequent drive west
- Collect your compact late model, automatic rental vehicle (Toyota Corolla or similar)
- Accommodation: Riverlodge Motel, or similar
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| Day 2 - Abel Tasman National Park Day Excursion |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your full day sea-kayaking trip in to stunning Abel Tasman National Park
- Commence your day with a cruise of the forest-fringed bays and granite archways of the unique coastline into to the best sea kayaking territory in Abel Tasman National Park
- At your kayak pick up point, your guide introduces you to safe paddling techniques and settles you into your stable kayak
- It’s then on to the water to enjoy exploring the wondrous headlands, coves and islands of the granite coast
- Your guide makes sure you make the most of the day depending on the tides, weather conditions, and your interests and abilities
- Halfway through your day, you will pause at a sheltered cove for a delicious picnic lunch
- Take some time out to relax on the beach, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand, or explore the native forest
- On your return journey, if conditions allow, visit the seal colony at Pinnacle Island and if conditions permit, your guide will hoist a sail to ride the breeze. Watch out for resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast
- On arrival back on land, you will be transferred back to your accommodation
- Accommodation: Riverlodge Motel, or similar
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| Day 3 - Nelson to Punakaiki |
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- This morning you will depart Nelson and travel over to the South Island’s ruggedly beautiful West Coast and the settlement of Punakaiki (approx. 4.0 hours driving time)
- En route to Punakaiki, you will travel through the small town of Westport. The road to Westport is scenic and interesting. En route, turn off at Belgrove and loop past the Nelson Lakes National Park. The museum at Murchison will tell you all about the massive earthquake that shook the region in 1929. Pan for gold in Lyell Creek before you navigate the Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock; drive under a dramatic overhang
- Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it is also a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony
- Following some time in Westport, continue on to Punakaiki
- On arrival in Punakaiki, take some time to explore the area
- Punakaiki is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centre piece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. There are many excellent coastal and inland walks in this area. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years and were created by layers of limestone being overlaid by rock and clay. When the tide is right, the blow holes are spectacular
- Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort or similar
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| Day 4 - Punakaiki to Fox Glacier |
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- This morning you will depart Punakaiki and continue on down the West Coast to the charming town of Fox Glacier (approx. 4.0 hours driving time)
- On arrival in Fox Glacier, you will participate in an exciting and interesting half day glacier hike
- This half-day available this popular trip is a great eco-adventure and full of variety and interest. Walkers are kitted out with sturdy leather boots and other equipment, before boarding one of the historic buses for the short drive through the rainforest and into the glacial valley. This valley was carved out by the ice during past ice ages and shows dramatic evidence of the power of the ice
- Your guide leads you on a walk beside the river bed to our secret track which zig-zags slowly uphill for thirty minutes through ferns and regenerating temperate rainforest. From high on the track you enjoy fantastic views of the glacier and its upper and lower icefalls
- From its high point, the track winds down to the edge of the ice. At this point you are outfitted with instep crampons specially designed for these ice conditions, and you follow the ice steps cut by the guides. The route takes you onto the ice amongst crevasses and ice ridges and leads you onto the middle of the glacier for spectacular views of the icefall and lower glacier
- At least one hour is spent on the ice and, depending on glacial conditions, you will return to the bus using either the same secret track or a different track that follows the edge of the ice
- Accommodation: Westhaven Motel, or similar
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| Day 5 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown |
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- Following your time in Fox Glacier, you will depart for Queenstown (approx. 5.0 hours driving time)
- As you depart Fox and head in to South Westland, the long one-lane bridge over the Haast River leads you into the settlement of Haast, once a construction camp for the Ministry of Works (the government department responsible for road and bridge building). It is a town with a touch of the wild west; helicopters fly deer hunters into the rugged ranges and local pubs make a feature of stuffed animal trophies
- From Haast you’ll continue inland to the stunning lakeside settlement of Wanaka
- The shortest route to Queenstown is over the Crown Range Road. It is a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you’ll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.
- Accommodation: Oaks Shores or similar
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| Day 6 - Queenstown |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your half day Dart River Jet Safari
- Travel by coach to Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu
- Enjoy classic jetboat action as your expert driver negotiates the shifting shallow braided channels of the magnificent glacier-fed Dart River and adds to the excitement with thrilling jet spins
- Discover the spectacular beauty that makes up the unforgettable Dart River scenery, as well as have the option of a short walk to hidden rock pools deep in Mount Aspiring National Park
- Following the jet boat trip, you will be returned to Queenstown where the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure
- Accommodation: Oaks Shores or similar
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| Day 7 - Queenstown |
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- Today is yours to spend at leisure in Queenstown
- Some of the many activities available for your participation include the Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour, a memorable Walter Peak dinner and cruise on the delightful Lady of the Lake; the TSS Earnslaw, a helicopter trip including mountain landing to the Remarkables Mountain Range, kayaking, white water rafting or bungy jumping, an expertly guided food and wine tour of this epicure’s paradise and many, many other options
- Accommodation: Oaks Shores or similar
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| Day 8 - Depart Queenstown |
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- Drive to Queenstown Airport where you will drop off your rental vehicle prior to departure
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| Package Includes: |
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- 7 nights' share twin accommodation at the properties specified, or similar, on a room only basis
- full day tour including kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park and lunch
- half day fully guided Fox Glacier hike
- half day Dart River Jet Safari Tour
- 8 days compact rental vehicle (CCAR), unlimited kilometres and basic insurance
- detailed day by day itinerary
- 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (government imposed)
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| Price: |
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NZD$1,675.00 per person (valid until 30 Sept 2010)
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Please note that our packages are land only and do not include airfares.
|
|
| Important Notes: |
|
Price is per person and based on share twin room occupancy. If you are travelling as a single, please let us know and we will advise single room supplements. Alternatively, if you have a family group, we can quote accordingly.
Prices are indicative, subject to change and not applicable during any black-out periods. All arrangements are subject to availability.
Bookings can be made by Visa, Mastercard or cashiers cheque at no extra charge.
This itinerary can be modified to suit your personal requirements.
Some activities included in this package require moderate level of fitness. Please ask if you are unsure of your personal capabilities.
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