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Special Interest Tours >
Independent Intrepid Holidays >Wildlife Encounters
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| Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Auckland |
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- Arrive in to Auckland, collect late model, automatic mid-sized rental vehicle and drive to hotel
- Use the time you have following arrival to become familiar with Auckland’s vibrant inner city area
- No visit to Auckland is complete without experiencing panoramic 360° views from the incredible Auckland Sky Tower
- Accommodation at the beautifully appointed Hyatt Regency Auckland or similar
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| Day 2 - Auckland |
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- This morning you will be collected for your unforgettable tour of one of Auckland’s most spectacular off shore island’s; Great Barrier Island
- A thirty minute flight by light plane over the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf brings you to majestic Great Barrier Island. After breakfast at a local café take an easy half hour walk on gravelled tracks and boardwalks past giant Nikau palms and rare native flora and fauna over unique wetlands to the Kaitoke natural thermal springs
- The adventure continues as you travel past native bush and rugged peaks to the secluded natural harbour at Port Fitzroy where you’ll enjoy a relaxed kiwi style picnic lunch
- A short drive takes you to a sweeping, often deserted stretch of pristine white sand. There is time here for a swim or a meander along the beach to visit the graves of those drowned in one of New Zealand’s worst shipwrecks
- Visit the only working cattle and sheep farm on the island where relics of the past remain. Here the world’s largest population of Brown Teal can be found, a friendly little duck on the verge of extinction and at a nearby stream, monster eels come when called and can be fed – if you dare!
- This unforgettable day is rounded off with a climb to the top of Windy Canyon, a spectacular short walk. The path winds around rocky outcrops and past sheer cliffs coated with rata vines and takes in breathtaking views of the island and beyond
- The flight back returns you to Auckland Airport at 5.30pm
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| Day 3 - Auckland to Rotorua |
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- This morning you will depart Auckland and commence the drive to one of New Zealand’s most significant cultural centre’s, the town of Rotorua (approx. 3.5 hours driving time). Highlights include:
- Lush dairy farming district of Waikato
- Rangariri Battle Site Heritage Centre
- Follow the Waikato River – New Zealand’s longest
- Lake Karapiro
- Fitzgerald Glade - native bush reserve on the Mamaku Ranges
- Views of Lake Rotorua
- Arrive Rotorua and take some time to explore the wonders of the geothermal marvel
- Accommodation at the comfortable, well located Sudima Hotel or similar
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| Day 4 - Rotorua |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your full day Rotorua tour including Rainbow Springs guided visit, Agrodome Sheep Show, Lakeland Queen Lunch Cruise
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park offers a rare glimpse of a large range of trout, which are found in numerous pools throughout the park and illustrate the growth and life cycle of the fish. These are attractively located amongst native forest by following a winding path between the pools and incorporate two bird aviaries and juvenile and adult tuatara (New Zealand’s native lizard)
- A visit to the Agrodome is a truly Kiwi experience. The attraction is situated on a 160 hectare sheep and beef farm just north of Rotorua city, and is a must see attraction for every visitor to Rotorua, New Zealand
- Your wonderful day tour of Rotorua also includes lunch onboard the lovely Lakeland Queen - a genuine stern wheel driven paddle steamer designed with the famous Mississippi River Cruisers in mind
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| Day 5 - Rotorua to Tongariro National Park |
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- This morning you will depart Rotorua and travel south in to the majestic Tongariro National Park (approx. 3.0 hours driving time)
- The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. You'll also drive through large tracts of plantation pine forest
- Take a side road to a geothermal park, where you'll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. Towards the end of your journey you'll encounter the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Other diversions include Huka Falls
- You’ll follow the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to reach Turangi. The drive is very scenic and there are many picnic opportunities along the way. Where streams run into the lake, you'll often see trout fisherman trying their luck
- The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River. The walks and skifields of the Tongariro National Park are also close by
- Accommodation at the outstanding Bayview Chateau Tongariro
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| Day 6 - Tongariro National Park to Wellington |
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- This morning you will depart the National Park and travel south down the Desert Road to New Zealand’s vibrant capital city of Wellington (approx. 5.0 hours driving time)
- On the long, straight Desert Road you’ll enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s volcanoes
- As you drive south towards Taihape (the Gumboot Throwing capital of the world), the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. The Mangaweka Gorge is a scenic masterpiece
- Find time to browse the antique shops of Bulls, or spy on wading birds in the estuary near Foxton. Two beautiful dune lakes are an easy detour from Levin. Offshore from Waikanae Beach is Kapiti Island Nature Reserve
- Accommodation at Wellington’s well-located Copthorne Oriental Bay
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| Day 7 - Wellington |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your full day Wild Wellington tour
- This wonderful tour takes in Wellington's extraordinary natural features and contrasts. Myths, legends of sea monsters, and the wild forces of nature all collide within Wellington's landscape. It is home to mythical beasts, is the source of wondrous legends, and has been ravaged by earthquakes and cyclones. Yet this rocky, stormy city is also home to a world-renowned conservation shelter where New Zealand's endangered wildlife is regenerating
- Your guide will escort you on a pleasant stroll along Wellington's beautiful waterfront to the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, you will be entertained with fabulous tales and Maori legends of sea monsters, or Taniwha, who once lived under the harbour's mysterious waters and of the legendary warrior who landed his canoe on the Wellington shore
- Enjoy an exhilarating four-wheel drive journey to Red Rocks on the dramatic Seal Coast at the south of the city. We will drive you across a live active fault line, over rock beachfront and around headlands to visit a captivating colony of fur seals, sprawled over the rust-coloured rocks that give the destination its name. The views here are exceptional - you'll see the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean, the tumultuous waters of Cook Strait separating the North and South Islands, and the distant mountain ranges of the South
- You will have time to relax and enjoy a delicious bistro lunch in one of Wellington's cafe society venues with brilliant panoramic views over the harbour capita
- After lunch your guide will take you along to an invigorating bush walk in New Zealand's only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants. On the fringes of the city, yet seeming a world away, you will venture through safe native bush trails and plant collections, including several 400-year old trees. This botanic garden is a haven for native birds where you may see the Tui, Kereru, Silver Eye, Kingfisher, Grey Warbler, Bell Birds and Morepork amongst the giants of the forest, our guide will entertain you with fascinating stories of New Zealand bush lore
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| Day 8 - Depart Wellington |
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- Drive to either the Wellington Airport or the ferry terminal where you will drop off your rental vehicle prior to departure
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| Package Includes: |
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- 2 nights at Auckland’s Hyatt Regency Hotel in a Regency View Room
- Full Day Great Barrier Island tour including return airfares and lunch
- 2 nights at Rotorua’s Sudima Hotel in a Superior Lakeview Room
- Full Day tour including Rainbow Springs guided visit, Agrodome Sheep Show, Lakeland Queen Lunch Cruise
- 1 night at the beautiful Bayview Chateau Tongariro
- 2 nights at Wellington’s well-appointed Copthorne Oriental Bay
- Full Day Wild Wellington Tour including lunch
- Rental vehicle in New Zealand
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| Price: |
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NZD$2,230.00 per person
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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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COST PER PERSON PRICES ARE BASED ON TWIN / SHARE ROOM OCCUPANCY. IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING AS A SINGLE, PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE WILL ADVISE SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENTS UPON REQUEST. ALTERNATIVELY, IF YOU’D LIKE AN ITINERARY DESIGNED FOR YOUR FAMILY GROUP, PLEASE LET US KNOW
PRICES ARE INDICATIVE AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LAND ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR CASHIERS CHECK AT NO EXTRA CHARGE
ALL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE CHARGED IN NEW ZEALAND DOLLARS
PRICES NOT APPLICABLE DURING BLACK-OUT PERIODS
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| Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Kaikoura |
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- Today you will arrive in to Kaikoura following either your arrival flight in to Blenheim or ferry arrival in Picton and subsequent drive south
- Collect your compact late model, automatic rental vehicle (Toyota Corolla or similar)
- On arrival in Kaikoura, take some time to explore this beautiful oceanfront settlement
- Accommodation at Kaikoura’s comfortable White Morph Inn
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| Day 2 - Kaikoura |
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- This morning you will walk to the Ocean Wings office for your Albatross Encounter Tour
- Your skipper has an excellent level of knowledge of the seabirds you are likely to encounter while out at sea
- For many it is the species of albatross that are the biggest attraction. The great albatross, the wanderings and royals, then the smaller albatross (known as mollymawks in New Zealand), the shy (three species), black-browed (two species), the Salvin's, and Buller's
- See two species of giant petrels and the smaller petrels, some ten species. There are about seven species of shearwater including the endemic Hutton's shearwater, which nests in burrows in the Kaikoura Mountains
- Various other species can be seen including two species of skua, the blue penguin and of course the gulls, three species. Three species of tern, various species of shag and the Australasian gannet can also be seen at various times of the year
- On the return to shore it is normal to see two or more species of waders to add that final touch to the tour
- Following this excellent tour, the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure in Kaikoura
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| Day 3 - Kaikoura to Christchurch |
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- Today you will depart Kaikoura and commence the scenic drive south to Christchurch (approx. 5.0 hours driving time)
- The trip south takes you along the edge of the rugged coastal ranges
- From Cheviot you can detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations
- The landscape becomes more gentle as you approach Waipara – a region known for its vineyards and olive groves. The last leg of your journey takes you past the beach villages of Amberley, Leithfield, Waikuku and Woodend where you may wish to turn off the main road to view any one of these popular surf beaches
- Accommodation at Christchurch’s comfortable Latimer Hotel
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| Day 4 - Christchurch |
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- This morning you will depart Christchurch and travel along the scenic Banks Peninsula to the charming little French settled town of Akaroa (approx. 1.5 hours driving time each way)
- Akaroa is Canterbury's oldest township. As well as being a former French and British colony, it also has a colourful whaling and Maori history
- The charm of this old town, together with the incredible scenery encountered en route has assured Akaroa's popularity as a unique tourist destination
- Today the township is home to 1000 people, many of who work in the tourism industry. Akaroa has superb examples of historic homes and there are approximately fifteen gardens within twenty minutes of Akaroa open to the public. The area is unique for its heritage roses and microclimates, its herb farm, streetscapes and also its historic churches
- Following some time to explore this beautiful little town, you will make your way to the town wharf where you’ll board your catamaran for the Akaroa Harbour Wildlife Cruise
- The cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour
- The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting of one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. These friendly and inquisitive mammals meet the boat most days throughout the year and their calves can be seen between October and March
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| Day 5 - Christchurch to Dunedin |
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- This morning you will depart Christchurch and commence your drive down the South Island’s lower East Coast to the charming city of Dunedin (approx. 5.5 hours driving time)
- En route to Dunedin, you will pass through the busy little towns of Timaru and Oamaru
- In Oamaru, take some time to explore the historic precinct with its locally quarried limestone, Oamaru Stone, buildings housing all manner of businesses from local arts and crafts to a delightful little bakery
- Accommodation at the modern Dunedin City Hotel
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| Day 6 - Dunedin |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your full day wildlife tour of the spectacular Otago Peninsula
- Your wonderful day on the Peninsula includes a full Otago Harbour and Taiaroa Head wildlife cruise. This cruise allows you to experience the Harbour in the comfort of your small, ocean going vessel while enjoying the commentary and conversation provided by the knowledgeable captain
- Also during your day, you’ll enjoy a and guided tour of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve and a visit to wading bird habitats
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| Day 7 - Depart Dunedin |
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- - This morning you will drive to the Queenstown Airport where you will drop off your rental vehicle prior to departure
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| Package Includes: |
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- 2 nights at Kaikoura’s White Morph Motel in a self-catering motel unit
- Morning Albatross Encounter Tour
- 2 nights at Christchurch’s comfortable Latimer Hotel in an Executive Room
- Akaroa Harbour Wilderness Cruise
- 2 nights at the excellent Dunedin City Hotel in a Superior Room
- Full Day Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
- Rental vehicle in New Zealand
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| Price: |
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NZD$1,325.00 per person
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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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COST PER PERSON PRICES ARE BASED ON TWIN / SHARE ROOM OCCUPANCY. IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING AS A SINGLE, PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE WILL ADVISE SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENTS UPON REQUEST. ALTERNATIVELY, IF YOU’D LIKE AN ITINERARY DESIGNED FOR YOUR FAMILY GROUP, PLEASE LET US KNOW
PRICES ARE INDICATIVE AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LAND ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR CASHIERS CHECK AT NO EXTRA CHARGE
ALL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE CHARGED IN NEW ZEALAND DOLLARS
PRICES NOT APPLICABLE DURING BLACK-OUT PERIODS
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