New Zealand is one of the most distant travel destinations for Europeans, in an isolated region of the South Pacific, beyond Australia and almost on the International Date Line (IDL) at the 180th meridian, where yesterday is separated from tomorrow. It consists of two main islands the North and South Islands, or Te-Ika-a-Maui & Te Wai Pounamu in the Māori language, and several smaller islands. The South Island is predominantly mountainous where the Southern Alps with the highest peak being Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,754 m) divides the island in two. The northern island is less mountainous but with very intense volcanic activity, craters, hot springs and fumaroles. Characteristically, Lake Taupo, which is the largest lake in the country, is located in the caldera of a supervolcano.
It is a majestic country with a diverse landscape, so much so that it has become a popular destination for the production of television program and films such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
This particular trip, is not a common trip that may come to mind for those who have only had experience of ordinary travel.
It is an itinerary that takes us to the 'back of the window' of each place, taking part in outdoor recreational activities, making walks and visits to natural and cultural monuments and making significant use of the time available. Some routes run in areas with little infrastructure and require good preparation, a willingness to explore, discover and work together to overcome any unexpected obstacles that are always possible when moving in nature.
All we can promise you is that you will have a trip that will be a rare experience of a lifetime and you will feel proud to have taken part. A journey that is rarely repeated.
Meeting at Eleftherios Venizelos airport and flight to Dubai with Emirates, with departure time 17:55 and arrival in Dubai at 00:20 (flight duration 4h25').
Overnight at hotel Premier Inn 3* next to the airport, in double rooms with private bathroom and breakfast.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Auckland, departing at 10:05 and arriving at 11:05 the next day (flight duration 16 hours)
Arrival in Auckland at 11:05. Baggage claim and internal flight to the South Island departing at 14:30 and arriving in Queenstown at 16:25.
Transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day rest from the journey.
This small town of 16,000 is known as the Mecca of outdoor recreation, with more than 220 different activities of all kinds available, some of which were first introduced here (such as bungy jumping).
Overnight at the 4-star Heritage Queenstown Hotel in double rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast, situated in an idyllic location overlooking Lake Wakatipu with spectacular views.
We start our day with a unique activity in Skippers Canyon of the Shotover River, crossing the canyon by jet boat, a high adrenaline activity that is nowhere else in the world as exciting as here. The activity takes about 3 hours including the road transfer to the canyon, following an amazing route of wild beauty.
In the afternoon we depart to the Fiordland National Park and Lake Te Anau. Fiordland National Park is the heart of the Te Wahipounamu region which has a total area of 26,000 sq km, which also includes Mount Aspiring & Aoraki/Mt Cook National Parks. The entire area is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of World Heritage Sites. Fiordland, one of the most remote and wild places in the south-western tip of New Zealand, is an area rich in waterfalls, lakes, rivers and mountains, dotted with fjords such as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, etc. Its 14 fjords have been formed over 100,000 years and feature lush vegetation, home to some of the finest examples of wildlife that have existed since ancient Gondwana, such as the Takahe bird, etc. The lakeside township of Te Anau is considered the gateway to the national park and this is where we will be staying tonight, at the Lakeside motel & apartments 3.5* in studios or apartments with lake views, en-suite bathrooms and kitchens. Breakfast is not included.
Day trip 170 km, 2 hours
Day trip to Milford Sound fjord (112 km, 1 ½ hours), one of the most rainy inhabited places in the world, with about 8 meters of annual rainfall, large waterfalls and tropical vegetation. We will take part in a 3-hour cruise and visit a floating observatory of underwater life of great interest, as this fjord is home to the "deep water phenomenon", where fresh water meets salt water and species that normally live at great depths are observed near the surface. A typical example is the Black Coral also known as the deep-sea coral where it is seen here just 10 metres below the surface.
We will then take an optional walk in the Arthur River valley following a section of the Milford Track which is described as one of the most beautiful walks in the world. We will then be transferred to the trailhead by water taxi and walk to the Giant Gate waterfall, an 11km round trip including the return trip, lasting for 4 hours.
Return late afternoon to the same hotel.
After breakfast we depart for the mountain village of Aoraki / Mt Cook at the foothills of the homonymous mountain (420 km, 5 hours). The word Aoraki in the Maori language means "he who penetrates the clouds", as this mountain has an altitude of 3753 m with 20 peaks over 3000 m and is the highest in New Zealand. This village is one of New Zealand's most popular destinations, and for good reason.
In the afternoon we will take a walk up to Hooker Glacier Lake, formed by the glacier of the same name that descends from the summit of Mount Cook. The walk is 10.8km long, altitude +203m and takes about 4 hours including the return.
Overnight at Mt Cook Lodge and Motel 4* in double rooms with bathroom. Evening buffet dinner and breakfast are included in the price
In the morning we will visit the museum dedicated to Sir Edmund Hillary, the New Zealand explorer and climber who was the first to climb Mount Everest in 1953. We then head to Tasman Lake, at the terminus of the homonymous glacier, New Zealand's largest glacier at 23 km long, for a short exploration.
We continue moving along the eastern side of the long range of the Southern Alps, passing through a series of beautiful lakes, valleys and rivers. On the shore of Lake Tekapo we will stop to see the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, dedicated to the pioneers of the Mackenzie region. Continuing further north we will wander into Castle Hill Park, a karst rock area where bouldering historically began and has nearly 6,000 routes of all levels. In the afternoon we arrive for an overnight stay in the small seaside village of Paroa, at the Paroa Hotel 3*, in double rooms with en-suite facilities. Breakfast is not included.
Day trip 500 km, 6 hours
We continue north following the west coast, one of New Zealand's most beautiful routes, making several stops along the way.
Our first stop will be at Paparoa National Park and Pancake Rocks, a rocky coast of eroded limestone cliffs, underground caves and strange formations. Particularly when the tide is high, the waves compress the air inside the caves which escapes upward under pressure creating beautiful natural fountains and spectacular views.
Our next destination is Cape Foulwind where we will walk for 1 ½ hours along the cape path, stopping at various points to observe seals that come here to breed.
Our final destination of the day is Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest National Park, on the north side of the South Island.
Overnight in the seaside village of Motueka, at the Motueka Garden Motel 3*, in 2-bedroom apartments with en-suite bathroom, kitchen and breakfast.
Day trip 335 km, 4 ½ hours.
Full day trip to Abel Tasman National Park. The park is famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters and spectacular scenery. A water taxi will take us to Anchorage Bay and we will stay there for swimming and free time. Optionally those interested can walk along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand's most beautiful coastal trails to Bark Bay beach, a 12km, +375m, 4 hour walk.
Return again by water taxi and depart for Picton Harbour (197 km, 3 hours) for an overnight stay at the AAA Marlin Motel 3* in en-suite rooms with kitchen facilities.
Early in the morning we will be transferred to the port and with a ferry departing at 07:45 we cross to the North Island and the port of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Arrival at Wellington port after 3 hours, and transfer to our hotel.
Wellington is not the largest city in the country, but it is located in the geographical centre of the country and in addition to being the administrative capital, it is the cultural and culinary capital. The rest of the day is free for sightseeing in the city, its history museum and market. Overnight at the Doubletree By Hilton Wellington 4* hotel, in double rooms with en-suite facilities and breakfast.
After breakfast we depart for Tongariro National Park and the village of Turangi, on the south side of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the country formed in the crater of a super volcano.
Tongariro is one of the country's most spectacular national parks, boasting many landscapes that were used as settings for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is home to three active volcanoes with iconic natural landscapes, craters and fumaroles and is New Zealand's oldest national park.
The Māori first treated these mountains as a sacred site, apparently because of their volcanic activity, and then the settlers declared it a National Park in 1894, only the fourth national park to be created in the world.
UNESCO in 1993 inscribed the park on the World Heritage List, as the first monument with the dual status of cultural and natural significance. Accommodation at Creel Lodge 4* in 2-bedroom suites with kitchen and bathroom. Breakfast not included
Day trip 320 km, 4 hours)
A full-day hike across the unique triple volcanic complex of Togariro, from the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail (19.8 km, +840 m, 7-10 hours), which is described as the world's greatest day hike. Take note that weather conditions change rapidly, which requires good fitness, good equipment and preparation from those who decide to take part.
For those who do not wish to do the entire route, there is the option to walk to the Soda Springs area (9.5km, +286m, 2 ½ - 3 hours) and return.
After Soda Springs the trail continues uphill from the "Devil's Ladder", passes by Red Crater (1868 m) and Blue Lake and descends on the north side to the parking lot at Ketetahi. Those with sufficient strength and who wish to do so can also follow the ascent to Tongariro Peak (1967 m).
Completing the traverse, we return for an overnight stay at the same hotel.
The volcanic area of the North Island is not only limited to the Tongariro area, but continues on the northern side of the island. Today's itinerary includes a visit to a number of sites with geothermal activity such as the hidden Orakei Korako Valley, the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Area and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. At these locations we will make stops to visit them and walk their trails. In the early afternoon we arrive at Lake Rotorua for accommodation at the Cleveland Thermal Motel 3* in 2-room apartments with bathroom and kitchen.
The hotel has geothermal pools with a water temperature of 39-41o C where we will relax in the afternoon.
After that we will attend a unique 3-hour cultural show with the story of the Maori migration, with canoeing, Haka dancing and evening buffet dinner with their traditional hangi food.
Day trip: 160 km, 2 ½ hours
Visit to the village of Hobbiton which was built as a set for the Lord of the Rings film and remains in the same condition as it was used in the filming, where we will take part in a 2-hour guided visit.
Later we continue on to the Coromandel Peninsula and the village of Hahei for an overnight stay at the Hahei Beach Resort 4* hotel, in a studio with bathroom and kitchen.
In the afternoon we will visit Hot Water Beach, a famous beach where warm water gushes into the sand and we will have an evening swim in troughs that we will dig ourselves next to the waves
Day trip 250 km, 4 hours
Morning visit to Cathedral Cove, an impressive beach on the east coast, illuminated by the morning sun. Then depart for Auckland stopping to visit some of the Kauri trees scattered across the peninsula, with most notably Wyuna Bay - Big Kauri Tree (a nature monument). Kauri trees are found only on the north side of the North Island, live up to 2,000 years, reach a height of 50m and have a large trunk diameter similar to giant sequoias.
Accommodation at the Mercure Auckland Queen Street Hotel 4* in rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast. The rest of the day is free for walking around the city
Day trip 250 km, 4 hours
Free day in Auckland to explore the city. We recommend visiting the City Hall building with its neo-renaissance architecture, a stroll down Queen Street for shopping, Aotea Square where numerous artworks and sculptures are scattered, Auckland's Waitemata waterfront filled with seafood restaurants, and the impressive Sky Tower, Auckland's iconic landmark as the tallest building in the southern hemisphere offering panoramic views from a height of 328m.
In the evening transfer to the airport for the return flight with departure time 21:15
Arrival in Dubai in the morning at 05:25. Later with a flight departing at 11:50 we fly to Greece arriving at 15:25. End of program
26 January-11 February 2024
1.120 € single room difference
Note 1: Prices are calculated at an exchange rate of €1 = NZD 1.76. Significant Change in this ratio, may affect the selling price
Note 2: Air tickets must be issued by 15 November and therefore entries must be finalised by this date
To reserve a place on the tour, it is necessary to carefully review the terms of participation outlined in the Participation Form. If you accept these terms, you can proceed to fill out the form, which can be accessed at https://forms.gle/JYY58M7Evr3Cwx4c8.
Once you have completed the form, a deposit of 500 € must be sent within 10 days. An additional payment of 1.000 € must be made 2 months before the scheduled departure date, and the remaining balance must be paid in stages up to one month prior to departure. If our office is responsible for issuing air tickets, they must be prepaid. It's important to note that the cancellation of air tickets is subject to the terms and restrictions of each individual airline, and these policies are separate from the cancellation terms of the rest of the tour package.
The advance payment and payment should be sent to the account of ALPHA BANK with IBAN number: GR1001407960796002002013550, in the name of OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE.
During the transfer or deposit process, please note in the REASON field your name and the title of the trip.
Moving around:
Local transportation is by Mercedes Sprinter minibus with 17 seats. In this way we ensure a great flexibility of movements and options, even on mountainous roads with relative difficulties. Please note, however, that the luggage space is not suitable for large hard luggage, and almost everywhere you will need to take care of your own luggage. Flight tickets are included in the price, with the best possible itineraries with only one stopover, and their issue should be finalised by 15 November.
The total distance to be covered by car is approximately 3,000 km, of which 1,900 km in the South Island and 1,100 km in the North. We have made an effort not to have long tiring drives each day, and only 4 days will require us to drive more than 300 km in the same day.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is in hotels or other accommodation, in double rooms, 2-bedroom apartments, or studios, with bathroom, as shown in the detailed description. It should be noted that the main criteria for the selection of hotels were their good rating, availability for the requested dates but more importantly the service of the detailed program and not the other way round, i.e. to make discounts in the program based on the existence of hotels of specific specifications.
Meals:
Meals are not included in the price, except for 7 breakfasts and 2 buffet dinners. In those accommodations where breakfast is not included, it is available either in the same accommodations at an extra charge, or in other available options. Lunches will generally be snacks, so that we can take full advantage of all the time available for activities and walks. The other dinners will give us the opportunity to seek out the local cuisine of each region, while discovering the available culinary specialities of each place and avoiding the standard hotel food.
Change of programme:
Our office escorts have the discretion to modify the program if weather or other local conditions (strikes, political unrest, etc.) require it, with the main criterion being the smooth progress of the program and the safety of the participants. Any costs arising from such changes will be covered by the participants.
Weather:
At the time of our trip New Zealand is in summer, and February in particular is the hottest month. The South Island, closer to Antarctica, has glaciers in the mountains reaching quite low altitudes, and in the Fiordland National Park area, there is also very high rainfall, which in some years can reach 8 metres! Temperatures in the South Island will range from 10 to 20 degrees while in the Auckland area the average February temperature is 23o C.
Tip:
Tipping is an optional gesture that is usually skipped even by happy travelers. However, such a meaningful reward to a consistent attendant who has gone above and beyond to provide the best possible service to participants helps the attendant to enjoy his or her work and to maintain his or her cheerfulness and energy
Safety/insurance:
Basic travel insurance is included in the cost of the trip, covering various contingencies such as health emergencies (e.g. injury at altitudes of up to 3,000 m, requiring transportation and hospitalization), flight cancellations, and other cases, including total cancellation of the trip for up to €5,000, including cancellation due to covid-19. Cover included is for ages up to 70 years, while for ages 70 to 80 years an additional amount is required, please ask us for information. Please refer to the link below to see the benefits of the plan and contact our insurance advisor for any questions regarding the Travel Insurance coverage from Trekking Hellas. https://trekking.gr/en/info/travel-insurance
Note 1: Local authorities, in order to protect New Zealand's wildlife and especially the unique Kauri trees, do not allow you to bring food into the country and old hiking shoes that may carry pathogenic fungi.
Note 2: Laundry facilities are available at some accommodation and it is not necessary to take a change of clothes for all days.
Price from €6730
DECLARE INTEREST
