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, departure time 18:00 and arrival in Dubai at 00:25 (flight duration 4h25').
Overnight stay at Premier Inn 3* hotel near the airport, in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Auckland, with departure time 10:05 and arrival time 11:05 the next day (flight duration 16 hours, one of the longest flights on the planet)
Arrival time 11:05 in Auckland. Baggage claim and domestic flight to the South Island departing at 14:40 and arriving at Queenstown at 16:35. Transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day rest from the trip.
The small town of 16,000 people is known as the Mecca of outdoor leisure activities, with more than 220 different activities of all kinds available, some of which first appeared here (such as bungy jumping).
Overnight stay at The Heritage Queenstown 4* hotel in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast, which is located in an idyllic location above Lake Wakatipu with spectacular views.
We kick off today with a spectacular activity on the River Shotover, crossing its gorge by jet boat, a high-adrenaline activity invented in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton and nowhere else in the world gets as exciting as here. The activity lasts about 3 hours.
Then free time for more optional activities or some hiking in the mountain above the city
In the afternoon we depart for Fiordland National Park and Lake Te Anau. Fiordland National Park forms 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 Natural Heritage List. Fiordland, one of the most remote and wild places in the SW tip of New Zealand, is an area rich in waterfalls, lakes, rivers and mountains, filled with fjords such as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, etc.
It has 14 fjords formed 100,000 years ago and boast lush vegetation, home to some of the best examples of wildlife that have existed since ancient Gondwana, such as the Takahe bird etc. The lakeside municipality of Te Anau is considered the gateway to the national park and here we will spend the night tonight, at Arran Motel (8,8) in studios or apartments with bathroom and kitchen. Breakfast not included, is offered for an extra charge of NZD 14.
Day driving: 173 km, 2 1/2 hours
Day trip to Milford Sound Fjord, one of the rainiest 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 with great interest, as in this fjord the "deep sea effect" is observed, where fresh water meets sea water and species that usually live at great depths, are observed near the surface. Characteristic is the Black Coral also known as deep sea coral where here we will see it just 10 meters below the surface.
Continuing we will make a course in the valley of the Arthur River following a section of the Milford Track trail which is characterized as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. We will be taken to the starting point by water taxi and walk to the Giant Gate waterfall. Return late afternoon to the same hotel.
Day driving: 118 km, 2h15' per route
Day course: 5,4 km, +80 m, 1h20' per route
After breakfast we depart for the village of Pukaki (358 km, 5 1/2 hours) next to the homonymous lake, where our hotel is located.
We leave our luggage at the hotel and transfer to the village of Aoraki / Mt Cook, where we will make a course up to the glacial Lake Hooker, formed by the eponymous glacier that descends from the top of Mount Cook.
The word Aoraki in the Maori language means "one who pierces the clouds", as this mountain has an altitude of 3753 m with 20 peaks over 3000 m and is the largest in New Zealand.
Completing the course we can visit the museum dedicated to Sir Edmund Hillary, the New Zealand explorer and mountaineer who first climbed Everest in 1953.
Then we go for a walk to Lake Tasman, at the end of the homonymous glacier, the largest glacier in New Zealand with a length of 23 km.
Overnight stay at The Lakes Motel Twizel 4* in one or two room apartments with bathroom and kitchen. Breakfast not included
Day driving: 507 km, 7 1/2 hours
Day course: 5,1 km, TM +130 m, 1h15' per route
We continue moving towards the eastern side of the long mountain 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 area.
Continuing further north we will wander to Castle Hill Park, an area of karst rocks where bouldering historically began and has almost 6,000 climbing routes of all levels. In the afternoon we end up overnight in the small seaside village of Paroa, at Paroa Hotel 3*, in double rooms with bathroom. Breakfast is not included.
Day drive: 453 km, 6 hours
Day course: 2 1/2 km, 1 hour
We continue north following the west coast, one of the most beautiful routes in New Zealand and making various stops along the way.
Our first stop will be at Paparoa National Park and Pancake Rocks, a rocky shore of eroded limestone cliffs, underground caverns and strange formations. Especially when there is high tide, the waves compress the air inside the caves that escapes with pressure upwards creating beautiful natural fountains and impressive images.
Our next destination is Cape Foulwind where we will walk on the path of the cape stopping at various points to observe seals coming here to breed.
The 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 stay in the seaside village of Motueka, at Motueka Garden Motel 3*, in 2 bedroom apartments, with bathroom and kitchen. Breakfast is not included.
Day driving: 350 km, 6 hours.
Day trip 335 km, 4 ½ hours.
Excursion to Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters and impressive landscapes. By water taxi we will be transferred to Anchorage Bay beach from where we start our journey on the coastal path Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of the most beautiful trails in New Zealand to Bark Bay beach, a route.
Return again by water taxi and departure for Picton port (197 km, 3 hours) where we take the evening ferry to cross to the North Island and the capital Wellington. The crossing of the strait lasts 4 hours with arrival time at 23:00.
Overnight stay at Doubletree By Hilton Wellington 4* hotel, in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast.
Day driving: 219 km, 4 hours
Day course: 9 km, +290 m, 3h40'
Wellington is not the largest city in the country, but it is located in the geographical center of the country and apart from being an administrative capital, it is a cultural and gastronomic capital. The day is free for sightseeing in the city, the Te Papa Museum that hosts wonderful snapshots from the history of NZ, the Wellington Museum with the history of New Zealand from the Maori era, the city market, and food in some of its famous restaurants. Accommodation in the same hotel.
We depart for Tongariro National Park and the village of Turangi, on the south side of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the country that has formed in the crater of a supervolcano.
Tongariro is one of the country's most spectacular national parks, featuring many landscapes that were used as backdrops to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Home to three active volcanoes with iconic natural landscapes, craters, and fumaroles, it 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 settlers declared it a National Park in 1894, only the fourth national park created in the world.
UNESCO in 1993 inscribed the park on the World Heritage List, as the first monument with the dual status of world importance cultural and natural heritage. Accommodation at Creel Lodge 4* in 2 bedroom suites with bathroom and kitchen. Breakfast not included
Day driving: 320 km, 4 hours
Full-day hike through Togariro's unique triple volcanic complex, from the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail, which is described by many as the greatest day hike in the world.
The trail passes through Soda Springs, continues uphill past the "Devil's Ladder", moves to the rim of Red Crater crater and Blue Lake, and descends from the north side to the parking lot in Ketetahi.
Those who wish, and weather permitting, can also add the ascent to the peak of Tongariro (1967 m).
Completing the crossing, we return for an overnight stay at the same hotel.
Day drive: 67 km, 1 hour
Main day course: 19.8 km, +840 m, 7-10 hours
Additional (optional) Tongariro summit route: 3.6 km, 1h20'
Visit the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal field, a Yellowstone-like area with colorful hot springs and the effervescent Lake Champagne Pool, which we will explore on foot.
Continuing we will end up at Lake Rotorua and JetPark Hotel Rotorua 4* for accommodation in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast.
Optional ride to the Pohutu geiser or the Hell's Gate geothermal field for mud baths or sulphide spas (entrance fees are not included in the price)
In the afternoon we will attend a unique 3-hour cultural performance, with the history of Maori migration, canoeing, Haka dances and buffet dinner with their traditional hangi food.
Day drive: 160 km, 2 1/2 hours
Visit to the village of Hobbiton that was built as a setting for the movie "Lord of the Rings" and remains in the condition used in the shooting, where we will take part in an organized visit, lasting 2 hours.
Then we depart for Waitomo Cave, known for the glowing fireflies Arachnocampa luminosa, endemic to New Zealand, which illuminate it with live lights creating an impressive spectacle. We will explore the cave by boat.
Finally, we depart for Auckland to stay at the Mercure Auckland Queen Street 4* hotel in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast.
Day driving: 350 km, 4 1/2 hours
Free day in Auckland to get to know the city. We recommend visiting the Town Hall building with its neo-renaissance architecture, strolling down Queen Street for shopping, Aotea Square where numerous works of art 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 328 m.
In the evening transfer to the airport for the return flight with departure time 21:05
Arrival in Dubai in the morning at 05:15. Later with a flight departing at 11:30 we fly to Greece with arrival time 15:05. End of program
25 January – 09 February 2025
6.330 € for groups 12-13 perssons
1.200 € single room difference
Note: The issuance of air tickets must be completed by November 15 and therefore by this date the participations and the corresponding payments must be finalized
Transportation
Local transfers are made by minibus with 15 seats. Please note, however, that the luggage compartment is not suitable for large hard suitcases, and almost everywhere everyone will need to take care of their own luggage. Air tickets are included in the price, with the best possible routes with only one stopover and their issuance should be finalized by November 15.
The total distance we will cover by car is about 3,000 km, of which 1,900 km in the South Island and 1,100 in the North. We made an effort not to have long tiring routes every day, and only 5 days we will need to drive more than 300 km in order to change area.
Accommodation
Accommodation takes place in a 3* or 4* hotel or other accommodation, in double rooms, apartments, or studios, all with private bathroom, as shown in the description. It should be noted that the main selection criteria of the hotels were their good rating, availability for the requested dates but most of all the position they are in in order to implement the curriculum and not the other way around.
Meals
Food is not included in the price, except for 5 breakfasts and 1 buffet dinner. In those accommodations that do not include breakfast, it is available either in the same accommodations with extra charge, or in other available options. Lunches should normally be snacks, so that we make full use of all our available time in activities and marches. The rest of the dinners we will have the opportunity to look for in the local cuisine of each region, while discovering the available gastronomic peculiarities of each place and avoiding the standard food of the hotels. A typical main course in a restaurant costs 30 – 40 NZD (around 20-25 €)
Change of plans
The escorts of our office have the option to modify the program if weather or other local conditions (strikes, political unrest, etc.) impose it, with the main criterion being the smooth development of the program and the safety of the participants. Any costs arising from such changes shall be covered by the participants.
Weather
At the time of our trip New Zealand has summer, and especially February is the hottest month. The South Island, closer to Antarctica, has glaciers in the mountains that reach quite low altitudes, while in the area of Fiordland National Park, there is also very high rainfall that in some years can reach 8 meters! Temperatures in the South Island will range from 10 to 20 degrees while in the Auckland region the average temperature in February is 23° C.
Tips
Tipping is an optional gesture that is usually omitted even by happy travelers. However, such a substantial reward to a consistent escort who has exaggerated to offer the best possible to the participants, helps the escort to be happy with his work and maintain his fun and energy
Travel Insurance
The cost of the trip includes Basic travel insurance, which covers various contingencies such as health contingencies (eg injury on a course at an altitude of up to 3,000 m, which requires transportation and hospitalization), missed flight and other cases, even coverage of total cancellation of the trip for an amount up to 5,000 € including cancellation due to covid-19
In the following link you can see the benefits of the program and contact our insurance consultant to answer your questions about Travel Insurance coverage by Trekking Hellas
To book your seat, you must first read the terms of participation mentioned on our website and if you accept them, then fill in the Participation Form at the link https://forms.gle/JYY58M7Evr3Cwx4c8
After completing the form and within 10 days you will have to send a deposit of 1,000. Another €2,000 should be sent by November 15, and payment for the trip should be completed gradually by December 20.
The deposit and the payment should be sent to the account of ALPHA BANK with IBAN number: GR1001407960796002002013550, under the name OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE.
During the money transfer or deposit process, please write down your name and travel name in the REASON field NEW ZEALAND
In case of cancellation, the following cancellation fees apply:
Note 1: Local authorities, in order to protect New Zealand's wildlife and especially the unique Kauri trees from pathogenic fungi, do not allow you to import fresh food (fruits, honey, etc.) into the country and hike with dusty or muddy shoes or poles, possibly carrying pathogenic fungi. The equipment should be thoroughly washed before arriving in NZ. Everything must be stated on the arrival form and the food and equipment. If they are not happy, there will be a delay to do thermal treatment of cleanliness
Note 2: There is the possibility of washing clothes in some of the hotels and it is not necessary to take changes of clothes for all days. The washing machines are automatic and operate with few coins
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