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Day 1
 Auckland is the City of Sails and the way to view it is from the sea. A breakfast cruise starts the day and the trip as we mean to continue. For an hour and a half we cruise the inner harbour and especially the America's Cup Viaduct, hopefully scene of the successful defence this summer. On board our van we then complete a short tour of this vibrant Polynesian City before heading for the coast.
Tide and client interest dependant we can visit Miranda Bird Sanctuary where over 100 bird species, many rare or uncommon, winter over or live permanently on the rich saltwater shallows and mud flats of the Firth of Thames, it is a must for anyone interested in wildlife. The centre is manned all of the time and has excellent displays and information on wading and migratory birds as well as very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Viewing is dependant on the tides as migratory birds come to the shellbanks at high tide. At other times they are out feeding on the mudflats. Birds commonly seen: Wading birds are there all year round. Wrybill and oystercatchers are around from late January through to July/August. Other species regularly seen are Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Curlew sandpiper, Red-necked stint, Eastern curlew, Ruddy turnstone, New Zealand dotterel, and Banded dotterel. Via Thames we enter the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula and following the coast we enter the charming town of Coromandel. This small coastal town is where the 60's are still alive! This is where the communes of the world began so wonderful crafts; organic produce and a free spirit are abundant. Over the famous #309 road we finally reach our destination of Whitianga. This metal road connects the Western side of the peninsula to the beach laden western side. The native bush and many river crossing make for an "all you can see" buffet for the eyes! Along the way we do stop at the 309 Kauri Grove to stand amongst these giants of the forest. The humbling feeling overcomes you as you stand below these majestic trees. Check into your seafront accommodation. Accommodation: Small owner-operated beachfront motel (eight rooms in total). Glorious views from every room, outdoor Jacuzzi, kayaks and dinghy for guest use. Units each have a queen bed and two single beds, a small kitchen, bathroom and deck. Town is a fifteen-minute walk along the walk. See www.beachfrontresort.co.nz. After dinner you may want to offer the option for each to make their own Maori bone carving. May sound strange but EVERYONE that does it, loves it, both men and women. It takes around two hours to turn a simple piece of bone into a traditional Maori carving necklace.
Day 2
The morning begins with a short ferry ride across the estuary where you land at the southern hemisphere's oldest wharf. There you are met by your kayak guide who will pick you up and drive you to Hahei (meanwhile the Adventure South Van goes around the estuary to meet them in Hahei). Kayak instruction is given then you head out along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. Paddle through amazing sea caves, explore offshore islands, look down into the clear waters of the marine reserve and enjoy lunch and a cappuccino on the famous Cathedral Cove beach. The Adventure South van then takes you to near by Hot Water Beach. There, at low tide, a thermal stream under the sand is revealed and with a little shovel work, you create your own personal thermal spa! Enjoy a hot soak after your day of paddling. Back to your accommodation for the night. After dinner you may want to offer the option for each to make their own Maori bone carving. May sound strange but EVERYONE that does it, loves it, both men and women. It takes around two hours to turn a simple piece of bone into a traditional Maori carving necklace.
Day 3
The coastline from Whitianga south is spectacular and we follow this via the beautiful bush and beach vistas as we head to Rotorua. We suggest you take the walk in the Gorge along the river with a swing bridge, great history and simply beautiful. We then travel via the Pacific Coast Highway to Mount Maunganui where you can walk to the top of the Mount for a stunning view of the city below. From here we enter Kiwifruit country before crossing into the volcanic country that surrounds Rotorua and eventually our accommodation on the shore of the lake. In the evening we are visit a lakeside marae (the traditional centre of Maori life). Our Ngati Rongomai hosts welcome us onto their marae before entertaining us with a Maori concert. This is followed by a hangi (food cooked in an earth oven). Our hosts will explain every step of this very special cultural experience to us. Returning to the Resort for the night.
Day 4
We start the day with a walk through a grove of mighty Redwoods on the edge of an extensive Forest Park, and then visit an area of boiling mud pools. We explore one of New Zealand's most colourful thermal areas. At the local Maori Museum we experience an interactive video, which provides details of the destructive volcanic past. After an early lunch we then board a plane and fly deep south to Christchurch where we meet our new guide and vehicle and begin the trip into the mountains of the south island. A two-hour tour takes us to Farlie and the heartland of rural Canterbury. Here we meet our farmstay hosts for the evening where we share the life with the host family.
Day 5
 From an early morning farm visit and hearty breakfast we head inland through the beautiful Mackenzie Basin and the turquoise lakes of Lake Tekapo and Pukaki as we first head into the heart of the southern alps and Mt Cook - our highest peak, viewed from a short walk into the Hooker Valley. After a lunch we then head through the beautiful Lindis Pass and finally into Queenstown, the adventure capital of NZ. Nestled above Queenstown is our accommodation for the next two nights.
Day 6
This is a free day. Some optional activities include a round trip to Milford Sound by coach and/or plane and launch; a trip to Skippers Canyon (an old gold mining area); a historic steam boat ride across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak sheep station; ride on the gondola; a visit to Arrowtown and Gibbstown winery; a walk around the public parks and gardens; relaxing by the lake; or shopping in the malls.
Day 7
An early starts heads us towards Wanaka and a spectacular drive over the Crown Range past the historic Cardrona Hotel. As we enter the beech forests of Lake Hawea and Wanaka we reach the small township of Makarora. We stop for a break and one of several short walks in the beech forests. We continue over the rugged Haast Pass and descend onto the West Coast as we trace the coastline and the beautiful podacarp forests to finally arrive at Fox Glacier township. In the early evening we may have time for a walk around the beautiful Lake Matheson with its awesome reflections of the Southern Alps before heading back to our accommodation.
Day 8
After breakfast we walk across the moraine to the terminal face of the spectacular Fox Glacier (approximately 200 metres (656 feet) above sea level) and then up and out onto the white ice. Over the past several years the glacier has increased in size, and has advanced almost a kilometre down the valley. With our guide we explore the surface of the glacier before returning to our vehicle and heading north. We pause at the Bushmans Centre to enjoy a glimpse of the historic past and later at a jade factory, working New Zealand's famous greenstone. Finally that afternoon we arrive into Punakaiki home of the famous Pancake Rocks and our hotel for the night.
Day 9
Driving up the coast we turn inland in the Buller river gorge and travel onto to Murchison, a small town nestled in a valley by the Buller River. After a coffee break we continue up the Buller River and cross into the Nelson Bays area and continue out to the coast to Marahau on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, our accommodation for the next two nights.
Day 10
From our lodge base we have a choice of activity. For the water - perhaps a day sea kayaking, sliding through the beautiful pools of tidal river estuaries and exploring the quiet interior with its dripping bush and empty pathways. The coastal walkway makes a superb walking track, now almost empty of the summer hordes. The choice is yours to rest and relax and enjoy the unexpected tranquillity of this beautiful park.
Day 11
After 2-3 hours above the coastline. For the weary, a water taxi alternative exists but finally we are reunited and can continue onwards to explore Nelson, the arts centre of NZ. In the evening we will select one of the many superb seafood restaurants to enjoy the local delicacies.
Day 12
 Nelson plays host to the annual Wearable Arts Festival highlighting the extent of the imaginations of many of our leading designers. This morning is spent visiting the Wearable Arts Museum and antique car collection stored to show the best of past years. By late morning we head off to nearby Blenheim, heartland of NZ's Chardonnay wineries and beautiful lunch. By mid afternoon we are headed south down the coast to Kaikoura, home of the famous whale watching opportunity, or a pleasant cruise seeking out the many sea birds of the area.
Day 13
Whale watching is best seen early in the morning as the sun rises behind us slowly illuminating the snow-capped mountain ranges that rise from the sea. The whale watching is an optional activity and those who join the trip are delighted with the outcome. A late hearty breakfast sets us up for a trip onward as we head for Christchurch and in the mid afternoon we finally arrive in time for a late visit to the Antarctic Centre and the delights of being really cold! At last it is over and time for us to deliver you to your hotel.
Day 14
Tour ends after a hearty breakfast allowing time to explore Christchurch before continuing on with your travel plans.
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
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