The 'Get Down Under' New Zealand Tour Company - NZ Summer Holiday

New Zealand Summer Holiday

Below is a day-by-day description of our 18-day New Zealand Summer Holiday. This tour starts in Auckland and ends in Queenstown.

• 18 days (17 nights)
• Start in Auckland
• Finish in Queenstown
• Maximum 12 guests
• Easy hiking on 14 days
• Meals included: 17 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 11 dinners
• See the long list of included activities below...
• Includes Rangitoto Island, Rotorua's thermal activity, and the Abel Tasman, Kahurangi & Fiordland National Parks
• Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson, Christchuch, Dunedin, Queenstown and a bunch of smaller towns
• For tour Dates & Prices click here...

New Zealand's Wild South

The 14-day New Zealand's Wild South tour is a sub-section of the 18-day Summer Holiday. This tour starts in Nelson at the top of the South Island, and ends in Queenstown. Read the itinerary starting from Day 5 below.

• 14 days (13 nights)
• Start in Nelson
• Finish in Queenstown
• Maximum 12 guests
• Easy hiking on 10 days
• Meals included: 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 8 dinners
• Abel Tasman, Kahurangi & Fiordland National Parks...
• See the long list of included activities below...
• Nelson, Christchuch, Dunedin, Queenstown and a bunch of smaller towns
• For tour Dates & Prices click here...

Personalise your New Zealand tour...

With 2 vehicles we have great flexibility, giving you many opportunities to personalise your tour. A few ideas are written below as suggestions, and to demonstrate why the Get Down Under style of touring gives you so much more freedom and flexibility than standard coach tours.

These extra options may require extra payments, unless the regular included activities that you don't do are a similar cost. We will make arrangements as necessary before your tour begins.

You can download these itineraries and a full list of inclusions by clicking on the following links...

The long list of Included Activities...

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Included meals are indicated with a B, L, or D (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 1 – Auckland City and Islands
Start your New Zealand adventure this morning with a complete contrast to the interior of an airplane ~ sailing on a yacht across Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto Island. We take a leisurely hike through Pohutakawa forest to the top of this extinct volcanic island for a picnic lunch and fantastic views of the surrounding ocean and distant cityscape. (LD) Sebel Suites. Option: if you don't like sailing you can join a local city tour or simply relax and recover from your international flights.

Day 2 – Auckland to Rotorua
We depart Auckland for the volcanic heartland of the North Island – Rotorua. Discover the volcanic geology of the area and history of the local Maori people with visits to the Rotorua Museum and Maori Marae. Their language, legends and customs are unique and intriguing. After a long hot soak in the thermal hot pools at the Polynesian Spa you have the evening to yourselves. (BL) Country Villa B&B Option: divert to Waitomo Caves instead for a tube-rafting adventure through limestone caves.

Day 3 – Rotorua to Wellington
After visiting an actively volcanic area of steaming vents, boiling mud and silica pools we fly to Wellington. The afternoon includes a tour of Parliament buildings and free time, then for dinner tonight we experience contemporary Maori cuisine prepared using fresh, native ingredients. (BLD) Wellesley Boutique Hotel Option: Wellington has a thriving theatre & concert scene, so take the chance to get out for some live entertainment - options will be advised in advance.

Day 4 – Wellington City
Being such a compact capital city we explore on foot ~ an urban hike! Our day includes the Cable Car, Botanic Gardens and Te Papa National Museum. After an early dinner we explore the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, where a local guide will explain the nocturnal habits of our national bird during a Kiwi-spotting walk through the native bush. (BLD) Wellesley Boutique Hotel

THE WILD SOUTH ISLAND TOUR STARTS FROM HERE...
Option for Wild South Island Tour guests: arrive a few days earlier to enjoy some extra time in Auckland, Christchurch or Nelson. Perhaps join Bush & Beyond for a multi-day hike on the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park.

Day 5 - Wellington to Nelson
This morning we take a short scenic flight to Nelson. Here we meet guests joining us for the Wild South Tour before joining local conservationist-guides for a hike into the Kahurangi National Park. Our guides will introduce us to NZ's native tree and birdlife, and the campaign to protect the Flora Valley from introduced predators. The nature, views, picnic lunch and exercise make for a wonderful day, before we drive to a cosy little lodge hidden away in a bush-covered valley. (BLD) The Resurgence Lodge

Day 6 - Abel Tasman National Park
Today we explore the Abel Tasman National Park by land and sea. From Marahau at the entrance to the park we take a water taxi to the golden sand of Watering Cove where your sea-kayak guide will explain the history of Maori and European settlers. After a short hike and lunch on the beach we kayak (prior experience not required) south along the coastline, observing any dolphins, seals or birdlife that happen along. (BLD) The Resurgence Lodge Option: instead of sea-kayaking today, you can explore the many local artists galleries, potteries, and wineries.

Day 7 - Nelson (via Kaikoura) to Christchurch
This morning we visit the Nelson weekend market ~ a treasure-trove of art, crafts and organic veges. Next we drive east to the Marlborough wine region for lunch and wine-tastings at a vineyard cafe before driving down the stunning Pacific coastline to the seaside town of Kaikoura. Here we take a scenic flight to spot whales and dolphins before driving south to Christchurch. (BL) Warners Boutique Hotel

Day 8 - Christchurch City
The attractions of Christchurch are right outside our boutique hotel's front door. From Cathedral Square we explore the Art Gallery, Museum and Botanic Gardens. Picnic lunch and a Port Hills hike justify more wine-tasting in the Waipara area before our final excursion to a Canterbury farm. Our farm hosts show us around and give us an insight into their rural lifestyle. City restaurants may have their airs and graces, but nothing beats the wholesome and hearty hospitality of a farmhouse feast. (BLD) Warners Boutique Hotel Option: great day for playing golf or perhaps a guided trout-fishing trip. See the Extra Options page for more details.

Day 9 - Christchurch to West Coast Glaciers
From Christchurch we drive inland across the Canterbury Plains. Spectacular scenery unfolds around every corner as the road steadily climbs to Arthur's Pass village in the Southern Alps. Here we take a walk in the fresh alpine air before descending to the West Coast. We continue south to Fox or Franz Josef Village in the glacier region, our base for the next 2 nights. (BLD) Te Weheka Inn Option: board the Tranz Alpine train for a rail journey to the West Coast. See the Extra Options page for more details.

Day 10 - Glacier Hiking
The mighty Fox Glacier is today's eco-adventure. We hike to the face of the glacier, fit crampons to our boots and follow our professional guides as they cut steps into the ice, enabling us to easily explore the crevasses and ice formations. After lunch we take a walk around beautiful Lake Matheson, surrounded by beech forest and with views of Mount Cook. (BL) Te Weheka Inn

Day 11 - Glaciers to Central Otago
From the glacier region we travel south alongside the Tasman Sea then turn inland to cross over the rugged Haast Pass to Central Otago. Along the way we encounter beaches, wetlands, rainforest, river valleys, mountains, waterfalls and eventually the mighty Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. THAT is why we consider this the best day-trip in New Zealand. Lots of short walks and kodak moments are available before we arrive at the small, historic town of Clyde. (BLD) Olivers Boutique Lodge

Day 12 - Clyde to Dunedin
Dunedin is our next destination, as it was for thousands of Scottish settlers back in the 1800's. We visit some historic places including Olveston House. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city and then select your own dining location from the many local options. (BL) Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel

Day 13 – Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula
Near Dunedin is the stunning Otago Peninsula ~ a safe haven for a variety of wildlife including Royal albatross, seals, penguins and cormorants who thrive despite the wild southern storms that lash this exposed coastline. We take a bird-watching cruise, visit albatross and penguin colonies and finally explore the buildings and garden of Larnach Castle. (BLD) Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel Option: historic railway fans will enjoy a day-trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway.

Day 14 - Dunedin to Te Anau
From Dunedin we pass through the farming region of Southland to Te Anau, gateway to the mighty Fiordland National Park. With 1.2 million hectares this park is larger than all the other South Island national parks combined. After a short cruise across Lake Te Anau we visit the Te Anau Limestone Caves, which are inhabited by the most unusual "glow-worm". In the evening we take in a short but spectacular audio-visual of Fiordland National Park. (BLD) Radfords Lakeside Motel

Day 15 - Fiordland National Park
Today we explore the wilderness of the Fiordland National Park, straining our necks to take in the views of towering mountains. A selection of easy hikes take us high enough to see the Southern Alps march away northwards. Finally we negotiate the Homer Tunnel and descend to Milford Sound for a scenic cruise all the way to the Tasman Sea and back. Upon returning to shore we drive back to Te Anau. (BL) Radfords Lakeside Motel Option: enjoy a guided day-hike on the famous Milford Track today, then visit Milford or Doubtful Sound tomorrow.

Day 16 - Te Anau to Queenstown
This morning we take an exciting jet-boat ride along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri before leaving the Fiordland wilderness for the alpine resort of Queenstown. The best way to appreciate the scale of Queenstown's incredible setting is to fly by helicopter to the top of the Remarkables Mountain range. From up on high we have a fantastic view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. The rest of today is yours to explore or try other local adventures. (B) Mountvista Boutique Hotel Option: double your Fiordland wilderness experience by visiting Doubtful Sound for a longer nature cruise and a visit to the Manapouri Underground Power Station.

Day 17 - Queenstown
Queenstown is renowned as the world’s adventure capital - there are dozens of ways to get your kicks. Today's activities are completely optional: winery tour, white-water rafting, skydiving, para-gliding, mountain-biking, bungy-jumping. Whichever you prefer, your Get Down Under guide can assist with any arrangements or transfers, before we meet for a final dinner and celebration of a trip well done! (BD) Mountvista Boutique Hotel

Day 18 - The End
It's all over! Time to return home or continue other holiday plans. Your guide will assist with transfers to the airport or whatever you may like to plan. (B) Option: stay a few extra nights in Queenstown or elsewhere, perhaps visit Stewart Island and join one of the Ruggedy Range nature experiences, or a multi-day hiking trip (see the Extra Options page for more details).