Trails of New Zealand

Flights usually depart London in the afternoon.

The day is free to relax and recover from the jet lag. If you're arriving today into Auckland Airport, there is the possibility to arrange a free arrival (shared shuttle) transfer from the airport to the hotel. If you wish to utilise this free arrival transfer, you must request and book this with Exodus at least 1 month before departure.

Auckland is a beautiful city and worthy of some time to explore. The nearby Viaduct restaurants are an ideal means of overcoming the last of the jet lag and the day just slowly passes by. If you are feeling lucky visit the Sky City Casino tower for one of those lunches you just don't forget. Please meet at the start hotel at 6pm for a full briefing with your leader.

Copthorne Auckland City Hotel or similar

Auckland is the City of Sails, so what better way to start your holiday than to take a cruise across the Gulf to the beautiful Rangitoto Island; which at only 600 years old, is the youngest volcano in New Zealand. The island has undergone a significant restoration programme and is entirely pest-free which encourages the native flora and fauna to thrive. We will walk through lava fields and forests to the summit of the island which stands 259m above sea level and has some stunning panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.

Please note: occasionally access is temporarily and unexpectedly denied to various Islands off the Auckland coast including Rangitoto due to cultural considerations. In this case we respect the local Maori wishes and will try to visit an alternative island if possible.

Walk Profile- Rangitoto Island: Distance- 8.5 km/5 miles, total ascent 249m and descent 245m, approx. 2-3 hours.

Copthorne Auckland City Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving the city behind us we head south to Rotorua (approx. 3.5 hours drive) and our accommodation. On arrival we stretch our legs with a hike around the redwood forest followed by an optional afternoon at leisure in town or a hike at Blue Lake. The evening highlight is the Marae (ceremonial ground) visit. Our Maori hosts welcome us in their traditional manner before entertaining us with a concert and hangi (traditional meal).

Walk Profile- Blue Lakes Circuit: Distance- 6 km/3.7 miles, total ascent 125m and descent 117m, approx. 1.5 hours.

Jet Park Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We explore one of New Zealand's most colourful thermal areas with boiling mud pools, hot streams and silica terraces. The natural wonders that first attracted the Maori in the 14th century, and later the European's, still draw large numbers of tourists every year. Rotorua is a unique natural wonder and a must see destination. Leaving Rotorua we drive south (approx. 3 hours) to Tongariro National Park. On the way we visit the steaming Wai-O-Tapu geothermal valley and impressive Huka Falls.

Walk Profile- Wai-O-Tapu: Distance- 8.5 km/5 miles, total ascent 109m and descent 152m, approx. up to 3 hours.

The Park Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you wake up in the heart of the Tongariro National Park. Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the park's important Māori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. Today you will be able to discover the wonders of this spectacular park.

For those individuals who are physically fit and well equipped, there is the option of walking the Tongariro Crossing. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has been called one of the greatest one-day walks in New Zealand and provided the weather is kind, the rugged volcanic desert, craters and glacial valleys combined with the incredible views make this a day to remember. The crossing should not be under estimated and there are a number of steep sections where the loose surface can make it tough going, so come well-prepared. The crossing can take 7-8 hours depending on walking ability. There is a return shuttle service (return Tongariro Crossing transfer $NZD50 per person) from your hotel to the start and finish of the crossing. Your leader will provide you with information about the walk and also will be able to advise you on the fitness and equipment required. If you are intending to do the Crossing please bring sturdy walking shoes/boots, a suitable daypack, wind and waterproof jacket and a warm hat.

Walk Profile (unguided)- Tongariro Crossing: Distance- 19.4 km/12 miles, total ascent 765m and descent 1125m, approx. 7-8 hours.

For those not wishing to do the crossing there are a number of other options available to also experience the wonders of this very unique environment. These include the Taranaki Falls walk, one of Tongariro National Park’s best short walks, this easy loop takes in a variety of volcanic landforms, forest and native shrubland along with excellent views of volcanoes and cascading waterfalls.

Walk Profile (unguided)- Taranaki Falls: Distance- 6 km loop/3.7 miles, total ascent 115m and descent 115m, approx. 2.5 hours.

Other options for the day include a visit to the Tongariro National Park Conservation centre, a trip on Mount Ruapehu’s Sky Waka gondola with a short walk to the viewing platform, a visit to the Tokaanu public hot pools or a unique Rafting experience including the opportunity to help with conservation efforts for an endangered native duck. 

Your leader will discuss the options and additional costs for the day.  Based on the weather and interest of the group, your leader will be available to join the majority of the group in their chosen activity. Where external transfers are required or the services of an external provider, then additional costs will be payable on the day. Please also see Optional Excursions section of the trip notes for further details.

The Park Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Relax following yesterday's free day of exploring the Tongariro N.P as we drive (approx. 5 hours) south to Wellington. Continue across the Rangitikei and Manawatu Plains and down the Kapiti Coast to Wellington. On Wellington's waterfront is Te Papa, the NZ National Museum which we can explore in the afternoon along with the beautiful Botanic Gardens and cable car and enjoy the exciting nightlife of New Zealand's capital city.

The Bay Plaza Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast we board the ferry and leave the North Island behind as we cross the Cook Strait, passing the Marlborough Sounds with 1500kms of beautiful coastline. From Picton we have a 90 min drive to Nelson where we can take time out to explore the city and a chance to stretch the legs with a short walk to the geographical centre of New Zealand. After this visit we drive to Motueka (approx. 60 min) on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, with its idyllic golden sand beaches and forests.

Walk Profile- Geographical centre of New Zealand: Distance- 1.6 km/1 mile, total ascent 86m and descent 90m, approx. 1 hour.

Avalon Manor Motel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Out of Marahau, this morning coastal walk takes us through the beautiful beaches and coastal vegetation as the track weaves through the park, providing a kaleidoscope of impressions. The path is well maintained and the walk will take approx. 3-4 hours. We meet our sailing boat at the Anchorage Bay, providing the return to Marahau and some time to relax dining out at the small town of Motueka. (Depending on tides, sometimes the sailing trip will be completed first).

Walk Profile- Marahau to Anchorage: Distance- 12.7 km/8 miles, total ascent 217m and descent 214m, approx. 3-4 hours.

Avalon Manor Motel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our departure from the Abel Tasman National Park is followed by a scenic drive down the mighty Buller River. After a short stop at Cape Foulwind to see the local seal colony, we then stop at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks, to watch the setting sun (total driving time approx. 5 hours). If the tide is up the ground can physically shake and water spurts from the blow-holes and fissures that dot the coastline.

Walk Profile- Cape Foulwind: Distance- 3.5 km/2 miles, total ascent 76m and descent 98m, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Punakaiki Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Passing through areas of lush forests, we continue south down the beautiful west coast. We drive onto the small village of Okarito nestled on the lagoon, home of the rare Kotuku (white heron). On offer here is optional kayaking where we float in on the incoming tide and explore the bush-clad waterways seeking out the abundant bird life the lagoon is famous for. Those looking to stretch their legs can hike to the nearby Trig station (approx. 1.5 hours) for the spectacular views over the Southern Alps. Later we continue the short drive through to Fox township.

Walk Profile- Okarito Trig Walk: Distance- 4.2 km/2.6 miles, total ascent 171m and descent 170m, approx. 1.5- 2 hours.

Depending on time, you may have an opportunity to hike to the lookout for the Franz Josef Glacier.

Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we backtrack to the township of Franz Josef. From here, we will go for a walk to the lookout point for the glacier (if not completed the day before). Thereafter we drive on and stroll around the reflective Lake Matheson, a photographer's dream.

We then continue south along bush-clad roads and past the dramatic coastline with its wild windswept beaches to the settlement of Haast. Turning inland we climb over Haast Pass, the southernmost crossing of the Southern Alps that forms the boundary between Westland and Otago. From here the tussock lands of the eastern slopes merge with the beech forests. We travel through to Wanaka, home for the next two nights.

Walk Profile- Lake Matheson Loop: Distance- 2.6 km/1.6 miles, total ascent 42m and descent 42m, approx. 1.5 hours.

Walk Profile- Fox Glacier Valley Walkway: Distance- 2.6 km/1.6 miles, total ascent 68m and descent 69m, approx. 1 hour.

Wanaka Hotel/ Lake Wanaka Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning we head into the Mount Aspiring National Park and experience an exciting jetboat ride along the braided rivers leading into the park. Jetboating was invented in NZ as a means to negotiate the shallow braided rivers which we use to access a track leading to a hike into the cirque surrounded by huge mountain walls. Back at our coach we eat our picnic lunch before driving onto our 3 hour hike at the beautiful Diamond Lake that provides stunning views of the river delta and the landscape.

Walk Profile- Matukituki Valley (walk during Jet boat): Distance- 2.2 km/1.3 miles, total ascent 29m and descent 29m, approx. up to 1 hour.

Walk Profile- Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Circuit: Distance- Up to 7.1 km/4.4 miles, total ascent 437m and descent 432m, approx. 2-3 hours.

Wanaka Hotel/ Lake Wanaka Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Wanaka we depart early heading for Te Anau and then into the Eglington Valley, enjoying a series of short walks in the spectacular Milford region and then into Milford Sound itself where we join our floating accommodation for the night. The Milford Mariner boat has private two bed cabins with en-suite facilities where we enjoy our overnight stay amidst dolphins and mighty peaks towering above the fjord.

Walk Profile- various short walk options on Milford Road of up to 1 hour/2 kms duration depending on group fitness, weather and time permitting.

Real Journeys- Milford Mariner boat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After an early morning breakfast we cruise the inner sound again searching for dolphins and seals before disembarking and retracing our tracks to The Divide and the start of the Routeburn Track. Here we take a 3-hour walk (approx. 6.8km) to Key Summit for some spectacular views. After this hike we drive via Te Anau (approx. 4 hours) onto Queenstown, where we stay for the next two nights.

Walk Profile- Routeburn Track: Distance- 6.8 km/4.2 miles, total ascent 430m and descent 413m, approx. 3 hours.

Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

A free day to enjoy the scenic delights of this world famous destination! There are numerous activities on offer which your leader can advise about locally. Or, you may just prefer to simply spend the day shopping or relaxing!

Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel through the barren Kawarau Gorge where large amounts of gold were dredged at the turn of the century. Drive over Lindis Pass to the tussock-covered plains of the Mackenzie basin and into the Mt Cook National Park (total approx. 4 hours). Beneath NZ's highest peak we walk into the Hooker Valley with its crashing glaciers and glacial lakes. By early evening we reach our accommodation and watch the spectacular view from the warmth of the restaurant.

Walk Profile- Hooker Valley: Distance- 10.5 km/6.5 miles, total ascent 209m and descent 218m, approx. 3 hours.

Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge /Aoraki Court Motel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we drive to Christchurch via the Canterbury Plains. After the devastating earthquakes of 2010/11, Christchurch is undergoing a major rebuild, unrivalled in the world. The afternoon is free for you to explore this city as well as the beautiful gardens and Hagley park followed by an optional final group dinner.

Heartland Hotel Cotswold Christchurch or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

For Land Only clients, the trip will finish after breakfast and check-out from the hotel.

A free departure transfer by taxi from the Christchurch hotel to Christchurch Airport is included but it must be booked in advance with Exodus before your trip commences. If you wish to utilise this free departure transfer, please advise Exodus at least 1 month before departure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

For those travelling the on group flights, the flight usually departs in the afternoon/early evening and will arrive in the UK the following day. Until departure we have some free time in Christchurch to relax or enjoy some last minute shopping before departing to the airport. Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast