Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions

Flying Kiwi Ultimate Explorer Auckland, New Zealand
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Tour Itinerary

SMALL PRICES, BIG ADVENTURE, NO WORRIES

($NZ is an approximate daily price for food, accommodation, transport, shared tent, free hikes and use of some sports equipment)

Total cost includes transport, most meals, camp fees and a shared tent.

if you feel like a break from camping, most nights you can upgrade to a cabin for a small free**

Flying Kiwi a combination of adventure travel, camping and daily options of hiking, cycling and optional activities such as dolphin swimming, glacier hiking and much more. The trips are excellent for people that would not usually contemplate a bus trip. Aimed at the active traveller who wants to experience the real New Zealand and enjoy a number of fantastic outdoor activities.

The itinerary below describes our big trip (shorter trips available).

B = breakfast
L = lunch
D = dinner
Ultimate Explorer - Itinerary

The itinerary below shows the north and then south island loops but you can start at any point and finish in the same place.

key:

B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included U = upgrade available

North Island Itinerary

POINT 1: Depart Auckland 10am. Leave the city for the golden beaches and warm waters of the Bay of Islands. Visit the historic Treaty House. Enjoy the mangrove walk leading to the thundering Haruru waterfalls. Cycle scenic route. Star-gazing around the camp fire. L/D U

POINT 2: Delicious pancake breakfast. Spend the day in the Bay of Islands clear turquoise waters, just relaxing at the beach or taking out one of the free boogie boards. Enjoy lush Opua Forest walks. Cycle scenic loop to Russell visiting Kauri Grove on the way. Great optional trip to Cape Reinga, sail the Bay of Islands, dolphin swimming, Waka paddle and village tour or dive the Rainbow Warrior. In the evening enjoy an optional Maori Concert and Haka! A second night at same camp. B/L/D U

POINT 3: A day full of adventure. Great cycle routes and walk options, then on to the dunes of Opononi for beach fun and optional sand boarding. Cycle or bus to Waipoua Forest to explore the giant Kauri trees. Travel Hibiscus Coast to camp at the famous Waiwera hot pools for a relaxing dip. B/L/D U

POINT 4: Return to the “City of Sails”. The beautiful Coromandel Peninsula awaits us so bring your swimming gear. A relaxing afternoon at Cathedral Cove beach, if the tide is right, dig pools and bathe in the thermal springs of Hot Water Beach. Optional sea kayak around dramatic coastlines. Scenic cycle ride to camp from Tairua hill (great downhill parts) We camp near the beach tonight. B/L/D U

POINT 5: Drive or cycle to stunning Whiritoa beach for a swim or forest walk amongst the massive Pohutukawa trees. We continue to Rotorua and its thermal wonders. Optional activities like the head spinning Zorb or the relaxing Polynesian Pools. Cyle ride from camp around the Lake nestled below the dormant but dramatic Mt Tarawera. B/L/D

POINT 6: A relaxed start at our lake side camp. We visit Wai-O-Tapu, mud pools. Drive on to the impressive Huka Falls. Walk or cycle to the great lakeside setting of Taupo. Optional skydiving, bungy or rock ‘n ropes. Mts Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu dominate the skyline as we journey along the shores of one of the largest crater lakes in the world. Camp in Turangi. B/L/D U

POINT 7: Chance to try one of the World’s greatest one day walks - the “Tongariro Alpine Crossing”. Alternatively, cycle around the mountain enjoying an inspiring backdrop. After some great exploring we head to our accommodation for recharging and refuelling. B/L/D U

POINT 8: Onto the capital, Wellington, for café culture, good bars, the celebrated Te Papa Museum and the botanical gardens. If your still keen and feeling flush the capital is a great place for some shopping. We then enjoy a fantatic ferry ride (included) to the stunning South Island. We do not provide accommodation but will help you make a booking. B U

POINT 26 :More time in morning to explore the fantastic capital and museums. Then head off owards beautiful Taranaki. Camp at Onaero Bay, a lovely bush setting. No Meals. U
POINT 27: Leave early and head to Waitomo caves - a limestone wonderland created by erosion over millions of years. Optional

blackwater rafting or some excellent walks. Arrive in buzzing Auckland by 6pm for a taste of big city life “kiwi style”. B/L

South Island Itinerary

POINT 9: Travel the Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch and awesome coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp and an amazing sunrise opportunity. L/D U

POINT 10: Optional dolphin swim or seal swim if you prefer or a chance to cycle by the nature-rich coast. Explore Christchurch, the “Garden City” then head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge with great walks, rides and accommodation at the foot of the Alps. B/D U

POINT 11: Optional white water rafting on the Rangitata river. Morning cycle or walks in Peel Forest. Travel through Geraldine and Mackenzie Basin with views of the Main Divide. Walk or cycle to Lake Tekapo and view scenic hydro canals. Lake Pukaki (can swim here) camp with views of Mt. Cook. B/L/D

POINT 12: Morning cycle towards Mt Cook. Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for a scenic cycle ride or walks, swim at the beach. Optional penguin tour. B/L/D

POINT 13: Morning coastal walk or cycle. Visit bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or walking up the World’s steepest street! There is also a chance to sample the delights of the Cadbury (Chocolate) factory or Speights Brewery depending on your tastes. We travel on to the spectacular and natural beauty of the Catlins area for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point lighthouse along a quiet country road. B/D U

POINT 14: Journey through scenic southern pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake Manapouri. Visit the lake town of Te Anau before heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle rides and walks abound. B/L/D U

POINT 15: One of the World’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Fantastic stop offs and more photo opportunities than you could handle! Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft)! Excellent optional boat cruise to experience the beauty of the fiord. The Routeburn, Greenstone Track walkers depart here for their awesome trek. Stunning lakeside camp. B/L/D U

POINT 16: Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Optional overnight hike on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from Mt Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glowworm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau. B/D U

POINT 17: Journey to Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars, activities and thrills galore! Track walkers re-join group. A big night out for those who are keen. B/L U

POINT 18: Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, parapenting, skydive, gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. A chance to wind down and compare notes and photos from your Queenstown thrills! B/D

POINT 19: A relaxed morning at the camp. Optional jet boating on the Wilkin River then over the dramatic Haast Pass. Cycle steep downhill sections through rainforest, past waterfalls and pools to the wild West Coast. Camp at Okuru, a world heritage area, bird life, lagoon and beach walks. B/L/D

POINT 20: We are now on one of the Lonely Planets top 10 drives in the World. We head to Fox Glacier for optional guided walk or heli hike on the spectacular glaciers. Cycle to Okarito beach camp. White Heron Sanctuary, spectacular walks and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. B/L/D

POINT 21: Morning at Okarito. Great cycle route along the coast. Visit Bushmans Museum, Check out famous Greenstone factories of Hokitika. Stunning coastal walk and cycle. Excellent beach camp at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and Paparoa National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for kiwi birds!! Many great walks and rides to choose from. B/D U

POINT 22: Traditional Flying Kiwi pancake breakfast. Explore the outstanding sub-tropical flora and admire limestone formations in the Canyon. Cycle rides, glow worm caves, beach. Optional horse riding, and kayaking. Stay at same great camp. B/L/D U

POINT 23: Travel through the Buller Gorge for some cycling and beautiful scenery to one of NZ’s most stunning spots - the Abel Tasman region. Cycle backroad route. Optional skydive or fly in an acrobatic plane. We stay 2 nights at Marahau, with the Abel Tasman National Park on our doorstep. B/D U

POINT 24: Free day for exploring the area. Walk, cycle, optional awesome sailing the scenic coast, sea kayak, boat and walk the golden beaches. Swim in crystal clear waters. Night out at a cool cafe. B/L U

POINT 25: Time to soak up Nelson’s cafe culture and arts. Optional Sky-diving. Cycle along Queen Charlotte Drive. Travel through the Marlborough wine region. Enjoy a fantastic evening ferry ride into the capital. If going North, we don’t provide accommodation but will help you make a booking. B

Flying Kiwi Ultimate Explorer Auckland, New Zealand

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FAQs About the Tour

About Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions:
Explore New Zealand the fun packed flexible way for the trip of a lifetime! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor-addict or a virgin adventurer, immerse yourself in one or more of the ten unique Flying Kiwi expeditions designed to pack as much into a trip as you want.

Flying Kiwi was recently listed as one of the 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth' by National Geographic. This was mainly due to the unique nature of the tours and the minimised environmental impact.

Combine travel with accommodation in stunning spots (camping and cabin options), outdoor activities and incredible destinations for a genuine wilderness experience in the company of a knowledgeable, friendly guides and intrepid, independent individuals from all over the world.

Our flexible style lets you decide how best to spend your day with options of cycling, hiking and many other action activities. You could:

Heli flight and hike to some of the world’s most magnificent sights
Trek through ancient forests and scale a living glacier
Horse trek and bike race to a beachside campsite
Sail the surf or white water raft
Bungy jump into oblivion before a hair-raising jet boat ride
Canoe to a bay and fish for your breakfast
Hike the famous Routeburn track and Tongariro crossing
And more and more and more

…..or not, No pressure to perform, just encouragement to enjoy

Board the Flying Kiwi bus and 'fill your boots' on a route designed to guarantee adventure, laughter and memories for years to come.

Choose from one of the ten expeditions that range from 3 to 27 days. Maybe the Ultimate Explorer, the full-blown month-long gripping opportunity to get your teeth into points north, south, east and west of these two glorious islands. If you prefer something shorter, check out the Grand Traverse or even a one-island trip like the Summer Blast.

Talk to us about how you can extend an adventure or even take time out from your trip and pick it up later.

Flying Kiwi – No pressure to perform, just encouragement to enjoy
Payment Terms & Conditions: The balance owing is to be paid 30 days prior to the trip departure date.

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FLYING KIWI WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS