New Zealand South to North

Welcome to New Zealand, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and extraordinary adventures. This exclusive adventure offers an unparalleled journey through a country renowned for its stunning natural beauty and adventure. On the South Island, you’ll discover the dramatic landscapes of the Wakatipu Basin, the huge peaks of the Southern Alps, the deep river canyons of Mt Aspiring National Park and the pristine forests that are home to New Zealand’s diverse endemic birdlife. Heading north, the landscape changes but the adventure opportunities are equally diverse. Based in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions of the North Island, you’ll explore the rivers, coastline, mountains and lakes by bike, hike, raft and sea kayak –  all with great food, awesome accommodations and world class guides. Combined, these two incredible destinations offer the very best of New Zealand adventure.

 

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South Island Itinerary at a Glance

• Arrive New Zealand. Hike Mount Crichton Loop before returning to our lodge in Queenstown
• Shuttle beyond Lake Wakatipu and hike into Rees Valley where we’ll inflate our pack rafts and paddle the crystal clear waters of the Rees River
• Drive over the impressive Crown Range to Makarora where we’ll set out for the summit of 6,200-ft Mt Shrimpton
• Enjoy a 25-minute scenic flight amongst the Southern Alps within the World Heritage listed Mount Aspiring National Park
• Hike up Siberia Valley to Lake Crucible for a glacier-chilled dip & camp in the shadow of the snow-clad Mount Alba
• Hike down to Kerin Forks where we’ll be met by jet boat and jet down the Wilkin River to Makarora
• Kick back for a day and explore the funky vibes in lively Queenstown
• Packraft on the world-renowned wave trains of the Shotover River before an exciting drive back along Skippers Road
• Hop on a gondola and ascend high above Queenstown to begin the summit of Ben Lomond
• Return to our lodgings for one last celebratory dinner before flights onward in the morning

 

North Island Itinerary at a Glance

• From Queenstown, fly north to Tauranga and hike to the top of Mauao for sweeping views of the Bay of Plenty
• Settle in to your beachside chalet in Papamoa before dinner on the town
• Explore the Kaimai Mountain region and hike the Wairere Falls Trail
• Get some beach time at Waihi Beach then hike the headlands to Orokawa Bay
• Raft the Kaituna River – home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world
• Sea kayak on Lake Rotoiti and soak in the hot pools
• E-bike through dense mossy forest on the iconic Timber Trail
• Explore the myriad of adventure opportunities in Rotorua
• Enjoy one last celebratory dinner before flights home in the morning

 

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What to Expect on the New Zealand South Island Odyssey

Jump to the North Island Extension below

Day One – Queenstown. Hike Mt Crichton Loop

Welcome to New Zealand. Aotearoa – (The Land of The Long White Cloud) as it was named by Maori explorers, the first peoples of New Zealand. This maritime landmass in the South Pacific does indeed capture cloud, wind, intense sun, rain and everything in between, making this a geographic and historic adventure wonderland. After landing in Queenstown, we’ll drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Mt Crichton where we’ll embark on a hike on the Mount Crichton Loop Trail – a local secret classic through gorgeous beech forest. Part of this loop walk passes Sam Summers’ Hut, providing a fascinating glimpse into life as a gold prospector. This area was mined off and on between the 1860s and the 1930s and in the early days of the gold rush, water was used as a tool to blast gravel off the cliffs. The gold-bearing gravel was then washed through a tail race tunnel. The tunnel we’ll see on this walk is spectacular: 24 meters long, a meter wide and 10 meters high. We’ll settle into our accommodation in Queenstown before heading out to a renowned local restaurant.

Overnight Queenstown – The Sherwood

 

Day Two: Rees Valley Packraft Expedition

This morning we’ll roll down the road to the head of Lake Wakatipu. This is our last bit of cell phone reception for most of the day but we keep driving until the road runs out and our adventure begins. Here we’ll ready our packs and set off by foot up through the stunning Rees Valley. We’ll leave the beaten path and trek into virgin territory to reach the head of the Rees river where we’ll inflate our packrafts and set off down the river. The water here is crystal clear and is fed by many tributaries. Here we’ll find some great opportunities for side quests exploring otherwise unreachable canyons before we drift down towards our take out. We’ll head back along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown where we’ll celebrate a great day on an untouched river.

Overnight Queenstown – The Sherwood

 

Day Three: Hike Mount Shrimpton

Today, we’ll drive over the impressive Crown Range, through Wanaka and along the incredible shorelines of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka to Makarora where we’ll get set for our hike to the summit of Mt Shrimpton. This lesser-known track leads us through a lush broadleaf forest, which transitions into a beech forest, and eventually into the high alpine. We’ll continue upward to the ridge at approximately 6200 feet. Here, we’ll be treated to spectacular alpine vistas featuring rock spires, numerous teal-blue tarns, and sweeping views of the Makarora Valley to the west and the upper High Burn Valley to the east. After a celebratory photo or two, we’ll head back down the trail to our accommodation in Makarora.  Situated at the head of Lake Wanaka on the Haast Pass Highway between Wanaka and the West Coast, Makarora is surrounded by vast alpine scenery, and flanked by the Wilkin River. This is frontier country and arguably one of the most beautiful settlements in New Zealand.

Overnight Makarora – Wonderland Lodge

Day Four: Scenic Flight to Mt Aspiring National Park, hike to Lake Crucible

Today’s journey begins with a 25-minute scenic flight amongst the Southern Alps within the World Heritage-listed Mt Aspiring National Park. This spectacular flight ticks all the boxes and then some! Take in unobstructed views from your window seat and soak in the New Zealand wilderness–pristine glaciers, plunging waterfalls, hidden lakes and tarns, and lush forest. One last turn and we are on approach to land on a grassy strip in the middle of the mountains in the remote and stunning Siberia Valley. From here, we’ll follow the Crucible stream steeply up towards Gillespie Pass before emerging from the forest into an area surrounded by towering granite peaks. A steep final push upwards through boulder fields and scree brings us to the incredible Lake Crucible where ice and frozen snow covers most of this lake’s surface, even in summer. The cirque of rock walls culminating in the glaciers and snowfields of 2360-meter Mt Alba rise directly from the lake and tower above. It’s stunning! If you’re up for a swim in this lake, it’ll be the most invigorating swim you’ll take in New Zealand. From Lake Crucible, we’ll hike back down into the Siberia Valley where our wilderness camp awaits.

Overnight Siberia Wilderness Camp

 

Day Five: Hike Siberia Valley and Jetboat down Wilkin River

This morning we’ll have a relaxed start, and a hearty breakfast before we exit this incredible wilderness area, hiking down through the grassy alpine meadows of the Siberia Valley. We’ll hike alongside the Siberia stream, with the peaks of Mount Turner and Mount Kuri looming large over the valley. At Kerin Forks, we’ll be met by a jet boat which will carry us down the Wilkin river all the way to Makarora.

A short drive back through the mountain divide brings us back to Queenstown where we’ll have the chance to rest up and celebrate an epic and adventurous few days deep in the mountains.

Overnight Queenstown – The Sherwood

 

Day Six: Explore Queenstown

No visit to New Zealand would be complete without a day to soak in the sights and sounds of Queenstown. This idyllic, yet bustling town serves as an escape from the real world and is the perfect springboard for adventure and leisure alike. If you’re still full of energy, there are plenty of things on offer in the pristine lakeside tourist town and we will make sure to recommend our favorite local activities. Later, we’ll join up for cocktails and a hearty meal at an award-winning establishment and pour over the details ahead of us.

Overnight Queenstown – The Sherwood

 

Day Seven: Wilderness Packrafting Shotover River

This morning we’ll head to Queenstown airport and board a flight into the wilderness area beyond the Wakatipu Basin. This is a truly spectacular flight – BIG mountains, deep canyons and alpine grasslands are on full display. After landing in an alpine meadow just beyond the Shotover River, we’ll begin a hike up to our remote put-in where very few people have ever set foot. Here, we’ll prepare our rafts before setting off on the crystal clear waters of the iconic Shotover River. There are some exciting rapids in this section of the river, along with spectacular canyons and gin-clear water. Around every corner is an exciting feature or deep gorge where only a handful of watercraft have ever been. After a day of navigating the river, we’ll arrive at Mcleod Bluff – our camp for the evening. There aren’t many places like this left on earth! We’ll enjoy a gourmet meal, and chill under the stars before resting up for the day ahead.

Overnight Upper Shotover River Remote Wilderness Camp

 

Day Eight: Wilderness Packrafting Shotover River

After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll gear up and hit the river for our final day on the water. This is THE classic section—famous with kayakers from around the world. With countless play waves and the biggest wave trains of the whole river, we’ll spend the day frolicking in the fun rapids and taking in the awe-inspiring granite walls that surround Skippers Canyon. This was one of Central Otago’s largest gold-mining sites during the 1860s, and much of that history is still visible today in the dams, rudimentary sluices, and ruins left behind—not to mention the Skippers Road we’re driving on that runs along the canyon walls for 16 miles. This drive is as exciting as our time on the river!

We’ll arrive back in Queenstown late in the afternoon in time to shower up before dinner.

Overnight Queenstown – The Sherwood

 

Day Nine: Hike Ben Lomond

Our last full day of adventure  begins right at our hotel where we’ll grab a coffee and hop on the gondola that rises above the town and Lake Wakatipu. After exiting from the Gondola we’ll head up through fir trees and on to tussock country, on a ridgeline hike that leads all the way up to the summit of Ben Lomond. Along the way, we’ll pass through Ben Lomond Station, with grazing farm animals. Beyond the Station, our trail steepens up as we make the last push to the Ben Lomond summit. The 360-degree views from here are utterly spectacular: across to the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown below, Cecil Peak, and Mt Aspiring to the North. This is truly a great way to round off an incredible New Zealand adventure.

We’ll descend back down the ridge and on to the Gondola, before heading back to town where we’ll enjoy a final dinner together and raise a glass to the adventures we have experienced over the last 9 days.

 

Day Ten: Departure Queenstown Airport

For those who are leaving us, today is your last day of your New Zealand adventure. We’ll head to Queenstown airport where you’ll depart New Zealand for the journey home. For those doing the North Island extension, we will overnight tonight and start the extension as Day Eleven  

 

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South Island Accommodations

The Sherwood, Queenstown

The Sherwood is a blend of Rock n Roll, wilderness retreat and eco-designed accommodation. Situated on three hectares of rolling hillside with a wondrous view of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu, the Sherwood is close enough to Queenstown to walk, bike or catch the bus, yet far enough away to be peaceful. The rooms are impeccably designed and perfectly comfortable. You’ll find commissioned local artwork, monogrammed blankets woven from fine New Zealand wools, recycled kilim rugs fashioned into cushions and natural wall-linings made from carbon-negative cork.

Wonderland Lodge, Makarora

Nestled amongst the grand vistas of Mt Shrimpton you’ll find Wonderland Lodge. Here, you can listen to the Fantail and Tui as they end their day in paradise or sit outside your secluded A-frame chalet and gaze at the stars, unpolluted by the bright lights of the city. This is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can truly unplug from the hustle and bustle of modern life and truly escape from it all.

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North Island Extension

Day Eleven: Flight to Papamoa, hike to Mauao summit

For those doing the extension, you’ll also shuttle to Queenstown Airport where you will board your flight to Tuaranga Airport on the North Island. From there, it’s a short drive to Mauao – the extinct volcano that looms large over the bay – where we will stretch our legs with the walk to the summit. The views from up here are incredible! After some scenic selfies, we’ll head a few minutes down the road to Papamoa Beach, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches and iconic surf towns, where we’ll find our home for the next couple of nights in Chalets overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight Papamoa – Papamoa Beach Chalets

 

Day Twelve: Explore the Kaimais

This morning we’ll head into the Kaimai Mountain Range overlooking The Bay of Plenty. After driving over this range, we’ll descend into the Waikato region – one of the largest agricultural areas in New Zealand. We’ll make a stop at the foot of the Wairere Falls Trail. This trail weaves up through pristine native forest with clear streams and moss-lined boulder banks. After clearing the forest, we’ll emerge at the head of the 450-foot Wairere Falls. It’s a breath-taking sight: following the cascading water down to the bottom and out across the Waikato region.

Later, we’ll drive a short distance up the coast to Waihi – a local favourite beach. We’ll walk over the north headland of Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay – one of THE most beautiful and secluded beaches in New Zealand (or anywhere in the world). There’s a vast array of birdlife to be seen on the way, so keep your eye out! After our hike, we’ll have fish n chips on the beach for dinner – something you have to do if you visit New Zealand!

Overnight Papamoa – Papamoa Beach Chalets

 

Day Thirteen: Kayak Lake Rotoiti & Kaituna River Experience.

We’ll drive a short distance south to Rotorua this morning, making a stop at Okere Falls – the home of the incredible Kaituna River. It’s time for a gravity fueled whitewater descent on the Kaituna river – home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. This gorge is spectacular, epic rapids, stunning native ferns and the ultimate training ground for New Zealand’s best kayakers. Your guide, Sam Sutton, is a 4 times world champion.

After lunch we’ll meet  our sea kayak guide, for a full briefing before taking to the water in sea kayaks to paddle across this ancient lake, lined with dense native forest. A short paddle across the lake brings us to the Lake Rotoiti hotpools. This place is out of this world! We’ll be able to soak in glorious hotpools overlooking the lake without the sounds of roads or civilization!

Overnight Rotorua – Evergreen Lodge / Solitaire

 

Days Fourteen & Fifteen: The Timber Trail

A 1.5 hr drive north west from Turangi brings us to the beginning of the Timber Trail – one of the most iconic multi day backcountry cycling trails in New Zealand. After a final thorough check of our e-bikes and gear, we’ll head into the wilderness from Pureora, riding through dense mossy forest, crossing numerous high suspension bridges over amazing forest canyons. With our e-bike batteries turned on, we’ll start the 500 metre gradual ascent through cloud forest and mist, straight out of Lord of the Rings. A total of 85km with 1420m elevation means we’ll rest easy at the Timber Trail Lodge, our accommodation for the evening, with hearty cuisine, comfortable lodging and a well deserved drink.

Overnight Central Lakes – Timber Trail Lodge

 

Day Sixteen: Explore Rotorua

Today is free for you to explore the multitude of adventure or leisure activities available in Rotorua. There’s so much you can do here you’ll be almost too spoiled for choice. Take a canopy tour on a zipline, experience the thermal activity at Hells Gate, paddleboard into glowworm caves… the choice is yours. We’ll meet again this evening for our final dinner together.

Overnight Rotorua – Evergreen Lodge / Solitaire

 

Day Seventeen: Departure

Today is your last day of your New Zealand adventure. We’ll take a final transfer to Auckland where you’ll depart New Zealand and take with you memories that will last a lifetime.

 

 

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North Island Accommodations

Papamoa Beach Chalets, Papamoa

Located just steps from some of the best surf in the country, Papamoa Beach Chalets is a coastal haven. Watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean right from your chalet, relax in the spa, explore the local markets, cafes and shops or swim in the ocean. It’s all on your doorstep! Located on the edge of the beach, this is the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure.

Solitaire, Rotorua

Solitaire Lodge Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s premiere luxury lodges, enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera, with lush natural bush and volcanic landscape backdrop.  The subtle design brings the outdoors in, inviting you to unwind and soak up the peace and quiet of this tranquil setting. .

Timber Trail Lodge

Set to a remote wilderness backdrop, the Timber Trail Lodge is an off-grid oasis in the heart of the Timber Trail. Perched midway along the Timber Trail, the lodge was completed in 2017 as a passion project for a group of local outdoor enthusiasts who had a dream of creating  a sustainable, environmentally-sensitive tourism industry. Spending time at the lodge allows for lounging by the fire-pit, exploring the expansive property, or perhaps enjoying sundowners on the deck.