DAY 1:  QUEENSTOWN

It’s here your Connections Adventure kicks off!  After meeting up with your crew for the next 10 days, the day is yours to explore Queenstown.  Today its time to play and an adventure awaits us at every turn!  Try a bungy jump* (or three!) at the home of commercial bungy jumping, raft on the Shotover River* or surf the waters of the Kawarau whilst river boarding*.  A shot of adrenalin in the Shotover Jet* as you skim past the canyon walls, or the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jetboat safari* or by horseback*.  Enjoy the mountains and views from a bike* or hike to Ben Lomond for 360 degree views.  Take a hang glide down*, or drop out of the skies during a tandem skydive*.  Or perhaps you’d prefer a Lord of the Rings Tour*, a giant leap and swing out over Shotover Canyon* or admire the view from the skyline gondola*. You name it – its all here and awaiting you in Queenstown!!  We’ll regroup at dinner and share our day’s experiences. 

OVERNIGHT        Meals:  NA

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

DAY 2:  QUEENSTOWN TO FOX GLACIER

Make sure you have your camera out today as the scenery is breath-taking. Today as we journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and break at Makarora for lunch.  We negotiate Haast Pass and stop at Thunder Creek Falls, which flows into the Haast River amidst rainforest, highlighting the beauty of this World Heritage area.  Let’s hope Lake Matheson’s waters are still and the skies clear so we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountain peaks in it’s waters this afternoon.

OVERNIGHT        Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner

Fox Glacier Hotel

Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and this morining we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice!  A half day guided hike* is an excellent way to take a closer look at Fox Glacier as your guides take you alongside the glacier through rejuvenating temperate rainforest and onto the lower icefall.  Don’t forget to look up and admire the forested peaks that rise dramatically to create the glacial valley.  If you prefer to search higher on the glacier for stunning ice caves and formations take a heli-hike* onto the upper icefall and enjoy a more sedate walking pace as you explore with your guides and await the return of your helicopter.

After a quick lunch it’s on to the wild West Coast as we head into the town of Hokitika.  We’ll stop at the Jade factory and see the carvers skilfully creating works of art from the greenstone, known as jade, and grab the chance to purchase a souvenir pendant.  The scenery will continue to amaze you today as we head once again across the Alps.  Our path is only one of three that cut across these impressive mountains that form the backbone of the South Island.  Through the Otira Gorge with waterfalls cascading overhead, a quick break at Arthur’s Pass, then on to experience some real authentic Kiwi hospitality in the heart of NZ’s High Country at Flock Hill Station.  Flock Hill is a 14,000 hectare working station farming fine wool sheep, beef cattle and red deer all set on a picturesque backdrop that regardless of the time of year you’ll be blown away!  Plus if you’ve seen the movie Narnia, things are going to look a little familiar! 

Flock Hill Lodge (Motel)

DAY 4:  FLOCK HILL TO CHRISTCHURCH

Today you get to explore further afield. Learn about the colourful local history and farming practices of this remote area as well as hearing accounts from the early pioneering days in New Zealand. Choose from a range of activities*, such as walking, mountain biking or just relax and stroll the property.  Enjoy morning tea at the property before it’s time to travel back down onto the Canterbury Plains.  Our home tonight is back in Christchurch and time if you wish to do some exploring before regrouping for a meal out at a local hotspot as we unwind.

OVERNIGHT        Meals:  Breakfast

Cathedral Camelot Hotel (Hotel)

DAY 5:  CHRISTCHURCH TO NELSON

Our morning’s drive takes us to the small town of Kaikoura, nestled at the foothills of the Kaikoura ranges with the pale blue waters of the Pacific lapping its grey pebbly shore.   In summer you have the chance to get up close and personal with some of our marine mammals while in winter you have the chance to visit a local winery to sample some of NZ’s finest wines. It’s here we stop for lunch and to soak up the scenery before continuing north to Ohau Point to spy out some NZ fur seals before entering the vineyards of the Marlborough region, famous for its wines. It’s then onward across the ranges to Nelson, into our “home-away-from-home” for the next two nights by Tahunanui Beach.

OVERNIGHT        Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner

Aloha Lodge (Motel)

DAY 6:  NELSON

Awake to Nelson with the highest recorded days of sunshine in New Zealand, and the day is yours to explore this amazing area.  The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters.  Explore the park by water taxi*, the ever-popular walking tracks or from the water as you paddle in your ocean kayaks along the incredible shoreline*.  For a different look at the park try jumping out of a perfectly good plane and take in the incredible views as you skydive back to base on a tandem skydive*.   There’s always horse riding* and quad biking* with ocean views for those who prefer to remain grounded!  Tonight we’ll gather for a scrumptious meal and reflect on the day.

OVERNIGHT        Meals:  Breakfast

Aloha Lodge (Motel)

DAY 7:   NELSON TO WELLINGTON

Our journey today takes us to the little town of Picton situated on the north coast of the South Island, as we make our way to the Interislander ferry for our trip across Cook Strait.  Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds from the outer viewing decks as we cruise through and on towards the North Island.  We take a drive along the harbour and up Mt Victoria this afternoon for a 360-degree view of Wellington and surrounds.  A definite Kodak moment!  After some free time in the city we hang up our travellin’ shoes.  You'll also have the chance to check-out Te Papa, the National Museum of NZ.  This is not your ordinary museum but very “hands-on” and full of interesting displays.  Maybe you’d prefer to look in the nearby city centre, take a stroll along the harbour, catch up on your e-mails or perhaps take the scenic cable car* up into the Botanic Gardens and check out the view from there.   The choice is yours.

OVERNIGHT        Meals:  Breakfast

Nomads Capital

NOTE:  Tonight you need to pack down to an overnight bag as tomorrow night you will be staying on a Tradition Maori Marae.

DAY 8:  WELLINGTON TO ROTORUA MARAE STAY

On the road again, we depart Wellington and head north through farming country.  We head past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – the classical conical volcano most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy – on to Lake Taupo. It’s here that geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire.  We’ll make a stop at the raging waters of Huka Falls, and past Wairakei Geo-thermal area. You’ll see that Rotorua is truly alive as we drive through it on our way to our night’s accommodation. Tonight we will be staying in a traditional Maori Marae, we will be welcomed onto the Marae by the elders in traditional style.  If you wish you can walk to the Okere Falls or enjoy an afternoon swim in the lake.  Tonight is yours to enjoy the company of your friends, learn some maori songs or star gaze when the lights go down.

OVERNIGHT        Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner

Traditional Maori Marae Stay – open plan multi-share accommodation
Rotorua

DAY 9:  ROTORUA

After breakfast we will depart the Marae and head to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve.  Learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour and concert in this unique village.  See displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. The afternoon is yours to explore Rotorua or you have time for an optional tour*, mudbaths and massages* might be for you, or if you feel a bit more active hire a mountain bike and explore the fantastic Redwood Forest or try white water rafting. After dinner you might want to relax under the stars as you soak in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool.

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast

Alpin Motel

DAY 10:  ROTORUA TO AUCKLAND

This morning we travel north along the Waikato River to Auckland, otherwise known as the “city of sails” and New Zealand’s largest city.  Our journey ends here, and it’s time to farewell your travelling companions.

Meals:  Breakfast

**Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment.  Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.