Compare New Zealand - Aotearoa - The Natural Elements by Adventure Smith vs New Zealand Overnight Wilderness Trip - 11 Days by Travel for All
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 13 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 5,990 | $ 4,711 |
| Price Per Day | $ 461 | $ 428 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
12 Breakfast, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinner |
N/A |
| Description |
The New Zealand - Aotearoa small ship cruise explores the coastline between Milford Sound and Auckland over 13 or 9 days. The pristine landscapes and stunning natural features of the Land of the Long White Cloud are timeless attractions. Spouting geysers, bubbling thermal pools, fjords, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rivers and sweeping stretches of white sandy beaches enshrine the country's natural heritage, forever protected in 14 national parks. New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. Its society is diverse, sophisticated and multicultural. The honesty, friendliness and openness of Kiwis will impress you, as the Maori people (Pacific Islanders) are happy to share their living culture with like-minded visitors. The great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural and artistic landscapes are so close to each other. New Zealand is a country that will welcome you gladly! |
New Zealand has a dazzling wealth of breathtaking scenery, friendly and fun-loving people, plenty of things to see and do, mouthwatering food and wine and a vibe that is unlike anywhere else in the world. New Zealand has everything you could wish for in a destination and it’s delightfully easy to get around. |
Day 1: Wellington
Day 2: Marlborough Sound
Day 3: Kaikoura Whalewatching
Day 4: Gallic Akaroa
Day 5: Discover Dunedin
Day 6: Stewart Island
Day 7: Dusky Sound
Day 8: Doubtful Sound
Day 9: Milford Sound & Queenstown
Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch
The first thing you’ll see once you’ve arrived in Christchurch is our smiley faces, ready to scoop you up and deliver you to your awesome accommodation. Settle in and enjoy Sumner, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. This place has beach, boardwalk, cafés, funky restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect spot to shake off your jet lag and prepare yourself for the next days of action.
The beautiful landscape of New Zealand glows in the morning light
Day 02: River Rafting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
It’s an early start this morning as we need to meet the river crew 3 hours away. This is over the Lewis Pass, where Mauria River waits for us, nestled in the native beech and surrounding mountains. This class 2/ 3 river transports us and our equipment into the wilderness Freedom of river life, experience real wilderness.
When navigating the Mauria River where its waters spill from the mountains of the Lewis Pass; you will wind through a heavily forested and remote valley, making this trip a real gem. We spend the night camping beside the river, with a fire and great company. Also for the keen angler, Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing is legendary here giving you great challenge and fun, whatever your skill level.
Available to all abilities, making this possible is our Aqua harness. A fully releasable system to make you sit up on the raft (even without trunk control!). Leg floats, if you feel like floating through the pools, dry suits for those that do not have climate control (only hands and head are exposed). Tonight you camp in the wilderness, cooking on a fire. Experiencing why we call this pure New Zealand.
Wilderness Camping
Day 03: White Water Rafting
Meals: Brakefast
This morning, awaken to the sounds of native bird song and the flowing river. A great night’s sleep, on air and feathers (no pressure issues). After a hearty breakfast and when you’re ready, (accessible toilet facilities are carried with) its back on the river, going with the flow.
With the gear packed, it’s straight back into action as we tackle Maruia‘s white water once more. The rafts bob and weave their way around boulders and through waves, into the isolated valley where crystal clear pools nestle between rapids, giving us time to drift, swim, relax and take in the scenery. We can stop in many places along the river. We can even drift the craft in the middle to fish towards the sides, usually unheard of in the fishing community, on a river. As we ride the final rapids, the valley starts to open again and the river converges with the road to take us to our waiting transport. This afternoon we drive down the Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast, our accommodation waits next to the setting sun.
Picture of Buller Gorge on the Maruia River in New Zealand
Day 04: Scenic Flight
Enter into a relaxing morning waking to the sound of the sea. When we are ready the scenic road will take you to Hokitika greenstone and gold. Fingers crossed today is clear and calm as we drive the West Coast highway, with mountains on the left, ocean on the right and native forest galore. Soon after lunch, we arrive at Franz Josef Township where our next adventure awaits.
Here we meet the awesome crew that will fly us into glacier wonderland. This is the West Coast; helicopters are mandatory to access our piece of paradise. This scenic flight takes us onto the snowfields where Makingtrax ski-chair gets you up close and personal.
This evening we stay in Franz Josef.
Day 05: Lake Wanaka
A big day driving over the Gates of Haast to Wanaka. Although a big journey, the flora and fauna changes dramatically throughout, making this drive fly past. You’ll be there before you know it. Welcome to Lake Wanaka.
Day 06: Lake Wanaka
Enjoy the Lake Wanaka this morning, kayaking on the beautiful mountain lake or paragliding above. Today we head to Queenstown for more adventure, with its stunning mountainous backdrop. For the rest of the day, feel free to roam the streets of Queenstown, check the surrounding areas or relax by the lake. Your wish is our command.
This evening we stay in the beautiful area of Queenstown.
Bright blue skies with pearly white clouds seen across the distance of Lake Wanaka New Zealand
Day 07: Queenstown
You’re free to roam the streets of Queenstown, hit up more inclusive adventure. Another night spent in the spectacular Queenstown.
Colorful picture of the mountains near Queenstown New Zealand
Day 08: Milford Sounds
No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting the infamous Milford Sounds. Enjoy an early flight out of Queenstown, this morning, as you fly into Milford Sound an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna.
Combine this with an optional Milford cruise on the fiord. Your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the ‘Pride’ to enjoy your Milford Sound Scenic Cruise. Spacious outdoor viewing decks allow you to take in all of the Fiordland scenic highlights, including waterfalls taller than Niagara Falls, and an array of indigenous flora and fauna. This is an optional experience, you can also enjoy a day of relaxation.
Soaring snow-capped mountain peaks reach for the deep blue sky in this picturesque scene of Milford Sounds in New Zealand
Day 09:Tekapo
Our northern journey starts today as we change our compass bearing and head to Tekapo. Aoraki, Kiwi Land’s highest mountain awaits your visit as we journey north. The backbone of the Southern Alps and the turquoise lakes pass you by, with a stop at Mt Cook salmon farm to select your dinner (if you’re a fish fan).
But the day is just beginning…the horses are waiting for you. No better place to enjoy a horse trek, Lake Tekapo. Our team will tailor this to your abilities; nothing’s an issue. A big day of adventure needs the perfect evening and the dark sky reserve star gazing or soaking in the hot pools is just that.
Spectacular fall foliage is reflected in the waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand
Day 10: Sky Diving
It’s our last day….so let’s finish on a high. 13,000 feet high to be precise… Skydiving! Makingtrax has a leg harness that makes this available to all abilities, The harness keeps your legs together in free fall and lifts your legs after your canopy is deployed, sliding in on your tandem master’s butt, not yours. Whilst you are still buzzing, it’s back to where we started, Sumner! You now can relax, absorb the last 10 days and get merry, as it’s your last night in this magical land.
Day 11: Departure
Wake up invigorated knowing your guide is going to collect you to take you to the airport, when required, leaving you time to find your new favourite café and reflect on your journey of self-discovery, what you have achieved and memories you have gained for a lifetime. Today your new journey begins as an adventurer…unstoppable!
