THE VOLCANO TRAIL

Itinerary

Day 1, Christchurch & Kaikoura

Leaving our hotel in Christchurch we then head up the beautiful coastline to Kaikoura where many adventures await us. Take a boat trip out to see the whales. Experience being close to the worlds largest of creatures. For those who wish there are plane or helicopter flights to view the whales. Kaikoura is also a wonderful place to experience the vibrant Maori culture with much to see and do. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 2, Kaikoura & Nelson

Today we go to Nelson. Nelson is in the heart of the wine producing area. It is a very pleasant sunny place and home of some of the most beautiful sea kayaking in the world. Today we spend the afternoon exploring the town. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 3, Nelson

We have a huge variety of activities to choose from including kayaking, boating, sailing, mountain biking or just relaxing in town or on the beach. Nelson is very picturesque and is a delight to visit. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 4, Nelson & Wellington via ferry

We cross to the North Island on the inter island ferry and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Marlborough Sound. We arrive in the afternoon and have a great opportunity for a night out in the capital city. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 5, Wellington & Mt Ruapehu

We leave Wellington after visiting the fantastic new museum on New Zealand called Te Papa. We head through the central North Island plains towards the great volcanoes & Mount Ruapehu National Park. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 6, Mount Ruapehu

There are several options available for the day. Many will want to hike the famous Tongariro Crossing track. A good day hike which is known as the best of its kind in New Zealand. This hike has spectacular views of the volcanic plateau and the lakes. Those who do not go on the hike can go mountain biking or explore the beautiful local area. During the winter the upper hike is not available due to snow and a lower forest hike will be offered weather permitting. Skiing and snowboarding plus other local sights are available during winter months. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 7, Mt Ruapehu, Taupo & Rotorua

We head to Taupo, just 1 hour away and is the North Island home of extreme sports. On the way we visit the spectacular Huka falls. Here you can bungy, jet boat as well as do many other activities or just relax by the world's biggest Crater Lake. The sights are fantastic and this will be one of your highlights. After lunch we go to Rotorua to visit Whakarewarewa, site of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and thermal area. See Geysers and boiling mud pools in an amazing display of mother earth's power. We check in to our lodging and you have the option of a Maori Hangi dinner and concert for afterwards. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 8, Rotorua & Waitomo

Today we have some great choices. You can do the boat trip and walk through the glow worm caves or go black water rafting. This is an unforgettable trip involving hiking and descending an underground river floating on an inner tube. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 9, Waitomo & Bay of Islands

We leave Waitomo and drive north through fantastic scenery towards New Zealand's winterless north. We cross lush green farmland and make a stop at the Kauri forests to see the giant ancient trees. Upon arrival we make our way to the port to board our overnight cruise boat. On board we find a games room, bar and full fun facilities. The boat is equipped with kayaks, snorkelling gear and other equipment for all the planned stops at the islands on this 24 hour tour. Sit back and enjoy one of your trip highlights. This boat tour will be substituted May - Sep with another boat tour of equivalent value, quality and experience which may or may not be overnight depending on availability and conditions. Accommodation: Sail Boat included

Day 10, Bay of Islands

Today we have a host of available activities including kayaking, a boat trip to the islands or just relaxing on the boat. Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 11, Auckland

We make our way back South passing unspoiled beaches and lush forests. There are native trees of massive size that are over 1000 years old. This area has always been prized for its fantastic native hardwood timbers that are fortunately protected nowadays. Crossing the harbour bridge with a spectacular view of the city of sails we arrive in Auckland to say our fond farewells. Tour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Auckland on day 11

Trip Details

Localpayments	Food Kitty: NZ$10 per day Some meals paid locally
Tourleader	Services of a professional tour leader
Transport	All transportation by private adventure vehicle
AccommodationIncluded	9 nights budget lodging | 1 nights cruise boat
Maxgroupsize	14
Endcity	AUCKLAND
Startcity	CHRISTCHURCH
Included	Waitomo Caves entrance, Overnight boat trip in Bay of Islands on cruise boat. (May be day trip during winter months May-Sep depending on conditions, Entrance to the Te Puia Maori arts and cultural centre in Rotorua, Visit to Te Papa museum in Wellington, Inter-island ferry crossing
Optionalactivities	Maori Cultural Evening NZ$80-100, Thermal Baths NZ$10-30, Black Water Rafting NZ$65, Bungy Jumping NZ$99-$220, Tongoriro Crossing Fee NZ$30, Jet Boating NZ$90-160, Kayak Tour NZ$50, Mountain Biking NZ$20-50, Whale Watching NZ$125, Winter Ski Pass NZ$70

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-11-20	2008-11-30	1
2008-12-15	2008-12-25	0
2009-01-08	2009-01-18	0
2009-02-02	2009-02-12	0
2009-02-26	2009-03-08	0
2009-03-23	2009-04-02	1
2009-04-16	2009-04-26	2
2009-05-11	2009-05-21	0
2009-07-13	2009-07-23	2
2009-08-31	2009-09-10	2
2009-10-19	2009-10-29	2
2009-11-12	2009-11-22	2
2009-12-07	2009-12-17	2
2009-12-31	2010-01-10	2
2010-01-25	2010-02-04	4+
2010-02-18	2010-02-28	4+
2010-03-15	2010-03-25	4+
2010-04-08	2010-04-18	4+
2010-05-03	2010-05-13	4+

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