Mt Cook NP, New Zealand - Sarah Howarth

New Zealand
A land of beauty unmatched, wilderness unsullied and adventures unbridled

The land of the brave

Adrenaline junkies apply here
If it’s heart-thumping, blood-pumping, ‘show me
what you’ve got’ adventuring you’re after, New
Zealand is the place to be. While Queenstown,
with its skiing, bungy jumping, jet boating
and paragliding, is the country’s undisputed
adventure capital, other NZ towns play damn
good second fiddles. Look to Franz Josef for
glacier hiking, Waitomo for black-water rafting
or Nelson for some world-class sea kayaking.

Fast facts
$ Baggin rights Endemic NZ NZ dumps OZ Choice inventions

New Zealand is the The world’s oldest New Zealand was once It’s inventive Kiwis the
only country to date living genus of reptile, governed as part of rest of us have to thank
possessing the legal smallest dolphin, Australia’s New South for jet boats, zorbing,
right to put Hobbit- rarest sea lion and only Wales. When Australia Velcro strips, pop-lids
related imagery on its flightless parrot are all federated in 1901, New on paint cans and
legal tender. Now that to be found in unique Zealand decided to go hairpins with crinkles
would be precious... New Zealand. its separate way. in them.

32 New Zealand
 90 mile beach?
Running down the western side of the
North Island’s northernmost cape,
90 Mile Beach boasts spectacular sand
dunes, sensational surf and superb
sunsets. One thing it doesn’t boast,
however, is 90 miles of beach. Instead,
there’s only 55.
Rotorua ,New Zealand
New Zealand Explorer Southbound
22 days, Auckland to Christchurch
From Auckland to Christchurch, the underground rivers of Waitomo to the flanks of
Mt Cook, and the all-out revelry of Queenstown to the study in the sublime that is
Doubtful Sound, this journey has New Zealand crossed and covered.
ITINERARY... Day 1 Auckland Welcome to Auckland,
New Zealand’s largest and most populous city.
Days 2-3 Bay of Islands Cross lush, green farmland and
peer up at the ancient trees of the kauri forests before
arriving in the gorgeous Bay of Islands, where kayaking,
boat trips and a village exploration are all options.
Day 4 Waitomo Perhaps delve into the heart of
Waitomo on a black-water rafting expedition that will
see you floating down an underground river in an inner
tube. Day 5 Rotorua Geysers, bubbling mud pools
and volcanic cliffs combine to make Rotorua one of the
country’s most popular tourist haunts. Days 6-7 Taupo/
Mt Ruapehu Stop by the beautiful Huka Falls on the
way to Taupo. Then be inspired by the majesty of Mt
Ruapehu. For the energetic, a hike along the Tongariro
Crossing is well recommended. Day 8 Wellington With
some free time at hand, perhaps jump in a cable car
and head up to the Botanic Gardens for spectacular
views over Wellington’s city and harbour. Days 9-10
Nelson Cruise across the Marlborough Sounds from
the North to the South Island, arriving in the beautiful
harbour of Nelson. Day 11 Kaikoura Travel to Kaikoura,
a mecca for sperm whales, dolphins, seals and
wandering albatross. Day 12 Christchurch Discover
New Zealand's 'Garden City' and witness a town
gallantly recovering from the devastating earthquakes
Bay of Islands
Auckland
Waitomo
Taupo Rotorua
N ORTH ISLA N D Mt Ruapehu
Nelson
Wellington
Punakaiki
Kaikoura
Franz Josef Glacier
Christchurch
Doubtful Sound Mt Cook NP
SOUTH ISLAND
Queenstown
New Zealand Explorer Southbound
trip code PTOZC
physical rating  style Basix
cultural rating  theme Overland
GROUP SIZE Max 15
ACCOMMODATION Hostel (20 nts), overnight boat (1 nt),
TRANSPORT Van, ferry
that struck in 2011. Day 13 Punakaiki Set out on a MEALS No meals included
GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed
scenic drive across the ever-changing patchwork of NOTES 1. Tour commences in Auckland with a group
greens that colour the Canterbury Plains. Days 14-15 meeting on Day 1 at 6:30pm and finishes in Christchurch
on Day 22 at approx. 6pm – please consider this
Franz Josef Glacier Embark on a guided hike across when booking flights and accommodation. 2. We
Franz Josef's massive glacier, clambering up its icy recommend you book accommodation in advance and
extend your stay. 3. This trip runs in reverse, see trip code
inclines and through its otherworldly caverns. Days 16-
PTOAC. 4. Allow NZD 650 for meals not included. 5. You
19 Queenstown Wind through the spectacular Haast can upgrade to lodge style accommodation, see trip
Pass to the country's bona fide adventure capital, code PTOZCU.
TRAVELLER RATING 4.63 out of 5
Queenstown. Day 20 Doubtful Sound Take an
overnight cruise past sheer rock walls, cloud-draped
DEPARTS Selected Sundays
peaks and gushing waterfalls. Day 21 Mt Cook Explore
Start Finish 2015
the meadows, lakes and glaciers surrounding New 2014 16 Feb 09 Mar
Zealand’s highest peak. Day 22 Christchurch Weather 22 Sep 13 Oct 06 Apr 27 Apr
10 Nov 01 Dec
permitting, sneak a glimpse of Mt Cook’s summit on 29 Dec 19 Jan
a morning trek. Then take a final drive across New
Zealand's scenic countryside to Christchurch, where
Progressive nation
this memorable adventure draws to an end.
Highlights New Zealand was one of the first nations to
introduce universal suffrage, with voting for
• Soak up Auckland's cosmopolitan vibe female citizens becoming legal in 1893. In
2001, it was also the first country to have its
• Meet Waitomo’s glow worms
three top positions of power – Prime Minister,
• Enjoy an overnight cruise through Governor General and Chief Justice – held
Doubtful Sound simultaneously by women.
Additional information is available at intrepidtravel.com New Zealand 33
 Bay of Islands
NORTH
I SL AND Auckland
Waitomo
Rotorua
Taupo
Mt Ruapehu

Nelson Wellington
S O U TH Kaikoura
I S LA ND Christchurch

12 Day North Island Explorer

Northbound
trip code PTOA

physical rating  style Basix

Mt Cook , New Zealand - Cameron Gaze
cultural rating  theme Overland

GROUP SIZE Max 15

ACCOMMODATION Hostel (11 nts)
TRANSPORT Van, ferry
12 Day North Island Explorer Northbound
MEALS No meals included
GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed 12 days, Christchurch to Auckland
NOTES 1. Tour commences in Christchurch with a group
meeting on Day 1 at 6:30pm and finishes in Auckland
on Day 12 at approx. 6pm – please consider this when
A country that matches nature with adventure to exceptional effect, get your kicks
booking flights and accommodation. 2. We recommend black-water rafting, whale-spotting in Kaikoura or hiking the slopes of Mt Ruapehu.
you book accommodation in advance and extend your
stay. 3. Trip runs in reverse, see trip code PTON. 4. Allow
NZD 350 for meals not included. 5. You can upgrade to ITINERARY... Day 1 Christchurch Arrive in and explore Rotorua's geysers, bubbling mud pools
lodge style accommodation, see trip code PTOAU. Christchurch, New Zealand's city on the upswing. and volcanic cliffs. Day 9 Waitomo Discover Waitomo,
TRAVELLER RATING 4.80 out of 5
Spend some time visiting the pop-up Re:START an area famous for its limestone caves, glow worms
development or head to dynamic SOMO. Day 2 and black-water rafting. Days 10-11 Bay of Islands
DEPARTS Selected Mondays
Kaikoura Head up the coast to Kaikoura, where
Rotoruaa Explore the Bay of Island’s pristine beaches by boat or
Start Finish 2015 Taupo sperm whales, dolphins and wandering albatrosses kayak. Day 12 Auckland Finish up this New Zealand
2014 02 Feb 13 Feb
27 Oct 07 Nov 23 Mar 03 Apr can usually be spotted. Days 3-4 Nelson Set out on a adventure in the country’s 'City of Sails'.
15 Dec 26 Dec bushwalk through Nelson’s gorgeous inlets and coves,

S O U T H I S L AND
take a winery tour or browse the town’s eclectic range Highlights
of shops. Day 5 Wellington Enjoy a cruise through
the spectacular Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. • Be captivated by Mt Ruapehu
Punakaiki
Days 6-7 Mt Ruapehu Be captivated by the majesty
Franz Josef Glacier Christchurch of Mt Ruapehu. Perhaps hike the famous Tongariro • Visit the spectacular Huka Falls
Mt Cook Alpine Crossing track through stunning forest scenery.
• Experience Rotorua's explosive geysers
Day 8 Taupo/Rotorua Visit the spectacular Huka Falls
Doubtful Sound Queenstown

11 Day South Island Explorer

trip code PTOS
11 Day South Island Explorer
11 days, Christchurch to Christchurch
physical rating  style Basix
cultural rating  theme Overland
Get to know one of the world’s most untouched natural environments while clambering
up the Franz Josef Glacier, cruising through Doubtful Sound and kayaking in Queenstown.
GROUP SIZE Max 15
ACCOMMODATION Hostel (9 nts), overnight boat (1 nt) ITINERARY... Day 1 Christchurch Explore the Day 9 Doubtful Sound Embark on an overnight cruise
TRANSPORT Van vibrant cafés and bars gaining ground in this rapidly through the tranquil fjords of Doubtful Sound, keeping
MEALS No meals included
GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed
re-emerging city. Day 2 Punakaiki Head across the eyes peeled for dolphins and seals. Day 10 Mt Cook
NOTES 1. Tour commences in Christchurch with a group Canterbury Plains to Punakaiki and admire the views Spend a night at the base of New Zealand's highest
meeting on Day 1 at 6:30pm and finishes in Christchurch along the region’s wild coastline. Days 3-4 Franz Josef mountain. Day 11 Christchurch Hopefully catch a
on Day 11 at approx. 6pm – please consider this when
booking flights and accommodation. 2. We recommend Glacier Wind through rich forests and shimmering glimpse of Mt Cook’s peak on a morning hike before
you book accommodation in advance and extend your lakes en route to Franz Josef. Embark on a guided hike making tracks back to Christchurch.
stay. 3. Allow NZD 325 for meals not included 4. You
can upgrade to lodge style accommodation, see trip across the glacier or splash out on a helicopter ride and
code PTOSU.
TRAVELLER RATING 4.61 out of 5
peer down on it from above. Days 5-8 Queenstown Highlights
Perched by the shores of Lake Wakatipu and set against
spectacular mountain scenery, Queenstown is sure to • Take a drive along NZ's wild west coast
DEPARTS Selected Fridays
make an impression. Spend the next few days getting
Start Finish 21 Nov 01 Dec 23 Jan 02 Feb your adrenaline kicks whizzing around the lake by • Savour icy vistas at Franz Joseph Glacier
2014 05 Dec 15 Dec 27 Feb 09 Mar
2015 jet boat, taking to the skies paragliding or joining
03 Oct 13 Oct 13 Mar 23 Mar • Indulge your wild side in Queenstown
17 Oct 27 Oct 09 Jan 19 Jan 17 Apr 27 Apr in some of the countless other adventures on offer.

34 New Zealand
 Kiwi magic
Kiwis are unique to New Zealand and
have long been the country’s national
symbol. There are five species of
kiwi and they are the smallest ratites
(flightless birds) in the world. In relation
to their body size, they lay the largest
egg of any species of bird on earth.

Bay of Islands
Auckland
Waitomo
Taupo Rotorua
N ORTH ISLA N D Mt Ruapehu
Nelson
Wellington
Punakaiki
Kaikoura
Franz Josef Glacier
Christchurch
Doubtful Sound Mt Cook NP
SOUTH ISLAND
Queenstown
Franz Josef Glacier , New Zealand
22 Day New Zealand Explorer
Northbound – Upgrade
22 Day New Zealand Explorer trip code PTOACU

Northbound – Upgrade physical rating

22 days, Christchurch to Auckland
Traverse this isolated island nation south to north and experience the sights,
thrills, cuisine, culture, charming cities and mesmerising landscapes that have left
generations of travellers enchanted and enthralled.
ITINERARY... Day 1 Christchurch Welcome to one
of the world’s most photogenic nations. Perhaps
celebrate your arrival with a glass of fine New Zealand
wine. Day 2 Punakaiki Head west to the stunning
white-sand beaches and windswept cliffs of Punakaiki.
Days 3-4 Franz Josef Glacier Spend a few days
exploring the Franz Josef Glacier’s incredible icy
terrain by snow-shoe, kayak or helicopter. Days 5-8
Queenstown Dare yourself to take on New Zealand's
tallest bungee jump, battle with the rapids on a rafting
trip or suss out the lively bar scene. Day 9 Doubtful
Sound Clamber aboard an overnight cruise boat for
a relaxing journey through the glassy waters and
imposing fiords of the Doubtful Sound. Day 10 Mt
Cook National Park Drive to the foot of Mt Cook, New
Zealand’s highest peak, passing across high country
and witnessing stunning views of the Alps. Day 11
Christchurch Return to Christchurch and spend some
more time getting to know this charming city. Day 12
Kaikoura A 'must do' activity while in New Zealand is
a whale-watching boat tour – try to spot humpbacks,
blue whales and minkes. Days 13-14 Nelson Drenched
in greenery and buzzing with activity, explore the
scenic wonderland of Nelson on a hike, bike, horse
cultural rating
 style Original
 theme Overland
GROUP SIZE Max 15
ACCOMMODATION Hostel (2 nts), lodge (18 nts),
overnight boat (1 nt)
TRANSPORT Van, ferry
MEALS No meals included
GUARANTEE Subject to availability
NOTES 1. Tour commences in Christchurch with a group
or kayak. Day 15 Wellington Catch a ferry across meeting on Day 1 at 6:30pm and finishes in Auckland on
Day 22 at approx. 6pm – please consider this when booking
the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. Days 16-17
flights and accommodation. 2. We recommend you book
Mt Ruapehu From crumbling volcanoes and barren accommodation in advance and extend your stay. 3. This
wastelands to glistening emerald pools, Mount trip utilises an upgraded level of accommodation, which is
why it is subject to availability. For a guaranteed trip that
Ruapehu’s surroundings are breathtaking. Day 18 uses dorm-share accommodation, please use trip code
Taupo/Rotorua Visit the spectacular Huka Falls and PTOAC. 4. Trip runs in reverse, see trip code PTOZCU.
5. Allow NZD 650 for meals not included.
thermal village of Whakarewarewa before experiencing TRAVELLER RATING 4.64 out of 5
a traditional Maori hangi. Day 19 Waitomo Discover
Waitomo, a 30-million-year-old cave complex aglow DEPARTS Selected Thursdays
with colourful glow worms. Days 20-21 Waitomo/
Start Finish 2015
Bay of Islands Soak up the serene scenery of the Bay 2014 23 Jan 13 Feb
of Islands. Day 22 Auckland Arrive in Auckland, where 17 Oct 07 Nov 13 Mar 03 Apr
05 Dec 26 Dec
this incredible journey winds up.
Highlights Ace job for some
• Take a guided hike across ancient ice and With an estimated net worth of 20
rock at Franz Joseph Glacier million dollars, Steve Williams, who
• Go wild in the adrenaline-rush capital of served as Tiger Woods’ caddie from 1999
the world – Queenstown to 2011, was commonly regarded during
this period as New Zealand’s highest-
• Glide through the breathtaking
paid sportsman.
Doubtful Sound

Additional information is available at intrepidtravel.com New Zealand 35