Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches

Day 1  Auckland            
Arrive in Auckland and transfer to your hotel.              

Day 2  Auckland to Raglan  
Start your journey along back roads to a remote conservation farm and learn about sustainable aquaculture. Afterwards, get on the water for some sea kayaking and explore remote parts of the harbour before an indulgent picnic lunch. Later, head to your lodge situated a few minutes away from the famous surf and arts town of Raglan, where you will be spending the night.            

Day 3  Raglan          
After breakfast, head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish; take a hike around the Wainui Reserve, grab a kayak or stand up paddle board and traverse the harbour or simply relax and browse the shops for that perfect memento of your trip.    

Day 4  Raglan to Rotorua      
A full day of exploring today as you set off to Rotorua, stopping in Waitomo along the way. On arrival in Waitomo you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave’s ceiling just like stars in the night sky, or go exploring the area on foot. Continue onto Rotorua for a cultural experience in the grounds of a historic Maori village.            

Day 5  Rotorua to Taupo  
Make the most of your morning in Rotorua. There's lots to see and do! Opt to go whitewater rafting or mountain biking for an adrenaline rush, try your hand at zorbing, or relax at a hot spring. Later, continue to Taupo.          

Day 6  Taupo to Wellington            
Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.        

Day 7  Wellington to Abel Tasman NP      
Don't forget those cameras before hopping on the morning ferry to cross the Cook Strait. Pro tip: make sure you stand outside and marvel at the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. Then drive past lush native forests, beautiful clear waters, blue skies, and golden sands as the group travels to Abel Tasman National Park.  

Day 8  Abel Tasman NP      
Picture this: birdsong ringing from the treetops as you wander through the undergrowth stumbling upon occasional waterfalls nestled in the midst of the forest. You take a dip in one of the refreshing pools before finding your way to pristine coastline and turquoise bays where you can soak up the sun and relax in the sand.    
This is the kind of day that awaits you in Abel Tasman NP, you are free to explore the golden beaches and winding waterways any way you’d like! So have fun, build a sand castle for us, and let the adventures continue!

Day 9  Abel Tasman NP to Westport          
It’s off to Westport today! Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beautiful views as the group heads south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Make a (very cool) pit stop to a seal colony in Cape Fouldwind and watch these majestic animals in their habitat before continuing on to Westport for the evening. Once you arrive grab a beer, talk to some locals, and discover the true charm of this coal mining town.  

Day 10  Westport to Franz Josef      
Continue on a scenic drive south along the coast to Punakaiki; think pancake rocks and blowholes (man, those are two random things we never thought would be in the same sentence). As a special spot full of local secrets Punakaiki is a great place to hop out of the bus, stretch those legs, and appreciate the strange beauty nature can create.  

Day 11  Franz Josef            
Enjoy a free day in Franz Josef. Today is all yours to spend as you please! From hiking to kayaking and walking on a glacier, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to check off that bucket list.
If your goal is to make actual contact with the glacier then try a heli-hike or guided ice walk. Or you could let nature be your guide and lose yourself in the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If you’d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat before booking a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools... the choice is yours!  

Day 12  Franz Josef to Queenstown            
Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax and gaze out the window as you drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. The photo opportunities will seem endless (make sure those cameras are charged.) Then gear up and get ready because the adrenaline is going to be pumping the next few days.      

Days 13-15  Queenstown          
Let’s put it this way, if you’re the sort of person that loves adventure mixed with adrenaline all while exploring one of the most scenic places in the country, then Queenstown is for you!        
Gear up for the next few days that are sure to leave you breathless. Free time in Queenstown is no joke, so be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving.      

Day 16  Queenstown to Tekapo          
Hit the bike trail on a 33km cycle along the banks of Lake Dunstan. Take in stunning views as you pedal a varied, undulating track in the heart of Central Otago. Later, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and at night be on the lookout for some of the brightest stars you’ll ever see.      

Day 17  Tekapo         
A full free day to explore Tekapo today. Spend your time at the hot springs, relax around Lake Pukaki, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 18  Tekapo to Christchurch            
Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island’s largest city and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Enjoy free time to explore and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe, and grab some shut eye in a converted jailhouse to finish the evening.        

Day 19  Christchurch to Kaikoura  
Mountains, marine life, and magic! Kaikoura is pretty darn special, so special in fact, that it may be the South Island’s best kept secret. The best way to experience it is to get out there and witness what this rugged coastal town does best. Book a whale watching cruise, swim with seals, or just take a walk along the coast admiring the scenery. In the afternoon try bird watching, swim with dolphins or splurge on flight over the peninsula.        

Day 20  Kaikoura to Wellington      
Reminisce and reflect as you and the group travel to Picton to catch a ferry back to Wellington. Watch the majestic scenery of this country unfold before you and simply appreciate the moment (we know you’re probably already making plans to return.) Once back in the city grab some grub with your travel crew and let the good times roll for one last night out together.      

Day 21  Wellington            
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.