Adventure trip New Zealand - Maori culture round trip

In the course of the afternoon own arrival at the hotel. A transfer can be arranged at an additional cost upon request. The rooms are available from 3:00 PM. In the evening, welcome by the tour guide at the hotel.

In the morning, you will visit the thermal park Whakarewarewa with the cultural center Te Puia. Against the backdrop of spouting geysers and steaming springs, you will learn about the customs and traditions of New Zealand's first immigrants. You may catch a glimpse of a shy kiwi bird in the nocturnal house, where the nearly extinct native species is kept in a dimly lit enclosure. Te Puia is also home to the Maori Arts and Craft Institute, where you can watch wood carvers at work. This experiential journey includes a rich buffet lunch with delicious dishes from the "Hangi" earth oven. Finally, you will be surprised by the Maori with colorful Polynesian folklore, such as traditional dances and songs. The spectacular war dance, the "Haka," must not be missed.

The round trip leaves Hawkes Bay via Hastings, an urban settlement in the hinterland of the bay. Extensive fertile farmland stretches southward. Sit back in your seat and let typical New Zealand country life pass you by - with dreamy small towns like Greytown, where a whole series of well-preserved heritage buildings from pioneer days line the main street. It will get urban soon enough: in Wellington, the stately and elegant capital of the country. Upon arrival, a short city tour will show you the main attractions, such as the parliamentary precinct, Victorian architecture in the city, and Mount Victoria, which offers sweeping views over the expansive harbor bay. Transfer to the centrally located hotel. (approx. 350km)

The day trip by bus and boat takes you right into a gentle natural paradise in the northwest of the South Island. Golden beaches between lush green rainforest and turquoise sea waves: The Abel Tasman National Park flatters creation. Enjoy the views from the boat. And watch for seals that love to warm themselves on the rocks in the sun. Boat and bus transfer back to the hotel in Nelson. (approx. 130km)

The next days of the round trip drive south follow the coastline, passing Greymouth, the largest West Coast town. Jade has always been of special value to the Māori. In Hokitika, you will see how the stones are polished into treasures in a workshop - and perhaps find your very personal travel souvenir. The journey continues along the evergreen West Coast, over the once booming gold mining towns of Ross and Harihari. The destination is the mountain village of Franz Josef, not far from the glacier of the same name, which you can see from the valley. The bus ride to the Franz Josef Glacier melting in the valley offers a magnificent natural spectacle: gray meltwater streams from jagged ice masses through lush green rainforests - and soon after into the sea. In good weather, you should take an optional helicopter tour over the high mountain landscape of the Westland National Park. From the air, there are fantastic views of jagged glacial ice and snow-capped mountain peaks. The national park is one of the most diverse and characteristic in New Zealand. It is home to rare bird species, such as the Kea, an endemic parrot species. Overnight stay in Franz Josef. (approx. 220km)

In the popular holiday resort, you vacation in the front row: at the foot of impressive mountain ranges and directly at the deep blue lake. There's no chance of boredom here, we promise! Use the free day for a romantic boat trip on the historic steamship "TSS Earnslaw" (optional) or take the cable car (optional) to Bob's Peak, picturesque panorama included. Of course, you can also hike the mountain slopes in the area or enjoy the magnificent lake view along the shore. However, Queenstown is primarily known as New Zealand's adventure playground: spectacular activities for the ultimate adrenaline rush are offered here.

This adventure trip takes you to the east coast of the South Island and crosses the fertile farmland of South Otago. The destination is Dunedin, a city shaped by Scottish influences that you will get to know better tomorrow. This afternoon, however, you can look forward to extraordinary natural experiences on the neighboring Otago Peninsula: By bus, you will head to the world's only known mainland colony of royal albatrosses. Once there, you will visit the Royal Albatross Center where you will learn more about the majestic birds during a private tour. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel in Dunedin. (approx. 300km)

The bus journey through the sparsely populated Tussok Plateau of Mackenzie Country heading north makes a stop at Lake Tekapo. In good weather, you have the opportunity for a scenic flight (optional) over the snow-covered mountain ranges of the Southern Alps. But the view from the ground is not bad either: at the pretty chapel in front of a grand alpine panorama and deep lake. Soon the landscape changes, you see lush meadows, pastures, and fertile farmland. Fairlie, Geraldine, and Ashburton lie along the way - unexciting but productive agricultural centers. The destination is the largest city on the South Island, Christchurch. After arrival, a short city tour. (approx. 320km)

This morning, the bus ride along State Highway 1 on the east coast heads north. The first worthwhile destination is Kaikoura. The small harbor town is an ideal place for whale watching. Because in the very nutrient-rich waters off the coast, especially mighty sperm whales can be found. The boat trip (optional) to "Whale Watch" takes place only in favorable weather conditions. The likelihood of seeing one or two animals from the boat is high. Seals will certainly also be visible: on the onward journey along the coast, where the animals lie on the rocks in the water. Your hotel is located in Picton or Blenheim, the small-town center of the Marlborough province. (approx. 310km)

After the early departure towards the north, you pass the central plateau of the North Island, characterized by three still quite active volcanoes: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. The exciting natural landscape is protected as Tongariro National Park: the oldest national park in New Zealand was one of the first in the world and is part of the UNESCO Natural Heritage. The continuation to Waitomo has only one reason: glowworms that sparkle in masses in the fairy-tale underworld of the giant cave system. You will access deep inside on a boat trip on the underground watercourse. Afterwards, the bus will take you to Auckland, the starting point of your New Zealand trip. (approx. 570km)