Destinations Downunder Soft Adventure, small group traveling
These are active trips for active people that prefer not to sit in a bus and watch the world go by. We travel in a small group seeing some areas of the country many few travelers see, actually experiencing New Zealand. New Zealand should be touched, walked, and tasted.
Trips are designed for people with a reasonable level of fitness and an interest in outdoor activities, so you don’t need to be a tri-athlete to join in. If you like to to learn new things and be outdoors, to walk, hike, paddle, cycle, and go to the gym, you'll love our trips!
We minimize the time spent in a vehicle and spend it on adventure and relaxation: hiking, trekking, cycling and paddling into New Zealand's most beautiful scenery. We'll stay in comfortable lodges in fantastic locations – and we'll do all this at a reasonable price. As our trips are all limited to small group numbers, they fill up quickly. Please ask us for help in determining which trip is for you and book early.
Don’t just travel…have an adventure!
5-day North Island 8-day South Island 14-day South Island (our most popular!) Wildlife Trip Cycling and Adventure 13-day South Island
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5 day North Island Trip
New Zealand’s North Island named Te Ika-a-Maui by the Maori, is remarkably different to the South Island. A younger Island, it is a land of active volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna. Favored by the Maori people for its bountiful resources, the North Island has a rich cultural history which has been shaped by this dynamic and surprising land. This trip packs loads of adventure into just five days – from hiking to biking to caving – you’ll be amazed by the diversity and culture of our northern island. The trip allows you to see a huge diversity in just 5 days. To round out your New Zealand adventure, plan to hook up with one of our exciting South Island trips. Trip in short: Tue: Ar Auckland, hike at Orokawa beach and Mt. Maunganui Wed: Hike Lakes Okataina and Tarawera, Maori feast Thu: Mountain bike Whakarewarewa Forest, hike to Huka Falls Fri: Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing, soak in hot pools Sat: Caving at Waitomo Caves, depart for Auckland
Daily itinerary: Tuesday - Arrive, hike at Orokawa beach and Mt. Maunganui If arriving from overseas into New Zealand, it is HIGHLY recommended to arrive a day early into Auckland and rest up before setting off. Otherwise, you can arrive Auckland early on this Tuesday morning and we will pick you up in central Auckland at 8.30am, or at the airport at 9am on our way out of the city. Once we’re out of the city limits we’ll hike around a series of headlands clad in native Pohutakawa trees to the impressive and secluded Orokawa Beach where, if the weather’s nice, we’ll have a swim in the warm South Pacific waters. Then we’ll head to Mt. Maunganui, a scenic seaside town and popular summer vacation spot for locals, for a hike up Mt. Maunganui itself – an extinct volcano which creates an almost perfect dome on the horizon and offers unsurpassed views of the surrounding coast. After the hike we’ll travel south through kiwifruit-growing country to Rotorua. There’s a great deal of geothermal activity beneath Rotorua, so you’ll see steaming pools of mud, fumaroles and smell the distinctive whiff of sulfur that characterises the town. ACCOMMODATION: Cedar Wood Lodge, Rotorua. (L,D)
Wednesday - Hike Lakes Okataina and Tarawera, Maori feast and culture Today we’ll explore the virgin forest around Lake Okataina and hike alongside its deep blue waters to explore the site of an ancient Maori settlement. We’ll then continue over the ridge to Lake Tarawera. The entire area has been sculpted by intermittent volcanic activity, which continues in various forms to this day. Mt. Tarawera was the scene of an enormous eruption in the late 19th century and we’ll see the effects of this cataclysmic event during our time here. Tonight you’ll get to know a bit more about the local Maori culture and share a traditional Maori feast – called a hangi – prepared by the Ngati Rongomai tribe. The meal is prepared by wrapping the food and burying it in the earth over hot stones. This method is very healthy – akin to steaming – and hangi food has a wonderful smoky flavour. Vegetarians, of course, are well catered for. An option this evening is to take a guided bird tour with local experts. One of our main Kauri guides, Paul Wrigley, highly recommends this as a great way to find out about the local birdlife and see native kiwi birds up close! ACCOMMODATION: Cedar Wood Lodge (B,L,D)
Thursday - Mountain bike Whakarewarewa Forest, hike to Huka Falls Rotorua is the centre of Maori culture in New Zealand and the influence of the Maori people can be seen everywhere. Although it’s a well-known tourist spot, there’s plenty going on behind the glitz that is worth checking out. We’ll show you our favourite highlights of Rotorua, before heading out for biking on the smooth trails in Whakarewarewa Forest. We have biking options to suit all abilities, and the biking is a real highlight on the Kauri trip. If you prefer not to bike there are other options available, such as visiting the local mineral spas for a relaxing soak. We then go hiking up New Zealand’s longest river – the Waikato – to the impressive Huka Falls before heading south to Turangi. We’ll follow the shores of Lake Taupo, the biggest volcanic crater in the world, to this evening’s accommodation. Our hosts, John and Lyn, are a lovely local couple, and can point out some of the best walks and fishing spots in the area. We’re right next door to New Zealand’s most famous trout fishing river, the Tongariro, so this is a great chance to cast a line! Dinner tonight is a Kiwi favourite – fish and chips with plenty of fresh salads. ACCOMMODATION: Creel Lodge, Turangi (B,L,D)
Friday - Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing, soak in hot pools Just south of Turangi are three massive volcanoes – Mount Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, as well as the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest park and the fourth oldest national park in the world. Here you’ll have the opportunity to do what is considered the best mountain day-hike in the country – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Not an easy day, this hike takes around seven hours unguided through arid volcanic terrain. The Tongariro offers remarkable volcanic landscapes including emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters and steam vents, so it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. If you prefer to do an easier hike you can walk through native tussock to a waterfall at the base of Mt Ruapehu (the highest active volcano in New Zealand), and around an isolated mountain lake in the middle of the virgin prehistoric rainforest. However you choose to spend your day, we’ll all head to some thermal springs tonight to soak tired muscles in natural hot water. Later, your guide will prepare a well-earned BBQ dinner for our last night together! ACCOMMODATION: Creel Lodge (B,L,D)
Andrew: "I once spent quite a bit time hiking around the three great volcanoes of the central North Island plateau, and I can say that this challenging day hike is worth every drop of sweat! The Crossing is very different to the majority of our hikes – you'll feel like you're walking on Mars!"
Saturday - Caving at Waitomo Caves For our last day together, we’ll head over the spectacular Pureora Forest Range through groves of huge native trees, then into sheep farming country, before arriving at Waitomo Caves. After a café lunch, it’s an afternoon of caving (a.k.a. spelunking), or if you prefer to stay dry you’ll take a walk through dry caves to learn more about the geological significance of the area. For the more adventurous, you’ll head ‘down under’ to explore an underground cave system. You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp and floatation device to float down a subterranean stream, slide down waterfalls and at one point, switch off your headlamp to check out the incredible glow worms that live on the limestone ceiling of the cave. If wet-caving is not really your thing, you can walk through the dry caves then take a more relaxing boat ride through one of the larger caves to see the glow worms and amazing rock formations. After a shower and some hot soup, we’ll head back to Auckland, where we’ll have you at the airport in time to catch evening flights back home, or down south for one of our South Island trips. (B,L)
Cost: $1599.00 USD plus tax of 12.5% GST (fuel and currency exchange can impact cost) Includes guide(s), transport, accommodations, meals as indicated
DATES 2010-2011 (start Tues and end Sat in Auckland) Start: End: Oct 19 10 - Oct 23 10 Oct 26 10 - Oct 30 10 Nov 2 10 - Nov 6 10 Nov 16 10 - Nov 20 10 Nov 23 10 - Nov 27 10 Nov 30 10 - Dec 4 10 Dec 7 10 - Dec 11 10 Dec 14 10 - Dec 18 10 Dec 21 10 - Dec 25 10 Dec 28 10 - Jan 1 11 2011 Jan 4 11 - Jan 8 11 Jan 11 11 - Jan 15 11 Jan 18 11 - Jan 22 11 Feb 8 11 - Feb 12 11 Feb 22 11 - Feb 26 11 Mar 8 11 - Mar 12 11 Mar 22 11 - Mar 26 11 Mar 29 11 - Apr 2 11 Apr 5 11 - Apr 9 11 Apr 12 11 - Apr 16 11
Hike Routeburn Track • Cycle Hollyford Valley and Manapouri • Sea kayak Milford Sound Scenic mountain flight to Siberia Hut • Jet boat ride • Hike Mt. Aspiring National Park and Franz Josef Glacier
This is an action-packed, adventure-oriented itinerary that works well if you are looking for an incredible adventure vacation but don’t have a lot of time to see our country, or as part of a longer trip to New Zealand. Anyone in reasonable shape can do the activities we offer. You’ll see some great parts of New Zealand, but we won’t pretend you’re going to see it all. The Tui trip is about quality not quantity!
If you are arriving into New Zealand from overseas, it is required you arrive on Saturday to be ready Sunday morning to start off. We can arrange a pre-tour as well as any post-tour hotels for you.
Sunday: Depart Christchurch; hike in extraordinary Arthur’s Pass! We start our adventure in Christchurch, the main city and airport of the South Island. You’ll need to be in Christchurch by around 9am. We’ll meet you there and head to the Southern Alps for a hike in Arthur’s Pass to Devils Punchbowl where we’ll see an awesome 430 foot (131 metre) waterfall. We then head down the coast to the beautiful seaside village of Okarito, one of the best kept secrets of the West Coast that’s all but untouched due to it’s location10 miles down a one-way road from an obscure highway turnoff. There are no shops, no restaurants, no traffic and a population of only 31 people. Because of the action-packed nature of the Tui, we get much of the driving out of the way on the first day of the trip. As an option, you can miss out most of the first day’s driving by meeting us this afternoon in the West Coast town of Hokitika, a short 30-minute flight from Christchurch, and we’ll pick you up on the way through. ACCOMMODATION: Okarito Beach House, Okarito – off-the-beaten-path, isolated and comfortable (L,D)
Monday: on to the fabulous glaciers of West Coast - Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers Just south of Okarito there are two formidable glaciers descending from the mountains to the sea. In terms of scenery, this place is off the charts, and we’ll spend most of the day hiking at Franz Josef Glacier. We’ll hike up through the rainforest to either Alex Knob or Roberts Point, both of which give great views of the terminal face, lower reaches and lateral moraines of Franz Josef Glacier. We only do these hikes in good weather, as the rocks get very slippery in the rain. If it’s raining, we’ll do a shorter walk to a view of the terminal face of Fox Glacier and a hike around Lake Matheson. Heli-hike option (add US$249 + tax) A less strenuous, but outrageously scenic option today is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a modern turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 4,000 feet (1300m) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation. The heli-hike is extremely popular, so we offer advance reservations with the helicopter operators and guiding company. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip, you can reserve a space on the heli-hike and we’ll make sure a spot is held for you. Or you can leave your decision until you’re actually on your trip, and we’ll get you a spot if it’s available
Heli-hikers generally return a little earlier, so we’ll rendezvous at a local café, and head south. From Franz Josef, we head down the coast to Haast, an isolated West Coast hamlet, where we’ll enjoy some local fare – venison pie! ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Park Lodge, Haast (B,L,D)
Tuesday Start Mt. Aspiring National Park options (please select one at time of booking) This morning we’ll drive to Makarora on the eastern side of Mt. Aspiring National Park. At the time of booking, you have the choice of one of two different overnight options 1/ a backpacking trip in Mt. Aspiring National Park, or 2/ an overnight stay in the small farming village of Makarora.
After lunch, we head off for our various activities: Option 1: MAKARORA ADVENTURE OPTION IN MT. ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK Scenic flight, hike Mt. Shrimpton If you prefer comfortable accommodation with modern amenities instead of a mountain hut, then this is the option for you. You’ll head out for a mind-blowing scenic flight into Mt. Aspiring National Park for a bird’s eye view of the lower Southern Alps. After landing down back in Makarora, you can hike the Mt. Shrimpton track. This is a steep hike with a 2500 foot (750 metre) elevation gain, but the views from above the treeline are worth it! Or you can take the afternoon to kick back, relax and soak up the mountain views from your accommodation. ACCOMMODATION: Makarora Wilderness Resort, Makarora (B,L,D) Wednesday Jet boat Wilkin River After a relaxed start, we’ll take a thrilling jet boat ride up the Wilkin River, into the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park, before hooking up with the rest of the group in Makarora and carrying on to Queenstown.
OR Option 2: SIBERIA VALLEY WILDERNESS OPTION IN MT. ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK Scenic flight, hike Lake Crucible If you like the idea of staying in one of New Zealand’s most isolated mountain huts, then this option is for you! We’ll start with a dramatic scenic flight alongside the snowy Southern Alps to the Siberia Valley airstrip. You can hike up the trail to Lake Crucible for great views of this glacial valley while dinner is whipped up back at the hut. Tonight you’ll be served a candle-lit dinner in one of the most glorious places in the world. This is also one of the few backcountry huts where you can chat with a resident hut ranger from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. Rangers are often keen for a yarn around the camp fire, and can offer further insight into the flora and fauna of Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is the only night on the Tui where accommodations are a little more basic, but we’ll be back in civilisation the next day. You don’t have to carry a very heavy pack – our guides are pretty tough and they’ll carry the lion’s share of the load. You’ll be carrying a backpack, sleeping bag, a few spare clothes and some food – no need for any more than that, although we’ll provide tents and so on if you’d prefer to camp out under the stars. ACCOMMODATION: Siberia Hut, Mt. Aspiring National Park – incredible! (B,L,D) Wednesday Hike Siberia Valley, jet boat After an early start, we spend the morning hiking to The Forks, at the head of the Wilkin River, where we will be met by a jet boat for an exhilarating ride back to Makarora to hook up with the rest of the group before carrying on to Queenstown.
Wednesday (continued) Upon finishing Mt. Aspiring National Park options: After regrouping in Makarora, we’ll have a picnic lunch before a beautiful drive down past Lake Hawea to the shores of Lake Wanaka. We cross the mountains at Cardrona Saddle, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Wakatipu basin, and then head through to Queenstown by mid-afternoon. ACCOMMODATION: Queenstown apartments, Queenstown (B,L)
Thursday Hike Ben Lomond or free day in Queenstown Today you have two options – a full day hike or a free day to yourself – it’s up to you! For those keen for a challenging alpine hike, we’ll head up Ben Lomond Track after you’ve had breakfast. Ben Lomond, one of Queenstown’s prominent peaks, was named by the early Scottish settlers in the area who were reminded of the highlands of their home country. We hike up through forested slopes that give way to alpine tussock-land leading us to the summit of Ben Lomond. From this vantage point you’ll find yourself immersed in amazing views over Queenstown Bay and Lake Wakatipu, which are themselves dwarfed by the surrounding mountains such as Mt. Aspiring.
As an alternative, you can have a free day with no activities scheduled, although we’ll certainly help with suggestions if you like. Queenstown, where ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND is based, is a great place to spend a couple of days. You’ll find all the comforts of civilisation: massage therapists, restaurants, sidewalk cafés, window-shopping and adrenaline pumping activities! You’ll also find some incredible optional activities here such as biking, hang gliding, hiking, white-water rafting, jet boating, skydiving, horse trekking, fishing and wine tours – it’s all here! Your guides can help you during the trip to book any of these optional activities. Queenstown is not a big place – the population is about 8000 – but there’s plenty to do! Or, you can do nothing and just soak up the atmosphere. ACCOMMODATION: Queenstown apartments, Queenstown
Friday Hike Routeburn Track, cycle Hollyford Valley This morning we head down to Te Anau for lunch, before continuing on to The Divide where we’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track. This hike gives us unsurpassed views of the Hollyford Valley, from mountains to sea, as well as Lake Marian and Mt. Christina. When we get back to the trailhead, you’ll be fitted with a 21-speed front-suspension Specialized mountain bike for a scenic ride through the Hollyford Valley. This remote and gently-rolling backcountry road is lined with unspoilt beech forest and surrounded by towering peaks – take your time or go as hard as you want – either way, this is a ride you’ll never forget! We finish up with a short hike through the forest for views of Humboldt Falls, New Zealand’s third largest waterfall. Then it’s a short drive through the Homer Tunnel, emerging at the top of a spectacular alpine road winding its way down to Milford Sound. The lush rainforest carpeting the lower slopes of the mountains gives way to the massively steep, glacier-carved slopes and waterfalls of the Darren Range. Milford Sound, rated the 8th Natural Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, is breathtaking. Sheer rock walls plunge thousands of feet to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascade into the deep blue water. It’s basic accommodation tonight, but it’s the only place in town to stay and the location alone makes up for it! ACCOMMODATION: Milford Lodge, Milford Sound (B,L,D)
Saturday Sea kayak Milford Sound, cycle to Lake Manapouri It’s an early start today. Most people see Milford Sound from the deck of a cruise ship, but we’ve got a better way – gliding along in a sea kayak causing minimum disruption to the seals and dolphins, that are very friendly and often eager to visit. This is an awesome trip, run by specialist kayak outfitters, and it’s equally suitable for beginners or experts. After your morning’s paddle, we’ll have lunch before continuing on to Lake Te Anau. You’ll have a chance to cycle along the peaceful country road that meanders its way through southern farmlands to Lake Manapouri Inn, beautifully located on the lake’s edge. Again, if you prefer, you can skip the cycling and just enjoy the great views out over the lake and the surrounding mountains of Fiordland National Park. ACCOMMODATION: Lake Manapouri Inn, Manapouri (B,L,D)
Sunday Trip ends Christchurch We depart Manapouri after breakfast for the two-hour drive to Queenstown, and arrive by late morning in time for the flights back to Christchurch or Auckland, or there are flights to Sydney as well if you're continuing on to Australia. Additionally, see the itinerary for the 5 day North Island Kauri trip if you want to take a few more days to see our beautiful North Island. (B)
Important Information ACCOMMODATION: The Tui is an activity-oriented trip around the South Island. We’ve chosen interesting and comfortable accommodations throughout. Some places are quite luxurious, but many of the other places we stay are off-the-beaten-track – and don’t have many accommodation options – but they are really, really spectacular. Our clients often say a real highlight of the trip is meeting their New Zealand hosts. We think you’ll love the places we stay! We prefer to stay in comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request. As there's such a variety of accommodations on this trip, some places will have ensuite bathrooms and some will have shared bathrooms, so we may ask you to share a bathroom with other group members on occasion.
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS: If you’re flying in on the first day of the trip, or out on the last day, we recommend arriving in Christchurchon Saturday or at least by about 8 - 9am on the first Sunday, and departing from Queenstown any time after 12 noon on the last Sunday.
TRIP START: On the first day of the trip, we can either pick you up from the Holiday Inn City Centre in Christchurch at 9.30am, or at the Christchurch airport in front of the information desk at 10am.
TRIP END: On the last day of the trip, we can drop you off anywhere in central Queenstown before noon, or at the Queenstown airport in time for the flights after 12pm.
FITNESS: We incorporate plenty of adventure activities and our focus is on getting you out of the vehicle, out of stress-mode, and into the scenery! Like all our trips, you don’t need to be young or really fit – but this trip is all about action and pace, and it’s definitely not designed for couch potatoes. Every one of the days on the trip will be unforgettable. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government transport and outdoor guiding licenses and our staff are highly trained and experienced.
EXPERIENCE: You don’t have to have any outdoor experience at all to enjoy the Tui. We offer trips that allow you to make the most of New Zealand’s incredible outdoor environment. Our highly trained experienced guides will look after you! You won’t be carrying a heavy pack and you don’t need to have ever been in a sea kayak to enjoy kayaking Milford Sound. You don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy some of the rides we have available either. In fact, we have so many options available that you don’t need to ride at all if you’d rather hike, fish, or just laze around! All we ask is that you be energetic and in reasonable shape and you’ll have an incredible time on the Tui.
FLEXIBILITY: Because of the off-the-beaten-path and non-commercial nature of some of our accommodations on this trip, we sometimes need to change a night stop. For instance, every now and then the Okarito Beach House is booked out. We try to make as few changes as possible, but we ask that you know we retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be.
INCLUDED: The trip fare is US$2299 + 12.5% NZ government taxes. We quote all prices in US dollars, so our guests from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. You can also join for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated fare. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically: • All guiding services. We have two guides per trip, a lead guide/driver and a co-guide who is responsible for meals and accommodations. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! We operate with small groups and we don’t hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full. • Comfortable accommodation for the entire period you are with us. We can also organise accommodation for you if you want to arrive earlier or leave later. • Transport as required, in comfortable vehicles, aircraft, jet boats, and whatever else is required. • All your meals, except in Queenstown where we’ve found people prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there! • All hiking, cycling and kayaking described in the itinerary, except optional extra activities. We have estimated the rates for optional extra activities operated by local activity operators in US dollars, including all required equipment, but these rates may vary according to the USD/NZD exchange rate of the day. There are many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you do the cheap or free options.
NOT INCLUDED: This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You’ll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and you’ll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous time, but you won’t be pulling out your wallet every few minutes. You're here to enjoy you being in New Zealand.
Itinerary subject to change relative to conditions
country – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Not an easy day, this hike takes around seven hours unguided through arid volcanic terrain. The Tongariro offers remarkable volcanic landscapes including emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters and steam vents, so it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. If you prefer to do an easier hike you can walk through native tussock to a waterfall at the base of Mt Ruapehu (the highest active volcano in New Zealand), and around an isolated mountain lake in the middle of the virgin prehistoric rainforest. However you choose to spend your day, we’ll all head to some thermal springs tonight to soak tired muscles in natural hot water. Later, your guide will prepare a well-earned BBQ dinner for our last night together!