Kereru 12 Day Auckland to Christchurch Tour

We’ll head out this morning and travel south to Waitomo, famous for its limestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms. You have the option to glide down a cave stream in a boat as you gaze as the hundreds of glittering glowworms above you, or don a wetsuit and harness and do some abseiling and rock climbing through the famous caves - whichever option you choose it will be a magical way to begin your adventure!  

Continuing on we’ll head for Rotorua, the North Island’s geothermal hotspot and a great place to experience Maori culture. We’ll arrive in the early evening so we’ll head straight to our hotel, which is home to a spa, swimming pool and unlimited Wi-Fi (not the norm here in New Zealand)!

Today it’s all about the Roto (Māori for ‘Lake’). After breakfast we’ll travel past the vibrant Blue and Green Lakes on our way to Lake Tarawera where the mighty volcano Mt Tarawera looms on the horizon. From there we’ll take an aqua taxi to Te Rata Bay, home to Hot Water Beach (note: not the Hot Water Beach located next to Hahei), where a hot thermal spring feeds into lake water. For those keen for a hike, take a quick soak before embarking on the 15km (4.5-5hrs) Tarawera Trail, where you’ll enjoy incredible views over Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera. If you prefer to spend the morning in a more relaxing way, indulge in a long soak in the steamy waters, sit on the warm sands and spend your morning in geothermal heaven before heading back to Rotorua after lunch. 

In the afternoon, we’ll collect you from the beach to take you back to the city where you’ll have the opportunity to go white water rafting down the Kaituna River, zipline through the trees on an eco-tour, or relax at a geothermal spa. If you’d like to see some geothermal activity for free, head to Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes.

After a couple of days in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, it’s time to recharge our batteries and experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture. After lunch, we’ll travel to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua and the incredible Kohutapu Lodge. Owned by a local Maori family whose passion about their Maori tribal heritage is matched only by their commitment to the local community.

 We’ll receive a welcome to the tribal lands before travelling on to Kohutapu Lodge where we’ll watch the preparation of a ground cooked 'hangi' before enjoying an afternoon tea of freshly made fried bread as we chat with the team at the lodge and practise our weaving and haka skills. In the evening, we’ll sit down and feast on our lovingly prepared hangi - this will probably be the best meal you’ll eat in New Zealand!

Exclusive experience includes:

• Welcome to the tribal lands and a guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings

• Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history, and challenges

• Afternoon tea

• Mau Rakau (Maori stick games) 

• Weaving Lesson 

• Haka Lesson

• 1-night accommodation at the lakeside Kohutapu Lodge

• Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert

• Storytelling around the fire pit

• Continental breakfast

This morning after our buffet breakfast we’ll say goodbye to our wonderful hosts at the lakeside lodge before departing to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the frothy Huka Falls before heading inland to Blue Duck Station for an immersive and off the grid experience.

Blue Duck Station is the most sustainable high-country sheep and cattle station in New Zealand. Surrounded by the stunning Whanganui National Park, driving into the station is like entering the world of King Kong or Jurassic Park! The team at Blue Duck have made it their mission to protect their native environment for its namesake, the rare Whio (blue duck). 

On arrival, we’ll settle in to learn a little about daily life at the station, their interesting settlement history and their sustainability efforts before eating a home-cooked meal and relaxing around the campfire.

This morning you'll jump on a 4WD and travel through native bush to the ‘Top of the World’ where you can see the three peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. You’ll learn about the history of the station, see some amazing views, and enjoy a sweet ride with the crew!

Later you’ll have some time to explore the station on your own. Hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and spot the rare blue duck in the flesh and this evening play some games at the lodge or relax around the campfire and make s’mores. Whatever you decide, we have no doubt this will be the start of your love affair with this lush kiwi paradise!

This morning we rise early and make our way to Tongariro National Park to tackle what is widely regarded as the best one-day walk in the world — the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This unforgettable 19 km journey traverses an awe-inspiring landscape of volcanic peaks, vast craters, and striking turquoise alpine lakes — the kind of scenery you’ll remember long after you return home.

The Crossing can be walked year-round, and when there is snow or ice present, a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment are required (additional cost may apply). These alpine conditions — typically from May to October, but possible at any time — can make the experience even more spectacular, showcasing Tongariro in its purest form. All plans remain weather dependent for comfort and safety, and if conditions aren’t suitable, there are other excellent walks in the national park to enjoy.

After an incredible day on the trails, return to your accommodation and soak in the outdoor spa while admiring the surrounding mountain views — the perfect way to unwind.

After breakfast we’ll head down to Wellington - New Zealand’s capital city! We humbly recommend a visit to the Te Papa National Museum first (own cost), and then you’re free to grab a craft beer at a brewery, hike to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views, take a stroll along the waterfront or simply enjoy the best cup of coffee you’ll have in New Zealand (oh yes, they are very proud of their coffee scene in Wellington!).

We’ll catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island today. If the weather’s good, head out to the viewing deck for incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds! When we arrive in Picton, the top of the South Island, we’ll set off through the picturesque Marlborough region and up to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park. We’ll spend our evening in this beautiful location relaxing around the campfire and looking at the stars.

Today is a free day in Abel Tasman National Park. From our accommodation we can hike straight into the park (no water taxi required) and walk the Abel Tasman Coastal track up to Anchorage Bay.

The park is full of lush bush and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the golden sand beaches and swim in the brilliant blue waters throughout your journey. The walk is approximately 4 hours each way but you can get a water taxi back if you’d like extra time to soak it all in.

We’re buckling up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and masses of lush rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much cell phone reception but we’re not going to need it. This road offers views for days and we won't want to stop looking out the window for a second. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to Greymouth where you’ll say farewell to your Guide and some of your mates and board the TranzAlpine scenic train down to Christchurch. When you arrive, make your way to the Scenic Cotswold Christchurch and check-in, then spend your evening exploring this vibrant city.

Meals included: Continental breakfast
Meal options: Local eateries

2:05pm, Greymouth Train Station, 164 MacKay Street, Greymouth

*Subject to change. Check in closes 20 minutes prior to the time.

This morning we highly recommend exploring Christchurch. Wander the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and colour to a city once buried in rubble, check out the incredible modern shopping district, go for a beer at one of the quirky local pubs, spend an hour punting down the Avon River, explore the stunning Botanic Gardens or hop on the historic
tourist tram and see it all! As today is our final day, our adventure is coming to an end and we can’t believe it’s over! We hope everyone had a blast and remains Stray Mates for forever!