The Volcano Trail

11 days, from CHRISTCHURCH to AUCKLAND

Also departs from Auckland

Tour code: VTC
Destination:New Zealand
Departure Months:Year Round

Prepare Yourself For:

  • See the natural wonders of New Zealand
  • Incredible wildlife and stunning scenery
  • Spectacular hiking opportunities

TOUR OVERVIEW

Adventure activities abound — sea kayaking & snorkelling on our Bay of Islands adventure cruise, underground black water rafting at Waitomo, bungee and jet boating at Taupo and mounain biking and kayaking in Nelson. The perfect combination of sights and activities on this Northern tour.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Services of a professional tour leader
  • All transportation by private adventure vehicle
  • 9 nights budget lodging | 1 nights cruise boat
  • Waitomo Caves entrance
  • Overnight boat trip in Bay of Islands on cruise boat (May be day trip during winter months (May-Sep) depending on conditions)
  • Entrance to the Te Puia Maori arts and cultural centre in Rotorua
  • Visit to Te Papa museum in Wellington
  • Inter-island ferry crossing

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (Paid Locally)

  • Black Water Rafting NZ $68
  • Bungy Jumping NZ $109-$250
  • Tongoriro Crossing Fee NZ $35
  • Jet Boating NZ $99-$199
  • Kayak Tour NZ $50-$125
  • Mountain Biking NZ $20-50
  • Mountain biking tours NZ $100-$145
  • River Rafting NZ $82-$175
  • Whale Watching NZ $145
  • Winter Ski Pass NZ $75
  • Thermal Baths NZ $0-30
  • Maori Cultural Evening NZ $80

TREK NOTES

Accommodation is generally on a 4 share single sex room basis. In some areas we may need to use larger rooms. Double rooms can be obtained at extra cost depending on availability. This must be requested at the time of booking.

FLEXIBLE ITINERARY

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as road conditions, weather, local restrictions and group input may vary, no two trips will ever be the same. With the help of your tour leader and fellow trekkers you may modify certain nightstops and highlights to give a truly unique experience!

Day 1 : Kaikoura

Leaving Christchurch we head up the beautiful coastline to Kaikoura where many adventures await us. Take a boat trip out to see the whales. Experience being close to some of the largest creatures in the world. For those who wish there are plane or helicopter flights to view the whales. Kaikoura is famous for its seafood and marine life with much to see and do.
Accommodation: Sail Boat included

Day 2 : Kaikoura & Nelson

Today we go to Nelson. Nelson is in the heart of the wine producing area. It is a very pleasant sunny place and home to some of the most beautiful sea kayaking in the world. We spend the afternoon exploring the town.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 3 : Nelson

We have a huge variety of activities to choose from including kayaking, boating, sailing in the Abel Tasman National Park, mountain biking or just relaxing in town or on the beach. Nelson is very picturesque and is a delight to visit.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 4 : Wellington via ferry

We cross to the north island on the inter island ferry and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Marlborough Sound. We arrive in the afternoon and have a great opportunity for a night out in the capital city.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 5 : Wellington & Mt Ruapehu

We leave Wellington after visiting the fantastic museum on New Zealand called Te Papa. We head through the central North Island plains towards the great volcanoes and Tongariro National Park.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 6 : Mount Ruapehu

There are several options available for the day. Many will want to hike the famous Tongariro Crossing track. A good day hike which is known as the best of its kind in New Zealand. This hike has spectacular views of the volcanic plateau and the lakes. Those who do not go on the hike can explore the beautiful local area. During the winter the upper hike is not available due to snow and a lower forest hike will be offered weather permitting. Skiing and snowboarding plus other local sights are available during winter months.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 7 : Taupo & Rotorua

We head to Taupo, just one hour away which is widely acknowledged as the North Island’s home of extreme sports. On the way we visit the spectacular Huka Falls. Here you can bungy-jump or ride in a jet boat, as well as do many other activities. Or how about just relaxing by the shores of the largest lake in New Zealand? The sights are fantastic and this will be one of your highlights. After lunch we go to Rotorua to visit Te Puia, site of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and thermal area. See geysers and boiling mud pools in an amazing display of the power of nature. We check in to our lodging and you have the option of a Maori Hangi dinner and concert for afterwards.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 8 : Rotorua & Waitomo

Today we have some great choices. You can do the boat trip and walk through the glow worm caves or go black water rafting. This is an unforgettable trip involving hiking and descending an underground river floating on an inner tube.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 9 : Waitomo & Bay of Islands

We leave Waitomo and drive north through fantastic scenery towards New Zealand’s winterless north. We cross lush green farmland and make a stop at the Kauri forests to see the giant ancient trees. Upon arrival we make our way to the port to board our overnight cruise boat. On board we find a games room, bar and full fun facilities. The boat is equipped with kayaks, snorkeling gear and other equipment for all the planned stops at the islands on this 24 hour tour. Sit back and enjoy one of your trip highlights. This boat tour will be substituted May-Sep with another boat tour of equivalent value, quality and experience which may or may not be overnight depending on availability and conditions.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 10 : Bay of Islands Cruise

Today we have a host of available activities including kayaking, snorkelling, a boat trip to the islands or just relaxing on the boat.
Accommodation: Cruise Boat or Budget

Day 11 : Auckland

We make our way back South passing unspoiled beaches and lush forests. There are native trees of massive size that are over 1000 years old. This area has always been prized for its fantastic native hardwood timbers that are fortunately protected nowadays. Crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with a spectacular view of the ‘City of Sails’, we arrive in Auckland to say our fond farewells.

TOUR: VTA THE VOLCANO TRAIL departing from CHRISTCHURCH

Also departs from Auckland

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The following prices are in New Zealand Dollars and only valid for online bookings.

DepartFinishPriceStatus
3-May-1013-May-10Special NZ $1,668AvailableBook here
20-Sep-1030-Sep-10NZ $1,854AvailableBook here
8-Nov-1018-Nov-10NZ $1,854AvailableBook here
27-Dec-106-Jan-11NZ $1,854AvailableBook here
14-Feb-1124-Feb-11NZ $1,854AvailableBook here
4-Apr-1114-Apr-11NZ $1,854AvailableBook here



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