Islands Tour
Discover the best of both worlds...well, the best of both
islands at least. This 13 day tour of the very finest New
Zealand has to offer, will leave you invigorated and hungry
for more!
13 day tour - Variable pricing
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Discover
the best of the north and south islands on this stunning tour
of New Zealand! Combine the north island’s endless sandy
beaches, green pastureland, flocks of sheep, fruit plantations,
hot springs and snow-covered volcano peaks of Lord of the Rings
fame with the incredible alpine and fjordland scenery of the south
island and you have a motorbike tour to beat them all.
The tour can start in either Christchurch or Auckland but for
the purpose of this short explanation it leaves from Auckland
and heads south towards Tairua across the beautiful Coromandel
Peninsula. The views over the offshore islands are incredible
and what better way to end the day than to dig a hole in the sand
at Hot Water Beach and relax in your own sandy hot water spa!
Next
stop is Rotorua. One of the best known of New Zealand’s
tourist spots the steaming crevices and hot springs lead to healing
thermal baths. It is an important cultural centre for the Maori.
Their arts and crafts as well as architecture demonstrate a culture
that still expresses itself in traditional songs and dance today.
Most people know that Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand
and the next leg of the journey passes through the spectacular
scenery of this natural film set. You’ll pass ‘Mt
Doom’ from the film with snow capped volcanic peaks in the
background! Continue on this road to Wellington, New Zealand’s
capital. It has all of the expected restaurants, cafes, museums,
nightlife and shopping as well as the ferry that takes you to
the south island!
Landing in Picton you’ll explore the golden sandy beaches
of the Abel Tasman NP and pass the amazing desert landscape of
the Farewell Spit. Via woodland and mountain landscapes you’ll
reach the west coast with its lush green rainforests and huge
rock formations. You’ll be amazed at how thousands of years
of rain, wind and saltwater have formed the Pancake Rocks and
the gigantic Blowholes at Punakaiki.
Riding
past the imposing Franz Joseph and Fox glacier the Haast Pass
leads you over the Alps. The road winds along steep slopes with
huge views over the glacier lakes Hawea and Wanaka and down to
the same named town. The steep, twisty short cut via Cardrona
to Queenstown is a good introduction to the adrenaline capital
of the world! Enjoy a “rest” day to explore the area
around Queenstown.
The next day takes you through the indescribably beautiful fjordland
to Milford Sound. No matter how you say “steep ravines,
deep fjords, blue shimmering crevasses, snow-covered Alps, blue
seas and thundering waterfalls” the words just cannot do
this area justice. It’s simply stunning scenery.
Visit the breathtaking glacier lakes Tekapo and Pukaki surrounded
by colourful lupine fields on your return journey to Christchurch
along the inland road.
If you want to go home knowing that you’ve seen almost
all that New Zealand has to offer then this is your tour! It’s
an amazing journey through one of the most beautiful countries
on earth.
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