Ultimate Islands Tour
The name says it all - simply the very finest New Zealand
has to offer. Discover the best of both worlds...well, the
best of both islands at least. Depart from Christchurch
(or Auckland, if you prefer) for a round trip with unrivalled
scenery and riding.This tour will leave you invigorated
and hungry for more!
19 - 21 day tour - Variable
pricing
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![View the tour brochure [PDF] 3.5mb](graphics/tab_tourpdf.gif "View the tour brochure [PDF] 2.7mb") |
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.
Christchurch - Designed to
be a piece of ordered English class structure instead of just
another shabby colonial outpost, Christchurch is the most 'English'
of New Zealand's cities. Stroll through exquisite gardens, punt
on the Avon River, ride a tram or people-watch in Cathedral Square.
 Mt
Cook - The first day's ride gets you in the mood for the
brilliant roads to follow. It twists and turns over the mountain
passes of the scenic Four Peaks Range and along turquoise lakes
with snow-capped mountains in the background, offering countless
photo opportunities. Mt Cook National Park is one of four parks
on the South Island which has been incorporated into a World Heritage
area. At 3,755m, the mighty Mt Cook is the highest peak in Australasia
and a must-see.
 Fjordland
- More superb roads and scenery brings you to Fjordland National
Park. This indescribably beautiful area is on every tourist's
agenda and you'll quickly discover why. You'll have an extra day
here to visit Milford Sound for a spectacular cruise and do some
riding in the area. There is only one road in and out but you
won't mind, it's as scenic as they come. 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. Take a look at the
pictures and you'll see what we mean!
Queenstown - The 'adrenaline
capital of the world' has plenty to keep you busy. Choose from
bungy jumping, jet-boating, white-water rafting, river surfing,
white-water sledging, paragliding, parachuting, canyoning, mountain
biking and aerial sightseeing! Still not enough? Add fishing,
water-skiing, windsurfing, yachting, horseback riding and rock
climbing. You have an extra day here to make the most of the activities
on offer. For the not-so-active it has some of the best restaurants
on the South Island in one of the most scenic spots in the world
on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Or you could simply collapse onto
a sofa....
Westland National Park -
If Queenstown didn't provide enough adrenaline, the shortcut via
Cardrona to Wanaka will! Then ride over the Alps via the beautiful
Haast Pass, the best motorbike road you can imagine. The road
winds along steep slopes with huge views over the glacier lakes
Hawea and Wanaka and down to the same named town. After a great
ride you'll arrive at two of the most prolific glaciers in the
world - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier are tumbling rivers
of ice streaking down the valleys towards the sea. There are plenty
of great walks in the area but the best way to see the glaciers
is via helicopter. Add an optional day if you'd like more time
for sightseeing, it's worth it.
The West Coast - Incredibly
rugged with wild rocky beaches and a backdrop of high mountain
peaks, this area experienced its own gold rush in the late 19th
century. Largely untamed, wildlife and birds are plentiful. The
landscape is unique with the rough Tasman See on your left and
the deep green bush and rainforest on your right hand side. 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.
 Abel
Tasman National Park - Once little know outside the immediate
area, this park is dotted with caves, potholes and limestone hills.
With golden beaches washed by crystal blue waters it's no wonder
the park is now so popular. You'll overnight at one of the most
beautiful beaches in the area.
Wellington - New Zealand's
capital has a magnificent harbour, fine museums, beautifully preserved
19th-century buildings and so many restaurants, cafes and activities
that you won't know where to start. It's a good thing you'll pass
through here again on your way back! Take the cable car from Lambton
Quay to Kelburn for a great view over the city.
Lake Taupo - The largest
lake in New Zealand was created around 25,000 years ago by a massive
volcanic eruption. Now the self-proclaimed trout fishing capital
of the world, it also offers more adventurous activities such
as white water rafting, jet boating, bungy jumping or skydiving.
Get active or simply take in the scenery and magnificent Huka
Falls.
 Coromandel
Peninsula - You'll quickly see why New Zealanders flock
here on holiday. The serenity attracts 'alternative lifestylers'
away from Auckland but the rest come for the North Island's best
beaches and coastal scenery. With a backdrop of rugged, green-forested
mountains the views over the offshore islands are incredible.
What better way to end the day than swim in crystal clear blue
water, then dig a hole in the sand at Hot Water Beach and relax
in your own sandy hot water spa!
Auckland - New Zealand's
largest and most cosmopolitan city. Stroll through Queen Street,
enjoy some of the best dining in New Zealand and cruise magnificent
Waitemata Harbour, the 'heart' of the city. You don't have to
be a yachtsman to appreciate the City of Sails - but it helps!
You'll have a rest day here to explore and enjoy its many fine
attractions.
Rotorua - One of NZ's best
known tourist spots, the steaming crevices, mud pools and hot
springs lead to healing thermal baths. It's an important cultural
centre for the Maori and one of the most accessible to outsiders.
The culture is alive in their arts and crafts, architecture and
in traditional songs and dance.
 Napier
- It's famous as one of the best examples of an Art Deco city
anywhere in the world but there's so much more! Friendly people,
great restaurants, a beautiful marine parade and superb coastal
setting is topped by a mild Mediterranean climate. Do you need
another reason to visit? OK, how about the famous Hawke's Bay
wineries, over 30 of which offer cellar tastings? Or the gourmet
culinary delights prepared with the freshest ingredients and handmade
with care?
Marlborough - Convoluted
waterways, delightful bays and islands and a beautifully surfaced,
twisty, scenic coastal road - what more could you ask for? Wine,
that's what. Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine producing
area, known for its sauvignon blancs and chardonnays. Stay off
the wine if you're riding though!
Kaikoura - The coastal highway
brings you to Kaikoura, where snow-capped mountains spill towards
the ocean. Eco-tourism abounds here. Whale-watching was once the
only activity but these days you can also swim with wild dolphins
and snorkel with seals. Get there early and get on a boat or spend
an optional extra day to give yourself enough time to do it all!
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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