Outdoor NZ Outdoors Tours Kayaking Tour with Rental Car
Kayaking Tour with Rental Car |
From NZD $1899 per person
Day 1: Arrive AucklandKia Ora and welcome to New Zealand. On arrival to Auckland International Airport proceed to the Budget Rent A Car desk and collect your rental vehicle. Once you have completed the necessary paperwork and collected your keys make your way to your accommodation. AUCKLAND - an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto island. The city's many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand's biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islanders, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World. Accommodation: The Quadrant, Studio Apartment/Twin Apartment 2 Nights Day 2: AucklandToday join Ferg's Kayaks for your Rangitoto Adventure on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Famous worldwide for its pohutakawa forest and over 200 species of native plants, Rangitoto Island is iconic when it comes to Auckland scapes. Paddle across the harbour with their friendly guides and take a walk to the summit. You will be treated to panoramic views of Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto is a harbour volcano and is spectacular both day and night. Trip is around 6 hours return. Includes kayaks, gear and guide. Following your Kayak trip, return to your hotel to freshen up and explore the city at your own leisure. Day 3: Auckland / Tairua (approx 180kms)Depart Auckland this morning and travel along the Pacific Coast Highway to the Coromandel region. The Coromandel Peninsula is one of New Zealand's favourite summertime spots with endless beaches, coves and bush walkways. COROMANDEL PENINSULA - the Peninsula juts out from the South Auckland coastline to separate the Hauraki Gulf from the Bay of Plenty. Deep in the bush lie abandoned mining machinery, old kauri water dams, and timber milling equipment. The Peninsula is full of contrasts - the sea lapping on quiet golden beaches, or crashing onto jagged rocks at the bottom of a steep cliff. Farmland is fertile in some places, and in other areas has reverted to manuka and gorse. This afternoon make your way to Hahei Beach and join Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking for an afternoon excursion in the Coromandel. Rating as one of the best sea kayaking trips in the country, the "Cathedral Cove Classic" has got it all. Paddle through amazing sea caves, explore volcanic islands in the Marine Reserve and enjoy a cappucino at the exclusive Cathedral Cove beachfront cafe. Enjoyed by travellers for over ten years the "Cathedral Cove Classic" is now seen as one of New Zealand's premier eco-tourism attractions. 1.45pm for 3-3 1/2 hrs. Following your trip and dependant on tide times you may wish to travel to Hot Water Beach to dig your own hot water pool (out of the sand) to soak your muscles after 2 days of paddling. Accommodation: Pacific Harbour Motor, Pacific Harbour Lodge Chalets, 1 Night Day 4: Tairua / Taupo (approx 277km)This morning depart the Coromandel Peninsula and travel South towards Taupo . You may wish to enjoy a refreshing dip in the surf or visit one of the many picturesqure spots the Bay of Plenty Coast has to offer. TAUPO - located on the edge of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, Taupo is a pretty town, renowned for its trout fishing, the Huka Falls, and the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. On a clear day, stunning views across the lake of snow capped Mounts Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe can be enjoyed and its close proximity to these Mountains in winter, makes it a great place to base yourself if skiing. Accommodation: Miros Motel, Executive Studio, 2 Nights Day 5: TaupoThis morning enjoy breakfast at your Motel. Today join Kayaking Kiwi to visit the iconic Maori carvings, only accessible by water. Experience Lake Taupo's fresh clear waters. Explore Lake Taupo's beautiful coastline while learning about the region's incredible volcanic creation and about the area's local history. Lake Taupo has itself experienced at least 26 volcanic eruptions in the 26,000 years. Two of which were possibly some of the largest the world has experienced in recent geological times. These Maori Rock Carvings are over 10 metres high (possibly the largest of their type in the world) and are only accessible by boat or kayak. Sea Kayaking will allow you to get up close to the carvings with plenty of time to study their detials. Hear about their history, how they were carved, and also about their cultural significance. Stop for a break on the beach and enjoy some classic kiwi treats such as ANZAC cookies, slice and tea, coffee or Milo (kiwi style of hot chocolate).There is time for swimming in summer, while in winter there is opportunity to further explore Mine bay before our return paddle home. Please note that this trip is best suited to people over fourteen years of age. This afternoon is at your leisure to explore any of the other water based activities Taupo has to offer. Accommodation: Miros Motel, Executive Studio Day 6: Taupo / NelsonToday depart the North Island and fly to Nelson, situated at the top of the South Island. Air New Zealand flights depart from Taupo daily via Wellington or you may return to Rotorua (1 hour drive) if unable to depart from Taupo. (FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED IN QUOTATION). On arrival in Nelson collect your new rental vehicle and make your way to your accommodation. NELSON - with its gardens and gorgeous sunsets, looks across Tasman Bay. Streets and Parks are named after Admiral Nelson and his exploits, as well as the names of the ships that brought the first pioneers over from England. Forestry, fruit and fishing are the main focus of Nelson's port, while to the west, apple orchards, tobacco and hop plantations occupy the land. Accommodation: Tuscany Gardens Motor Lodge, Studio Unit, 2 Nights. Day 7: NelsonThis morning make your way to the Abel Tasman National Park. Here you will join Wilson's Experiences for a memorable day in the National Park. The Wilson family are well known in the region and are still present today. On arrival at Kaiteriteri, check in at the Ticket Office by 9.30am to join our guided Split Apple Rock kayak trip. Your guide will introduce you to safe paddling techniques and settle you into a stable double kayak. Then, it's onto the water to explore & have fun! Paddling north, this relaxing trip explores the fascinating coves and natural features of the stunning Kaiteriteri coastline, including the famous "Split Apple Rock". Stop on a golden beach for a short break before heading back to Kaiteriteri. Return by 11.45am to swap kayak for walking shoes. Farewell your guide and join our 12.15pm Water Taxi to the golden sands of Onetahuti, visiting the fascinating seal colony at Tonga Island on the way. Disembark at 1.30pm and enjoy a 1 1/2 hour walk to beautiful Bark Bay. Rejoin the Water Taxi at 3.40pm for return to Kaiteriteri, and return to Nelson. Accommodation: Tuscany GardensMotor Lodge, Studio Unit Day 8: Nelson / Kaikoura (approx 245km)Today depart Nelson and travel across the top of the South Island and down to Kaikoura. En route stop at one of the vineyards of Blenheim to sample the award winning wines and enjoy a spot of lunch before continuing on your journey. KAIKOURA - means "to eat crayfish", from the Maori words "Kai" meaning food, and "Koura" meaning crayfish. You can savour crayfish here in Kaikoura, view whales and dolphins at play, or visit local galleries and craft shops, or take a walk along the Peninsula Walkway. If you travel out onto the Kaikoura Peninsula and look back towards the mountains, an amazing tableau will appear before you. The seaward Kaikoura Range appears to rise from the sea, with the snow-capped Southern Alps as a backdrop. Accommodation: Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge, Deluxe Studio Day 9: Kaikoura / Christchurch (approx 183kms)This morning join Dolphin Encounter for a Dolphin Swimming experience in the Pacific Ocean. We have long known that dolphins are friendly creatures that spend their lifetime, usually in groups known as pods, in the open ocean. Dolphin Encounter, the pioneers of dolphin swimming in New Zealand, have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, a truly unique experience. The tour has two options, watching (viewing) or swimming. This itinerary includes the opportunity to swim. Swimming: The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting. It is this fact that sets this operation apart; the success rate of swimming with dolphins is second to none. Tours have a total duration of approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the tour. On the dolphin tours you are sometimes lucky enough to see other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector's dolphins. All snorkelling gear and wetsuits are provided and although snorkelling experience is not a requirement, we remind you that this is an open water experience where a variety of sea conditions can be encountered. Therefore previous snorkelling knowledge is a definate advantage. All Tours are subject to minimum passenger requirements to operate. Following your swim, warm up at the local cafe with a hot bowl of soup (not included) before heading south to Christchurch. CHRISTCHURCH - the Garden City, lies on the level plains that initially attracted the closely knit Church of England settlers that settled the area. The largest of the South Island cities, Christchurch retains something of the English nature of its origins - the willow and oak-lined River Avon, a neo-gothic Cathedral, and clustered mediaeval stone buildings. Accommodation: Scenic Circle Fino Casementi All-Suite Hotel, One Bedroom Suite, 1 Night Day 10: Christchurch / Dunedin (approx 362km)Today continue your journey south to Dunedin. Enjoy stops at Oamaru and the Moeraki Boulders. The town of Oamaru has a population of around 12,000 and an impressive heritage. Many of the elegant historic buildings were made from the local sandstone. Visit the Harbour-Tyne area - the best-preserved collection of historic commercial buildings in New Zealand. You should also check out the penguin colony, the museum and the pretty public gardens. The Moeraki Boulders are a number of huge spherical stones, found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe Beach near Moeraki, a small settlement just south of Hampden on New Zealand's Otago coast. The boulders weigh several tonnes and are up to three metres in diametre. Maori legend tells that the boulders are the remains of calabashes, kumaras and eel baskets that washed ashore after the legendary canoe, the Araiteuru was wreaked at nearby Shag Point (Matakaea). Accommodation: Quest Dunedin, Studio Apartment, 2 Nights Day 11: DunedinToday join Wild Earth Adventures for an eco-encounter along the Otago Peninsula. Sea kayak along the wild beaches and soaring sea cliffs of Otago Peninsula to the headlands and the Royal Albatross colony. Bring your camera for this wildlife experience, with species such as the Royal Albatross, NZ Fur Seals and Sea Lions, Penguins and Shags often sighted. Departs at 9am for 4 hrs. On return to Dunedin enjoy time exploring the city centre at your leisure. Great places to visit are the Speights Brewery and Ale House, Cadbury Chocolate Factory or Olveston House. Accommodation: Quest Dunedin, Studio Apartment Day 12: Depart DunedinToday return your rental car to the Budget representative at Dunedin Airport before boarding your departure flight. Domestic flights from Dunedin connect with the international Airports of Auckland and Christchurch. Price per person (includes 12.5% GST) From NZD $1899 pp
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NOTES: Please note accommodation is based on 3 - 3.5 star catering accommodation which gives you the ability to prepare your own meals - an advantage when joining those early morning tour departures.
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