NZVentures is where your New Zealand adventure holiday starts...
Venture further than you thought possible with these 8 great independent adventure holiday packages. Ranging from 3 days to 16 days have a closer look and decide which one suits your needs.
Venture West
7 Day South Island Adventure Tour - departs EVERY Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
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Transport, 6 nights private accommodation
Highlights: TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth, View greenstone carving in Hokitika, The original bungy site at historic Kawerau Bridge, Scenic drive through Westland, Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, Scenic drive through Mackenzie country, Stunning lakes Benmore, Ruataniwha, Pukaki and Tekapo
Sector TA Alpine: CHRISTCHURCH - GREYMOUTH
This morning you will be transferred to the train station where you will board the TranzAlpine train and travel past picturesque valleys, mountains and lakes through Arthur’s Pass. Arrive in Greymouth, on the West Coast, in the early afternoon.
NB: You will need to make your own way to the train station.
Sector TA7: GREYMOUTH - FRANZ JOSEF
This morning we travel further down the West Coast toward Hokitika, famous for its local cuisine and Pounamu / Greenstone. The traces of gold rush that brought thousands to the area in the mid 1800s are still evident in the historic town of Ross, where we stop for a spot of gold panning. During the summer months (October to March) we take a drive into the scenic Okarito lagoon. We arrive in Franz Josef alpine village in time for those who want to partake in a half day glacier hike. If you wish to aim higher, take a heli-hike that will deliver you to the top of the glacier. If you want a bit more of a challenge, allow an extra day and go for the full day glacier hike (there are not too many opportunities in the world to do something like this). If glaciers aren’t your thing, another option here is to go kayaking on a local lake.
Approximate arrival time into Franz Josef in winter is 12.00pm and summer is 1.00pm
Sector TA8IN: FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN
We have an early start for an action packed day. First up we pass through Fox, another town nestled next to a glacier before stopping off at Lake Matheson. Often called the ‘Mirror Lake’ for those ‘picture postcard’ photos, as the lake reflects the Southern Alps which dominate the skyline. The scenery will change from dense forest to vast plateaus as we enter the Central Otago region. Make sure you have your cameras ready as we visit Lake Hawea and later, Lake Wanaka – a recommended overnight stop. Next up, is a stop at the home of the bungy, the Kawarau Bridge, 42m over the Kawerau River and the world’s first commercial bungy site. We head into Queenstown late afternoon where there are endless activity options, from mild to wild. Included as your free tour injection is the thrilling Ledge Sky Swing - a welcome to New Zealand's adventure capital. We have allowed two days in Queenstown (but many people prefer to stay longer) to soak it all up.
Approximate arrival time in Queenstown is 5.30pm
Sector TAFree: IN QUEENSTOWN
Spend the day trying out some of the huge range of activities on offer in ‘the adventure capital of the world’
Sector TA9: QUEENSTOWN - DUNEDIN
Life will slow down a little as we leave Queenstown behind us. We head off along the old gold mining trail taking in some spectacular scenery through central Otago to Dunedin. When you arrive in Dunedin why not join the highly recommended Elm Wildlife Tour that takes you to the Otago Peninsular to spot yellow-eyed penguins, albatross and seals up close. For something quite different, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, where samples are included (yum!), or perhaps finish of a great day by joining the evening Speights Brewery Tour.
Approximate arrival time into Dunedin is 12.30pm
Sector TA10: DUNEDIN - LAKE TEKAPO
We start the day with a chance to run up the world’s steepest street (that’s you not the Magic coach!). The next stop is a walk on the beach to see the Moeraki Boulders, renowned for their unique spherical shape. Then, after passing through the stone town of Oamaru, if a real New Zealand experience is what you are after take the opportunity to jump off and stay at a working farm in Kurow, an unmissable stop! As we head into the Mackenzie Country, we pass by the Benmore Dam, the largest earth dam in the Southern Hemisphere. Keep an eye on the scenery as there are some amazing views of Aoraki Mt. Cook and the many surrounding lakes. The tranquil Lake Tekapo is our overnight destination. There is a lot on offer including an optional day trip to Mt Cook, sightseeing flights of the Southern Alps or visit the idyllic Church of the Good Shepherd. Tonight, don’t miss the chance to view the Southern Hemisphere stars up close.
Approximate arrival time into Lake Tekapo is 4.00pm
Sector TA11: LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
After leaving the shores of Lake Tekapo, we travel around the edges of the stunning Mackenzie Country, crossing over Burkes Pass and the foothills of the Southern Alps. We then pass through the picturesque towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, stopping here for a short time. For those considering undertaking the ‘Lord of the Rings’ tour, let your driver know as you can get picked up just beyond Geraldine. The coach then heads through the Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat land in NZ – a huge contrast to previous days travel! On arrival in Christchurch, we go first to the International Antarctic Centre where you’ll have the option to learn more about the frozen continent and even undertake a Hagglund Ride, before travelling into the centre of the ‘Garden City’.
Approximate arrival time into Christchurch is 12.30pm or 3.00pm if visiting the Antarctic Centre.
Sector Question?: CONTACT US
If you have any questions about NZVentures or this tour then please don't hesitate to contact us at info@nzventures.travel
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