Sample itinerary for the mobility impaired

This tour itinerary explores a selection of the best of New Zealand and has a spirit of adventure that can be extended (or not) to suit individual interests. Designed for those with a mobility impairment (suitable for wheelchair users).

New Zealand Alive

Day 1: Arrive Auckland International Airport and transfer to hotel. During the remainder of the day there is the option of discovering some of the highlights of New Zealand's largest city or simply rest and relax. Stay Auckland two nights.

Day 2: Nestled between two picturesque harbours and dotted with volcanic hills, Auckland is also known as the city of sails with its many scenic islands, temperate climate and safe harbours. This morning we venture skyward for panoramic views over the city and beyond from the 328m Sky Tower and, for the ultimate adrenaline rush, those who are keen can take the direct route down via the Sky Jump! In contrast, this afternoon we take to the harbour, exploring the heart and soul of Auckland and taking in the magical views of this very scenic city.

Day 3: We begin our journey north this morning, venturing off the main routes to explore the beautiful bays and beaches of the East Coast. At Leigh we take an excursion to view at close hand the abundance of marine life at this, the country's first marine reserve. Here there is the option of snorkeling or diving. Late afternoon we continue on to Pahia in the Bay of Islands. Stay two nights.

Day 4: The best way to explore the Bay of Islands is from the water and so today is spent taking in the stunning coastal beauty from our charter vessel. There is the opportunity of trying your hand at fishing and hopefully enjoying your catch over a BBQ lunch. Return to Paihia late afternoon.

Day 5: This morning we immerse ourselves in the historical beginnings of New Zealand at the Waitangi National Reserve, a short distance from Paihia and over-looking the bay to Russell. The Bay of Islands has huge significance as the site of the first European settlement and also the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the document which underpins New Zealand's bicultural society to this day. Early afternoon we make our way west to the Hokianga Harbour, an area of spectacular sand dunes and wild beaches, before continuing our way down the Kauri Coast. Here we visit magnificent kauri trees, one of the great natural highlights of New Zealand. The oldest tree here is estimated to be around 1,500 years old. Stay Dargaville one night.

Day 6: Our route today takes us south beyond Auckland to the green rolling hills and fields of the lush agricultural Waikato region, and on to the Taupo Volcanic Zone, one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Stay Rotorua three nights.

Day 7: After a leisurely start we enjoy a selection of local activities, the nature of which will vary depending on your interests. Rotorua has something for all tastes - from adventure activities, Maori cultural experiences, nature exploration, arts and crafts to some excellent shopping. A relaxing soak in one of the city's hot mineral pools is a great way to relax and unwind at the end of the day.

Day 8: Today we explore some of the geothermal activities in the area and view such wonders as colourful silica terraces, boiling mud pools, hissing fumaroles and unusual thermal plants, all the while taking in the distinctive sulphur rich smells for which the area is so well known. This evening we enjoy a traditional Maori feast (hangi) and concert.

Day 9: This morning we fly south to Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, also know as the "Garden City" because of its expansive parks and public gardens. On arrival we visit the International Antarctic Centre to learn more about the exploration and geology of this "frozen continent" to the south of New Zealand. This afternoon we immerse ourselves in the heart of the city, exploring the cultural precinct which includes the Arts Centre and nearby Botanical Gardens.

Day 10: An early start this morning sees us taking to the skies above Christchurch in a hot-air balloon to view a panorama stretching from the sun rising from the sea in the east to the snow-capped mountains of the west - an experience that will take you to new levels of appreciation of the mountains, sea, plains and city. Once back on firm land we make our way south across the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps, before crossing Burkes Pass into the arid Mackenzie Basin. At Lake Tekapo we take in the pure mountain atmosphere as we explore along the shores of this beautiful turquoise-coloured lake, which lies in stark contrast to its barren surrounds. Late afternoon we continue on to Mount Cook Village in the heart of the Southern Alps. Stay Mount Cook one night.

Day 11: This morning we experience the grandeur of this spectacular region. Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain, stands at 3,754m within its namesake National Park and is part of the Southwest New Zealand (Te Wahipounamu) World Heritage Area. The region is characterised by snow-capped peaks, glacial ice, the boom of avalanches as snow and ice break from their tenuous hold, alpine vegetation and the crispest, clearest mountain air your lungs can inhale. Early afternoon we continue our journey south through the Mackenzie Country to Omarama before making our way over the tussock-clad Lindis Pass into Central Otago and on to Queenstown. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and flanked by the Remarkables and Eyre Mountains, Queenstown is arguably one of the most scenic locations in the world and the adventure capital of New Zealand. Stay Queenstown three nights.

Day 12: Queenstown is an ideal base from which to experience a wide selection of activities, depending on your interests. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie wanting to experience the thrill of throwing yourself off a bridge or hillside, fly like a bird from peaks, take a white-water rafting adventure, soak up the calm of the wilderness, explore some of the trails and paths, or sample a selection of the local wine, and there are many other options. Queenstown has something for everyone.

Day 13: Activities of your choice in the Queenstown area.

Day 14: This morning we continue our journey south to Te Anau and on to the renowned Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park. Our route takes us through mountainous valleys, lush lakeside forest, unique alpine vegetation and alongside rivers cascading down from the mountains. It is an area of dramatic and spectacular beauty which leaves us totally in awe of the forces of nature. At Milford Sound we take a boat trip down the fiord to further experience the grandeur of the region. Late afternoon we retrace our steps to Te Anau. Stay Te Anau one night.

Day 15: After a leisurely start we depart Te Anau crossing the southern South Island to Dunedin which is nestled at the base of Otago Harbour and bordered to the east by the vast Pacific Ocean. One of the joys of Dunedin is its diversity within a small area - beautiful parks and gardens, abundant wildlife, rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. We explore some of these features during the remainder of the day. Stay Dunedin two nights.

Day 16: The Otago Peninsula with its varied wildlife, spectacular coastline and picturesque harbour is our destination for the day. We also take a marine excursion to experience at close hand the wildlife of Tairoa Head which, among other things, is home to the only mainland colony of the giant Southern Royal Albatross in the world. On this, our last night, we enjoy the atmosphere of this delightful university town and some of the fine cuisine for which Dunedin is known.

Day 17: We travel a short distance to the south of the city and say our farewells as we depart Dunedin airport to connect with our international flights home.