Sample itinerary for the visually impaired

This tour itinerary ventures into the heart of the great outdoors and offers cycling and hiking adventures for those keen on a physical challenge. This itinerary is designed for those who are blind or vision impaired.

Dare and Discover

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch 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 'Garden City', or simply resting and relaxing. Stay Christchurch two nights.

Day 2: Today we journey over the Port Hills to Banks Peninsula, which was formed by giant volcanic eruptions and is characterised by volcanic outcrops, flooded harbours and rugged headlands. We explore some of the trails along the rim of an extinct volcano, on our route to the historic French settlement of Akaroa. The waters around Akaroa are home to the world's rarest and smallest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin, which is only found around New Zealand. This afternoon we take to the water to swim along-side these beautiful creatures. Late afternoon, return to Christchurch.

Day 3: We head north and west across the Canterbury Plains to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs where we explore the forest park on foot. A visit to this picturesque settlement would not be complete without a soak in its well-known thermal and sulphur pools. Late afternoon we retrace our steps a little to the start of our three-day hiking expedition. This trail takes us through beech forest, farmland and subalpine terrain, all on a working high country station.

Day 4: On our trek today we enjoy the peace and tranquility of this remote area as we make our way through some stunning country to our camp site for the night.

Day 5: On finishing our trek we arrive back at our vehicle around lunch time. After a change of clothes and a bite to eat we make our way south along the foothills of the Southern Alps, before crossing Burkes Pass into the wide open Mackenzie Basin. This valley is flanked by the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps. We take in the pure mountain atmosphere as we explore the shores of the beautiful turquoise-coloured Lake Tekapo. The lake lies in stark contrast to its dry, arid surrounds. Late afternoon, continue on to Mount Cook Village in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Day 6: After a leisurely start our day is spent experiencing the grandeur of this spectacular region. Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain, stands at 3,754m within its namesake National Park, 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.

Day 7: We continue our journey south through the Mackenzie Country, discovering what makes the region such a Mecca for recreationalists, and learning about some of the region's conservation issues. South of Omarama we make our way over the tussock-clad Lindis Pass into Central Otago. This is where the discovery of gold brought many prospectors to the region in the mid 1880s and saw the creation of a multitude of towns and villages. The gold rush has long since passed, but many of the relics of this era remain. The region has more recently become renowned for its wine production. Our destination is Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and flanked by the Remarkables and Eyre Mountains. It is arguably one of the most scenic locations in the world, and also the adventure capital of New Zealand. Stay Queenstown three nights.

Day 8: Queenstown is an ideal base from which to undertake 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 the birds from peaks, take a white water rafting adventure, soak up the calm of the wilderness, walk the trails and paths, explore the local vineyards, or perhaps choose one of the many other options, Queenstown has something for everyone.

Day 9: Activities of your choice around the Queenstown area.

Day 10: Today we follow the banks of the the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers to the early gold mining village of Clyde to begin our three-day cycling adventure on the Central Otago Rail Trail. The trail follows 150km of an old railway line which was a vital link between the small inland goldfield communities and Dunedin, New Zealand's largest city at the time. We cycle to the settlement of Middlemarch, absorbing the remote ruggedness and rich history of this region. The rocky tor-studded low ranges and wide shallow valleys suffer extremes of climate throughout the year. Stay Omakau one night.

Day 11: Cycling. Stay Waipiata one night.

Day 12: On reaching Middlemarch during the afternoon we swap our bike seat for a car seat and continue on our journey to the coast. In contrast to the country we have been cycling through, Dunedin is nestled at the base of Otago Harbour amid green rolling hill country edged by the 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. Stay Dunedin two nights.

Day 13: 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. Among other things Tairoa Head is home to the only mainland colony of the giant Southern Royal Albatross. 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 14: 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.