Daniel Collins - Fine Travel


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Auckland to Christchurch 18 day hiking explorer

This 18 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.


Explore Tongariro National Parks famous Tongariro Crossing day hike, considered one of the finest day walks in the world. Then journey by scenic train and ferry south to the capital city of Wellington, then south to Christchurch.  From Christchurch you drive to Mt Cook National Park to self explore the many tracks and trails before heading deeper south and into the Southern Lakes region. From here you take the 3 day/2 night guided walk on the famous Routeburn Track. Returning to Queenstown you take the short drive to Wanaka and time to self explore the wonderful tracks of Mt. Aspiring National Park before continuing north to the glacier region.  Take to the air with a twin glacier scenic flight before returning to Christchurch on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.


Accommodation type on this tour is: Hotel 4 star.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.


This tour also features:


Itinerary summary for: Auckland to Christchurch 18 day hiking explorer

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland the 'City of Sails'
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland

Day 2: Travel on the Northern Explorer scenic train south to Tongariro National Park
Accommodation: The Park Hotel Ruapehu

Day 3: Today you'll accomplish one of the greatest day walks in the world - The Tongariro Crossing
Accommodation: The Park Hotel Ruapehu

Day 4: Skirt the edge of Lake Taupo as you're guided into the township of Taupo
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Day 5: Today you'll fly to the South Island city of Christchurch and collect your rental car
Accommodation: The George Hotel

Day 6: Enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country to Mt Cook National Park
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium

Day 7: Explore the many walking tracks within Mt Cook National Park or perhaps take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium

Day 8: Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 9: Explore the sights of Queenstown and this afternoon attend your Routeburn Track briefing
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 10: Travel from Queenstown to the start of the Routeburn Track, then hike to Lake Mackenzie
Accommodation: Routeburn Track Lodges

Day 11: Fantastic mountain views today and tonight you stay at the Routeburn Falls Lodge
Accommodation: Routeburn Track Lodges

Day 12: Descend to the forested lowlands, before you return by coach to Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 13: Its a short drive over the Crown Range to Wanaka, so there's time to enjoy a wine tour or walk if you like
Accommodation: Edgewater

Day 14: Explore the walking tracks of Wanaka or maybe take a guided tour to Mou Waho Island
Accommodation: Edgewater

Day 15: Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 16: Take to the air on a twin glacier scenic helicopter flight
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 17: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: The George Hotel

Day 18: Depart Christchurch today