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About this trip
Experience the best of AOTEAROA, the Land of the long white cloud
Our 12-day adventure runs on both North and South islands and going to be a perfect combination of hiking, unique natural wonders, beach time, visiting Tolkien-inspired places, and immersion into local "maori" culture and history.
We will start our adventure from North Island and its unique highlights like glowworm caves and geothermal geysers, astonishing volcanic landscapes and golden sand warm beaches and then continue to the World Heritage breathtaking Fiordlands and experience #1 NZ multi-day Routeburn trek in the alpine South Island!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
🌟 Take a tubing adventure into the subterranean wonderland, a unique Blackwater Labyrinth of Glowworm caves!
🥾 Hike Tongariro Crossing - the New Zealand's Premium 1-Day Trek across dramatic volcanic landscapes
🌋 Experience the one of 20 most surreal places in the World - a spectacular Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland!
🧙🏻♂️ Step into the enchanting village of Hobbiton and experience many other movie set locations where the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings was filmed!
🏝 Sea kayaking! Explore the gems of Coromandel Peninsula and the Cathedral Cove, known for being filmed in the fantasy series of Chronicles of Narnia
🍺 Fall in love with the charming Queenstown on the Southern Island, famous around the globe for its stunning alpine setting and renowned as Adventure Capital of New Zealand
🦀 Enjoy a picturesque day-cruise through beautiful Milford Sound, deep in the heart of Fjordland National Park
🏔 Take a world renowned Routeburn Trek (3days/2 nights, 32km, guided walk), rated by National Geographic as One of the Epic Treks in the World. Stay with comfort in the cozy alpine chalets
🌊 Treat yourself with relaxing in hotsprings and polynesian spas along the way, after the intensive days of hiking and exploring
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✈️ Arrival/Departure Auckland, New Zealand
🥾 Average Daily hiking distance: ~ up to 12 miles daily
😫 Level of difficulty: Moderate (Beginners with previous hiking experience - Ok)
🍭 Kids: 14+ (with previous hiking experience)
🏡 Accommodation:
Hotels & lodges in towns and national parks
On Routeburn Trek: Alpine Chalets, 6-bed bunkrooms, bed linen provided, shared bathroom
Travel Entry Requirements
Starting from October 2022 New Zealand has reopened to all travelers. No pre-departure covid test or vaccination certificate is required.
Travel declarations are required to be filled out before departure
Trip Cancellation Policy
if the Trip is canceled by Organizer for any reason, the amount paid by Participant will be fully refundable (100% of all your payment will be refunded, including transactions fees paid by the Participant at the time of booking)
If the trip is canceled by Participant due to any personal reasons, the following penalties will be applied:
👉🏽 Cancellation outside of 121 days before departure - fully refundable
👉🏽 Cancellation 120 to 90 calendar days before departure - $500 USD are non-refundable, but Participant replacement is allowed with a full refund
👉🏽 Cancellation 89 to 60 calendar days before departure – up to 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable. Participant replacement IS ALLOWED outside of 60 days before departure.
👉🏽 Cancellation 59 to 0 days - Up to 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
We strongly encourage you to purchase Travel Cancellation Insurance after the booking is made. It will protect you from unexpected cancellations due to personal reasons like sudden sickness, changes in travel plans, and other things.
Please check out World Nomads travel insurance provider our travelers have been using for years www.worldnomads.com
Weather
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of the end of November to March.
Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F.
Expected weather on a Routeburn trek:
The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst weather conditions, and carry the appropriate clothing at all times.
In November and December the mountain lilies are just coming out and there is still snow on the surrounding mountains. If you are a keen photographer this would be the time to walk. In November and December the mountain lilies are just coming out and there is still snow on the surrounding mountains. If you are a keen photographer this would be the time to walk.
Due to the nature of Fiordland we cannot predict any forecast. That's why be ready for rain and shine!
What’s included
- Comfortable lodgingStandard Hotels (2 ppl sharing rooms)
- AssistanceLocal guides, English.Russian -speaking Team Leader along the trip
- Ground transportationComfortable private vans
- Admissions & parkingNational parks and all attractions
- ROUTEBURN TREK (3D/2N):
- Upscale Alpine lodgesBunkbed rooms 4 ppl sharing, shared bathrooms , hot showers, toiletries and hair dryers, electricity , laundry, bar, dining room
- MealsAll inclusive on Routeburn Trek (hot breakfast , packed trail lunch and hot dinner will be served at the restaurant of the lodge)
- Professional assistance3 Trekking guides
- All tours & activitiesAll mentioned activities and day-tours (see itinerary)
- FlightsInternational direct flights start at $1000 USD from SFO. Domestic flights Auckland-Queenstown roundtrip start at $250-290 USD (refundable rate)
- Meals in townsthe ones that are not included
Available Packages
Itinerary
Departure from SFO on Thursday evening. Arrival in Auckland on Saturday early morning. Meet at the airport with our local guide, and take a slow city tour in Auckland, including the opportunity to swim in the ocean and relax on the beach.
Lunch in town, Team introduction.
After lunch check in at the hotel (3 PM).
Overnight in Auckland