Join Hamish in his native Aotearoa and let him show you a few of the hidden secrets and classic adventures on offer in New Zealand. This is an adventure with a familiar, but adventurous edge. Kiwi hospitality is infamous, but traveling New Zealand exploring the parts off the beaten track and “treats” many kiwis know about, make this the perfect adventure. Whether it is eating fish and chips and paua (abalone) fritters out of newspaper from the best fish and chip shop, or heading out for an overnight cruise in the Bay Of Islands, this trip thrives on being super fun and friendly. We’ll paddle a selection of rivers, but this trip is about so much more than rafting. We are excited to make this the best holiday you have ever had!
Arrival into Auckland, where you can relax and unwind from your flight. Meet the rest of the group over a relaxed dinner together.
Included: Dinner
We depart early for our flight up to Kerikeri. Here, we’ll be met by our transfer and taken on a fascinating visit to Waitangi, the birthplace of modern New Zealand. The afternoon sees us head out for the next 20 hours on “The Rock” a wonderful way to experience the Bay Of Islands
Included: All meals
After waking up on The Rock, we’ll go for a hike, and try and catch some fresh fish, before arriving back in Paihia. Late afternoon, you’ll have at leisure, or perhaps you might like to take a scenic flight out by helicopter to ‘The Hole In The Rock’. Dinner in Paihia at a spectacular restaurant.
Included: All meals.
Our flight today, takes us to Wellington, the capitol of New Zealand. We get the chance to visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s premier museum with ancient artifacts. Afternoon to explore on your own, where you may want to relax on the waterfront or take a ride on the Cable Car for expansive views over this gorgeous city. Overnight hotel.
Included: All meals.
We jump on the Interisland Ferry to Picton in the South Island. From here, we’ll travel to see Blenheim, the wine growing capitol of New Zealand where we tour vineyards and enjoy a relaxed lunch. The afternoon sees us drive to Kaikoura and eat the best fish and chips in New Zealand on the beach!
Included: All meals.
Options this morning for swimming with Dolphins or whale watching. What a choice? Then we are off through Christchurch and onto Mt Cook where we stay in authentic shearer’s quarters at Braemar Station. Enjoy absolutely spectacular views of the lake and mountains, including Mt Cook itself.
Included: All meals
Today after a team breakfast, we take the scenic drive to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. This is where it all started! The afternoon see us take a ride on Shotover Jet and then after checking in to our accommodation, we take the Earnslaw steamer over to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm show.
Included: All meals
Today sees us with a magic flight over to Milford Sound (weather permitting), with stunning views en route. We take a cruise around the stunning Milford Sound by boat before heading back to Queenstown.
Included: All meals
After a brief stop in the old goldmining village of Arrowtown we drive through Wanaka on the way to Clarks Bluff where we take a scenic flight into the Landborough River by helicopter. You’ll get to the river in time to relax in stunning surroundings where you’ll get a 4 course meal!
Included: All meals
Lets go rafting! This gorgeous river is framed by the spectacular Southern Alps. We get to raft a river few people ever get to see. A few big rapids on the menu today including HellFire!
Included: All meals
We raft out to the confluence with the Haast River and drive up to Fox Glacier where we will overnight.
Included: All meals
For the more adventurous amongst you, here is one of the best places in New Zealand to Skydive. We travel the gorgeous West Coast Road reaching our home for the night in Hokitika, a classic West Coast town and a beautiful place to purchase pounamu (greenstone) for loved ones at home.
Included: All meals
A half day of travel up to Motueka. We arrive in Marahau where we don our life jackets and go paddling in the wonderful Abel Tasman National Park. Overnight camping.
Included: All meals
A full day exploring the wonderful and clear waters of Abel Tasman with all of its secrets.
Included: All meals
A couple of options for you final day of adventure. A hike back to Marahau or a day canyoning out via the Torrent River. Tonight we have our final night together on this wonderful adventure.
Included: All meals
Depart from Motueka to Nelson and onward to Auckland and your connecting flight home. Your trip finishes in Nelson and you need to arrange your own flight with Air New Zealand from Nelson (NSN) to Auckland (AKL)
Included: Breakfast.
Dates | Duration | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Saturday 8 March 2025 - Sunday 23 March 2025 | 16 days | £7350 | €8500 | $9295 |
Saturday 21 February 2026 - Sunday 8 March 2026 | 16 days | £7500 | €8950 | $9750 |
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for an adventure holiday. Bear in mind, your trip to New Zealand may involve many different types of weather from hot sunny days (expected) to cold rainy days and everything in between. Bear in mind as you will be flying internally in New Zealand, we recommend being under 20kg (32 lb) of check on baggage.
Download equipment fileThe New Zealand trip with Water by Nature was a highlight of my life. Hamish, being a native Kiwi carried us to some unique and gorgeous locations that were off the beaten path. We stayed in lovely hotels, even one right on the beach. The landscape in New Zealand was astonishing. We did a river trip, snorkeling, stayed on a boat overnight, went right into the fjords. On one day we swam with wild dolphins. Hamish was the perfect host and catered to our wants. Two of our fellow passengers are fishermen and Hamish arranged for them to fly fish with an expert. I would recommend this trip to ANYONE. In fact, I might just go again.