Auckland to Christchurch Extended Hiking Explorer Tour

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.

The rates displayed for this tour are based on a per person occupancy in the Routeburn Multishare Rooms. These rooms have shared bathroom facilities and are in rooms with up to 6 pax on the Milford Track. For double, twin or single room occupancy, kindly contact our sales consultants.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Routeburn Track 3 Day/2 Night Guided Walk with Ultimate Hikes

Included activity: Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk

Included activity: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to Accommodation

Included activity: Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland accommodation to Auckland Train Station with Tourcorp

Included activity: The Northern Explorer Scenic Train: Auckland to National Park

Included activity: Private Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Adrift

Included activity: The Northern Explorer Scenic Train: National Park to Wellington

Included activity: Private Transfer from Wellington Train/Bus Station to Accommodation with In Style Executive

Included activity: Air New Zealand flight Wellington to Christchurch

Included activity: Private Transfer Wellington Hotel to Airport with In Style Executive

Meals included: 17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Itinerary summary for: Auckland to Christchurch Extended Hiking Explorer Tour

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 Wanaka

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

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