Great Barrier Island – 2 nights

From Auckland it’s just a short flight to Great Barrier Island where you can discover majestic landscapes on an Untamed Island Tour. Encounter giant Nikau palms and rare native flora and fauna as you journey with your guide across the island. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is at Earthsong Lodge. This delightful hideaway has been created in harmony with nature using straw bales and recycled Rimu and features solar panels and a ‘biocycle’ water system.

 

Depart Great Barrier Island and fly back to Auckland where you will continue on to the Southern Coromandel. Discover the historic walkways at the Karangahake Gorge enroute to Manawa Ridge, an artistic balance of old beams, mud bricks and straw bale walls and home for the next 2 nights.

 

Committed to conservation efforts from preserving its natural surroundings and recycling, to minimizing wildlife disturbance, Treetops Lodge and Estate lies at the heart of 2,500 acres of pristine native forest. This eco tourist retreat is a distinctive New Zealand experience for those with a love of nature.

 

Experience urban living at its best at Knapdale Eco Lodge. Sustainably managed this eco retreat is committed to the environment and grows much of their own produce. Experience authentic Maori culture, walk in the native forests or simply help out on the farm.

 

Discover the delights of Hawke’s Bay from the plethora of wineries to the natural wonders such as the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers. Retire after a busy day to Breckenridge Lodge where the best possible environmentally conscious practices have been implemented from recycling to tree planting and organically grown produce.

 

The nations capital offers an abundance of attractions and the perfect place from which to explore is the Bolton Hotel. A sustainability programme is in place which aims to reduce the hotels impact on the environment and local charities are also supported including the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, which is well worth a visit.

 

Journey across the Cook Strait onboard the Interislander to Picton where you will be transported to The Portage Resort by water taxi. Operating in a natural environment the resort is committed to protecting its future with native tree planting, water filtration and conservation and energy saving. Enjoy what nature has provided in this unique environment.

 

Allow plenty of time today as you drive along the Treasured Pathway towards the Abel Tasman. Stop along the way for beautiful forest walks at Pelorus Bridge or visit charming Cable Bay. Enjoy lunch in Nelson and maybe visit some wineries before arriving at The Resurgence, an award winning ecolodge. Spend time in the Abel Tasman National Park, visit Farewell Spit or walk in the Kahurangi National Park.

 

Another scenic drive today takes you though rainforest-clad valleys to the rugged northern West Coast. An oasis of rustic elegance, Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge is the quintessential wilderness eco-retreat. Off the beaten track, guests are invited to explore the ‘real New Zealand’ without compromising on comfort.

 

Head south to Greymouth where you will board the renowned TranzAlpine train and journey though spectacular scenery to Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass. Here you can discover life on a high country merino sheep station and enjoy some of the many nature activities available.

 

The final stretch of your journey will be taken back onboard the TranzAlpine to Christchurch where you can choose to stay for a few more nights or depart on your homeward flight.