8-Day Self Drive Adventure Alpine Trail New Zealand

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TRIP SUMMARY

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Travel around in your own motorhome and go on an adventure of a lifetime along New Zealand’s Alpine Pacific Trail, with many thrilling locations along the way.
Take a dip in the famous Hanmer hot springs, get your heart racing with a bungy jump, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Waiau River on a jet boating adventure, swim with dolphins in Kaikoura and go for an unforgettable kayak experience in Abel Tasman National Park where you will camp overnight on the beach falling asleep under the stars listening to the sound of the waves crash.

From: $1,911 AUD

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From

Kyle

Hi, I’m Kyle te Kiwi. I make videos and take pretty pictures of my travels and adventures. I'm proud to be Kiwi and I love nothing more than showing off my home! Let me show you my favourite spots around New Zealand.

Trip Highlights

Bungy jumping and jetboating at Hanmer Springs

Experience the thrill of two of New Zealand's most popular adrenaline rushes.

Kayak adventure at Abel Tasman National Park

This 2-day tour takes you through Kyle's backyard, the famous Abel Tasman National Park.

Swim with dolphins

Swim with the famous Kaikoura dolphins

Seal Kayaking

One of Kyle's favourite experiences in all of New Zealand.

Camp the night on the beach in Abel Tasman

After an incredible day exploring the park, you'll set up camp on the beach!

Hanmer Springs

Relax in the thermal pools and spa at Hanmer Springs (or hit the waterslides)

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

Pick up your motorhome and make your way to Hanmer Springs. This little town almost feels like New Zealand's version of Aspen. Treat yourself in the amazing cafes and restaurants and visit the famous Hanmer Springs for a dip in the hot pools - you'll have today and tomorrow to relax in the pools! To top off your day, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Waiau River on an exhilarating Jetboat ride.

Activities

Transport

INCLUDED

Pick up your campervan

Pick up your campervan and start your road trip! Your vehicle is fully serviced, entirely AA Safety Certified and built to go the distance in New Zealand's rugged backcountry. It is fitted out with a fully functional kitchenette (fridge, sink, gas cooker, pots & pans and utensils), extendable hose tap, a huge double bed, a secondary battery, USB powerpoints, curtains and super security (the van comes with an alarm / immobiliser and a lockbox for your passport & valuables). We're proud to partner with the NZ owned and operated Mad Campers.

INCLUDED

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Relax at the famous Hanmer Springs. Soak in the mineral-rich waters in hot pools surrounded by native gardens with mountain vistas. Have some spare energy? Hit the waterslides and unleash your wild side!

Day 2

Day 2: Hanmer Springs

3... 2... 1... Bungy! On your second day in Hanmer Springs, experience the thrill of a bungy jump. Invented in New Zealand, this heart racing activity is a must. As a reward, you get to relax in the mineral waters for a second time today.

Activities

INCLUDED

Bungy Jump

3..2..1... bungy! Get ready, you will take a leap of faith today. Jump from a 135-year-old historic Ferry Bridge and make a free-fall to the surging river below. A once in a lifetime experience!

INCLUDED

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Another day in paradise. You get to relax at the famous Hanmer Springs again! Soak in the mineral-rich waters in hot pools surrounded by native gardens with mountain vistas. Have some spare energy? Hit the waterslides and unleash your wild side!

INCLUDED

Jetboat Ride

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Waiau River on this exhilarating adventure activity. Jet through narrow gorges, white water rapids and braided shallows on a thrilling jetboat ride.

Day 3

Day 3: Hanmer Springs to Abel Tasman National Park

Drive one of New Zealand’s most stunning roads, the Lewis Pass. This drive takes you through ever-changing volcanic landscapes, with a stop at Rotoroa Lakes. Then, make your way to the incredible Abel Tasman National Park (Kyle's home!). Get ready for sea kayaking, incredible sunsets and fish and chips on hidden beaches.

Activities

FREE OPTION

Wharariki Beach Walk

Wharariki beach goodness. One of the northernmost beaches to explore in Abel Tasman National Park. It's best to visit at low tide, so you can walk the length of the beach and take in the spectacular views.

Day 4

Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park

There is simply no better way to experience Abel Tasman National Park than via a sea kayak. You'll embark on an epic 2 day adventure where you'll see the best of Abel Tasman, and camp on the beach at night. If you're lucky you might even have Bare Kiwi as your guide!

Activities

INCLUDED

Abel Tasman Sea Kayaking - DAY 1

This fully outfitted adventure has long been the benchmark for overnight guided kayak adventures in New Zealand. There will be no better time to experience it than this summer. Summers call for lasting memories, and our Classics do just that. Kayak the coastline from beautiful Awaroa in the North back to Marahau. Completely immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Abel Tasman National Park. Experience it all from paddling with seals, relaxing on numerous beaches, exploring lagoons, islands and Maori Pa (village) sites to learning about local history and lore. Be wowed by the night sky, the milky way is truly amazing in the park. Enjoy drifting off to sleep listening to the waves before waking up to hear bird song.

Day 5

Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park

Day 2 of your kayak trip will be filled with more exploring Abel Tasman, before returning to your campervan for the night. Abel Tasman offers some of the best sunsets, with one of the best being at Golden Beach.

Activities

INCLUDED

Abel Tasman Sea Kayaking - DAY 2

FREE OPTION

Golden Bay Beach

Isolated and utterly charming, Golden Bay is a hidden gem well worth a visit. Takaka Hill separates it from the rest of New Zealand. The area is full of lush green valleys, charming villages and a unique vibe.

Day 6

Day 6: Abel Tasman National Park to Kaikoura

Drive along the East Coast as you head back towards Kaikoura. Take a detour through the little harbour town of Picton for a look around. You’ll arrive in Kaikoura for sunset so grab some local fish and chips and drinks and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most loved restaurants on the beach!

Activities

INCLUDED

Swim with Dolphins tour

A truly magical experience. Swim with wild dolphins in their own environment in Kaikoura. This tour is focused on respecting the dolphins in their natural environment.

Day 7

Day 7: Kaikoura

Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura is a truly spectacular experience. Start your day in the water making new friends, before a change of pace. You’ll go whale watching from the skies and encounter a variety of whale species that call Kaikoura home.

Activities

OPTIONAL

Wings over Whales: Whale Flight

What's a more adventurous way to spot the whales than by jumping on a plane? Kaikoura is home to sperm whales year-round. Hop aboard this unique flight and see whales, dolphins, and mountains from a different perspective.

INCLUDED

Seal Kayaking Kaikoura

Get up close to playful Kaikoura seals on a seal kayaking tour with an expert local guide. Enjoy watching New Zealand's marine life at it very best - an experience to remember.

Day 8

Day 8: Kaikoura to Christchurch

Make your way back down the coast befopre dropping of your campervan to end the trip. The depot is located close to Christchurch airport, but we always recommend staying a night or two in Christchurch to explore this vibrant city.

Activities

Transport

Sleep

INCLUDED

Drop off your campervan

Drop off your campervan back at the depot in Christchurch. The depot is conveniently located close to Christchurch airport.

OPTIONAL

Extra night in Christchurch

Can't get enough? Stay an extra night to explore all of the Christchurch goodness. As the city of exploration, you will enjoy discovering amazing street art, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene and state-of-the-art architecture.

STORYTELLER

Kyle Mulinder

About Kyle

STORYTELLER

About Kyle

Kyle Mulinder, the adventure-addict who grew up on a sheep farm in New Zealand’s North Island, is a tourism legend. Beginning his career as a white water raft guide on the Buller River, Kyle quickly transitioned to a storyteller with his skill of inspiring travellers from across the world to discover New Zealand in the best way he knows how, with adventure. With 20 years of experience, Kyle creates trips the Airguides way, with access to the lesser-known and supporting local. He is a true Kiwi with a passion to share his homeland with the rest of the world. He also got an octopus flung at him by a seal — yes, he has entertaining covered too.

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