Adventure Rating
How much Adventure do you want? This itinerary includes a few features to help gauge the following factors.
 Tour Pace: On a scale of 1 (slowest pace) to 5 (fastest pace), we’ve rated the following factors: number of 1-night hotels; driving miles per day; fullness of schedule; mid-tour airline flights; and average amount of walking per day.
 Walk Challenge: This number represents an average walk difficulty rating for the tour using a scale of 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest) [same criteria used by American Volkssport Association].
Contact us for space availability at 800.779.0353 or fun@walkingadventures.com!
We are excited to present the 2012 edition of the New Zealand & Australia walking adventure! No other program we offer presents such a diversity of experiences over such a wide range of climatic, cultural, and geological extremes. From the mystical red desert in the outback at Ayers Rock to the pristine mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps; from Sydney’s cosmopolitan glitz and glamour to the unpretentious farm stays in New Zealand’s North Island; from the warm tropical wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef to the cool fjordland beauty of Milford Sound, this corner of the world presents an amazingly rich kaleidoscope of experiences and heritages for us to encounter and enjoy.
It’s been four years since we last offered our New Zealand & Australia program and we have made very few changes to what was already a dynamic display of Down Under Delights! The Ayers Rock segment does include a new excursion to Cave Hill, where we hope to take a step closer to understanding the elusive culture and worldview of the Australian Aborigine.
COMBO PACKAGE
New Zealand and Australia are available as two separate 12-day Adventures, and they can also be combined into one unforgettable 23-day Down Under experience (NOTE—airfare for the combined Adventure is only $100 more than airfare for Australia Only. See Pricing Comparisons for more details).
How to Register
To save yourself a spot on this Adventure, contact us with a $500 payment as soon as possible. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis! Click here for more details on registering.
Walking New Zealand Only: Kiwi Wonderland 
D1-3/13: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand (D)
Auckland City of Sails Walk - 10 km
Travelers arrive in New Zealand very early this morning. After freshening up at the hotel, we take in our first walk of the Adventure, a delightful city walk on Auckland's Coast-to-Coast trail between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the downtown area near our hotel before rendezvousing for our Welcome Orientation and dinner.
D2-3/14: Auckland-Farm Stay in Cambridge (BLD)
Coromandel Peninsula Rainforest Walk - 5 km
From Auckland, we journey into the remote rainforests of the Coromandel Peninsula. Our jungle walk here takes us among massive tree ferns and remains of a 19th century gold town. The afternoon's scenic drive winds through the pastoral Cambridge district, where we divide into smaller groups for overnight visits to individual farm host families. This memorable taste of Kiwi hospitality is always a favorite!
D3-3/15: Farm Stay—Rotorua (BL)
North Island Dairy Farm Walk - 10 km
We trek through the delightful rural beauty of the North Island today – green meadows and grazing sheep and cattle, and maybe an orchard of kiwi fruit! Following a delightful BBQ lunch with our farm family host, our final destination is Rotorua, bubbling with geothermal activity and the center of Maori culture.
D4-3/16: Activities from Rotorua (B)
Lake Tikitapu/Waimangu Volcanic Valley Walk - 10 km
Our day begins with a stroll around Lake Tikitapu through a striking blend of Douglas firs and giant tree ferns. After enjoying the widely acclaimed and surprisingly entertaining Agrodome Sheep Show, the second part of today's walk takes us past Frying Pan Lake (121°F), Iodine Pool (208°F), and Inferno Crater (176°F) in Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Tumunui Marae - Optional:
This evening you'll experience a slice of Polynesian Maori culture at a Tumunui Marae, (meeting place), take part in the fearsome Maori powhiri (welcome ceremony), enjoy fast- paced Maori song and dance, and indulge in the plentiful Maori hangi (feast). Estimated price: $85
D5-3/17: Rotorua—Christchurch (B)
Christchurch Garden City Wander - 10 km
A morning flight takes us to the South Island’s lovely Christchurch, considered by some “the most English city outside England.” The February 2011 earthquake, however, left an indelible impression on the city and surrounding area. Normally our trail takes us through the Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, Mona Vale Gardens, and along the meandering Avon River. This year’s walk will likely be rerouted due to damaged areas, but will certainly yield insight into the struggle against natural disasters that continues after the news media has moved on.
D6-3/18: Christchurch—Fox Glacier (B)
Our coach takes us through the picturesque patchwork of the Canterbury Plains and into the pristine Southern Alps this morning. We continue down the western slopes to the tiny coastal hamlet of Hokitika to watch jade craftsmen work their wonders. Our home tonight is the mountain resort outpost of Fox Glacier.
D7-3/19: Fox Glacier—Haast (B)
Lake Matheson/Fox Glacier/Munro Beach Walk - 12 km
A lovely nature trail encircles the tea-colored waters of Lake Matheson, a dramatically effective mirror for the profiles of Mounts Tasman and Cook. The second segment of today's walk takes us to Fox Glacier, a stunning river of ice flanked by subtropical foliage. The walk's final section winds through the otherworldly solitude of a luxuriant rainforest to Munro Beach on the Tasman Sea.
D8-3/20: Haast—Te Anau (B)
We re-cross the continental divide today into a different kind of climate and natural beauty - semi-arid landscapes punctuated by a seemingly endless chain of lakes. After a lunch break in 19th century Arrowtown, we continue through sheep-dotted pastures to Te Anau. This evening, we cross Lake Te Anau in small boats for an underground adventure through an enchanting glowworm grotto.
D9-3/21: Te Anau—Milford Sound (BD)
Rainbow Reach Walk on Kepler Track - 10 km
This morning's walk winds through peaceful beech forests and along the rushing Waiau River. Later this afternoon, our overnight cruise on Milford Sound aboard the Milford Mariner begins with spectacular waterfalls and sea life viewing, preludes to an outstanding dinner and a peaceful evening beneath the southern stars.
D10-3/22: Milford Sound—Queenstown (B)
Following a relaxing mariner's breakfast, our program takes us back over the Southern Alps for more pleasing pastoral scenes en route to Queenstown. Upon arrival at our lakeside hotel, the balance of the afternoon and evening will be free to enjoy the charms of this entertaining vacation village.
D11-3/23: Activities from Queenstown (BD)
Remarkables Mountain & Lakeside Walk - 10 km
Today's trail combines breathtaking Alpine views from the Remarkables Mountains with a colorful lakeside stroll through the autumn foliage of Frankton Arm. The afternoon is free to explore this fun resort community on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakitipu. Later tonight, a gondola takes us to the Skyline Restaurant where we'll enjoy our Farewell Dinner with unforgettable panoramas over Lake Wakitipu.
D12-3/24: Queenstown—Melbourne, Australia –OR– Depart for Home (B)
Travelers continuing on to Australia will spend most of the day in transit. Upon arrival in Melbourne, we'll rendezvous with Australia Only travelers “fresh” from North America at our hotel in the city.
New Zealand Only travelers return home today.
Walking Australia Only: Down Under Delights 
D1-3/24: Arrive in Melbourne, Victoria
Australia Only travelers arrive at different times today, with the group from New Zealand scheduled for a late afternoon arrival. As a result, our only group activity will be an after-dinner Welcome Dessert where we will get acquainted and discuss our upcoming Adventure together in Australia!
D2-3/25: Activities in Melbourne (BD)
Marvelous Melbourne Walk - 10 km
We spend all day exploring this world-class big city with a small town feel. Our Marvelous Melbourne Walk has it all: bustling lanes and maze-like shopping arcades coupled with the serenity of Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Kings Domain (park), and the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens. We'll rendezvous back at our hotel this evening for tonight's memorable dinner aboard Melbourne's Colonial Tramcar - an early 20th century sightseeing trolley.
D3-3/26: Melbourne—Thredbo, New South Wales (B)
Our drive through dense stands of eucalyptus along the Alpine Way of the Snowy Mountains yields opportunities to spot grazing kangaroos and takes us to the quiet skiing village of Thredbo, nestled among the snow gum forests of the Thredbo River Valley.
D4-3/27: Thredbo—Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (B)
Snowy Mountains Ascent - 12 km
After a ski lift ride up Mt. Crackenback, we start our hike along an excellent steel grate pathway to the summit of Mt. Kosciusko, the highest point on Earth's flattest continent (7310 feet above sea level). From Thredbo, our scenic drive traverses the Australian Capital Territory to Canberra, the nation's capital.
D5-3/28: Canberra—Leura, New South Wales (B)
Canberra Capital Circuit - 11 km
This morning's walk captures Australia's sparkling monuments and impressive federal buildings, tastefully arranged around Lake Burley Griffin. Following a tour of the architecturally unique Parliament Building, we depart for the Blue Mountains and Jamison Valley, the “Grand Canyon of Australia.”
D6-3/29: Leura—Cairns, Queensland (B)
Breathtaking Jamison Valley vistas precede a thrilling descent to the valley floor on the Katoomba Scenic Railway. After a spot of tea, Devonshire-style, the Koala Park Sanctuary provides a memorable visit with koalas, wombats, wallabies, and other wonderfully odd Aussie critters. Later this evening, we fly to Cairns for three nights amidst the tropical climes of Queensland.
D7-3/30: Activities from Cairns (B)
Cairns Jungles and Gardens Walk - 5 km
After a walk through the verdant Fletcher Botanical Gardens, we ride the Skyrail gondola ride above the lush rainforest canopy to Kuranda. Time to explore this mountain market village is followed by a return to the coast aboard the Kuranda Scenic Rail, an historic 1880’s railroad constructed through seemingly impossible terrain.
D8-3/31: Activities from Cairns (B)
We have two distinctly different and uniquely Aussie optional activities to consider today:
“Old Salts” Great Barrier Reef Expedition:
The Great Adventures catamaran takes us to Green Island for an opportunity to snorkel, enjoy a coral reef tour, check out an island walk, and indulge in a scrumptious lunch buffet. The catamaran then continues to the Outer Reef for swimming, snorkeling or viewing reef life from the underwater observatory. Estimated price: $240
“Landlubbers” Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park:
This Park is dedicated to preserving and presenting Aboriginal culture through the use of three theaters, a museum, an art gallery, and a traditional Aboriginal camp. Estimated price: $100
D9-4/1: Cairns—Ayers Rock, Northern Territory (BL)
This morning we fly to Ayers Rock, in the heart of the Australian Outback. Today’s activity takes us deep into the remote and rarely visited Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal Lands where our Anangu hosts will guide us to the cave paintings of the Seven Sisters creation story. This is a rare opportunity to discover one of the most unusual, non-Western worldviews on the planet, and a chance to experience the mystical landscape that has shaped Aboriginal beliefs and culture. We return to the Ayers Rock resort this evening in time for dinner on your own.
D10-4/2: Ayers Rock—Sydney, New South Wales (B)
Uluru Aborigine Walk - 10 km
This morning we rise early for a sunrise walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock). On a trail that dates back a millennium or more, our guide will explain Aboriginal "songs" (legends, cultural lessons, and law) based upon features of Uluru. Following another outstanding encounter with the lifestyle of Australia’s indigenous people, we take an early afternoon flight to Sydney in preparation for our final full day of walking in Australia's largest, and perhaps most interesting, city.
D11-4/3: Activities in Sydney (BD)
Sydney Gardens, Harbour, & Heritage Walk - 10 km
Today's sightseeing walk in captivating Sydney includes The Rocks, Australia's first British settlement; Sydney Opera House; the Botanic Gardens; Hyde Park; The Domain; and Darling Harbour. You have all day to linger and loiter through the many inviting attractions of Sydney. Later this evening, we'll reminisce about our Adventures at our Farewell Dinner.
D12-4/4: Depart for Home (B)
We depart Sydney and time stands still as we gain a day, arriving back home several hours earlier than our Sydney departure?! We return to the other side of the globe overflowing with indelible memories of our walking adventure Down Under!
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What's Included
Walking New Zealand Only: Kiwi Wonderland
March 13 – 24, 2012 l 12 Days l $4400
Including:
- Airport to hotel group transfers on first and last day*
- All land travel as outlined
- Superior tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
- 17 meals as denoted (BLD)
- 8 walks as listed (IVV sanctions not yet obtained)
- Fees for walking credit
- WAI guide service throughout
- Local guides for walks in Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula
- All tipping for local guides and coach drivers
- Single Supplements are available: $875
- Entrance fees/admission to:
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Agrodome Sheep Show
- Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
- Overnight cruise on Milford Sound aboard the Milford Mariner
- Skyline Restaurant gondola
…plus more fun stops than we can list!!
Optional Excursions:
Walking Australia Only: Down Under Delights
March 24 - April 4, 2012 l 12 Days l $4950
Including:
- Airport to hotel group transfers on first and last day*
- All land travel as outlined
- Superior tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
- 14 meals as denoted (BLD)
- 6 walks as listed (IVV sanctioned)
- Fees for walking credit
- WAI guide service throughout
- All tipping for local guides and coach drivers
- Single Supplements are available: $1100
- Entrance fees/admission to:
- Colonial Tramcar Restaurant – Melbourne
- Ski lift for Snowy Mountains Walk
- Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains
- Koala Park Sanctuary
- Skyrail gondola to Kuranda
- Kuranda Royale Train
- Mt. Conner Outback Experience
…plus more fun stops than we can list!!
Optional Excursions:
- “Old Salts” Great Barrier Reef Expedition (DAY 8)
- “Landlubbers” Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (DAY 8)
*Details of transfers provided are listed in Adventure Advice memo sent upon receipt of tour registration.
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Pricing Comparisons
LAND PACKAGE:
- New Zealand & Australia: March 13 – April 4, 2012 l 23 Days l $9350
- New Zealand Only: March 13 – 24, 2012 l 12 Days l $4400
- Australia Only: March 24 – April 4, 2012 l 12 Days l $4950
AIR PACKAGE (Optional):
Group airfare includes roundtrip flights from San Francisco, 2 internal flights in New Zealand, 3 internal flights in Australia, and the flight between New Zealand and Australia for travelers participating in the full Adventure.
- New Zealand & Australia: $2275
- New Zealand Only: $1500
- Australia Only: $2175
**Connecting flights from your home town to San Francisco are available.
NOTE: Due to the crossing of the International Date Line, flights depart San Francisco 2 days previous to the tour’s start date.
Registration Details
To reserve your spot on this adventure, please mail the Registration Form along with a $500 per person deposit, or call in with your credit card. Make checks payable to Walking Adventures International. VISA, MasterCard, and Discover also accepted.
The General Tour Conditions contain important information you should read before you register.
Mail payments to:
Walking Adventures International
PO Box 871000
Vancouver WA 98687-1000
USA
Travel Insurance
Walking Adventures has negotiated with an insurance carrier to provide travel insurance in the form of a Preferred Benefits™ policy. We are pleased to make this package available and believe that it will provide travelers with an important element of security at a reasonable price.
Why We Walk
Why We Walk
Walking and travel are a natural combination! For over 20 years, our Walking Adventures International team has been offering walking programs around the world, and we’ve found that walking and motorcoach travel is the best way to tour. Our coach takes you efficiently from point to point with little wasted time, but walking lets you get off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore the "must see" highlights and off-the-beaten-track wonders. For more on Why We Walk, click here.
Volkssport
Some travelers like to keep track of their walks with a system known as volkssport. Click here if you’d like to know more about volkssport.
General Questions
And follow this link for more details on topics like: WAI’s approach to airfare, the number of people accepted on a tour, and finding a roommate!
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