2. Day 1: Arrival © 2008 Access Trips, Inc., all rights reserved Day 1 (Jan 2): Our journey begins in Wellington – New Zealand’s spectacular capital city (often described as a smaller version of San Francisco!). Guests will be picked up from Wellington International Airport and driven to our accommodation – stylish apartments in downtown Wellington, just a short walk from the shops, the waterfront and the many bars & clubs where locals celebrate New Years Eve. Today will be a rest day – time to explore the shops, cafes, and beaches of Wellington. We’ll meet tonight for a group dinner and then see in the New Year in Central Wellington. » Accommodation: Stylish apartments (Wellington) » Traveling time: none

6. Day 5: Bulla Gorge © 2008 Access Trips, Inc., all rights reserved Day 5 (Jan 6): This morning we’ll take a 2.5 hour hike through lush rainforest to return to our vans. After lunch we’ll drive through the spectacular Bulla Gorge before ending up at one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic spots – the uniquely formed ‘pancake’ rocks with their impressive blow holes. We’ll explore the rocks and then head to a local pub for a typical New Zealand pub dinner. Tonight we’ll stay in stylish accommodation on the beach. » Accommodation: Stylish villas (Punakaiki) » Traveling time: 3 hours

8. Day 7: Hiking Mirror Lake © 2008 Access Trips, Inc., all rights reserved Day 7 (Jan 8): Today we’ll drive through some of the South Island’s most rugged and spectacular scenery. We’ll start with breakfast at Lake Matheson (otherwise known as the Mirror lake because of its amazing reflective properties). After a 1-hour optional hike around the lake we’ll jump in the vans for a breathtaking drive that’ll take us through a remote region that’s flanked by wild beaches on one side and the jagged Southern Alps on the other. We’ll then head inland via a road that takes us through dense cloud forest, stopping several times for short walks in the forest. Tonight we’ll stay in luxury apartments in the resort town of Wanaka. » Accommodation: Luxury apartments (Wanaka) » Traveling time: 3.5 hours

9. Day 8: Hiking Rob Roy Glacier © 2008 Access Trips, Inc., all rights reserved Day 8 (Jan 9): Today we’ll do the Rob Roy Glacier hike, considered by many to be the most scenic day hike in all of New Zealand. The 4 hour hike will take us through lowland flats along the Rob Roy Stream and into beech forest with a rich undergrowth of mosses and ferns. As we get higher we'll emerge out of the trees and into the alpine zone, characterized by low tussock vegetation. Impressive overhead hanging glaciers beneath Mount Rob Roy is the highlight of the walk as are the numerous Keas (the only alpine and smartest parrot in the world) flying over head. » Accommodation: Luxury apartments (Wanaka) » Traveling time: 45 minutes

10. Day 9: Visit Queenstown © 2008 Access Trips, Inc., all rights reserved Day 9 (Jan 10): After a leisurely breakfast we’ll jump in the vans for the short drive to Queenstown – the undisputed adrenaline capital of the South Pacific and one of New Zealand’s most scenic towns. Queenstown offers more adventure activities than almost any place on earth so we thought we’d leave this afternoon open for people to choose their activities. Options include jetboating down the Shotover River, bungy jumping the world’s highest bungy, paragliding, sailing and more. » Accommodation: Condos (Queenstown) » Traveling time: 1 hour

11. Day 10: Heli Biking or Cruise to Milford Sound © 2008 Access Trips, Inc., all rights reserved Day 10 (Jan 11): Today there are two options: heli-biking or a scenic flight/cruise to Milford Sound. The heli-bikers will start the day with an incredible heli-ride over the Southern Alps to reach the remote tussock lands that surround Queenstown. After enjoying the spectacular views you’ll mount your bikes and enjoy an exhilarating 1700m single-track descent through pristine alpine scenery, ending at the historic Cardrona Pub (New Zealand’s most famous pub) for a well-deserved beer. Those who choose the Milford Sound option will take a breathtaking flight over the Southern Alps and down to one of New Zealand’s most famous scenic landmarks: Milford Sound. Here you’ll take a boat trip in the fiord (known for its hundreds of waterfalls) before flying back to Queenstown. These activities are optional extras. Those who do not opt for these upgrades will have the chance to go on a guided walk in the hills surrounding Queenstown or simply relax and enjoy the town and lake. » Accommodation: Condos (Queenstown) » Traveling time: None

12. Day 11: Rafting Shotover Gorge © 2008 Access Trips, Inc., all rights reserved Day 11 (Jan 12): This morning will be action-packed as we enjoy a 4.5 hour rafting trip down the world-renown Shotover Gorge. Rafting from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, we head toward the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon, experiencing a series of memorable rapids before heading through the unforgettable 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel. In the afternoon you’ll be free to relax, partake in the many adrenaline activities available in Queenstown, or go on a guided walk. » Accommodation: Condos (Queenstown) » Traveling time: None

13. Day 12: Departure © 2008 Access Trips, Inc., all rights reserved Day 12 (Jan 13): Our trip is over. We’ll drop you off at Queenstown International Airport for your flight home. PLEASE NOTE: New Zealand is an island and the weather is therefore very unpredictable. Though January is summer in New Zealand and the weather therefore ought to be warm, it is also possible that we will experience rain, wind and colder weather.