Volcanoes-Virgin Forests-Vintage Wines - Value for the Volcanic Wanderer
Written by Discover France
Scottsdale, AZ, October 2004 - Pure Adventures, a boutique tour operator, created from their highly successful sister company Discover France, now enters its 2nd season with their new-guided walking tour in New Zealand. Pure Adventures biking and walking itineraries allow their clients to venture off-the-beaten path and experience the country in a more personal fashion, meeting the locals and seeing the sights through their eyes.
The lush native rainforests of Te Urewera National Park and the fury of the active volcanic plateau are explored through a variety of walks, carefully selected to inspire, challenge and reward the enthusiastic walker. New Zealand’s North Island is where it all happens, from Rotorua, the tourist center world famous for its thermal attractions and strong Maori culture, we travel through the largest untouched rainforest on the North Island, to the East coast wine country, and then inland to the Central Plateau volcanic wonderland.
The tour starts in Rotorua - about 100 miles southeast of Auckland, Pure Adventures suggests arriving at least one day in advance in order to enjoy sights. Rotorua’s community philosophy is beautifully expressed with the word manaakitanga. In the spirit of Maori hospitality, manaakitanga encompasses the cultural strength of the people here; the amazing geological forces of the region; the natural beauty of the forests, lakes and rivers; and the development of sustainable tourism. It is also your invitation to discover the very essence of New Zealand in this exceptional region. Rotorua has been voted New Zealand’s most beautiful city and with its striking gardens, cobbled streets and the fascinating mix of Maori and English Tudor architecture that gives the city a unique character. Beyond the urban center, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The Volcanic Wanderer Tour begins with a moderate hike of 2 hours around the rim of Mt Tarawera crater and continues on through the Waimangu Valley past boiling mud pools, geysers and steaming vents. You will also have the opportunity to partake in a traditional Maori (native people of New Zealand) hangi: a feast and interactive show explaining elements of Maori culture.
The tour takes you through dense native forest and small Maori settlements into the heart of the Te Urewera National Park to discover the dazzling beauty of Lake Waikaremoana staying in chalets on the lake’s edge. By boat we will visit a submerged fossilized forest, secluded beaches, and the idyllic Korokoro Falls followed by a night in a classic New Zealand bush hut.
Moving on the group leaves the Te Urewera National Park and heads to New Zealand’s gorgeous East Coast, which is known for its Chardonnay grape varieties, for wine tasting at a premier winery in Napier, before heading on to Taupo. Lake Taupo fills the largest volcanic crater in the world and is home to the powerful Huka Falls. Heading south along the shore of Lake Taupo the group moves on to the Central Plateau. This unusual area has a desert-like landscape caused by volcanic activity and altitude, is dominated by 3 towering volcanic mountains and is the gateway to the Tongariro National Park.
On day 7 of the tour you have 3 hiking options: Tongariro Crossing, known as the best one day walk in New Zealand; Ruapehu Crater Lake, ascend first by chairlift and then by foot for spectacular scenic views; Short Walks, range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, taking in the volcanic features of Mt Ruapehu such as lava flows, rock formations, and waterfalls.
The tour concludes in Wellington, the arts and culture capital of New Zealand. Here you will have an opportunity to see the sights such as the Kaori Wildlife Center and the Te Papa National Museum before your departure.
Priced at $2149 per person double occupancy, this trip includes seven nights’ lodging, all breakfasts except day 1, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, all transport, Lake Waikaremoana boat trip, hiking equipment except boots, permits and entry fees to all activities included in itinerary. An experienced local guide will accompany you for the duration of the trip, and expert travel planning services of the Pure Adventures staff. The trip is rated “intermediate,” requiring an average level of fitness. This tour is available for as few as 2 people, thereby eliminating any chance of cancellation due to low participation. Available November through February; and upon request year round 2004/2005.
About Pure Adventures - Pure Adventures is a creation of the highly successful Discover France, now in its 10th year. The tour format is the same: small and intimate tours that give vacationers a low-cost, high-quality alternative to large group tours. Pure Adventures applies the proven Discover France tour model of soft-adventure activities like cycling and walking to interesting, unique destinations inside and beyond France. A “Pure Adventure” is one that gives tourists the independence to move about their destination and interact with local people as they see fit. This approach to touring also results in “pure savings” to the traveler. Because the tours don’t involve expensive guides, tour busses and other overhead, Pure Adventures can pass the savings on to tourists - making more of their vacation dollar available to them.
New Zealand Walking Tour - 8 days, 7 nights for only $2149!
Pure Adventures Offers Guided Hiking Tour on New Zealand’s North Island
Biking and Walking Vacations in Exotic Locales to Suit the Extremist and the Extremely Laid-Back
For reservations or additional information, contact Pure Adventures:
Tel: 800-960-2221
Pure Adventures Website: www.pure-adventures.com
Discover France Website:www.discoverfrance.com
Cycling Classics Website:www.cyclingclassics.com
800-960-2221
Outside USA: 480-905-1235
Specialists in Active Vacations & France Travel
