Wach Adventures

Our Christmas Card

2010-11-18T19:31:00.001-08:00

Traditional Damask Red Christmas

Shop Shutterfly.com for elegant Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

World of Flavor Adventures

2010-10-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

For all those that had expressed interest (and even those that didn't) in going with us on our tour of New Zealand please see our new website, still under construction, for our travel company World of Flavor Adventures.

WorldofFlavorAdventures.com

Trip Postponed Till Further Notice

2010-01-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank everybody who has supported us in spreading the word about our tour! Unfortunately, we are going to have to put this tour off, but don't count us out. We won't let this setback stop us. We look forward to officially starting our own travel company later this year, eventually offering a full line of food focused tours around the world, as well as to New Zealand. Please check back to see what we've got coming. We look forward to having you travel with us in the future.

Detailed Itinerary - Days 11, 12 & 13

2009-12-20T19:31:00.001-08:00

Day 11
Another fun filled day awaits us as we enjoy our first full day in Queenstown. After a leisurely morning, we drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, an area where many of the scenes in the already classic series of movies "The Lord of the Rings" were filmed. We then embark on a three part adventure, exploring the Dart River Valley. We start with an exhilarating 1 1/2 hour jet boat ride up the shallow blue waters of the Dart river, then take a short hike in the surrounding lush green ancient beech forest, and we return with 4wd journey on the back road trail to Glenorchy. In the evening we board another, very different kind of boat, the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steam ship that will transport us cross the lake as we enjoy the alpine scenery to the Walter Peak High Country Farm where we will dine at the Colonel's Homestead on a traditional New Zealand feast. We return later under the stars and watch the city lights of Queenstown shining on the water to end our evening.

Day 12
Our journey comes to a climax today as we arise early and take to the skies. We begin with a scenic flight above the Southern Alps to Milford Sound. On the way we'll see snow capped peaks and glacier carved valleys. We'll land and board our final boat of the tour and cruise the breathtaking fjord of Milford Sound. As we cruise the length of the fjord at the foot of towering rock faces and waterfalls we will stand in awe of the grandeur and beauty of this spectacular place. At the conclusion of our cruise we fly back to Queenstown and enjoy the afternoon free. We come together in the evening for our final dinner and farewell ceremony.

Day 13
This morning we eat our final breakfast together, say our good-byes and depart from Queenstown and New Zealand.

Detailed Itinerary - Days 9 & 10

2009-12-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

Day 9
In the morning, we leave Christchurch and head across the Canterbury Plains on a scenic train trip from the East to the West coast, traveling over the picturesque Southern Alps and through Arthur's Pass National Park on the Tranz Alpine railway. On the west side of the Southern Alps we enter rainforest and eat lunch in Greymouth. Following lunch, we take a thrilling ride in a Hagglund All Terrian Vehicle, which is basically a small amphibious tank commonly used in Antarctica for handling the extreme terrain and conditions. One more stop awaits us in Hokitika, where we will watch jade carving. We turn in for the night at the foot of snow capped mountains in Fox Glacier, giving us a hint of what awaits us tomorrow.

Day 10
This morning we put on our coats, gaiters, and crampons and take an unforgetable guided hike on top of Fox Glacier. We'll have time to catch our breath before getting back on the road. We travel further south, bid farewell to the West coast and travel over Haast Pass through Mt Aspiring National Park. We will take the opportunity to stretch our legs and walk to the crystal clear Blue Pools of Haast Pass before driving past Lake Wanaka and finally arriving in the unforgettable city of Queenstown.

Detailed Itinerary - Days 7 & 8

2009-12-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

Day 7
We awake early this morning to voyage onto the ocean and go whale watching. We will have the chance to see resident sperm whales, killer whales, dolphins, and other migratory species of whale. You will forever remember the sight of these majestic creatures passing so close to our boat. From Kaikoura we make our way toward Christchurch, stopping for lunch at the best fish and chips shop on the South Island. Once in the garden city of Christchurch we will be treated to a guided tour of the city and dine in one of the best restaurants in the city.

Day 8
Today we take it easy. We pay a visit to the Christchurch farmers market, meet some of the local growers, and sample some of the best produce the Canterbury region have to offer. From the farmer's market we head back downtown to the Arts Centre and set you loose for time to explore the markets, shop for souvenirs, visit the botanical gardens or a museum, or just relax in the hotel and take a nap. We regroup again for dinner in the evening.

Detailed Itinerary - Days 5 & 6

2009-12-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

Day 5
Today we continue on after a night in Napier and make a morning stop for a tour of a local gourmet chocolate factory and sample some of their best chocolates. We then complete our way down the North Island as we arrive in beautiful capital city of Wellington where we visit Te Papa, the impressive national museum of New Zealand and tour the city along with some the best local eats this terrific city has to offer.

Day 6
In the morning we embark on our voyage from the North Island to the South Island through the stunning Cook Strait where it is common to see dolphins flying from the water along side the ship as we cross the strait. Once we set foot back on dry land we will have the pleasure of touring a Marlborough region olive grove and olive oil producer and enjoy samples of their best in this region of New Zealand where some of the best olive oil in the world is produced. We continue South, dining at a roadside seafood shack to eat the freshest and best tasting lobster in the country before we end the day on the Kaikoura penisula.

Detailed Itinerary - Days 3 & 4

2009-12-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

Day 3
We leave Auckland in the morning and travel south to the karst region of Waitomo where we will go underground on a guided walking tour and underground silent boat ride in a glow worm cave. After allowing our eyes to adjust to the light of day we stop for lunch and head east to the geothermal city of Rotorua. There, we will be guided around a Maori village and geo-thermal area, as well as see traditional wood carving and even catching a glimpse of the national bird of New Zealand, the kiwi. Following that, we will sit down and take part in a Maori cultural evening complete with dance performances and a traditional Hangi dinner.

Day 4
In the morning we witness the ever popular Sheep Show and get better aquainted with New Zealand's most common resident. We then go South from Rotorua toward Taupo, making stops along the road to walk around beautiful Huka Falls and taste a variety of one of the country's interesting food products: New Zealand honey! After enjoying lunch by the volcanic crater known as Lake Taupo we take a scenic drive to the North Island's East coast and the Art Deco Capital of the World, Napier.

Detailed Itinerary - Days 1 & 2

2009-12-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Day 1
After a morning arrival and checking into our hotel, we will meet together as a group after lunch and begin our trip with a guided tour of the beautiful harbor city of Auckland followed by a terrific dinner and time for you to rest or explore some of the city night life on your own.

Day 2
Today, we make our way to Waitemata Harbor in Auckland and experience the "City of Sails" from the water aboard a sailing yacht where you will have the chance join in and help sail or sit back and enjoy the views and fresh ocean breeze on your face. We also tour the Auckland Fish Market with its fresh caught seafood, local produce, meat vendors and cafes, this is an ideal place to catch your first glimpse of some of the best food New Zealand has to offer. Lastly, we engage in a cooking class and dive further into New Zealand's delicious food culture.

Tour Map and Summary

2009-12-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

Day 1 – Arrive Auckland

Day 2 – Auckland

Day 3 – Waitomo and Rotorua

Day 4 – Taupo and Napier

Day 5 – Wellington

Day 6 – Cook Strait and Blenheim

Day 7 – Kaikoura and Christchurch

Day 8 – Christchurch

Day 9 – Arthur's Pass, Greymouth, and Hokitika

Day 10 – Fox Glacier, Haast Pass

Day 11 – Queenstown

Day 12 – Milford Sound and Queenstown

Day 13 – Depart Queenstown

Tour Highlights

2009-12-04T21:09:00.001-08:00

13 Day Food and Adventure Tour of New Zealand

City tours in Auckland, Napier, Wellington, and Christchurch
Food market visits and tours
Hand picked restaurants for lunches AND dinners (the best of the local flavor!)
Local cooking class and demonstration
Yacht sailing
Scenic cruises on Cook Strait and Milford Sound
Scenic flights over Southern Alps
Scenic rail trip over Arthur's Pass
Glowworm cave tour and underground boat ride
Sheep shearing show
Chocolate factory tour
Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand
Olive oil grove tour
River jet boat ride
4WD drive excursion
Scenic hikes
Hagglund Antarctic vehicle ride
Glacier hiking
Whale watching
Watch New Zealand jade carving
Vintage steam ship cruise
Small group of maximum 16 people, plus guide/driver
Great Hotels
...and the list goes on!

What It Costs

2009-12-04T12:17:00.001-08:00

Tour price is $3499 (USD) per person, double occupancy. We accept cash, check, money order, and PayPal. If you desire to pay by credit card a 3% transaction fee will be added.

Included in the Cost:

All accommodations (3 star hotels and similar)
Professional guide/driver
All transportation during tour (Private coach, ferry, in-country flights, train)
All activities listed in itinerary
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Not Included:

International airfare
Airport transfers
Most lunches and dinners (This gives you the option to order exactly what you want at every restaurant we visit, in order to give you the most personalized experience possible).

When We're Going

2009-11-17T11:19:00.005-08:00

POSTPONED

Sorry folks, it looks like this trip isn't going to happen this time around. We look forward to trying this again in the future. Maybe, next year. Check back for updates.

~~April 18, 2010 - April 30, 2010 (13 days)~~

The tour officially begins early in the afternoon in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday, April 18th and ends in Queenstown, New Zealand on Friday, April 30th. Please contact us for flight recommendations.

What We're Doing

2009-11-17T11:19:00.003-08:00

Our Fanatastic thirteen day tour of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand showcases all the best that this awesome country has to offer. First, we want this trip to be as personal as possible, so we are limiting the group to only 14 guests, plus the two of us and our driver/guide. Second, we know that truly experiencing the real cuisine and flavors of a region can only be done by diving right in. On our tour we take you to local markets, attend cooking classes and demonstrations, and for lunches AND dinners we eat only at hand picked local restaurants that provide you with the most authentic culinary experience possible. Third, we include all of the best activities so that you can not only see the grandeur of New Zealand by air, land, and sea, but also immerse yourself in the fun that the outdoors has to offer.

About Us

2009-11-17T11:19:00.001-08:00

We are Ryan and LeAnn Wach. Our connection to New Zealand began two years ago when shortly after we got married we packed up our things, sold our cars, quit our jobs and with only a couple suitcases in our hands moved to Christchurch, New Zealand. During the six months we lived there and traveled all around both islands we fell in love with the people, natural beauty, and food of this magical country. After returning home to the United States we couldn't help but realize that we left our hearts back in our adopted home. It is because of our love of all that is wonderful about this amazing country that we want to personally show others the wonders of New Zealand.

We are both avid travelers. In the two and a half years we've been married, we've been so fortunate to have set foot on six continents, in twelve foreign countries. We feel that travel is more than just a vacation, it is an opportunity to experience the breathtaking splendor of nature, to fall in love with another culture and people, and taste all the best food that any country, region, and people have to offer.

Contact Us

2009-11-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

For questions, comments, or to express your interest in joining us on our tour please e-mail us at: wachadventures@gmail.com