***We very much recommend you stay one or more nights before your tour starts on Day 1***
Day 1
Auckland's West Coast - Bay of Islands
Departure time 0800 Leave Auckland this morning for Bay of Islands. Your first stop is the excellent Kauri Museum at Matakoh where you'll delve into the rich history and significance of the majestic kauri tree. Continuing your journey, make a pit stop at Whangarei Town Basin for a delightful lunch. Your next visit leads us to the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre, where you'll be greeted by founders Robert and Robyn Webb. Witness their unwavering commitment to rehabilitating injured birds, and have the privilege of encountering talking tuis and Sparky, the daytime kiwi, up close.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel, Bay of Islands, or simular
Day 2
Bay of Islands - Kawiti Caves - Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Venture to the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, named in honor of the renowned Maori chief, Kawiti. These caves remain within his family's ownership, and it was his great grandson, Te Tawai Kawiti, who first guided visitors through their depths in the 1950s. Within the ancient limestone caves, millions of these twinkling Gloworms reside, including the renowned Milky Way cavern, which you’ll learn all about from your friendly guide.
Continuing your journey to the Birthplace of the Nation, where your guide awaits you at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Here, in the exquisitely carved meeting house, Te Whare Runanga, you'll enjoy a captivating cultural performance.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel, Bay of Islands, or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 3
Bay of Islands
Today you get out on the pristine waters of the Bay of Islands with a cruise. Your fun on the water finishes at Russell (Kororareka), the very first capital of New Zealand, a small town with a rollicking 19th century past. It’s come a long way since it was a favourite haunt of whalers and sealers, with no police or laws. Visit the colonial buildings, walk the waterfront or climb Flagstaff Hill for spectacular views before the short ferry ride back to Paihia
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel, Bay of Islands, or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 4
Bay of Islands - Hokianga Harbour - Waipoua Forest - Auckland
Your day commences with a harbor cruise alongside one of our Ngapuhi acquaintances, Pete, known for his wit and charm. Pete will regale you with tales explaining why Opononi holds significance for all Kiwis, leading us on an excursion across the harbor. Here, you'll stroll along a secluded beach, and have the opportunity to try your hand at sandboarding. Continuing into the ancient Waipoua Kauri forest, your hosts will extend a warm welcome with a special "Karakia" ceremony before guiding you to the majestic kauri tree, "Tane Mahuta."
Later you'll return to the lively atmosphere of Auckland, dubbed the City of Sails, for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Nesuto Stadium Hotel or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 5
Rotorua
You’ll start your day with a leisurely drive through the dairy farmlands of the Waikato, before exploring the dramatic Karangahake Gorge and strolling along the Ohinemuri River to the relics and ruins of the region’s gold-mining past.
Soon after you’ll pass through Te Puke; the Kiwifruit capital of the world, and discover the colourful landscape dotted with Kiwifruit orchards, before continuing to Rotorua, a geothermal wonder. Along the way you’ll board Tiua – a 53ft catamaran – for a tranquil sail on the beautiful Lake Rotoiti, ending at gorgeous secluded coves and natural hot pools - a memorable end to an awesome day.
Overnight: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 6
Rotorua
Enjoy a day at leisure today in this lakeside town, where you may want to stroll down to Lake Rotorua, or explore one of the town’s unique attractions. Afterwards you can relax over lunch at the Pounamu Lodge with your hosts David and Karen who will regale you with stories of their ancestors and how they coped when Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886. Afterwards, take a walk around the village, learn about the national icon (the kiwi) and see one for yourself - you'll be amazed how big they are!
Overnight: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside or simular (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 7
Tongariro National Park
Today offers a special visit to Wai-O-Tapu, an exciting geothermal reserve, to witness its bubbling mud pools and vivid silica terraces. You’ll then discover the Huka Falls; where the Waikato River cascades through a narrow gorge, before seeing the three active volcanoes from Taupo – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. The afternoon will be spent exploring the rugged terrain of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, perfect for wandering around before dinner time.
Overnight: Ruapehu or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 8
Wellington
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the historic Chateau Tongariro, nestled at the base of Mount Ruapehu, before marvelling at beautiful ranges on a drive to the seaside town of Hawke's Bay. Later continue on for an afternoon in the lovely capital Wellington. It is known as 'the coolest little capital in the world'. Explore the cities sights before heading up Mt Victoria to experience the superb views out over the harbour. Your hotel for the nights is located in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, boutique shops, cafes and galleries. We'd recommend sampling one of the craft beers with dinner tonight - perhaps Tuatara.
Overnight: The Bolton Hotel or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 9
Wellington
Today is yours to spend at leisure, you are right in the heart of the action, only a short stroll to the waterfront, Te Papa National Museum and the many places to eat and stop off at a boutique brewery. If you prefer you can take a tour today to the Weta Workshop to discover how props are made for The Lord of the Rings.
Overnight: The Bolton Hotel or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 10
Cook Straight - Picton - Blenheim - Nelson
The morning will start with a scenic three hour cruise on the Interislander ferry, sailing across Cook Strait and up the pretty Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. Once there, you’ll visit Forrest Wines, nestled in the heart of Marlborough’s premier wine region, to wine taste their renowned sauvignon blanc and enjoy lunch here.
After lunch you’ll slowly saunter through the heart of Marlborough towards Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, before driving along to Nelson where you'll unpack and relax, this is your home for the next 2 nights.
Overnight: Tides Hotel or simular (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 11
Abel Tasman National Park
This area is a highlight for many on the tour - everyone has seen the stunning photos of Abel Tasman Park and now you're here! Choose between a full cruise or a cruise and walk combo this morning from Marahau along the pristine Abel Tasman coastline. Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest park, protecting 23,000 hectares of the country’s natural beauty. The afternoon will be free to enjoy the golden sandy beaches and brilliant blue sea, before making your way back to Nelson.
Overnight: Tides Hotel or simular (Breakfast and picnic lunch included)
Day 12
Kaikoura
Pass through the Pelorus Bridge and Havelock (scene of the Barrel Run from the Hobbit) before leaving the orchards and artisans behind to travel along the spectacular coastline for the Kaikoura Peninsula. Spend a leisurely afternoon wandering Kaikoura and enjoying the bountiful marine wildlife - a result from the ocean canyon close offshore.
You can take the opportunity to tour the Peninsula walkway or go on a whale watching cruise or flight. One of the highlights here is seeing the seal colony with a spectacular mountain and coastline backdrop.
Overnight: White Morph Inn or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 13
Akaunui Farm homestead - Aoraki/ Mt Cook
Today you’ll venture over the Hunderlee Hills to the Canterbury plains, stopping for a special lunch at Akaunui, a 100 year old farm surrounded by large, luscious gardens. Your lunch will be a delicious dish created with fresh produce straight from the vegetable garden of your hosts, Di and Ian Mackenzie.
After, you’ll drive through Burke’s Pass to the brilliant Mackenzie Country, encountering panoramic views of the Southern Alps along the way. The day will end with a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd, nestled on the edge of the unreal turquoise blue waters of Lake Tekapo.
Overnight: Mt Cook Village or simular (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 14
Queenstown
Awake at the foot of Mt Cook today – New Zealand’s highest mountain and known as Aoraki, ‘the cloud piercer’, in Maori. There will be time to take an early morning walk in the neighbouring valleys or enjoy a scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier or cruise on the glacial lake, before heading towards the mountain-rimmed Mackenzie Basin, over the Lindis Pass and through the Kawerau Gorge into Queenstown. In Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand, spend the evening relaxing, pick from the best of Queenstown's restaurants and bars - all an easy walk from your home for the next 3 nights.
Overnight: Scenic Suites or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 15
Milford Sound
Journeying alongside Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, you’ll be struck by the sheer beauty of this area. The Milford Road is world-famous and a panorama of deep glacier-studded valleys, stark mountain ranges and reflective lakes. Board a cruise upon arrival at Milford, looking out for the playful seal colonies and pods of dolphins where the sound meets the Tasman Sea. You’ll return back to Queenstown via a magical scenic flight over the Southern Alps for spectacular views of the landscape.
Overnight: Scenic Suites or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 16
Queenstown
Spend the whole day at leisure today, exploring this wonderful resort town for yourself. There’s something for everyone here, from the extreme to the sedate. Why not take a jet boat ride along the Dart River or visit some of the locations used in the Lord of the Rings films? White water rafting down the Shotover or Kawarau River is an unforgettable experience. While there are plenty of activities, if you're looking to unwind, wander the boutique shops and walkways or visit the Botanic Gardens.
Overnight: Scenic Suites or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 17
Wanaka
Begin today with a visit to the village of Arrowtown, a destination with a rich gold mining history. You’ll then follow the road over the Crown Range where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Gibbston Valley. There will be a stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel, with a history dating back to the gold mining era. Make the most of some free time after lunch to explore the lovely Wanaka for yourself. Opt to bike the waterfront trail, kayak in the lake, or head next door to the Rippon Vineyard for wine!
Overnight: Edgewater Resort or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 18
Franz Josef Glacier
The journey takes you past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea today as you venture into unspoiled mountain scenery of the Haast Pass in Mt Aspiring National Park, where you’ll be led via tracks in the native beech forests to clear blue pools and cascading waterfalls where trout lurk, there's plenty of time to wander and take photos of the natural beauties. In the afternoon you’ll head north through the Westland World Heritage Park rainforests, stopping en-route to Ship Creek to wander along the beach - keep your eyes out for dolphins feeding in the shallows! You’ll view Fox Glacier as you make your way further into the rainforest and Lake Matheson which is famous for its reflections of the Alps.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 19
Hokitika & Punakaiki
Today offers a special visit to the settlement of Okarito which is located between the Okarito Lagoon and the Tasman Sea. You can either take an optional gentle kayaking excursion or a boat cruise along the shallow waters of the lagoon, which is the feeding ground for the rare white heron which breeds in the nearby reserve. This World Heritage Park is incredibly picturesque and tranquil – perhaps you may wish to take a helihike on the glacier or a flight over the Alps to Mt Cook. Alternatively, take a dip in the hot pools which are fed by pure glacier water.
Head north this afternoon, travelling through serene countryside with lovely lakes and rivers flowing through and the southern alps showing in the distance. On arrival in Hokitika the Punami (greenstone) capital of the country you'll be able to visit the carvers, glass blowing, wood and copper artisans as well as enjoying a coffee and a chance to visit the commercial areas. Arrive at your home for two nights in Punakaiki, right on the beach in the perfect spot to enjoy your last few sunsets in New Zealand!
Overnight: The Scenic Hotel or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 20
Punakaiki & Paparoa National Park
Sky high limestone cliffs and karst rock formations with wonderful valleys coated in the lush tropical appearing forest. Discover the Pancake Rocks and hike the Pike 29 Memorial Track - the newest 'Great walk'. You have plenty of time this afternoon to take an optional trip to the Charleston Glowworm Caves or go horse riding or kayaking if you prefer something more active.
Overnight: The Scenic Hotel or simular (Breakfast included)
Day 21
Christchurch
Today sees you retrace your steps down the coast as you journey up the Otira Gorge on an amazing cantilevered road to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Upon reaching the summit, admire the views and watch the keas (alpine parrots) as they fly between the mountains. There is the opportunity to stretch your legs in the beech forests at Arthur’s Pass village and again at the massive limestone rocks rising out the bare pasture at Castle Hill. Descend into Porter’s Pass to the Canterbury Plains before reaching Christchurch in the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your evening flight home.
***If you have time, spend one or two extra nights in Christchurch after your tour finishes***
