Day 1
Auckland
Arrive into the vibrant Auckland and pick up your travel pack from a representative which will contain your itinerary, maps and hotel information. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring the City of Sails.
Overnight: Fable Auckland / Breakfast Included
Day 2
Auckland
Auckland is a large and diverse city with so much to keep visitors occupied. You may wish to visit and climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge with a guide, learning about the architecture and history of this iconic structure. Alternatively, you could take a ferry to Rangitoto Island, which is the youngest of the volcanic cones in this region. The best way to experience all that this city has to offer is with a city tour, ticking off all of the highlights. If you would prefer something a little more relaxed, opt for a wine tour in Kumeu Wine Country.
Overnight: Fable Auckland / Breakfast Included
Day 3
Auckland – Rotorua (223km)
Drive south from Auckland on State Highway 1 which will take you past the Bombay Hills and on to Waikato. East from here is Hobbit country, where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films were made in the town of Matamata. Upon arrival into Rotorua, you’ll see steam rising from the hills and roadsides, as a result of the geothermal activity. The rich heritage and history has inspired some fascinating attractions, including the Rotorua Museum and the Buried Village where you can learn more about the volcanic eruption of 1886. One of the most popular attractions for visitors here is the Mitai Maori Village, where you can enjoy traditional performances and demonstrations, coupled with a classic Hangi meal.
Overnight: On the Point Rotorua / Breakfast included
Day 4
Rotorua
Sitting in the heart of the world’s most volcanically active region, Rotorua is a really interesting place to explore, with numerous natural attractions and a rich culture. Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, just 30 minutes from Rotorua, and explore a network of mud pools, sulphur ponds and geysers. A trip to Rainbow Springs offers up the opportunity to see some of the native flora in New Zealand as well as the chance to see the native kiwi bird. Likewise, canopy tours are available if you’re feeling adventurous and want to see Rotorua from a new and exciting vantage. Rotorua is second to Queenstown for adventure activities, so if you want something adrenalin-pumping then why not try your hand at zorbing, rafting or hiking along one of the beautiful walking routes.
Overnight: On the Point Rotorua / Breakfast included
Day 5
Rotorua – Napier (210km)
Today’s route takes you south of Rotorua, through the thermal regions of Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon, near Taupo. You’ll be directed to Huka Falls and the churning waters of Lake Taupo; from Taupo you’ll cross the Ahimanawa Range to descend to the shoreline of Napier. This art deco city is a fascinating place to explore and home to numerous beautiful buildings.
Overnight: McHardy Lodge (Breakfast included)
Day 6
Napier – Wellington (318km)
The landscape merges into rich farmlands as you make your way from Hawke’s Bay to the Manawatu region. Just an hour from Wellington, the Wairarapa region greets you with beautiful scenery and takes you on to Greytown which has the largest concentration of historic wooden buildings in the country. You’ll venture over the Rimutaka Range and along the natural harbour to Wellington City.
Overnight: Bolton Hotel Wellington (Breakfast included)
Day 7
Wellington – Picton
Take a ferry ride from Wellington to Picton, which will last around 3hrs and is one of the most breath-taking ferry rides in the world. There are many notable attractions along your route, including the seal colony of Red Rocks, Oterangi Bay and views of the Kaikoura Ranges along the Cook Strait.
Overnight: Senen House, Picton / Breakfast Included
Day 8
Picton – Kaikoura (110km)
This beautiful part of the South Island is renowned for being a great spot for whale watching and seeing seals, but it’s also a bustling town with quaint restaurants and shops. The wildlife is the real selling point of Kaikoura and there are some great experiences to enjoy here, such as swimming with fur seals and flights over the waters to witness whales and other marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Bendamere House B&B / Breakfast included
Day 9
Kaikoura – Christchurch (170km)
The drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch follows some spectacular coastline along the South Island, before venturing north through the Waipara Valley. There’s a great detour if you want to see more of the landscape which takes you to Hanmer Springs – take a dip in the relaxing thermal pools. You’ll then arrive into Christchurch.
Overnight: Orari Apartments / Breakfast included
Day 10
Christchurch
Spend the day in Christchurch and see the sights on a tour of this regenerating city. This is the largest city on the South Island and has plenty of things to see and so, from bike tours to the International Antarctic Centre where you can see penguins and experience the icy polar region without leaving New Zealand. A great way to see the scenery is with a balloon safari over Christchurch or with a gondola ride over Heathcote Valley.
Overnight: Orari Apartments / Breakfast included
Day 11
Christchurch – Mt Cook National Park (329km)
Today sees you head into the centre of South Island, crossing the Canterbury Plains and taking an optional stop at scenic Geraldine before heading into the Mackenzie Country. Visit Lake Tekapo and admire the views, before arriving at Lake Pukaki where you’ll catch your first sighting of Mt Cook. There are countless ways to experience this beautiful area, but a ski plane or a glacier landing are some of the best. At the hotel, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre.
Overnight: Hermitage Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 12
Mt Cook National Park – Dunedin
Today you'll leave Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and travel past Twizel, one of the locations for the Lord of the Rings films. Go through Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand, be sure to stop at The Wrinkly Ram, a quirky local cafe and souvenir store. Driving through the Waitaki Valley follow the hydro power generating system towards the east coast. Stretch your legs in Oamaru, known for its white stone buildings constructed with the local Oamaru Stone. If you were a little late off the mark this morning you may get the chance to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk.
Continue south down the coast to Moeraki, and take a detour towards the beach to see the Moeraki Boulders, a unique geological feature well worth a look. As you arrive in Dunedin, take in the city’s Edwardian and Scottish heritage reflected in the buildings around the city centre The Octagon.
Overnight: Camp Estate at Lanarch Castle / Breakfast included
Day 13
Explore Dunedin and visit the spectacular Otago Peninsula
Overnight: Camp Estate at Lanarch Castle / Breakfast included
Day 14
Dunedin - Fijordland (233km)
Cross fertile Southern farmland to arrive in Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park
Overnight: Te Anau Lodge / Breakfast and lunch included
Day 15
Milford Sound
A full day to explore the magic of Milford Sound by cruise The road to Milford Sound offers some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery in the country. From crystal clear lakes and towering mountains to lush glacier formed meadows, this area is dramatic and unyielding.
Get up close and personal with Milford Sound on a leisurely cruise of this spectacular fiord. From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford has it all. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.
Overnight: Te Anau Lodge / Breakfast and lunch included
Day 16
Queenstown
Today you’ll cross vast tussock lands on your way to Queenstown. Pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of the nation. Continue on through the Southland countryside where the road begins to hug the lake edge and the Remarkables mountain range towers over your approach into the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Overnight: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel / breakfast included
Day 17
Explore Queenstown
Well-known as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world's first and most famous bungy jumps to jet boat thrills, white-water rafting, and skydiving. However, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks and gardens, browse through market stalls on weekends, dine in wonderful al-fresco restaurants, or ride on the 100-year-old historic Steamship - TSS Earneslaw to Walter Peak Station. Take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob's Peak and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent lake and mountain ranges. And after all of that, if you do want the adrenaline rush, Queenstown is known for taking your pick from the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-ski.
Overnight: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel / breakfast included
Day 18
Queenstown - Franz Josef (350km)
Continue over the Crown Range to Wanaka and then onto the wild West Coast. From Queenstown you'll cross the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand to arrive in the Alpine town of Wanaka, gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. Skirting the shores of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter the small town of Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a 1-hour return walk through the native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Continue on through the remote seaside settlement of Haast before heading up the wild West Coast highway you pass through ancient temperate rainforests while getting sneak peeks of the wild coast beaches occasionally.
Overnight: Westwood Lodge / Breakfast Included
Day 19
Explore Franz Josef
Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.
Overnight: Westwood Lodge / Breakfast Included
Day 20
Franz Josef – Christchurch (171km)
Take the scenic Tranz Alpine train route from Greymouth train station and admire the awe-inspiring landscape as you make your way through gorges, past mountain scenery and venture past breath-taking waterfalls before descending into Christchurch.
Overnight: Elizas Manor Boutique Hotel
Day 21
Christchurch
This marks the end of your tour – depart from Christchurch today.
