Day 1 – Auckland

Accommodation: M Social, Auckland

Haere mai – welcome! Arrive into Auckland and take some time to orientate yourself and explore the ‘City of Sails’.

Day 2 – Auckland to Bay of Islands

Accommodation: Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell

 Breakfast

Travel north via Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge visiting the Reed Memorial Park.  Here walk along an elevated canopy walkway through a remnant of the original kauri forests – some kauri trees are known to be at least 500 years old.  Take in the picturesque Whangārei Falls formed more than 2 million years ago, before continuing to the Bay of Islands, a stunning region of 144 sub-tropical islands scattered through warm shallow waters and bays abundant in natural wonders and marine life.  Regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is rich in both Māori culture and early European history.  You are welcomed to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, to learn the story of Waitangi including the signing of the 1840 treaty between Māori tribes and British settlers; the magnificent meeting house; the interactive and contemporary museum; and the war canoe (waka).  Next, take a ferry to the seaside village of Russell spending the next two nights at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

Day 3 – Bay of Islands Accommodation: Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell

 Breakfast

Today you have the choice of two excursions:

a) Discover the Far North of New Zealand

This full day coach tour will take you to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand to watch the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea and where according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey to the homeland – Hawaiki. In the morning, we will travel from Russell to Paihia on the Belle Bay Ferry, where we’ll join a Great Sights coach (other passengers will be on board) for an unforgettable journey to the very tip of the North Island, travelling along the sand-swept shore of Ninety Mile Beach (Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe). During the trip you will have the opportunity to try sandboarding down sand dunes on boogie boards, take in magical views as you stand beneath the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse, and enjoy the drive on the vast and empty Ninety Mile Beach. A knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating stories and insights throughout the day, bringing the region’s rich history and culture vividly to life. At day’s end, we’ll return to Russell from Paihia aboard the Bay Belle Ferry. Depart Russell at 7.00am and return to Russell at approximately 7.00pm. Lunch is included.

b) Hole in the Rock Cruise & Tour of Russell

This morning, enjoy a breathtaking cruise aboard a purpose-built catamaran through the pristine waters of the Bay of Islands and along the dramatic Cape Brett Peninsula. Take in views of the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ – a highlight of the journey. Weather permitting, the boat will cruise slowly through the Hole and into the stunning Grand Cathedral Cave. Your skipper will provide engaging and informative commentary throughout the cruise. The Bay is rich with marine life and native bird species, so keep watch for dolphins, whales, and seabirds along the way. The cruise includes a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can purchase lunch (own cost), take a swim, or go for a leisurely walk. This afternoon, return to Russell and meet a local guide for an entertaining insight into this pretty little town’s rip-roaring past, when drunken sailors earned it the name ‘the hell hole of the Pacific’. Visit some of New Zealand’s most historically significant buildings and enjoy sweeping views from Flagstaff Hill.

Day 4 – Bay of Islands to Auckland Accommodation: M Social, Auckland

Breakfast

Head south through rural towns and past delightful beaches before arriving in Auckland; New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’ including panoramic views from Bastion Point; trendy Parnell Village; the lovely bays of the waterfront drive; and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area. Also enjoy a guided tour of the Auckland Museum which gives an excellent introduction to the artistic legacy and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific.

Accommodation: Oceans Resort, Whitianga

Breakfast

Travel across the fertile Hauraki Plains to Thames then head up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. This coastal drive is quite spectacular and on a clear day, keep an eye out for the SkyTower which can be seen across the Firth of Thames. Visit the nearby Driving Creek Railway climbing 120m on a narrow-gauge line to the ‘EyeFull’ Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and back over the Hauraki Gulf. Drive east across the Peninsula through beautiful scenery to reach the resort of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.

Accommodation: Oceans Resort, Whitianga

Breakfast

White cliffs, golden beaches, inviting turquoise waters and green forests are the colours of the Coromandel, with scarlet highlights courtesy of the flowers of Pōhutukawa trees in summer, making this one of our favourite regions.  Rightly famous is Hot Water Beach, where warm springs bubble up through the sand, and when the tide is right you can dig out your very own ‘spa’ pool for a wallow in the warm waters.  Take a walk along the beautiful sandy beach at Hahei appreciating the breathtaking coastal scenery.  Also visit Cooks Beach – named after Captain James Cook who sailed on the HMS Endeavour into Mercury Bay in 1769 – famous for its long golden sandy beach which is now a popular retreat for Kiwis during summer months.   

From Cooks Beach you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to your accommodation or travel back with your driver. 

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua

Breakfast

Taking the Pacific Coast Highway through the beachside towns of Whangamatā and Tauranga in the beautiful Bay of Plenty before turning inland to visit a well-formed bushwalk with scenic lookouts over Okere Falls. From there, we continue on to Rotorua, the epicentre of New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Māori heritage. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without a stop at Te Puia, where we explore its active geothermal sites, experience the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and learn about Kiwi conservation projects. At Te Puia, it’s part of their culture to welcome, guide, entertain, and treat you like part of the family.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua

Breakfast |  Dinner

Today you have the choice of two excursions:

1. Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Site of the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 the devasting eruption buried local Māori villages and destroyed the world-famous ‘Pink and White’ silica terraces, once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. This catastrophic event changed the landscape forever and created the valley you can now walk through, past boiling craters and jewel-coloured steaming lakes. Take a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the site of the old silica terraces, hear the story of Guide Sophia and see the new terraces of silica slowly forming.

2. Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set

Visit the delightful setting for The Shire that featured in Peter Jackson’s films, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit film series. Your Hobbiton guide will escort you through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details of how the movie set was created (other visitors will join this tour). The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse and other structures created for the films can be viewed, and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. At Bagshot Row, you’ll get an authentic glimpse into Hobbit life, including time to explore one of two beautifully detailed Hobbit Holes.

This evening visit Tamaki Māori Village for Te Pā Tū. The evening experience and feast is aligned to and changes with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Feast on Māori song, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) amidst towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Hākari (feasting) begins with forest horotai (canapes) and culminates in a lavish 4-course fusion feast. Hāngī is featured in varied seasonal menus designed by Māori chefs served to table, al fresco when warm, or in the wharekai (dining room) if cooler.

During summer months, Tū Te Rā celebrates harvest and concepts concerning ancient Māori warfare and peace. Over winter months, Tū Te Ihi celebrates the Matariki star cluster with mystical ritual, energy, and passion. Return hotel transfers included – other travellers will be on board.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier

Breakfast |  Dinner

Visit the powerful Huka Falls then view the vast Lake Taupō – more inland sea than lake, though its fresh waters teem with trout. Across the lake stands the mighty volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro within the Tongariro National Park. Onto Napier to view one of the world’s most complete examples of Art Deco architecture, second (arguably) only to Miami Beach. This joyful seaside town had a tragic birth, being virtually levelled by fierce fires that followed the devastating 1931 earthquake. Napier was rebuilt in the most up-to-date style of the time, which today is referred to as Art Deco. This afternoon your local guide brings history and architecture alive with entertaining stories as you discover Napier on foot. Today’s journey has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening’s treat is dinner at New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate, where you enjoy dinner in the restored seminary buildings with sweeping views of Napier.

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Wellington

Breakfast

Travel through the vineyards and orchards of Hawke’s Bay and the bush-clad ranges of the Wairarapa into New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. On arrival view New Zealand’s magnificent Parliament Buildings including the iconic ‘Beehive’ building. From the Kelburn lookout take the Wellington Cable Car down into the central city precinct before visiting Te Papa – one of the most exciting museums in the world, featuring New Zealand insights; the shaping of its land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, its unique wildlife, landscapes and its distinctive popular culture.

Accommodation: Heritage Rutherford Hotel, Nelson

Breakfast

Your day commences with one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world. Travelling through the waters of Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound the ferry is often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow waves. Disembarking in Picton travel the short distance to Blenheim in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. What better way to enjoy this region famous for its Sauvignon Blanc than with wine tasting at one of Marlborough’s premier wineries? From Marlborough cross to the Nelson district a corner of the South Island blessed with a sunny microclimate and your base for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Heritage Rutherford Hotel, Nelson

Breakfast

Paradise found! Abel Tasman National Park is a mosaic of golden coves and turquoise lagoons sheltered by forested ranges to the south. With few roads in this pristine wilderness, most journeys are made by boat.

This morning from Kaiteriteri, your tour includes a choice of one activity from these three options:

a) Non – Walking Option:

Full Park Scenic Cruise (3-4 hour cruise)

Enjoy a morning cruise exploration of New Zealand’s smallest National Park. View world-famous Split Apple Rock, New Zealand Fur Seals, golden sands and the turquoise waters of Anchorage, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Awaroa and Tōtaranui Beach. Enjoy time at your leisure in Kaiteriteri and return to Nelson on the late afternoon transfer.

b) Walking Option 1:

Astrolabe Beaches and Bays (7km, 2.5 hour walk)

After the Full Park Scenic Cruise, disembark at Apple Tree Bay for a self-guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach. Late afternoon shuttle transfer back to Nelson.

c) Walking Option 2:

Forest and Swing-Bridge (10.5km, 4 hour walk)

After the Full Park Scenic Cruise, disembark at Medlands Beach for a rewarding and varied self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach including the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool. Late afternoon shuttle transfer back to Nelson.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel, Punakaiki

Breakfast

Driving via the Nelson Lakes National Park – an enchanting alpine landscape of rugged peaks, forests, stunning glacial lakes and the beginning of the awe-inspiring Southern Alps make a stop at the quaint village of St. Arnaud on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Turn inland to follow the Buller River Gorge – one of the world’s best but least-known scenic drives, carved out of the forest by 19th century prospectors, it follows the deep river gorge, often crossing it on single-track bridges. Emerging from the forest the road hugs the coastline south to the small settlement of Punakaiki – renowned for its wild, rugged coastline and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’ – these stratified limestone stacks are an extraordinary monument of nature.

Accommodation: Te Weheka Retreat, Fox Glacier

Breakfast

Journey south along the Great Coast Road which was recently voted one of the top ten coastal drives in the world by Lonely Planet.  Pass through historic towns reaching Hokitika and its galleries specialising in pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and artworks.   Stretch your legs at the dramatic Hokitika Gorge where the blue/green waters pass through the rugged rocks.  Continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to Franz Josef then on to the small remote village of Fox.  The huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level.  Weather permitting, an optional helicopter ride with a snow landing is a terrific way to experience the sheer grandeur of these West Coast glaciers (extra cost).

Accommodation: Edgewater Resort, Wānaka

Breakfast

Have your camera ready for your visit to nearby Lake Matheson for a morning stroll – when conditions are right the lake perfectly mirrors beautiful Mount Cook in its still waters. Head over the Haast Pass along the river road beside the icy river and deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.  The atmosphere lightens as we reach lovely Lake Wānaka, reflecting the mountain peaks that in winter offer superb skiing, and the pretty resort town of Wānaka.

Accommodation: Edgewater Resort, Wānaka

Breakfast

This morning you have the choice of two excursions:

a) Today join a passionate local eco-guide – as you depart Wānaka by boat and quickly leave civilization behind as you cruise across the lake to a predator-free island. The walking track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native vegetation filled with very vocal birdlife to the top to the “island’s secret”- a lake on top of the island with small islands in it!  Unique and very photogenic, the echo of birdsong here is astounding.  Carrying on a little further you come to the very top of the island and have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wānaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool below. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the panorama. The flightless Buff Weka often join visitors on the island; this rare flightless bird has been extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920.

b) Experience New Zealand’s most authentic 4WD adventure – the perfect mix of incredible scenery, history, heritage and farming life. Explore remote and seldom travelled back roads of an authentic New Zealand High Country farm overlooking sparkling Lake Wānaka.  Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers and wild river valleys you’ll see farm animals including Red Deer, cattle and sheep up close and in their natural environment.  Visit historical sites and experience what life was like for Wānaka’s first farmers.  With two optional walks, through pristine alpine meadows and ancient lakeside forests, this journey offers a unique insight into Wānaka’s rich history, heritage, modern-day farming life and breath-taking scenery.

This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or enjoy your own choice of activities.

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Luxmore, Te Anau

Breakfast

Depart Wānaka with your first stop at the much photographed Cardrona Pub before traversing the Crown Range road to visit historic Arrowtown – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River.  Continue your journey via the road pinned between the base of the Remarkables mountain range and spectacular Lake Wakatipu.  Journey through a glacial formed valley that is now farmland, to reach Lake Te Anau, the largest (by volume) freshwater lake in the South Island and gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Breakfast |  Lunch

The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels.  Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere.  The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers.  Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is breath-taking in any weather.  Board a comfortable vessel for a cruise past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea.  Keep an eye peeled for seals and dolphins which are often seen in the waters of the fiord.  Following the cruise, retrace your journey back to Te Anau travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley then across the Southland farmlands and around spectacular Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.

Accommodation: Scenic Suites, Queenstown

Breakfast

Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of Queenstown create the perfect backdrop for a visit full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. Today is free for you to do your own thing: thrill-seekers may choose to zip-line at Bob’s Peak, get drenched on a Shotover jet-boat ride or go white-water rafting.  Other enjoyable but less hair-raising activities include the gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, or a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon.  Boutique wineries and local gardens welcome visitors and the classic steamship TSS Earnslaw is an elegant way to discover Lake Wakatipu during a cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Accommodation: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel

 Breakfast

Continue north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past pretty Lake Dunstan and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass.  Descend into the unique Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon.  Take a beautiful drive along Lake Pukaki to Mt. Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook, then stay overnight in the small town of Twizel.

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch

 Breakfast 

Visit a local home set on the shores of Lake Tekapo and learn the secrets of making a Pavlova – a truly Kiwi dessert!  For morning tea, enjoy the taste of your pavlova as you drink in the views of this beautiful lake.   View the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most-photographed spots; a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps.  Pass across the high country’s tussock plains, through the small rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine and onto Ashburton.  From here travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.  This most English of New Zealand cities suffered a succession of terrible earthquakes in 2010/11.   Post-earthquake the city combines urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and creativity.

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch

Breakfast |  Dinner

This morning we join punting boatmen, resplendent with straw boaters and traditional Edwardian dress for a relaxing cruise in flat-bottomed punts along the River Avon through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.   Enjoy a journey in style onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre.  This is the final part of our journey together so tonight we enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast

Haere rā – farewell from New Zealand.  After breakfast you are transferred to the Christchurch Airport for your return home, taking with you your fond memories of your time in New Zealand.  Alternatively, should you wish to extend your stay, we can assist you with additional travel arrangements.