Haere mai! Welcome to New Zealand – or Aotearoa, home of the Māori. Touch down in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau), which is the largest and one of the most vibrant cities in New Zealand. Located on the North Island, Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’, thanks to its two sparkling harbours. A multicultural centre for food, wine and shopping, Auckland is also home to a variety of parklands and over 40 volcanoes.
Once you arrive in the city, travel to the hotel to check in, drop your bags in your room and refresh. Pick up a welcome letter from reception with some important information about the tour, before meeting your group for the first time and enjoying a delicious welcome dinner.
Optional activities:
- SkyWalk pass (from NZ$185 per person).
- SkyJump pass (from NZ$280 per person).
- Auckland Harbour sailing (surcharges apply).
- Auckland Harbour dinner cruise (surcharges apply).
- Hobbiton movie set tour (surcharges apply).
After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll be travelling onward towards Waitomo, world-famous for its mystical glowworm caves. Waitomo has attracted immense audiences and notable explorers, including Sir David Attenborough. Board an exciting boat ride through Waitomo Caves, lit entirely by glowworms, and become immersed in this natural spectacle of light. Then, navigate through tunnels and hollows on a walking tour of another incredible limestone cave, created over millions of years.
Continue your journey to Rotorua, which is considered the geothermal gem of New Zealand. Once you’re settled in, sit down for a dinner with your fellow travellers before turning in for the night.
After a nourishing breakfast, start your day coasting around the shores of shimmering Lake Rotorua. Find yourself at a lookout point and bask in the stunning views of the famous Mount Tarawera. This natural wonder was formerly the home of a renowned collection of pink-and-white terraces tragically destroyed in a volcanic eruption in 1886. Travel onwards to explore the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, New Zealand’s most-visited archaeological site.
After lunch, wander through Whakarewarewa Forest, where you’ll come across towering redwoods, magnificent Douglas firs and New Zealand’s signature native silver fern. Then, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to get to know Rotorua. You may like to take a stroll around Kuirau Park and witness its geothermal activity in the form of boiling mud pools and steaming lakes. Wander through the government gardens at the lake’s edge, take a moment for pampering at the Polynesian Spa or ride a gondola up to witness the incredible Rotorua vistas.
Optional activities:
- Polynesian spa and thermal pools entry (from NZ$39.95 per person).
- Mount Tawawera helicopter flight with volcano landing (from NZ$535 per person).
- Crater Lakes helicopter flight (from NZ$250 per person).
- Crater Lakes seaplane flight (from NZ$205 per person).
After breakfast, travel onward to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara to experience what many would consider the heart of New Zealand. Make your way to Kohutapu Lodge, owned and preserved by a dedicated Māori family, passionate about giving back to the local community. Embark on a guided tour of sacred Māori rock carvings in the area and witness the preparation of a traditional ground-cooked Hāngī meal at the lodge. Dine while learning about traditional Māori cooking and culture.
After lunch, the group will depart for Taupo, where you’re free to take in the sights of the rushing Huka Falls and adventure through the charming lakeside town.
This morning, the journey continues to the spectacular Hawke’s Bay region, home to Napier, which boasts some of the best wineries in the country. Stop off at Mission Estate Winery – New Zealand’s oldest surviving winery – and enjoy a tasting before sitting down to a refined lunch paired with stunning wines in the estate’s peaceful ambience.
Afterwards, take a relaxed drive into the stunning coastal town of Napier, known for its array of spectacular and impeccably preserved Art Deco facades. Wander along the town’s verdant tree-lined promenade and perhaps you’ll choose to dine at one of the iconic seafood restaurants overlooking the picturesque oceanfront (at your own expense).
After breakfast in Napier, it’s time to hit the road again and head onward to Wellington. Along the way, stop off at Greytown, Wairarapa’s oldest town, for a wander through this beautiful village full of Victorian-era buildings and eclectic local boutiques. Next up is Wellington, a relaxed cultural hub and home to some of the country’s best coffee and chocolate. Located at the southwestern tip of the North Island, the city claims a cosy spot between the Cook Strait and Remutaka Range, home to a population of just over 200,000.
Spend your afternoon however you please in this stunning city. Perhaps choose to admire incredible exhibits at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, relax in the flourishing Botanic Garden or take a spin on the Wellington Cable Car.
After breakfast, jump on a ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. If weather permits, make your way up to the open-air deck to witness the magnificent Marlborough Sounds and maybe even spot some native wildlife.
Upon arrival in Picton, take your transfer onward to Nelson. In the evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore the region and sample some of Nelson’s most delicious food and wine (at your own expense).
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your free day in Nelson. Known as New Zealand’s sunshine capital, this small city packs a punch in the way of arts and culture. Make the most of your time amid the country’s renowned hops-growing region however you choose.
You might embark on a tasty wine or beer tour, either on foot or by bike, or get to the heart of the area’s natural beauty with a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park – home to golden sands and tranquil walking tracks, including a trail to the centre of New Zealand, which provides breathtaking views (surcharges apply).
Optional activities:
- Golden Bay cruise (from NZ$499 per person).
- Nelson Classic Car Museum (from NZ$19 per person).
- Abel Tasman National Park vista cruise (from NZ$499 per person).
- Hop-on hop-off wine tour (from NZ$99.50 per person).
- Full-day sailing in Abel Tasman National Park (from NZ$246 per person).
Begin your relaxed morning drive to Blenheim after breakfast. Arrive at the spectacular vineyard of one of New Zealand’s best sauvignon blanc producers and stop for a delicious lunch among the vines of Marlborough’s wine country.
Once you’re finished with lunch, set off further down the coast, enjoying the scenery and marine life spottings, if you’re lucky. Along this stretch, admire Kaikoura’s rugged coastline, wonderful mountains and the rolling farmland of Canterbury. Arrive in the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch, and enjoy dinner at the hotel for the perfect end to your day.
Following a delightful breakfast, you’ll head south, down the eastern coastline of the South Island, and cruise through the township of Oamaru, which is home to some of New Zealand’s most well-preserved heritage buildings.
Next up, travel onward to the magical Moeraki Boulders. Here, enjoy marvelling at the geological structures that began forming over 60 million years ago. These boulders now stand watch along the beach, guarding the foreshore in stony silence.
Later, pull into Dunedin with ample time to explore this unique town with rich Scottish heritage, or rest in the comfort of your accommodation if you prefer.
Optional activities:
- Speight’s Brewery tour (from NZ$30 per person).
- Dunedin train station visit (surcharges apply).
Spend the morning strolling through the glorious gardens of Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s oldest castle, and admire the picturesque view.
Jumping back aboard your coach, you’ll travel onwards to Gore. Learn all about this quaint town and its colourful history of illicit whiskey distilling at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Hear stories about the Scottish settlers and their captivating tales of criminal pursuits and finish with a special tasting of Old Hokonui, made using the original recipe.
As evening falls drive on to Te Anau, known as the gateway to Fiordland and Doubtful Sound, for a group dinner and a pleasant night’s rest.
Optional activities:
- Glowworm caves evening tour (from NZ$119 per person).
After a delicious breakfast, set a course from Te Anau to Manapouri. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely cruise across the shimmering lake to West Arm, then take a short drive across Wilmot Pass, along New Zealand’s most expensive road. Make a brief stop to experience the lush Fiordland rainforest and bask in the sparkling views of majestic Doubtful Sound below.
As you board a modern catamaran at Deep Cove, prepare to experience the sheer grandeur of these mountain-girded waters. With only a handful of boats on the water at a time, Doubtful Sound offers a serene escape of total tranquillity. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife, from penguins to seals and playful dolphins, as you enjoy relaxing in the sound.
At the end of the cruise, travel onwards to Queenstown, your home for the next two nights.
With no planned tour activity today, take your time to explore Queenstown at your leisure – it’s a true adventurer’s paradise. Loved for the vast array of thrilling activities up for grabs in and around the city, spend your day plotting all things adrenaline-pumping or take it easy discovering the incredible beauty of the city as you please.
The choice is yours, whether you jump aboard the iconic ShotoverJet or join a tour around the gold-mining region of Skippers Canyon. Chase the best views of the city with a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak and perhaps enjoy a delicious lunch at the Skyline restaurant (surcharges apply). Kick things up a notch with a visit to the bungy jumping centre and watch other people completing their own jumps. Slow things down with a leisurely stroll around the lakeside, toasting with a refreshing drink and time to soak up the lush surrounds.
Optional activities:
- 4WD Hollywood on-location tour from Glenorchy (from NZ$270 per person).
- Skippers Canyon scenic tour (from NZ$189 per person).
- Half-day boutique wine tour (from NZ$239 per person).
- Dart River jet boat wilderness tour (from NZ$299 per person).
- Skyline gondola and dinner – guaranteed window seat (from NZ$159 per person).
- TSS Earnslaw steamboat cruise (from NZ$90 per person) with lunch (from NZ$165 per person).
Gather your energy with a delicious breakfast, then set off for Arrowtown, a historic gold-mining town with picturesque appeal and a fascinating story. Travel onwards to Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s most popular and beautiful lakeside towns.
This afternoon, travel north towards the small town of Haast on the west coast, famed for its prime seafood delicacies, such as crayfish and whitebait. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is home to the Haast River, spectacular beaches and breathtaking lookouts.
Tonight, enjoy a delicious group dinner at your hotel.
After breakfast, start north along the coast of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park to the chilly charms of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Stop at the Fox Glacier for a leisurely optional walk around Lake Matheson. Bask in the placid beauty of this dynamic glacial landscape, admiring the region’s lush rainforests and verdant mountains. Famed for its crystal-clear views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, Lake Matheson is a serene spot for a stroll.
Later, arrive in the town of Franz Josef, where your day concludes after another group dinner.
Optional activities:
- Franz Josef Glacier scenic flight with snow landing (from NZ$330 per person).
- Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers scenic flight with snow landing (from NZ$425 per person).
- Aoraki (Mount Cook) scenic flight with snow landing (from NZ$580 per person).
For your final full day, depart from Franz Josef after breakfast and make your way north once more to the creative town of Hokitika. Visit one of the town’s greenstone and glass-blowing factories for a glimpse at some of the region’s finest local craft.
Continue onwards to Greymouth, a town historically linked to jade- and gold-mining. From here, you’ll board the exciting TranzAlpine Scenic Train – regarded as one of the world’s best day journeys along the rails. Let the spectacular forest vistas, rolling hills and snow-capped mountains leave you breathless as you settle in for this glorious scenic route.
Once your train journey is complete, transfer to your comfortable hotel in Christchurch to enjoy a final group dinner to farewell the tour.
Your journey concludes at check-out today with one final breakfast and a heartfelt goodbye to your fellow travellers. Whether you’re travelling home today or staying in Christchurch a bit longer on your own, you’ll leave your tour with countless incredible memories.
Optional activities:
- Punting on the Avon (from NZ$40 per person).
- Akaroa day tour with scenic cruise and lunch (from NZ$250 per person).
- Lord of the Rings high country tour with lunch (from NZ$299 per person).
- Waipara wine trail (from NZ$160 per person).
- Christchurch tram tour (from NZ$35 per person).