Sample Itinerary
The Best of New Zealand
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
Arrive at Auckland International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your city accommodation. Enjoy a brief sightseeing tour upon entry to Auckland City.
The remaining afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise and familiarise yourself with the City.
Day 2 – Auckland - Bay of Islands
Transfer to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, approximately 4 hours drive.
Once you get away from the city traffic and across the Auckland Harbour Bridge to the North, you enter more of the typically green rural NZ countryside. We head north on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway – a world class-touring route. Travel up the Mangawhai Coast via beautiful Bream Bay and the many Pohutukawa-lined beaches and onto Paihia, in the stunning Bay of Islands. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 – Bay of Islands
Enjoy a day at leisure in the Bay of Islands. You may like to relax on a golden sandy beach, take a cruise to visit the famous ‘Cape Brett Hole in the Rock’ or go swimming with dolphins. This afternoon we visit New Zealand’s birthplace, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It was here in 1840, both the Maori and the British Crown signed New Zealand’s most significant document, the Treaty of Waitangi. You will experience a 1.5 hr guided tour of the beautiful grounds and Maori meeting houses.
Later in the evening, you will have the opportunity to experience the spectacular Culture North Maori Show.
Day 4 - Bay of Islands - Auckland
Return to Auckland today via the awe inspiring Kauri Forests and the beautiful harbour side township of Whangarei.
Upon arrival in Auckland this afternoon you may like to escape the city and cruise the sparkling waters of Auckland’s beautiful harbour or perhaps have a look around the viaduct basin where the Americas Cup Village was based. Alternatively venture to the top of Sky Tower for fantastic views across New Zealand’s largest city or get close to a shark at Kelly Tarltons Underwater World.
Day 5 – Auckland – Waitomo - Rotorua
Leaving the 'City of Sails' we travel south to Waitomo Caves. Waitomo means the place where water (‘wai’) disappears into a huge hole in the ground (tomo).
This afternoon we visit the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Discover the ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos, the climax of your guided tour is a boat trip into the Glow-worm grotto, where for hundreds of years visitors have journeyed into this “starry wonderland” and been fascinated and intrigued by the tiny insect that can perform such magic.
Afterwards we continue on to Rotorua. Geothermal fields, Maori culture, health spas, world class fishing in trout-stocked lakes and a long tradition with tourism await you. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Relax at the nearby Polynesian Thermal Pools or perhaps enjoy a walk through the beautiful Redwood Forest.
Tonight, enjoy a Maori Cultural Show and Traditional New Zealand Feast, the Hangi; a delicious array of earthen steamed meats and vegetables.
Day 6 - Rotorua
Today we experience the attractions of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the Agrodome Sheep Show and Farm Tour. Afterwards, enjoy a ride up Mt Ngongotaha Gondola for a bird’s eye view of the city and an exciting luge ride back down.
Day 7 – Rotorua - Taupo - Napier
Continue on south today via Taupo, bound for Hawkes Bay. Firstly, we visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, 27kms south of Rotorua. At times it will feel as though you’re peering right into the earth’s core – geysers of steaming water shoot from the ground, bizarre smelling pools of boiling mud bubble and belch, geothermal pools create a kaleidoscope of colour and volcanoes are everywhere you look – some are sleeping giants, others still furious.
Upon entry into the Taupo region we will have a quick stop at Huka Falls. The Huka Falls are New Zealand’s best-known and most photographed falls. Lake Taupo encompasses 616 kms in surface area and is New Zealand’s largest lake. Its formation was the result of an immense volcanic eruption, which in AD186 reddened sunsets as far away as Rome. We have time to enjoy adrenalin packed Jet Boat ride on the Aratria rapids; New Zealand’s only commercially run white water Jet Boat experience – what a ride!
Continue on to sunny Napier in Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s top wine growing regions. Napier city contains reportedly the world’s finest concentration of art deco architecture, following the rebuilding of the city after a devastating earthquake in 1931. Guided or self-guided tours of the magnificently maintained buildings are a must. Also in Napier, the new National Aquarium overlooks the Pacific Ocean and houses the country’s biggest collection of ocean species. You can also get up and close to the world’s largest mainland gannet colonies, established on the spectacular sea cliffs and rocky reefs of Cape Kidnappers, in the south of the Bay.
Day 8 – Napier - Wellington
Departing Napier we travel south following the Kapiti Coast before arriving in Wellington city in the mid afternoon.
Nestled between hills and its harbour, New Zealand’s capital is regarded as one of the world’s most picturesque cities. Compact and cosmopolitan, it’s a city packed with national treasures, for example Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, the magnificently restored Parliament Buildings, historic cathedrals and other heritage buildings, plus theatres, galleries, nightlife, international restaurants, character cafes and great shopping. Surprisingly for a city of such size, nature and wildlife are also prominent in reserves, regional parks, on islands and along the south coast. Guided tours will lead you to see ancient, pristine native forests, rare native birdlife and seal colonies, all within minutes from the city centre.
Day 9 – Wellington – Picton - Nelson
This morning is at leisure to enjoy the ambience and beauty of this city.
This afternoon, we cruise across Cook Strait to the South Island. In approximately three hours you will cruise around the lower North Island coastline and experience the peaceful Marlborough Sounds – a truly breathtaking entrance to the South Island.
Upon arriving into Picton your new coach will meet you and transfer you through to Nelson. Nelson is an area of great beauty lying between the northern edge of the Southern Alps and a great sweep of beaches. Its trademarks are stunning scenery and a diverse culture that has blossomed in this area of rich resources and easy climate.
Day 10 - Nelson
Today is at leisure to cruise, walk or sea kayak the golden beaches and bush-lined inlets of popular Abel Tasman National Park or perhaps visit the unique World of Wearable Art & Collectable Car Museum.
Day 11 – Nelson - Greymouth
Today we travel to the historic gold mining town of Greymouth on the West Coast. We will pass through the spectacular Buller Gorge where you have the option of enjoying a fully guided 14km rafting trip on the Buller River.
Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast of the South Island. Visitors to the area can enjoy a huge range of activities from white water and cave rafting, mountain bike rides, lake cruises, canoeing and scenic flights. Greymouth is also home to Shantytown, a replica gold mining town and the region is renowned for its jade galleries.
Day 12 – Greymouth - Franz Josef, Glacier Region
Enjoy the incredible scenery, as we travel along the west coast to Franz Josef Glacier. The glacier extends from the tops of the Southern Alps into rainforest at 300m above sea level. This afternoon, you may like to experience a half day guided glacier walk, crampons and ice picks supplied along with magnificent views.
Day 13 – Franz Josef - Queenstown
On today’s journey we cross the snow capped Southern Alps and travel through Haast Pass, bypassing Lakes Wanaka and Hawea arriving in Queenstown in the late afternoon. Queenstown is New Zealand’s adrenalin capital! Tucked between rugged mountains and a majestic lake, Queenstown is at once breathtakingly beautiful and intensely exciting.
In winter the town is alive with the buzz of skiers and snowboarders, between Queenstown and the neighbouring resort of Wanaka are six international standard snow areas, with apreĢs ski culture to match. While the town is the original home to the popular bungy jumping phenomenon, there are many less challenging treats awaiting your visit. Queenstown is surrounded by national parks, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of tour options, many by helicopter or four wheel drive vehicle.
Day 14 - Queenstown
Today is at leisure to enjoy the many activities and sightseeing tours available or perhaps spend the day on the ski slopes.
One adrenalin packed option is known as the ‘Shotover Trio’. This package begins with an exhilarating Jetboat ride on the beautiful Shotover River, followed by a scenic helicopter ride over Skippers Canyon and the adventure finishes with White-water Rafting on either the Shotover or Kawarau River.
Day 15 – Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise
Today you may like to treat yourself to an excursion to the Milford Sound. Best described as grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length – and wonder at its majestic beauty. In the foreground stands Mitre Peak, its presence dominating the skyline, the surrounding rain forest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. On this full-day coach/cruise/coach trip you will experience the dramatic scenery of the Milford Sound. During the coach transfers you will view of the regions spectacular alpine scenery and lush rainforest. Your luxury cruise vessel will take you the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The experienced staff will provide informative commentaries and point out many highlights while you enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
Day 16 – Queenstown - Christchurch
Enjoy a spectacular day’s drive through the Southern Alps to Christchurch, known as the Garden City and as New Zealand’s most English city.
In the central city the cathedral and other beautifully preserved Gothic architecture is complemented by tree lined avenues, the gently meandering Avon River and the sprawling green playing fields and botanic gardens of Hagley Park, rated among the top ten botanic gardens in the world.
Day 17 - Christchurch
You have a myriad of choices to explore here. The city’s stunning new art gallery features international and New Zealand artwork dating back centuries. Overlooking the city are the old volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula, and close by is the quaint, French-influenced town of Akaroa, where you can join a wildlife cruise and discover penguins, seals, seabirds and the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins. Beside Christchurch International Airport (a major departure point for Antarctica) is the International Antarctic Centre, which has been judged New Zealand’s top visitor attraction. A ride up the Gondola for views over the city is another very popular attraction. If you are seeking more serious adventure, balloon flights, tandem skydiving and jet boat tours offer the added bonus of views of the Southern Alps.
Day 18 - Depart Christchurch
Perhaps time for some last minute sightseeing or shopping before meeting for your transfer to Christchurch Airport for your homeward flight.