Overview

Enjoy some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery on this exciting 20 day journey that features an eclectic mix of leisurely sightseeing and active soft adventure activities. Cruising, bush walking, jet boating, whale watching, natural wonders, culture and wildlife – this tour has it all!

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland

Having cleared customs & immigration formalities on arrival, you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel. The rest of today is free to explore the ‘City of Sails’.

Stay: Heritage Auckland Hotel

Day 2 - Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches & is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle & hype of city life. It is home to many arts & crafts people who seek an alternative lifestyle. At the quaint township of Coromandel, ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony.

Stay: Mercure Grand Puka Park Lodge (includes breakfast)

Day 3 - Coromandel, Rotorua

Travel along the Bay of Plenty Coastline to Tauranga & Mt Maunganui. Then, head inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua. On arrival at your resort, enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural mineral springs of Manupirua Pools before enjoying a lakeside BBQ dinner at your resort.

2 night stay: Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay (includes breakfast and dinner)

Day 4 - Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village

Today’s highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera. Experience spectacular scenery, try your hand at trout fishing and enjoy soaking in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa.

(Includes breakfast and lunch)

Day 5 - Lake Taupo, Napier

This morning, visit Wai-O-tapu (meaning Sacred Waters), a wonderland of geothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserves unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls & Wairakei Geothermal project and then take time to wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue on to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town this afternoon.

2 night stay: Te Pania Hotel (includes breakfast)

Day 6 At leisure in the Hawke's Bay

Widely regarded as the ‘Tuscany of the South Pacific’, this region boasts some of New Zealand’s best and oldest wineries. Enjoy a free day to experience some of the many optional activities available. Enjoy a guided wine trail and taste some of the great wines produced locally, visit the world’s largest mainland Gannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to the skies on an early morning balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves and orchards or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.

(Includes breakfast)

Day 7 - Wairarapa, Mt Bruce & Wellington

Travel this morning through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region to Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre. In this beautiful setting of native forest you will see the finest collection of New Zealand native birds to be found anywhere. On arrival at Wllington, the nation’s capital, enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation.

Stay: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (includes breakfast)

Day 8 - Fly Wellington to Christchurch

At leisure this morning to explore what Wellington has to offer. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended. You will be transferred to Wellington airport this afternoon for your short jet flight to Christchurch where you will be met on arrival & transferred to your hotel (flight included).

2 night stay: Novotel Christchurch (includes breakfast)

Day 9 - 4WD High Country Tranz Alpine Experience

Travel by road through the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat through the gorge deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Flock Hill Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After lunch, travel by road to Arthur's Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train.

(Includes breakfast and lunch)

Day 10 - Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura

After a leisurely breakfast, travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs and relax in the thermal pools. Travel on to the township of Kaikoura, nestled in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.

Stay: White Morph Inn (includes breakfast)

Day 11 - Whale Watch cruise, Nelson

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may also encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. On to Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand.

2 night stay: Heritage Rutherford Hotel (includes breakfast)

Day 12 - Abel Tasman National Park Bush 'n' Beach walk

Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to guide you as to the best tour that suits your own individual needs. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing, bush walks & beautiful beaches.

(Includes breakfast and lunch)

Day 13 - Nelson Lakes, Punakaiki Rocks

Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowhole.

Stay: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel (includes breakfast)

Day 14 - Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier

The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860's. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef.

Stay: Punga Grove Lodge (includes breakfast)

Day 15 - Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown

There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region before our departure this morning (subject to weather conditions). Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. Cross the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination.

2 night stay: Heritage Queenstown Hotel (includes breakfast)

Day 16 - Explore Queenstown & its surrounds

Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection.

(Includes breakfast)

Day 17 - Milford Sound Overnight Nature Cruise

At Milford Sound board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. View spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. Activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.

Stay: Overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove (includes breakfast and dinner)

Day 18 - Return to Queenstown, day at leisure

For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.

2 night stay: Heritage Queenstown Hotel (includes breakfast)

Day 19 - Mighty Dart River Jetboat Safari

Join the Dart River Safari and jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst towering peaks, glaciers and the ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park.

(Includes breakfast)

Day 20 - Fly Queenstown to Christchurch or Auckland

Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Queenstown airport today for your onward flight to Christchurch or Auckland (flight not included). Here, we bid you ‘Haere Ra’, a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

(Includes breakfast)