Day 1
Auckland (flight to arrive no later than 1600)
Make your own way to your hotel (we suggest just hop in taxi) – the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure, before a welcome drink in the evening with your tour guide and group.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland
Day 2-3
Bay of Islands
Leave Auckland today and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands, where you’ll take a scenic cruise through the game fishing waters to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock formation (weather permitting). The return cruise to Paihia ventures between the picturesque islands, so be sure to keep a look out for the tropical marine life living in the secluded bays. On day 3, enjoy some free time in this breath-taking region, by dolphin-watching, catching a ferry to Russell or driving along the Ninety Mile Beach.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands (2x breakfast and 1x dinner included)
Day 4
Auckland
Enjoy a leisurely morning, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve – a place of huge historical significance where the founding document of New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. Explore the reserve and take in the sights of the Maori War Canoe and Meeting House, before enjoying the beautiful farmland scenery on your way back to Auckland in the afternoon.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland (Breakfast included)
Day 5
Waitomo Caves
Take part in an Auckland city sights tour then trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves. You’ll tour the amazing Glow Worm Grotto before arriving in Rotorua for an orientation tour.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel, Rotorua (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 6
Rotorua
Today you’ll visit the Agrodome Sheep Show then enjoy an afternoon of leisure time, where you could visit Rainbow Springs or Te Puia, where a local Maori will guide you through the geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers. Enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feat this evening and a concert at the Tamaki Family Marae
Overnight: Ibis Hotel, Rotorua (Breakfast included)
Day 7
Rotorua/Wellington
Today you’ll view the Huka Falls and visit Lake Taupo, driving along the shores of its namesake lake. You’ll discover the beautiful alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the picturesque dairy farms of Manawatu. Travel along the Kapiti Coast to arrive into Wellington.
Overnight: James Cook Grand Chancellor, Wellington (Breakfast included)
Day 8
Wellington
Spend a morning exploring on a guided tour, including panoramic views from the summit of Mt Victoria, visit Te Papa – the Museum of New Zealand. From here, cruise into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound and onto the seaside village of Picton for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Picton Beachcomber Inn or Picton Yact Club Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 9
Picton
Travel to Kaikoura to watch the sperm whales (an optional scenic whale watching flight is also available). From here, travel across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch (Breakfast included)
Day 10
Omarama
Explore Christchurch’s innovative architecture before travelling to Lake Tekapo and the Canterbury Plains. Visit the striking Transitional Cathedral and Turanga library, then enjoy an immersive Dark Sky Astronomy Experience, discovering why Tekapo is one of the world’s best stargazing destinations.
Overnight: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 11
Te Anau
Explore historic Clyde, with its gold-rush-era buildings now home to charming cafés and shops, before travelling through Gore, New Zealand’s country music capital. Continue to Fiordland National Park and scenic Te Anau, set on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake.
Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 12
Milford Sound
Today you'll ravel through the spectacular landscapes of Fiordland National Park before cruising Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Admire towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and pristine waters, with the chance to spot seals, penguins and the cheeky kea.
Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau (Breakfast included)
Day 13
Te Anau - Queenstown
Travel along the scenic Devil’s Staircase beside Lake Wakatipu before exploring historic Arrowtown and its charming boutiques. Continue to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, and enjoy a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a gourmet barbecue and farm show.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 14
Queenstown
Spend the day enjoying Queenstown your way, with many activities to tempt you – try a wine or garden tour, take a jet boat ride or go white water rafting. In the late afternoon, enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the oldest steamboat in New Zealand – the TSS Earnslaw. This will take you to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ dinner and an entertaining after dinner farm show which provides a glimpse of life on a country farm before taking a cruise back to Queenstown.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront (Breakfast included)
Day 15
Franz Josef Glacier
Leave Lake Wakatipu behind and journey past Lake Hawea through scenic Haast Pass, with its dramatic waterfalls and mountain views. Continue to Franz Josef, with the option to take a scenic flight over Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier), weather permitting.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 16
Christchurch
Discover Hokitika’s famous pounamu (greenstone) before boarding the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch. Travel through tunnels and across viaducts, taking in snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests and dramatic gorges. Finish your New Zealand adventure with dinner and drinks.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch (Breakfast and farewell dinner included)
Day 17
Christchurch
Your tour comes to an end today
(Breakfast included)
