Day 1
Auckland
On day one you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, before spending the rest of the day exploring the city. Your hotel will be walking distance to the shopping district which has cafes lining Viaduct Harbour and Princes Wharf close by too. There’s also the option of taking a ferry to Devonport, a quaint seaside village, or a ferry to Waiheke Island known for its beaches and boutique wineries.
Overnight: Sebel Suites
Day 2
Rotorua
Today you’ll drive over Bombay Hills and across the broad Hauraki Plains, before stopping at Karangahake Gorge to walk beside the river to the gold mining relics. You’ll then continue through Te Puke nestled in the heart of Kiwifruit county, before boarding a luxury catamaran ‘Tiua’ to sail Lake Rotoiti and visit the geothermal natural hot pools. For the next few hours, you’ll be able to soak in the pool and enjoy the scenery - a memorable end to a fantastic day.
Overnight: Novotel Lakeside (Breakfast included)
Day 3
Rotorua
Your morning will be free for you to relax, perhaps take a stroll down to the Lakeside, just minutes away from your hotel, or enjoy a guided tour of the attractions. You'll then be driving to Lake Tarawera for a private lunch at the famous 'Buried Village of Te Wairoa' with local hosts David and Karen Walmsley. After lunch, you’ll have more time free to explore the town – the museum is nearby and features brilliant Maori art exhibitions. Later learn all about the national icon - the Kiwi bird - you'll be amazed how big they are!
Overnight: Novotel Lakeside (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 4
Tongariro National Park
Your first port of call is Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal landmark featuring silica terraces and mud pools - a must see in this area. Afterwards you’ll discover the cascading Huka Falls and stop at Taupo overlooking three active volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruepehu. You’ll then have the afternoon to explore the short scenic trails in Tongariro National Park and arrive at your grandeur home for the night, right at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.
Overnight: Chateau Tongariro (Breakfast included)
Day 5
Wellington
Our day starts in style, with breakfast at the historic Chateau Tongariro nestled at the base of the mountains. This is the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, from this volcanic plateau we make our way across the high country and down to our capital Wellington.
We stay two nights in Wellington as we reckon you can’t miss "the coolest little capital in the world". We’ll check out the city's sights and head up Mt Victoria for the stunning views over the harbour before getting settled for the night. We’re right in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes. Looking for some local flavour? Ask for one of Wellington’s trendy craft beers with your dinner (our pick – Tuatara).
Overnight: The Bolton Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 6
Wellington
Today is yours to spend at leisure, you are right in the heart of the action, only a short stroll to the waterfront, Te Papa National Museum and the many places to eat and stop off at a boutique brewery. If you prefer you can take a tour today to the Weta Workshop to discover how props are made for The Lord of the Rings.
Overnight: The Bolton Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 7
Nelson
Today you’ll catch the Interislander ferry and cruise for three hours across Cook Strait and up Charlotte Sound to Picton. First point of call is Forrest Wines for tasting and lunch, today you're in the famous Marlborough sauvignon blanc region, offering some of New Zealand’s most exclusive wines. After lunch travel through the heart of Marlborough towards Nelson. Along the way cross the Pelorus River Bridge (featured in the Hobbit movies). From here continue onto Nelson where you'll spend the next couple of nights.
Overnight: Trailways Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 8
Abel Tasman National Park
Today will be a highlight of the tour for many, you'll be spending the day in the stunning Tasman National Park. Here you’ll have a choice of a full scenic cruise or a part cruise and part walk along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline. Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest National Park, with gorgeous coastlines, estuaries, and golden sand beaches. Lie on the beach, go for a swim and keep an eye out for dolphins who often make an appearance here. After a magical day out you’ll return to Nelson for another night.
Overnight: Trailways Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 9
Kaikoura
Today you'll travel along the rugged coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges as we head south with spectacular scenery. Your afternoon is free to explore Kaikoura’s bountiful marine wildlife - a result of the ocean canyon close offshore.
There are many optional excursions including the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway to whale watching cruises and flights. One of the many highlights is viewing the seal colony with a backdrop of the Kaikoura mountains and coastline.
Overnight: White Morph Inn (Breakfast included)
Day 10
Mt Cook
Continuing down the highway and along the coast, you’ll reach the famous Canterbury Plains and the Akaunui Farm homestead. It is here that you’ll enjoy a deliciously fresh lunch with the owners, Di and Ian Mackenzie, taking in the surroundings of their Canterbury heritage building and the huge gardens. You will experience a tour of the building which is over 100 years old. In the afternoon, make your way through the rolling hillsides as the mountain scenery opens up ahead. On the edge of Lake Tekapo, the quaint church of the Good Shepherd and the famous statue of a sheep dog make great photo opportunities.
Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 11
Mt Cook/ Queenstown
Today you'll awake at the foot of Mt Cook - New Zealand's highest mountain and the home ground of the most famous Kiwi of all, Sir Edmund Hillary. Take your pick from exploring the picturesque valleys and dramatic landscape on an easy walking track around the village or take an optional boat cruise, flight or hike up on the Tasman Glacier!
From here, you will make your way down the Mackenzie Basin and over the Lindis Pass – one of the highest roads in New Zealand – to Queenstown. Along the way, the natural beauty of the Kawerau Gorge will surround you and makes for great vistas.
Overnight: Scenic Suites (Breakfast included)
Day 12
Milford Sound
Today travel alongside Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and the one and only Milford Sound, situated deep in the Fiordland National Park. The journey along the Milford Road is studded with mirrored lakes, glaciers, rugged mountains and waterfalls – the landscape in this region is remarkable.
Upon arrival at Milford, you’ll head out on the water for a boat cruise tour with a nature guide who will showcase the beauty of this famous attraction which is dominated by Mitre Peak. As you approach the point where the Sound meets the Tasman Sea, you’ll find seal colonies lounging on the rocks and pods of dolphins along with various other birds and wildlife. Return to Queenstown afterwards with a magical scenic flight over the Southern Alps for a great way to top of the day’s sightseeing excursions - sea, air and land!
Overnight: Scenic Suites (Breakfast included)
Day 13
Queenstown
Spend the morning at leisure, making the most of your time in Queenstown. Your guide will be on hand to recommend a choice of activities, whether you want an active day or a relaxed experience. One activity that is highly recommended is an optional jet boat ride excursion on the remote Dart River, surrounded by the Lord of the Rings scenery. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a thrill-seeking adventure, go white water rafting down the Shotover River. Queenstown has numerous shops and boutiques, as well as the Botanic Gardens, if you want something more sedate for the day. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
