Day 1
Arrive in Christchurch
Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. This evening, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception and group dinner.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch
Day 2
Christchurch to Omarama
Begin your morning with a city tour of Christchurch, taking in sights such as the innovative Cardboard Cathedral and the peaceful Botanic Gardens, renowned for their diverse plant life and riverside charm. Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the picturesque village of Geraldine, where you can sample local delicacies at the historic Barkers store. Continue along the East Coast, passing through the scenic Waitaki Valley, where the majestic Southern Alps provide a striking backdrop to Lake Benmore. The day ends in the small country town of Omarama.
Overnight: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3
Omarama to Invercargill
Today’s journey takes you to Clyde, a charming town rich in gold rush history, where the preserved heritage precinct is now home to cafés and boutique shops. Later, arrive in Invercargill, a city steeped in motoring history. Enjoy a guided visit to Transport World, showcasing a nostalgic and vast collection of classic and rare vehicles. Your Highlight Dinner is also included here.
Overnight: Kelvin Hotel, Invercargill
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4
Invercargill to Te Anau
Travel through Southland’s lush countryside to Templeton Flax Mill for a guided tour led by curator Nathan Templeton, who will share insights into the flax industry’s impact on the region—a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Continue to Riverton, a coastal town with inviting cafés, before arriving in Te Anau, a peaceful gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Excursion
Today you’ll explore the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park, travelling through beech forests and past mirror-like lakes and crystal-clear rivers en route to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Take a scenic cruise through the spectacular fiord, marvelling at towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and native wildlife.
Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Te Anau to Queenstown
Experience a slice of rural life at Real Country, where you'll meet a local farmer and watch demonstrations on horsemanship and sheepdog work. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience also supports The Fairlight Foundation, which promotes women in agriculture. Continue to the heritage town of Arrowtown, with its tree-lined streets and charming shops, before heading to Queenstown for a two-night stay.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Queenstown at Leisure
Today is yours to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Enjoy lunch at the iconic Fergburger, known for its gourmet burgers and lively atmosphere. You might wish to take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River, sip wines on a vineyard tour, or board the historic TSS Earnslaw for a cruise to Walter Peak for a gourmet BBQ dinner (own expense).
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Queenstown to Christchurch
Start the day with a stop at the Jones Family fruit stall before crossing the stunning Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Basin. Visit Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, then journey onwards through the Canterbury Plains back to Christchurch.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Christchurch to Punakaiki
Board the TranzAlpine train for a breathtaking journey through Arthur’s Pass, with views of snow-capped peaks and dramatic gorges. Visit Greymouth, then travel to Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Tonight, unwind at your eco retreat on the coast.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10
Punakaiki to Nelson
Relax today as you travel along the Heritage Highway through the spectacular Buller Gorge and Kahurangi National Park, an area rich in alpine flora and wild rivers. Your destination is sunny Nelson.
Overnight: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Nelson at Leisure
The day is yours to explore. Perhaps visit the stunning Abel Tasman National Park for a cruise and guided walk (own expense), discovering golden beaches, clear waters and granite cliffs on one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal tracks.
Overnight: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12
Nelson to Wellington
Cruise across the Cook Strait via the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel, crossing from South Island to North. Arrive in the vibrant capital of Wellington and settle into your central accommodation.
Overnight: James Cook Grand Chancellor, Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Wellington to Napier
Take in the capital’s highlights before heading to Napier, known for its striking 1930s architecture. After a devastating earthquake in 1931, the town was rebuilt in Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Classical styles that still define it today.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Discover Napier
Join a walking tour with a guide from the Art Deco Trust, who will bring Napier’s fascinating history to life. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps support the preservation of this unique heritage. The afternoon is yours to relax or join an optional wine tasting or wildlife tour to the Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15
Napier to Rotorua
Visit the powerful Huka Falls en route to Rotorua, famous for geothermal activity and Maori culture. Stop by a Pounamu carving workshop to learn about greenstone’s cultural significance. This evening, enjoy a traditional hangi-style dinner with cultural performances, culminating at the Pohutu Geyser.
Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16
Rotorua at Leisure
Enjoy a free day to explore Rotorua. You might soak in the soothing waters of Wai Araki Hot Springs, or join a Hobbiton Movie Set tour for a glimpse into the world of Middle-earth. For a bird’s eye view, consider a scenic flight over the region (own expense).
Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17
Rotorua to Auckland
Travel through the Waikato region to Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’. Visit the All Blacks Experience to explore New Zealand’s rugby heritage through immersive exhibits, culminating in a rousing haka performance.
Overnight: Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart, Auckland
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Head north to the Bay of Islands, a stunning archipelago rich in history and natural beauty. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a local expert who may trace their ancestry to the original signatories. See the impressive ceremonial waka and carved meeting house.
Overnight: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 19
Bay of Islands at Leisure
Enjoy a full day to explore at your own pace. You could travel to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach, take a cruise to the Hole in the Rock, sail on a historic tall ship or discover Russell's colonial past (all optional).
Overnight: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast
Day 20
Bay of Islands to Auckland
Travel south, pausing in Whangarei, Northland’s only city, to explore the riverside basin, home to museums, galleries and cafés. Return to Auckland for a celebratory farewell dinner with your group.
Overnight: Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart, Auckland
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 21
Depart Auckland
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
