Itinerary
Discover both islands of New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch in 22 days. Cruise the beautiful Bay of Islands, relax in Rotorua’s and Franz Josef’s hot pools, sort to new heights on Queenstown’s Gondola, cruise the mighty Milford Sound, and witness the grandeur of Mount Cook National Park.
Haere Mai – Welcome to Auckland.
Arrive into Auckland and once you have cleared Customs and collected your luggage, make your way to GO Rental Cars desk to collect your vehicle and travel to your accommodation.
The afternoon is yours to relax or to explore the ‘City of Sails’.
After check-out, head north to the stunning Bay of Islands. You may wish to make a stop in Whangarei to see Whangarei Falls, often called the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand. Or you may wish to Bream Head Scenic Reserve for outstanding walks and panoramic coastal views.
Set off on a half-day Bay of Islands cruise take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’.
This afternoon you will have at leisure. You may wish to visit neighbouring Kerikeri, which is home to New Zealand’s oldest stone building and has a range of art & craft shops. Or you may choose to visit the spectacular Rainbow Falls.
Return to Auckland with a lunch stop in Matakana, a foodie heaven with home-grown delicacies and award-winning wine. If you arrive on a weekend, you may wish to wander the picturesque Matakana Farmers Market.
This morning travel to Hobbiton, where you will enjoy a 2.5hr tour of the famous Movie Set. Afterwards, your journey takes you to Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The moment you enter this subterranean wonderland, you’ll discover an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos. Experience a boat trip like no other, journeying through the starry expanse of the Glowworm cave while your way is lit by a multitude of tiny glow worm lights. After touring, you will make your way to Rotorua for a two-night stay.
Rotorua has been known for its geothermal activity for over 150 years and today you are able to see, feel, smell and hear some of this wonder of nature. Rewind & rejuvenate at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa. The healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years. Open and clean your skin by lathering it in our unique mud, before exfoliating and cleansing with a soak in the sulphur spa. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience.
This evening you will embark on a Maori cultural experience. Beginning at our gathering place to our ancient forest village at Tawa-ngahere-pa – where our land, our people and our spirit come to life. From the start of the journey you are swept away by master storytellers who will share customs, traditions and our way of life. Set in a magnificent 200 year old ancient Tawa forest, you are invited to participate in and learn the poi, the haka and enjoy displays of our art forms.
Following on from this enjoy a first-class Maori feast – Feeding guests is regarded by Maori as an honour and a sign of a tribe’s mana (standing), so a sumptuous banquet is provided during the evening. This banquet combines contemporary cuisine with a traditional hangi (earth-cooked oven meal), where kai (food) is steam-cooked by hot rocks in the earth, giving it a delicious smokey flavour.
Depart Rotorua and make a pit-stop at Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and home to the thundering Huka Falls. You may wish to visit Taupo Hot Springs Spa if you would like another hot swim on the way to Napier. From here you have quite a variety of scenery as you ascend to the volcanic plateau then across mountains and valleys to Hawke’s Bay. Make your way to Napier city which was formerly destroyed by an earthquake and fire in 1931.
Time permitting, you may wish to book an afternoon local food & wine tour or simply visit one of the many dinner options from award-winning winery restaurants to casual alfresco dining.
Travel through New Zealand’s rural heartland with a mixture of sheep, dairy and crop farming. Make a lunch stop at the beautiful wine region of Martinborough. Continue driving until you reach the coolest little capital in the world – Wellington.
Enjoy today at leisure. You may wish to drive up Mount Victoria or ride the Cable Car to get some magnificent views over this pretty city. You may wish to simply walk around Oriental Bay, visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand or visit one of the many fine restaurants.
Today you will travel across Cook Strait, the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The journey across Cook Strait has a dramatic beauty all of its own. Both islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikoura ranges and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca.
On arrival in Picton, collect your new rental car and make your way past vineyards and wineries until you reach Blenheim, Marlborough.
Travel through vineyards and rolling hillsides to the seaside settlement of Kaikoura. If arriving at Kaikoura early, we recommend purchasing tickets to join a Whale Watching Cruise for the ultimate marine experience or simply visit one of the many spectacular lookouts over Kaikoura Peninsular. Continue driving until you reach Christchurch – the Garden City.
Journey towards New Zealand’s highest mountain as you head south through the picturesque town of Geraldine and across the Canterbury Plains. Be sure you make a photo stop at Lake Tekapo, a beautiful turquoise coloured lake and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of the lake. This is one of the most photographed churches in the world made of stone and sand from around the lake. Mt Cook is Australasia’s highest mountain at 3724 metres.
The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery and is also home to the Tasman Glacier, the longest in the Southern hemisphere. A total scenic highlight, you may wish to see Mt Cook from above by taking an optional scenic flight. Alternatively, you may wish to visit one of the many walking tracks to embrace the enormous peaks.
Continue your journey south today as you travel through the towns of Twizel, Omarama, and Oamaru, before arriving in the vibrant, Scottish heritage city.
Explore Dunedin today, also known as the Edinburgh of the South. Founded by Scottish settlers, Dunedin in a vibrant, architecturally splendid city framed by a magnificent harbour and gateway to an arresting hinterland. Visit Larnach Castle & Gardens and learn of its rich history that dates back to 1871. Enjoy the evening at leisure to visit one of the many restaurants or experience a brewery tour.
Bid farewell to Dunedin this morning as you travel through the rolling hills of South Otago and Southland on your way to Te Anau. Make a stop in Gore along the way, a small-town home to country music and fly fishing. Upon arrival into Te Anau, check-in to your hotel for the next two nights.
Drive through native rainforest and glacier carved valleys as you make your way along Milford Road. Once you have arrived at Milford Sound, board your Cruise Milford cruise and see the fiord in all its glory. Witness cascading waterfalls and towering mountains as you experience New Zealand’s ultimate natural attraction.
Make your way north the adventure capital of the world today, Queenstown. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore this lakeside town set against a backdrop of majestic alpine scenery.
Known as the home of adventure, discover Queenstown with an iconic ride on the Skyline Gondola. Upon reaching the summit, take the driving seat with a gravity fueled ride on the Skyline Luge, as you take on 1600m of banked corners & tunnels.
Prepare for an action-packed Jet Boat adventure on the spectacular Shotover River. Experience thrills, spins & speeds of up to 95kph.
Travel through the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown and travel over the Crown Range before arriving in Wanaka. Wander this popular lakeside township before travelling through Haast Pass and the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park, before finishing your drive in Franz Josef.
You may wish to add a night in Wanaka to allow for additional time.
Embark on a journey across the Lake and into the sheltered bays of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Enjoy the views and wildlife from the boat then disembark on the far shore for your guided walk through our magical rainforest trail into the Kiwi Sanctuary! The rainforest trail is designed to take you on a walk through another time, Jurassic rainforest, abundant bird life and home to the rarest Kiwi on the planet – the Rowi! Your guide will point out the birds and tell you all about the flora, fauna and kiwi conservation in the region. You may even get to try some edible native plants!
The rest of the day is yours to explore. You may wish to explore the glacier by guided walk, heli-hike or simply travel by helicopter for a once in a lifetime snow landing on top of the glacier.
Enjoy a leisurely morning as you make your way up to Greymouth, where you will return your rental car and board the TranzAlpine for a one-way journey through the alpine scenery of Arthur’s Pass, ending in Christchurch. Upon arrival in the ‘Garden City’ you will be transferred to your accommodation for your final night in New Zealand.
Please note: Due to the TranzAlpine schedule, this package will only be available to book Friday to Monday from 14 May 27 – 02 July 27.
Upon check-out, you will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport where you will check-in for your return flight to Australia.
