New Zealand Where adventure meets the extraordinary

Welcome to the beginning of your New Zealand journey. As you touch down in Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, a local representative greets seat-in-coach passengers for a seamless start, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. Travellers on the self-drive option collect their rental car at the airport and drive to the hotel at their own pace.

• Meet-and-greet on arrival in Auckland
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Self-drive option with airport car collection

Leave Auckland and head south through the lush Waikato region to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where a guided tour and boat ride reveal millions of glowworms lighting the cave ceiling like a night sky. Continue through the forested Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua, the ‘Thermal City’ where the earth itself seems to breathe with geothermal activity.

• Guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Boat ride beneath the glowworm-lit ceiling
• Drive through the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua

Explore the captivating Te Puia Thermal Reserve, where bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers take centre stage, then visit Rainbow Springs, a haven for New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife. Continue to the Agrodome for an authentic farm show with sheepdog demonstrations and cow milking, enjoy the afternoon at your own pace, and savour an evening Maori Hangi feast accompanied by a mesmerising concert.

• Te Puia Thermal Reserve geysers and mud pools
• Rainbow Springs and the Agrodome farm show
• Evening Maori Hangi feast and concert

Journey to the charming lake resort of Taupo, following the picturesque shores of Lake Taupo to the welcoming town of Turangi. The magnificent Desert Road then unfolds beneath the majestic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro before the road winds through verdant farmlands into Wellington, the heart of New Zealand’s capital.

• Lake Taupo shores and the town of Turangi
• Desert Road beneath Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro
• Arrival in the capital, Wellington

Take in the charm of Wellington with a morning sightseeing tour, followed by a guided visit to Te Papa, the ‘Museum of New Zealand’. The afternoon is then yours to explore the capital at leisure before a relaxing overnight stay.

• Morning sightseeing tour of Wellington
• Guided tour of Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand
• Afternoon at leisure in the capital

Embark on a journey across the Cook Strait, the stretch of water dividing New Zealand’s North and South Islands, sailing through the mesmerising Marlborough Sounds with their crystalline waters and flourishing forests. From the charming town of Picton, continue south through scenic Blenheim to the picturesque coastal haven of Kaikoura.

• Cook Strait crossing through the Marlborough Sounds
• Picton and the wine country of Blenheim
• Overnight in coastal Kaikoura

Continue the journey to Christchurch through the picturesque North Canterbury region, arriving in the enchanting ‘Garden City’ for a comfortable overnight stay.

• Drive through the North Canterbury region
• Arrival in Christchurch, the Garden City
• Evening at leisure in Christchurch

Set out on a scenic journey across the lush Canterbury Plains to the breath-taking Lake Tekapo, pausing at the iconic ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’, a true gem of the region. Continue into the enchanting Mount Cook National Park, where a comfortable hotel awaits for the night.

• Canterbury Plains to turquoise Lake Tekapo
• Church of the Good Shepherd
• Entry into Mount Cook National Park

Trace the scenic shores of Lake Pukaki south towards the charming town of Twizel, then continue through the historic Central Otago region, steeped in tradition and natural beauty. The day ends at the captivating Lake Wakatipu and the picturesque ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown.

• Lake Pukaki and the town of Twizel
• Historic Central Otago region
• Lake Wakatipu and alpine Queenstown

Today is all about freedom and adventure, with Queenstown offering a plethora of optional activities for adrenaline seekers and leisurely travellers alike. From bungy jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting and a gondola ride to new heights. Optional activities are not included in the tour price, so the day can be tailored entirely to your preferences.

• Full free day in Queenstown
• Optional bungy jumping, jetboating or rafting
• Gondola ride and lakeside exploring

Venture to the southern edge of Lake Wakatipu via Lumsden towards the serene shores of Lake Te Anau, traversing the awe-inspiring Eglinton Valley and the man-made Homer Tunnel. At the renowned Milford Sound, embark on a cruise through the world-famous fiord presided over by majestic Mitre Peak, then return to Te Anau for the night.

• Eglinton Valley and the Homer Tunnel
• Milford Sound cruise beneath Mitre Peak
• Overnight on the shores of Lake Te Anau

Set out on a picturesque journey across the fertile Southland Plains, passing through the charming towns of Gore and Balclutha before heading north to Dunedin, the southern gem known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. The afternoon is free to explore optional activities.

• Southland Plains via Gore and Balclutha
• Arrival in Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South
• Afternoon free for optional activities

Head north through lush farmland and a string of quaint farming communities on the way back to Christchurch, where comfortable lodging awaits for the final night of the journey.

• Journey north through lush farmland
• Quaint farming communities en route
• Final overnight in Christchurch

Savour a delightful breakfast to kickstart the day, then make your way to the airport for your flight towards your next destination or home. Reflect on the cherished memories made throughout this journey, which will stay with you for a lifetime.

• Breakfast and a relaxed morning
• Transfer to Christchurch airport
• Departure with lasting memories