Highlights of New Zealand

A private transfer brings you from the airport to the centre of Auckland (20-30 mins), a city blessed with a wonderful location, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Tasman Sea to the east. It is regularly rated one of the world's top cities to live in and you will enjoy exploring it today.

Of course you will also be getting over your jetlag (depending on where you have flown in from) so if this is the case an early night may be a good idea so you can embark on your epic journey through New Zealand feeling nice and refreshed.

This morning, after a short walk to Queen’s Wharf in Auckland, take a ferry (25 mins) to Rangitoto, a volcanic island which arose from the sea in fiery explosions a mere 600 years ago.

Walk along the coastline through terrain that was formed from liquid lava, then make your way up to the summit, which is a great place to have a picnic lunch. There are 360 degree views over Waitemata Harbour and other islands and seeing Auckland from this alternate perspective is special.

This morning you will be transferred to the car rental office and here you can pick up your rental car. Drive south to Rotorua (3H). Situated in the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua is the world’s most concentrated geothermal area, with spouting geysers, hot steaming pools, boiling mud and terraces. It is truly a volcanists dream! It also has an amazing Maori heritage and over 34% of its population is home to the Awara people.

There will be free time this afternoon to explore. Some highlights are the “Buried Village” which shows a first-hand insight into the chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mount Tarawera erupted, Hells Gate Geothermal Park which is set in 50 acres of land with a large variety of thermal features and Hamurana Springs, famous for its beautiful crystal clear fresh water springs which emanate from the ground and flow downstream into Lake Rotorua. It is the deepest natural spring in the North Island. At Hamurana Springs you will find a very picturesque 20 minute walking track which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. 

This morning drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley (25 mins) where you can hike through the valley and past the hot craters, springs and lakes of this unique hydrothermal and volcanic environment. This scenic reserve has an unspoilt beauty and is not to be missed.

Next, make your way to Orakei Korako Geyserland and Thermal Park,  (40 mins) also known as the Hidden Valley. There are up to 23 active natural geysers throughout the area and you can take bush walks through areas of native flora and fauna. Drive to Taupo (35 mins) and from your accommodation experience amazing views over the lake.

Today drive to Tongariro National Park (1H) and enjoy the stunning beauty of this geothermal and volcanic terrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The track to Taranaki Falls has excellent mountain views and crosses a range of land forms. The upper and lower tracks form a loop with the 20m falls situated around the halfway point. If you wish to take a longer walk you can continue on to Tama Lakes, which is well worth it as you will be surrounded by volcanoes. Tonight stay in a lodge within the Tongariro National Park.

It’s a long drive today to reach the south of the North Island. (4H45) However, the scenery is excellent as you drive through rolling green farmland and in the distance you can spot snow-capped mountain peaks.

Arrive in Martinborough this afternoon, a little village surrounded by 35 vineyards. It is a very friendly community with nice shops and restaurants.

Drive to Wellington (1H). Time permitting, you can explore New Zealand’s capital city. Even though, as cities go, it is rather small, its compact nature gives it a bigger-city vibe. Being the capital, it has plenty of museums (we recommend the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa), theatres and galleries. It is nicknamed "Windy Wellington" due to its location in the Roaring 40's.

Drop off your car at Wellington Airport and take a flight to Queenstown (1H20) in the South Island, then drive to Te Anau (2H).

Drive up to Milford Sound from Te Anau (1H45), then sit back and relax as your cruise departs from Milford Sound Wharf, and makes its way out past the iconic Mitre Peak. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun, pods of dolphins or rare Fiordland Crested Penguins that can be found seasonally within the region.

On your way back down the Milford Highway you will pass the car park for the Divide, the beginning of the Routeburn Track. Park here and walk up to Key Summit. Immediately panoramic views of snow-capped peaks begin to unfold. Take the turn off to Key Summit and  see views from the top which are unforgettable.

Ringed by snow-capped peaks, Te Anau stretches along New Zealand’s deepest and grandest lake of the same name.

Today will be an amazing drive through the central Otago region and through Fiordland to Wanaka (3H), gateway to some marvellous Great Walks. It is worth visiting Arrowtown en route which is located just north of Queenstown. There is something to delay most folk here amidst quaint streets, intimate restaurants, cool bars, and historic Chinese gold settlements.

On the Roy’s Peak Track you can take in breath-taking views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks after a steep climb through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands to the summit. This is a popular track and one of the best day hikes. Closed between October 1st and approximately November 10th due to lambing, other options are Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Walk, which is shorter with an option to do a low level walk. Wanaka is a walker's paradise and there are plenty of hikes here to choose from.

Drive to the spectacular glaciers region of the South Island (3H). The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers cut through dramatic glacial valleys to flow into temperate rainforest. We recommend taking a day trip with a guide on the Franz Josef as you are not allowed to go onto the glacier by yourself. Booking in advance essential.

Alex Knob Track is only for experienced walkers. You will zig-zag your way up to Rata Lookout for your first views over the Franz Josef Glacier through lowland forest, sub-alpine scrub, alpine meadows and herb fields and to the Alex Knob summit. Forest birds, such as tui, bellbird, kereru (New Zealand wood pigeon), are heard regularly along the track.

An easier walking choice today (but good fitness is still required) is the Roberts Point Track (9km), which again has great views over the surrounding landscapes.

Head north (2H) to Greymouth. Why not stop off in Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast. This town is sandwiched between surf and river with the mighty Southern Alps as a backdrop, and is also home to the New Zealand’s finest Pounamu, green Jade.

This afternoon, after dropping off your rental car,  board the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch (4H30), one of New Zealand’s and indeed the world’s, great train journeys. This unforgettable train trip takes you through the South Island’s striking natural landscapes, traversing the Southern Alps including Arthur’s Pass. Then follow the Waimakariri river, cross the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury plains.

Upon arrival in Christchurch a transfer to your accommodation is included. This evening explore this world-famous 'Garden City' which has well-established expansive parks and public gardens. The central city area and some eastern suburbs were heavily affected by the earthquake of February 2011 but the rebuild is now in full swing.

A private transfer brings you to Christchurch Airport, from where you may make your onward journeys.