Best of New Zealand

Days 1-2  Fly to Auckland    

Day 3  Auckland            
Welcome to Auckland. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel before exploring this bustling city.  

Day 4  Auckland          
Discover this cosmopolitan city’s history and culture on a morning tour. Admire the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby and the Auckland Harbour Bridge en route to the North Shore. Stroll on the beautiful beach before heading back towards the city taking in the panoramic city skyline from Mount Victoria.  

Days 5-6  Auckland to Rotorua    
Pick up your car and drive to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, home to steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools and tremendous geysers.    

Days 7-8  Rotorua to Tongariro    
Head to Tongariro, your base to explore the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park. Experience one of New Zealand’s greatest day hikes – the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing where you can admire the steam vents, emerald lakes and solidified lava flows.          

Days 9-10  Tongariro to Wellington          
Drive through the pretty countryside before arriving in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Uncover the museums and gourmet cafés of this dynamic city.    

Days 11  Wellington to Blenheim    
Journey by ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton, where you will disembark and continue the drive to the winery town of Blenheim.  

Day 12  Blenheim            
Enjoy an amazing tour visiting the exquisite wineries before cruising through the Marlborough Sounds and tasting delicious Sauvignon Blanc.            

Days 13-14 Blenheim to Kaikôura            
Follow the coast to the picture perfect seaside town of Kaikôura, famed for its abundant marine life. Join a whale watching cruise to see these magnificent animals in the wild.            

Days 15-16  Kaikôura to Christchurch        
Continue to Christchurch and drop off your car. Enjoy a full day discovering this revitalised and arty city as well as its fantastic culinary scene.  

Day 17  TranzAlpine Train  
Rise early to board the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth. This iconic journey is one of the most picturesque rail routes in the world, passing remarkable mountain scenery via Arthur’s Pass. Arrive at lunchtime and pick up your car, before continuing on the scenic drive to Franz Josef.

Day 18  Franz Josef          
This picturesque village is surrounded by rainforest and sits close to the base of the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. Opt to take to the skies by helicopter and experience an exhilarating hike across the ice.    

Day 19  Franz Josef to Wânaka          
Today, experience one of the most breathtaking drives on your journey, as you meander down the west coast. In Wânaka, perhaps kayak on the crystal clear lake and enjoy the lakeside cafés.    

Day 20  Wânaka to Queenstown            
This morning, try to spot the friendly buff weka bird, and admire the incredible alpine views around you on your tour. Later, drive the short distance to Queenstown via the spectacular Crown Range Road.      

Day 21  Queenstown            
This alpine haven offers a wide range of activities and hiking opportunities as well as a plethora of fantastic dining options. On your tour, stroll the quaint streets of Arrowtown and visit iconic viewpoints before a cruise on the mighty Lake Wakatipu. Later, choose to take a ride on the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak in time to watch the sunset over The Remarkables mountains.            

Day 22  Queenstown            
Head out on a cruise to experience the aweinspiring scenery of Milford Sound, dominated by the imposing Mitre Peak. Journey through the scenic landscapes of thundering waterfalls and sky high mountains in comfort, before enjoying a small boat cruise below the towering peaks of the fiord.

Days 23-24  Fly home        
Drop off your car at Queenstown airport in time for your flight home.