New Zealand North and south island journey

Welcome to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. Auckland offers all of the things associated with a sophisticated cosmopolitan city, from beautiful scenery to adrenaline pumping adventure - and first-class food and wine.

Discover Waiheke Island. Take a picturesque 40-minute boat trip followed by a deluxe vineyard tour combines world-class wine with the beautiful surroundings of Waiheke Island. On conclusion of the tour, take advantage of the All Day Bus Pass. This allows you to either return to a destination on the tour, or discover the island further on Fullers Waiheke Island scheduled bus services.

Pick up rental car and drive to Waitomo Caves. Your guide will lead you through the limestone chambers and passages to see stunning features and the famous 'Cathedral'. The highlight of a visit to the Glowworm Cave is a silent boat trip through the glowworm grotto. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling.

Continue on to Rotorua. This evening gains an authentic introduction to Maori culture that will leave you amazed and in awe. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress, witness a cultural performance. Sit down to a traditionally cooked hangi meal – cooked underground.

This morning drive to Napier. Afternoon at leisure.

Begin your day with an art deco guided walk of Napier. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area as Napier. You’ll receive an informative Art Deco Walk booklet. Complimentary refreshments and a movie screening are available afterwards. At the conclusion of your tour, drive to Wellington. Wellington’s compact village-like size makes the city an easy place to walk around, yet its cosmopolitan flavor it the sophistication of a big city.

​Visit Zealandia, a unique, world-first eco-attraction, providing an excellent opportunity to experience New Zealand's natural environment just minutes from the capital city. With over 225 hectares of regenerating native forest and 40 species of birds, Zealandia is surrounded by a world-first "predator-proof" fence, the forest and wildlife are able to thrive without introduced animals and pests threatening their survival - thus providing a safe haven for New Zealand's precious rare and endangered birds. There are no cages here - the wildlife is in its natural environment.

Te Papa is a gateway to an encounter with the essence of New Zealand's land and people. Wonderful Maori cultural treasures, art, and objects are presented through fascinating stories, thought-provoking interpretations, and engaging interactives. Over the five floors of the museum you can explore the breadth of the New Zealand story - from the shaping of its land to the spirit of its diverse peoples, from its unique wildlife to its distinctive visual culture.

Today you will take the Interisland Ferry from Wellington to Picton, make sure to hang out on the deck to catch the beautiful scenery! Once you arrive in Picton, you’ll pick up your rental car from the Ferry Terminal. Enjoy a leisurely, scenic drive to Nelson.

Discover the beautiful beaches, tidal estuaries and rivers of the most scenic kayaking area of the Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise the forest-fringed bays and granite archways of the unique coastline, explore the wondrous headlands, coves and islands of the coast. Stop at at a sheltered cove for lunch then relax on the beach, swim or or explore the native forest.

Wake up and take a scenic drive to Kaikoura – famous for whale watching, dolphin swimming and spectacular scenery.

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical whale watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.

​This afternoon drive to Christchurch. The largest city in the South Island offers fresh and exciting attractions, a lively café scene, lots of Victorian architecture, and many beautiful parks and gardens.

The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. You’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, spectacular gorges and river valleys, and the Southern Alps before descending through lush rainforest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. Drive to Franz Josef.

Today you will have a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice, traversing the impressive terrain on the lower reaches of Franz Josef Glacier. After a short walk through regenerating rainforest, the trip continues along the glacier valley with your guide calling stops to explain the unique features of the Franz Josef Glacier and its surroundings. This afternoon, drive to Queenstown.

Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round.

Milford Sound is a world-renowned natural wonder where mountains stand tall, straight out of the sea. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble hundreds of meters to the sea below. Whatever the fiord’s mood – brooding and wet, or tranquil in the sunshine – it will inspire you. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.

Today enjoy a truly unique outdoor adventure safari. The journey begins with an exciting jetboat ride up the Dart River. You will then be introduced to your Funyak - a unique inflatable canoe. You’ll paddle and drift downstream, taking in all the awe-inspiring sights amidst the Dart River channels. You will stop amongst the ancient beech forest for buffet lunch and explore hidden side streams, rock stream, rock pools before continuing downstream to Paradise. Take a 4WD coach to Glenorchy, stopping to view the stunning scenery that has inspired films like Lord of the Rings.

Transfer from your hotel to Queenstown Airport.