20 Day New Zealand End to End

Departing from Auckland you will be heading north to the Bay of Islands, made up of 144 islands. Staying in the popular town of Paihia, you might even spot dolphins frolicking in the sea as you walk along one of the many walks to explore the area. No visit to Paihia is complete without a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (entry is included in your tour), where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. Entrance to the Treaty Grounds includes a tour of the picturesque grounds and a Maori cultural show. (2 nights)

Depart Paihia on your journey to Cape Reinga, the most northern point of New Zealand. Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Maori culture and tradition. Maori legend states spirits depart from this point on their journey to their final resting place.

Visit the Puketi Kauri Forest and get up close to ancient and majestic giant 1,000 year old kauri trees and native bush. Stroll along an elevated walkway as these graceful giants surround you, and learn about conservation efforts to preserve the forest today. The tour continues with a drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach.

Feel the sand between your toes as you help your driver guide dig for shellfish (conditions permitting). Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping. Returning to Paihia in the evening. Lunch is included. (L)

Enjoy the view on board your cruise this morning as you pass the Cape Brett Lighthouse en route to the stunning Hole in the Rock. Board the luxury catamaran which will whisk you on a comfortable journey out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukokako Island and the famous “Hole in the Rock” where we make a passage through the Hole and on to the Grand Cathedral Cave.

On the return journey the cruise takes its time and meanders through the inner islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife as your skipper gives an informative commentary. Included is an island stopover on beautiful Urupukapuka Island.

As your catamaran docks at the Historic Otehei Bay, enjoy the white sandy beach, picturesque views and its rich archaeological landscape. On the way back you might like to stop off at the quaint seaside village of Russell (New Zealand’s first capital) where you can take some time to wander around and enjoy.

This afternoon rejoin your coach for your journey back to Auckland, crossing over the Harbour Bridge into the city for an evening arrival.

With an early morning departure from Auckland you will be travelling southbound to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe. Continue through Hamilton – New Zealand’s fourth largest city and the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. For over 100 years, Waitomo Glowworm Caves have attracted millions of people from all over the world. The moment you enter this subterranean wonderland, you’ll discover an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos. You’ll 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.

On completion of this tour, continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the “thermal city” of Rotorua. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a Maori feast, as Te Po’s cultural experience promises hours of fun, thought and Maori kai (indigenous food). After a formal Maori welcome, relax and enjoy a captivating performance by the local people, including traditional songs as well as the renowned haka. Following a truly delectable dinner, you will be transported by people movers to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and an essential hot chocolate (D)

This morning you will experience Maori culture and the amazing thermal wonderland at Te Puia. Te Puia is also home to the Arts and Crafts Institute where the ancient teachings of Maori ancestors have been preserved and continue to thrive. Continue on to the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, an attraction like no other. Set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees and streams you will see a huge variety of New Zealand’s most precious inhabitants including the Kiwi Conservation Centre. New Zealand’s thriving agricultural industry is on show at the Agrodome, where you will witness a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials.

This afternoon drive south through exotic forests until you reach the steam fields of Wairakei and Lake Taupo in the centre of the North Island. Overnight at Lake Taupo.

Today you will travel to the Art Deco city of Napier for a 2 night stay. You will be amazed by thef antastic scenery on the road from Taupo to Napier. There’s a bit of everything – rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas. The city of Napier was devastated by an  earthquake that nearly levelled it and its twin city Hastings. They were rebuilt in the style of the times, and are now highly acclaimed for their Art Deco design. (2 nights)

Hawke’s Bay has become well known as a leading food and wine region in New Zealand, so we’ve booked you in for a wine tasting tour this afternoon. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of Hawke’s Bay’s fantastic wines and learn of the area’s unique growing conditions. Cheese boards are also provided on all tours. Take home great tasting wines and memories.

Today’s journey takes you through the vineyards and small heritage towns of Wairarapa and on to Wellington. Pause in Masterton, the Wairarapa’s largest settlement where you will find the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park, The Wool Shed (the National Museum of Sheep and Shearing) and Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art & History.

Arrive in Wellington early in the afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure to explore. Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and a hub of culture and heritage. The downtown area of this compact city is ideal for explorations on foot. Spend your remaining time enjoying the many cafes, restaurants, museums and galleries that populate the Wellington area. (2 nights)

Visit many of Wellington’s best known sights, landmarks and icons this morning including the Beehive, the Parliament Buildings, Old Saint Paul’s Cathedral as well as the historic cable car. Enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views of Wellington City, the hills and the harbour from the summit of Mount Victoria as well as driving around the rugged scenic bays of Wellington Harbour. The afternoon is free to explore Wellington. A visit to Te Papa or the Museum of City and Sea is highly recommended.

This morning you will board the Interislander, ready to cross the Cook Strait to the South Island. Where will you sit? Inside or outside? Try to vary your experience if you can, as some of the sights are better seen without the barrier of a window – watch as boats bob on Wellington harbour, disappearing in the distance as you head into the majestic Marlborough Sounds, chugging away to Picton.

Once you’re on dry land again, journey to Havelock, a small town famed for its Green Shell Mussels. Between bites to eat, explore the forest glades of Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve; or for something a little more adventurous, ascend via ridgeline to a 417m peak. Then continue on to Nelson where you will stay for the two nights. (2 nights)

Today is at your leisure and there are lots of options including beaches to explore, harbour cruises, walks or adventure activities. Nelson is also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest of New Zealand’s national parks, with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views. Perhaps enjoy a cruise in this spectacular park.

You will be heading south through Murchison today, making your way to the West Coast. At Hawks Crag, the road has been hacked out of solid rock – be ready for the dramatic overhang, lending shade and character to the route. The road to Punakaiki hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea.

Punakaiki is best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. A loop track takes you on a gentle walk from the main road, through rainforest to the coast. At the coastline the track has many lookouts and areas for fantastic photos to be taken of the Pancake Rocks, Blowholes and beautiful views of the coast and mountains. The best time to visit the blowholes is at high tide when they are at their most powerful. Allow 45 minutes for the loop walk.

The morning is at your leisure. We recommend a walk around the stunning Pancake Rocks and blowholes if you have not yet seen them! The Truman Track is another short walk worth doing while you’re here – nearing the coast it passes through typical West Coast flax flats before emerging onto a coastal headland with stunning views up and down the local coastline.

This afternoon enjoy the views of the wild west coast as you travel to Greymouth and join the TranzAlpine Train for your scenic train journey to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine is described as “The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure” and is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world.

Ascend through lush beech forests past the beautiful Lake Brunner via the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass situated 737 metres above sea level, before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine then winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley before arriving in Christchurch.

Depart Christchurch and head south through the vibrant seaside town of Timaru and onto Oamaru known for their creamy limestone buildings. Pass Moeraki Beach stopping to view its mysterious, spherical, 60 million year old boulders that are embedded in the sand. Arrive in Dunedin, a vibrant university city with a proud Scottish legacy, in the early afternoon. (2 nights)

Today you have some time to explore the charming city of Dunedin. Sitting in the Otago Harbour, Dunedin is a fantastic “small city” and an important centre for learning, heritage, arts and culture in New Zealand. The Harbour is the gateway to the Otago Peninsula and today we have included the excellent ½ day Peninsula Cruise. Explore the length of the beautiful Otago Peninsula and a wildlife cruise of spectacular Taiaroa Head the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world and the home to New Zealand fur seals. Don’t be surprised if you spot dolphins, sea lions and countless ocean birds, including penguins!

This morning is at leisure to explore Dunedin. This afternoon, travel by coach across fertile farming land and pass by spectacular mountains to the beautiful shores of Lake Te Anau. You will arrive into the township of Te Anau, the hub of the Fiordland region in the late afternoon.

Travel through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Journey through majestic forests, past immense waterfalls and through towering snow – capped mountains. Great photo opportunities abound en route. On arrival in Milford Sound experience an unforgettable cruise through a unique and pristine environment.

Upon arrival, board either the Milford Mariner or Milford Wanderer – our specifically designed fiord explorers – and settle in for a 2.5-hour cruise. Milford Sound is nothing short of heart-stopping, inducing subconscious smiles in the hard to please and easily bored almost instantly; it’s simply magnificent. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins!

Board the coach for Queenstown, arriving in the evening. If the weather is suitable take a scenic flight back over the Southern Alps (own expense). (L) (2 nights)

Upgrade your itinerary to include a return scenic flight to Queenstown taking in the magnificent views of the alps, glaciers, lakes and forests of Fiordland National Park – a quick and convenient way to return to Queenstown. (Duration 35mins)

The flight shaves off approximately 4 hours off a return by coach. It is however very weather dependent, so if the weather doesn’t play ball, then you will need to return by coach and we will refund the upgrade price.

Today is completely at your leisure to enjoy the many sights of this alpine resort town situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown offers something for everyone – you can enjoy the quiet beauty and tranquility of this mountain retreat as well as several walking trails in the town area. For sheer excitement there is white-water rafting, helicopter rides, the famous jet boats, bungy jumping to pump your adrenalin, and offroad 4WD tours with plenty of river crossings.

There are cruises on the lake and a visit to a high country sheep station, as well as wine tasting tours. You can visit nearby Arrowtown where the main street has been preserved since the 1860’s gold rush days and you can try your luck panning for gold in the adjacent Shotover River.

“Haere rā” Farewell from Aotearoa. We hope that you have had a memorable journey in New Zealand. Today is at your leisure until you are transferred from your accommodation to the airport for your departure home. We hope that you will visit us again.