20 Day New Zealand End to End

From Auckland travel north over the Harbour Bridge to Whangarei and Paihia. The afternoon is at your leisure for optional activities, such as a visit to the quaint township of Russell. Your tour includes entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the founding document of New Zealand was signed between the Maori & Europeans. Stay 2 nights in Paihia. (2 nights)

Depart Paihia on your journey to Cape Reinga, the most northern point of New Zealand. Maori legend states spirits depart from this point on their journey to their final resting place. Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk past the 1,000 year old Kauri trees in the Puketi Kauri forest and an amazing drive along Ninety Mile Beach. If you are feeling adventurous you might like to participate in sandboarding down the sand dunes at Te Paki Stream. Return to Paihia in the evening. Lunch is included. (L)

Enjoy the view on board your cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse en-route to the stunning Hole in the Rock. Common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life are frequently sighted from the outdoor viewing decks. 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 towards the Waitomo Caves via the city of Hamilton which sits on the banks of the Waikato River. Enjoy a guided tour of the caves with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms. Arrival at your Rotorua accommodation will be in the early afternoon. Tonight you will attend a hangi (feast) and concert, an authentic and intimate Maori experience. (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.

Travel today to the Art Deco city of Napier for a 2 night stay. The city of Napier was rebuilt into a place of Art Deco splendour following a massive earthquake in 1931 The Art Deco walk or guided tour (own expense) is an exceptional way to experience the city’s elegance. (2 nights)

Hawke’s Bay has also 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. Taste great wines made with passion and learn of the area’s unique growing conditions. Cheese boards are provided on all tours. Take home great tasting wines and memories.

Depart Napier and travel to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city located on the Southern tip of the North Island. Arriving early afternoon the rest of the day at leisure. (2 nights)

Visit many of Wellington’s best known sights, landmarks and icons this morning including the Beehive and Parliament Buildings, Old Saint Paul’s Cathedral and the historic cable car. Enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views of Wellington City, hills and harbour from the summit of Mount Victoria and drive 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 which will ferry you across Cook Strait and through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Make the short journey to Nelson where you will enjoy two wonderful nights in this tranquil destination. (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.

Travel through Murchison, the scene of a massive earthquake in 1929, and on through the Buller Gorge to Westport on the West Coast. The road to Punakaiki hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. Overnight at Punakaiki, famous for its pancake rocks and magnificent blowholes.

The morning is at your leisure. We recommend a walk around the stunning Pancake Rocks and blowholes – fantastic in all weather! 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. Climb through lush beech forests past the beautiful Lake Brunner and through 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 early evening.

Depart Christchurch and head south through the vibrant seaside town of Timaru and onto Oamaru known for their creamy limestone buildings. Pass Moeraki Beach where perfectly rounded boulders are embedded in the sand. Arrive 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 where you’ll experience Albatross, Fur Seals, Yellow Eyed Penguins, and Dolphins just to name a few.

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 enroute. On arrival in Milford Sound experience an unforgettable cruise through a unique and pristine environment. 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)

Return to Queenstown on a scenic flight taking in 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 situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown offers something for everyone – you can enjoy the quiet beauty and tranquility of this mountain retreat and enjoy 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, and 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 and pan 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.