22 Day The Long White Cloud

Traverse the Canterbury Plains on board the TranzAlpine train. Admire the vivid hues of greenstone (jade) on a visit to Hokitika where you will meet a local artisan for a jewellery carving demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set in the pristine wilderness, with an emphasis on relaxation
and rejuvenation. Your only priority – relaxing in Franz Josef’s geothermal hot pools.

Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef (B, D)

After a relaxed start, you’ll explore the area with a local guide, who’ll explain the history behind Franz Josef Glacier. (B, D)

It’s time for adventure as you board a purpose-built fully enclosed jet boat and journey down the Haast River. After a lunch stop in Makarora and later the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, the adventure capital of Queenstown awaits.

Stay: Crowne Plaza Queenstown (3 nights) (B, D)

Today, select your choice of sightseeing: consider a day indulging in the region’s vintages on a wine tour. View the Lord of Rings film locations and scenery of Queenstown, and Glenorchy on a scenic tour, or spend time in the spa indulging in a relaxing massage (B)

Earn your adventurer stripes braving some of Queenstown’s most daring activities. This evening,enjoy a memorable Local Dining Experience at one of Queenstown’s fine dining restaurants. (B, D)

Venture to Te Anau and then deep within the Fiordland National Park. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and emerge into a photographer’s paradise where glaciers and peaks give way to the unexpected beauty of Mirror Lake. You’ll stop to explore the wonder of the Chasm Walk before arriving at Milford Sound Lodge, with its exquisite views of the Cleddau Valley.

Stay: Milford Sound Lodge (2 nights) (B, D)

Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound. This morning, board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day exploration of Milford Sound. Sail out to the Tasman sea looking for wildlife and an opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrisons Cove. (B, L, D)

Embark on a journey through the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago and Te Anau. Stop in Gore at lunchtime before arriving in Dunedin

Stay: Distinction Hotel, Dunedin (2 nights) (B, D)

Join an exclusive tour of Larnach Castle before an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Travel up the east coast of the South Island returning to Christchurch for an in-depth sightseeing tour.

Stay: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch (B, D)

Against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, you’ll arrive in the whale-watching capital of Kaikoura. Continue to the picturesque port town of Picton, the launch pad for a serene sailing across the Cook Strait to trendy Wellington.

Stay: Sofitel Wellington (2 nights) (B, D)

Today is at leisure. Perhaps join a Lord of the Rings movie tour, or even a cruise to Somes Island in Wellington Harbour. This evening why not venture down to the harbour to dine at a local restaurant or café. (B)

Travel through the fertile farming land of the Wairarapa on to Napier in Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy time to relax after the day’s adventures before joining your Journey Director for dinner at your hotel

Stay: Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke’s Bay (2 nights) (B, D)

Join a local guide for a city tour. You’ll see several types of Art Deco architecture, the style in which Napier was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1931. This evening, enjoy wine-tasting and dinner at one of the region’s renowned wineries. (B, D)

Travel past Lake Taupo and visit spectacular Huka Falls before you arrive in Rotorua. Visit Whakarewarewa Living Village for insights into the lives of the Maori community and their special bond with this ancient land. This evening, enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and concert at the Tamaki Maori Marae.

Stay: Pullman Hotel, Rotorua (B, D)

Your first stop is Rotorua’s natural splendour, Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Next up, ascending to the Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated view of these redwood giants from a series of 23 suspension bridges linking the majestic trees, a completely unique perspective. (B)

Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glowworm experience. Later in Auckland, get your bearings during a city tour, then spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore.

Stay: Sofitel, Auckland (B)

The golden sands of Orewa seem to stretch endlessly heading north to the native Waipoua Forest. Join a local Maori guide and head deep into the forest, immersing yourself in the fascinating legends behind these giant trees. Finally, journey to your waterfront resort in the Bay of Islands.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B, D)

Set off by ferry to Russell. Embark on a guided walking tour of the town and explore its centuries-old seafaring heritage. (B)

Set forth across the Bay of Islands, cruising to the Maori’s sacred Hole in the Rock to witness how it resists the power of the sea. Return to Auckland for a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Stay: Sofitel, Auckland (B, D)

Bid a fond farewell to your newfound friends as your epic New Zealand Inspiring Journey has come to an end. (B)