22 Day The Long White Cloud

Traverse the Canterbury Plains on board the TranzAlpine train. The gentle chug-chug in extraordinary surrounds gives way to more epic scenery as you board the coach at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Punakaiki to see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Your home tonight is in an eco-friendly resort on the waterfront.

Stay: Punakaiki Resort (B, D)

Admire the vivid hues of greenstone (jade) on a visit to Hokitika for a jewellery carving demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier. Spend tonight in the pristine wildernerss. Your only priority – relaxing in Franz Josef’s geothermal hot pools.

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

Today, meander through the Haast Pass and along the pebble-laden shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, stopping in Makarora and the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. The adventure capital of Queenstown awaits and you’ll have an opportunity to explore it during an orientation tour.

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

Calling all thrill seekers! Today’s the day to earn your adventurer stripes braving some of Queenstown’s most daring activities. Or indulge your more serene side with a round of golf or relaxing spa treatment. This evening, enjoy a memorable Highlight Dinner at one of Queenstown’s fine dining restaurants. (B, D)

Another daring day awaits in New Zealand’s adrenalin capital. Consider a day indulging in the region’s vintages at the Gibbston Valley Winery, or board a jet boat for an exhilarating ride. (B)

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)

This morning, embark on a journey from the rainforests of Fiordland through Te Anau and the rolling hill country of Southland to the hills of Central Otago. Arrive in Wedderburn and head out to a high country farm to learn about life on the plains. Finish your day with dinner at the local pub.

Stay: Wedderburn Cottages (B, D)

Today explore the town of Naseby to learn the history of this gold mining town. From here it’s on towards the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy dinner against the backdrop of the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere.

Stay: The Hermitage, Mt Cook (B, D)

Discover the shores of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd today, before returning to Christchurch for an indepth sightseeing tour.

Stay: Crowne Plazal Christchurch (B)

Against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, you’ll arrive in the whale-watching capital of Kaikoura. Consider a scenic whalewatching flight (own expense). 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)

Follow the spectacular Kapiti Coast to Tongariro National Park, home to remarkable volcanic peaks. Departing the caldera, stop to admire the raging Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo.

Stay: Hilton Hotel, Taupo (B, D)

Continue to nearby Rotorua to gain insights into the fascinating rituals and traditions of the Maori people. Tonight, indulge in the mouthwatering flavours of a traditional Maori Hangi dinner cooked in the ground using geothermal steam.

Stay: Princes Gate Hotel, Rotorua (2 nights) (B, D)

Ascending to the Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of these redwood giants. Next up is Rotorua’s natural splendour – revealed in the crystal clear mineral springs and native flora of Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Visit Whakarewera Living Village for insights into the lives of the Maori community and their special bond with this ancient land. (B)

Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glowworm experience. Later, visit Matamata, of The Lord of the Rings fame. This epic journey continues to Coromandel, where you’ll stay in Tree Hut Chalets.

Stay: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, Coromandel (B, D)

Enjoy a relaxed start before heading to Auckland. Get your bearings during a city tour, then spend the rest of the day discovering why it’s deemed one of the world’s most livable cities.

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)