As a specialist New Zealand tour operator, we do advise our travellers to limit the travelling they do on their journeys through the country.

It’s often forgotten that New Zealand is the same size as the UK, and, in trying to see all the highlights within a limited timescale, it would be very easy to spend hours at the steering wheel.

Most of our suggested itineraries involve an average of three hours’ travel between locations, with one or two journeys of longer duration. We often schedule two- or three-night stays to avoid too much packing and unpacking.

However, some of our travellers have indicated they would like to stay in certain places longer, so that there is not only time to see the sights and enjoy activities but also time to relax and appreciate the local scene.

So, the staff at Silver Fern have devised some new extended-stay itineraries that could form the basis of a slower exploration of the country. Please note that these will invariably include an internal flight to cover the distances between centres within a short time span.

Extended Stay Accommodation

Whilst some travellers may prefer hotels – and that’s certainly an option – for accommodation on these extended stay tours, we have generally steered towards apartments, baches (holiday houses) or houses as places where it’s easier to unwind and do your own thing over a few days. These are often in high demand, since they’re also popular choices for Kiwis on holiday, so early booking for this style of trip is a good idea.

And it is no surprise which locations are the preferred places in New Zealand for an extended stay. We highlight these below and describe their appeal.

“Stay-a-While” Extended Stay Itineraries

Bay of Islands

The subtropical North is a favourite area for longer-term stays, not only because of the warmer climate but also because there is so much to see and do on land and on water.

Day trips from a base in Paihia or Russell can include a visit to the Waitangi Treaty house and visitor centre. Recently renovated, this visitor centre displays documents and details of the 1840 meeting between Maori Chiefs and representatives of the British Crown, where an agreement was forged between the parties as to how the land would be administered and developed in the future years. It forms the basis of the New Zealand constitution today and provides an essential guide to relations between the Maori and Pakeha (the settlers).

The waters of the Pacific Ocean lap the stony beaches of Paihia, and from the quayside, half-day and full-day trips depart to the islands to see dolphins and the many seabirds that follow the boats. A popular trip is Fullers Hole in the Rock cruise or, for the more nautically adept, there are sailing boat trips which offer participants the chance to try their hand at pulling up the main sail.

The small township of Russell evokes a notorious whaling past and it’s easy to imagine sailors taking a rest here in one of the taverns or grogshops. The small museum is worth a visit to get an idea of the importance of the town and surrounding area in the mid-nineteenth century.

Further north the small settlement of Keri Keri also holds historical importance as the outpost of the British missionaries first sent to convert the natives to Christianity in the 1830’s.

Diving is also popular in this region. The main attractions are dives to the shipwreck of the HMNZS Canterbury located in Deep Water Cove just off the Cape Brett Peninsula. Meanwhile, experienced divers can explore the wreck of the Greenpeace ship, the Rainbow Warrior.

A day tour to Ninety Mile Beach not only gives travellers an extended view of the scenery of the Far North but also the possibility of dune surfing on its wide sands.

View the full itinerary here:

SUB-TROPICAL NORTH TO ALPINE SOUTH

The Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula has a coastline of bays, coves and beaches to explore while you enjoy a relaxed stay in the area. Dotted around the coastline are small settlements and townships that are popular summer holiday locations for New Zealanders living in the larger conurbations of Auckland and Hamilton. Coromandel, Tairau and Whitianga are the main destinations and the beaches on the eastern coast are a big draw.

Accommodations generally comprise bed and breakfasts, apartments and motels. Baches are also a popular choice.

Many travellers head to Hot Water Beach to dig their own hole in the sand and luxuriate in the hot spring waters. Cathedral Cove is also a good spot for beach activity and for walks along the shoreline. Unfortunately, a recent land slip has meant access by land is not possible, but boats and kayaks are readily available to explore on the water.

There are other less well-known beaches, such as New Chums Beach, which are further from the road access and are quieter. Cooks Beach can be reached by ferry crossing and here you can visit the site of James Cook’s original landing in New Zealand.

If you are travelling from the South Island to the North, then the Coromandel is an ideal place for some rest and relaxation after a journey around the country and before preparing for travel home from Auckland.

We feature a four-night stay in our new “Stay A While “itinerary:

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOUTH MAORI HERITAGE AND THE BEACHES OF THE NORTH

Abel Tasman National Park

This is another beautiful coastline that runs atop the South Island.

From Nelson, travel out to Kaiteriteri, this small seaside settlement that is the gateway to the park. Kaiteriteri itself has a wide beach with a main café area, and all the boats leave from the shore to cruise up the coast, taking day trippers to beaches for picnics, for walks to other sections of the coastal path and to view the sea life en route. There are also travellers who are undertaking a three or five day walk on the path or combining walks with kayaking trips. It’s a well-honed operation with a range of possibilities for those who want to fully explore the coast.

It’s possible to stay at one of the lodges or baches which are situated along the coast. A popular accommodation is Awaroa Lodge which has well-appointed rooms and an excellent on-site restaurant.

Relaxing for a few days in the park is a great idea before picking up your itinerary to venture further South. If this suggestion is of interest, you can see the full itinerary here:

MAORI HERITAGE COASTAL WONDERS AND THE ALPINE SOUTH

Wanaka

It may not have the beaches of the Coromandel or Abel Tasman, but Wanaka is situated in the most stunning alpine environment of lakes and mountains, where travellers can enjoy gentle walks, boat trips and endless swimming possibilities. In recent years, this small township has grown at a rate to rival the nearby adventure “resort” of Queenstown. However, Wanaka still retains a relaxed vibe with less drama.

Marketed as the best half-day walk in New Zealand, the Rocky Mountain Diamond Lake walk certainly offers great views of Mount Aspiring Park, with an easy ascent to the summit. Closer to the lakeside is the starting point for the trail to Roy’s Peak that has become a popular “Instagram” climb with queues in line at the top waiting for their photo or video clip. If you don’t want to climb at all, there are the lakeside trails around Lake Wanaka and along the nearby Matukituki Valley.

Excursions include jet boat trips up the river and trips into the high mountains.  Many travellers also opt for a half-day trip To Mou Waho Island, where volunteers are re-introducing the Weka bird, whose feathers adorn Maori cloaks.

Within the town are a variety of boutique shops, galleries and workshops that display distinctive hand-crafted products, while upmarket cafes and restaurants are sure to find favour with travellers who seek the best in New Zealand cuisine.

Wanaka has long been a favourite location for Silver Fern travellers and as such it features prominently on our tailor made itineraries and in our new Stay-a-While trips.

 

If these suggestions get you wishing you could experience the wonders New Zealand for yourself, or you’d like to know more about our new “Stay-a-While” tours, get in touch with us and book your 2025 or 2026 New Zealand holiday today!