Auckland > Bay of Islands > Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Rotorua > Napier > Wellington > Nelson > Punakaiki > Fox Glacier > Wanaka > Te Anau > Queenstown > Twizel > Christchurch
Join us for an adventure like no other – a three-week Small Group Journey. Experience the breath-taking scenery of snow-capped Alps, wander through tropical rainforests and relax on wide, sandy beaches. Learn how this beautiful land has been shaped by ancient volcanoes and southern seas, by Maori warriors and colonial settlers. Friendly local guides share their cultural, historical and ecological expertise as you travel with us throughout Aotearoa – ‘the land of the long white cloud’.
Heading north, we pause to marvel at a remnant of ancient Kauri forest from an elevated walkway. At Paihia we enjoy a guided visit to the birthplace of the nation, the fascinating Waitangi Treaty Grounds. We arrive in Russell, the first capital city of New Zealand, by ferry.
Today, the choice is yours. Either travel by special coach along amazing 90 Mile Beach to sacred Cape Reinga (also includes lunch) OR enjoy a cruise towards Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Hole in the Rock, with the chance of dolphin-spotting, before a guided tour of historic Russell.
We return to Auckland to discover its vibrant harbourside, charming village neighbourhoods and panoramic views, before a guided tour of the excellent Auckland Museum to learn more about Pacific culture.
If the tide is right, scoop your own ‘spa’ pool out of the sand at Hot Water Beach, before walking to beautiful Cathedral Cove. A water taxi takes us to Hahei, then we travel to Cooks Beach, where the ‘Endeavour’ dropped anchor in 1769. Now you can choose to take a ferry ride to Whitianga and walk to the hotel, or travel back with our driver.
We turn inland and stretch our legs on an easy bush walk before arriving at the geothermal centre of North Island, which is also the heart of Maori culture. Our private tour of Te Puia includes bubbling mud, indigenous art and kiwi conservation.
Either explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley on foot and by boat to experience this ever-changing landscape close-up, OR Tolkien fans may take a trip to the Hobbiton™ Film Set. This evening, we all experience an amazing Maori welcome and Hangi (feast).
Pausing at mighty Lake Taupo, we head to Hawke’s Bay on the east coast for a walking tour of Art Deco Napier. This evening, we enjoy the best of New Zealand cuisine (with a glass of wine) at the Mission Estate Winery.
Driving through the Wairarapa ranges we arrive in the breezy capital city, known for its creative industries and great coffee! We take the cable car from Kelburn before visiting Te Papa, one of the world’s top museums.
All aboard the Interisland ferry to navigate the Cook Strait to South Island! Back on our coach, we pause for a wine tasting in Marlborough before arriving in Nelson, known for its arts and crafts and artisan food culture.
The idyllic Abel Tasman National Park is best explored by boat and on foot. Sailing from Kaiteriteri, today offers a choice:
Scenic Cruise: 3-4 hours (no walking) – A morning cruise reveals golden sands and turquoise waters, returning to Nelson for a free afternoon.
Astrolabe Beaches & Bays (plus 2.5 hour walk) – After the Scenic Cruise, disembark at Apple Tree Bay for a self-guided walk (7 kms) to Anchorage Beach. Later transfer to Nelson.
Forest & Swing-Bridge (plus 4 hour walk) – After the Scenic Cruise, disembark at Medlands Beach for a self-guided hike (10.5 kms) that includes South Head lookout and Cleopatra’s Pool. Late transfer to Nelson.
We travel through enchanting Nelson Lakes National Park on the Buller Gorge road, carved through virgin forest by 19th century miners, to arrive at Punakaiki to see its extraordinary rock formations.
Pause in the gold rush town of Hokitika, before heading to glacier country. The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers flow almost to sea level, making them unusually accessible. Viewing options include helicopter flights (at own cost).
After a photo-opportunity at mirror-like Lake Matheson, we take the Haast Pass river road deep into the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park to the lakeside resort of Wanaka.
Nature lovers may take a lake cruise to a conservation island with an eco-guide to discover native birds like the flightless Buff Weka or you can choose to enjoy a scenic 4WD adventure to a high country farm above the lake.
Travelling via historic Arrowtown, beneath the Remarkables range of mountains and along the shore of Lake Wakatipu, we arrive at the gateway to Fiordland National Park: Te Anau.
The journey there, through rainforest, is as spectacular as the destination: Milford Sound! Top this with a memorable cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea (picnic lunch on board) before ending the day in Queenstown.
This sophisticated resort offers something for everyone. The day is free for you to be a thrill-seeker or a wine-taster, to ride a gondola or cruise on a vintage steam ship: the options (at own cost) are endless!
With the Southern Alps on our left, we cross Otago and travel beside lovely Lake Pukaki before driving up to Mt Cook Village, where Sir Edmund Hillary climbed his country’s highest peak before going on to conquer Everest. Overnight at Twizel.
Day 21 Twizel to Lake Tekapo across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch
Head down the Tasman Valley from Mount Cook and on to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, where the window behind the altar frames an astonishing view of the lake.
Then across the high country’s tussock plains, through Fairlie and Geraldine to the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch
Post-earthquake Christchurch mixes colonial charm with cutting-edge architecture, re-inventing itself in typical Kiwi style. ‘Edwardian’ boatmen take us for a punt on the River Avon before we hop on a tram. Our farewell dinner features the best of local cuisine.
Sadly, our trip ends after breakfast. We transfer you to the airport for your flight, or ask us to extend your stay with tailor-made arrangements by car or TranzAlpine rail.
Very much enjoyed the superb Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa Museum, Wellington. Loved the jet boat trip on our day out to Arthur’s Pass and the caves at Charleston.
A wonderful holiday!Chris and Joyce Brill
The Million Dollar cruise on Lake Wakatipu was absolutely brilliant – the guide was very knowledgeable and we would highly recommend this trip.
Our meal on the Mission Estate was one of the best meals of the holiday and the gardens at Hamilton were a real surprise.
But the main highlight has to have been the Milford Mariner overnight cruise – not the best of weather, we couldn’t get out on the kayaks – but a wonderful experience.Colin and Maureen Smith
Choosing a small group tour means you don’t have to worry about organising travel at all. With every one of our small group tours, we’ll arrange all of your transportation. We can even organise your initial flights to New Zealand! If you’d like to find out more about any of our tour packages, please do get in touch.
