Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Rotorua > Napier > Wellington > Nelson > Punakaiki > Fox Glacier > Wanaka > Te Anau > Queenstown > Twizel > Christchurch
This Small Group Journey takes you to some of our favourite places and spaces in the North and South Islands, discovering fantastic coastlines and immersing you in Maori culture and history. Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools and boiling geysers and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park with opportunities to swim in its turquoise lagoons.
If the tide is right, scoop a ‘spa’ pool on Hot Water Beach, then walk to beautiful Cathedral Cove. Rejoin our vehicle to make for lovely Cooks Beach, named for the first European to land in New Zealand. From here, either catch the ferry to Whitianga and walk to our hotel OR travel back with your driver.
Head inland, pausing at the Okere River before arriving in Rotorua: not only New Zealand’s geothermal hot spot, but a thriving Maori centre. We receive a warm welcome at Te Puia, discover mud pools and steam vents, as well as the arts of weaving, carving and tattooing.
A choice between:Waimangu Volcanic Valley – the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera was devastating, but created a new geothermal valley of boiling craters and jewel-coloured lakes for us to walk through.
Visit Middle Earth – Hobbiton™ This farmland film-set is a treat for Tolkien fans: our guide explains how it became The Shire™.
This evening we all visit a Maori village, receiving a formal welcome (powhiri) and discovering indigenous culture through dance and song, followed by a Hangi feast.
South to Lake Taupo and across the Tongariro plateau to Napier. How did this seaside town come to rival Miami for its Art Deco style? Our guided walk reveals all. Napier is also at the heart of North Island’s vineyards, and this evening’s treat is dinner at its oldest winery, Mission Estate.
Travel across the rural Wairarapa to windy Wellington, the seat of New Zealand’s Parliament. The Kelburn Lookout offers a great view, before we take the Cable Car down to visit Te Papa.
Like HMS Endeavour 250 years before, we cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to South Island. On disembarking, we pause in Marlborough for a wine-tasting at one of the country’s premier cellars. Our base for the next two nights is sunny Nelson.
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.
Few international visitors take this drive through Nelson Lakes National Park following the Buller River Gorge, but it is one of the most exciting in the world. When we reach the Tasman Sea, the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are yet another example of nature’s extraordinary force.
Heading ever closer to the Southern Alps we pause in the gold-miners’ town of Hokitika before arriving at Fox Glacier, a good base from which to marvel at ‘rivers of ice’. Weather permitting, optional trips (at own cost) include flights over and even onto the glaciers!
We take the Haast River road deep into Mt Aspiring National Park. The atmosphere lightens as we reach Lake Wanaka, reflecting mountain peaks that in winter offer skiing, in summer hiking.
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.
Head over the Crown Ranges, beside Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, the gateway of Fiordland. It is New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake (by volume), and the ideal base from which to visit Milford Sound.
Today’s journey is one of the most scenic you can make on four wheels! On arrival at Milford Sound we board a comfortable vessel to cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea: keep an eye open for seals and dolphins. Our return journey ends in Queenstown.
Queenstown is New Zealand’s most famous adventure resort. Try white-water rafting and high-wire thrills, or relax on a classic steamship cruise (at own cost). The day and evening are yours to do as much or as little as you please.
Today we approach the Southern Alps via the Approach the Southern Alps via the Kawarau Gorge and Central Otago, driving alongside Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook Village, the nearest vehicle access to awesome Aoraki Mt Cook.
Day 18 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
Rebuilding after the 2010/11 ‘quakes, the city changes daily, but there are still punts on the River Avon and restored street trams clanging through historic streets. We enjoy both forms of transport today before sharing a farewell dinner.
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.
