Charming New Zealand

DAY 1

Arrive Auckland

On arrival, depending on your preferred travel choice, you will either be met and privately transferred, or self drive to your accommodation.  

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight: Auckland

DAY 2

Auckland - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Rotorua

Journey past rolling green hills to Waitomo for a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Then, head to Matamata where a delightful slice of Middle Earth awaits you at Hobbiton. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, continue along the Thermal Explorer Highway and through a green oasis lined with lush tree ferns to  Rotorua, a destination like nowhere else!  Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 3

Rotorua

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.  Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 4

Rotorua - Wellington

There’s a bit of everything on today’s drive.  The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography and refreshing tracts of pine forest.  Follow the eastern edge of Great Lake Taupo to meet the long, straight Desert Road and enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park's volcanoes.  As you drive south the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys.  Finally, the stunning Kapiti coastline leads you in to New Zealand’s capital city.  Overnight: Wellington

DAY 5

Wellington

Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot.  Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants all within minutes of the city’s untouched nature spots.Overnight: Wellington

DAY 6

Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

New Zealand's North and South Islands are separated by three hours of sensational scenery and ocean fresh air.  Departing Wellington, your ship will ferry you across the Cook Strait, past the beautiful beaches, bays and coves of the Marlborough Sounds to the historic port town of Picton.

From here, the Pacific Coast Road to Christchurch presents one of New Zealand's most dramatic drives with breathtaking mountains on one side and wild pounding ocean on the other.  Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 7

Christchurch - Dunedin

The road to Dunedin is lined with breathtaking beaches and fascinating geology.  

Dunedin and its surrounds are a vibrant mix of heritage and wildlife.  Set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea, Dunedin City has the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.  Beyond the city, the Otago Peninsula boasts an array of native wildlife with penguins, albatross, seals and sea lions. Overnight: Dunedin

DAY 8

Dunedin - Queenstown

Today’s journey takes you through Central Otago, a powerful landscape with weathered ancient mountains and fast flowing rivers.

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.

DAY 9

Queenstown

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations.  It is a hub of adventure surrounded by famous landscapes, renowned vineyards and goldmining history.  Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 10

Queenstown - Glaciers

Today’s scenic journey takes you to the West Coast, a wild an untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.  Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice-age, tumble down the rocky valleys.  Overntnight: Glacier Country

Please note admission to the Glacier Hot Pools is included for self drive travellers only but may be added to your bucket list (additional cost will apply) if you are on a seat-in-coach tour.

DAY 11

Glaciers - Christchurch

The coastal road north offers beautiful rivers, unique rail bridges and great views of the wild west coast. After travelling through the historic town of Hokitika, self drive travellers head eastwards, through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park, to Christchurch.  Seat-in-coach travellers continue to Greymouth, to take the journey across to Christchurch, by train.

Christchurch is New Zealand's largest South Island city.  Set on the expansive Canterbury Plains between the Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps it is a vibrant, ever-changing city, its parks and gardens interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 12

Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or return of your rental car.