Enchanting New Zealand - 17 Days

Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day offers free time for you to explore the local area; why not ask your guide for tips on where to eat in the evening.

Auckland – Whitianga. Today we head south across the Hauraki Plains to Thames before continuing up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The coastal drive along this route is truly breathtaking. On clear days, be sure to watch for the SkyTower, visible across the Firth of Thames. We pay a visit to the nearby Driving Creek Railway, where we climb 120 metres on a narrow-gauge line to the 'EyeFull' Tower, offering panoramic views of the picturesque countryside and back over the Hauraki Gulf. We continue our journey across the peninsula until we arrive at the resort of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.

The Coromandel region is a vibrant canvas of white cliffs, sun-kissed golden beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green forests. In the summer, vibrant scarlet hues emerge thanks to the blossoming Pōhutukawa trees.

One of its most renowned attractions is Hot Water Beach, where natural hot springs bubble up through the sand. During the right tide conditions, you can create your own spa pool in the warm waters.

We also take a scenic walk to Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most iconic and photogenic beaches. Accessible only on foot or by boat, it is famous for its dramatic rock archway framing the golden sands and turquoise waters.

Later, stroll along the beautiful sandy beaches of Hahei and visit Cooks Beach, named in honour of Captain James Cook, who sailed into Mercury Bay in 1769. From here you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to our accommodation, or travel back with our driver.

Whitianga – Rotorua. Setting off in the morning we follow the Pacific Coast Highway through the coastal towns of Whangamata and Tauranga before turning inland. We stop for a bushwalk with scenic views over Okere Falls, before continuing to Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori heritage and New Zealand’s geothermal activity. Here we visit Te Puia. Te Puia is an active geothermal site, the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project.

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

Today you have a choice between two different activities. Option 1 is a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley which is the site of the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886. This monumental event reshaped the landscape permanently, giving rise to the valley we explore today. As we wander through we encounter bubbling craters and brilliantly coloured steaming lakes. We embark on a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the location of the silica terraces where we witness the gradual formation of new silica terraces.

Option 2 is a Middle-earth experience with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set where we explore the iconic Shire. Our guide will walk us through the ten-acre site, sharing insights on how the movie set was brought to life. We get to see the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse, and other film structures, witnessing the transformation of this beautiful Waikato farmland into Middle-earth's Shire.

In the evening we head to the Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pa Tu. The experience aligns with the Maori lunar calendar, offering Maori traditions, songs, and seasonal cuisine within the forest village. We enjoy a 4-course fusion feast designed by Maori chefs and served outdoors or in the dining room, depending on the weather.

Return hotel transfers are included, and we join other travellers for this enriching experience.

Rotorua – Napier. This morning we head south, past Huka Falls to the vast Lake Taupo. If clear skies permit, from here we should be able to see the peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, where lie the volcanic peaks that acted as the backdrop of ‘Mordor’ in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We continue our journey to Napier, a joyful seaside town that had a tragic birth which we learn about today as we explore its sights on foot.

Our journey today has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening we are treated to dinner with a glass of wine at the Mission Estate Winery. First set up by missionaries in the mid-19th century, today these vineyards produce award-winning wines. We enjoy a tour of the winery before enjoying our dinner with sweeping views over Napier.

Napier – Wellington. This morning we make our way to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, home to artists, writers and filmmakers with a trendy cafe culture. We see the magnificent Parliament Buildings, including the iconic 'Beehive' building before heading to the Kelburn Lookout. After taking the cable car down to the city centre we go to the Te Papa, one of the most exciting museums in the world where we have a lesson in the land, people, wildlife, landscapes and culture of New Zealand.

Wellington – Nelson. Today we cross the Cook Strait on one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world. Often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow wave, we arrive in Picton on the South Island. We travel to Blenheim, nestled in the heart of the renowned Marlborough wine country. What could be a more perfect way to savour this region, celebrated for its Sauvignon Blanc, than indulging in wine tasting at one of Marlborough's top wineries? From here we head to the delightful town of Nelson, where we spend the next two nights.

Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson. Today we explore Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal paradise of golden coves, turquoise lagoons, and native forest. With very few roads here, the best way to discover the park is by boat. Boarding our cruiser at Kaiteriteri, we set out along the coastline, pausing at sheltered bays for short walks and the chance to enjoy the beaches. Highlights include Anchorage Beach, the South Head lookout, and the famous Falls River swing-bridge. After a day immersed in this remarkable landscape, we return to Nelson for the evening.

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

Nelson – Kaikōura. This morning, we leave Nelson behind and travel through farmland and pine plantations before reaching the Rai Valley. Our journey then takes us into the Marlborough Wine Country, passing the vineyards that surround Blenheim. From here we continue south along the spectacular eastern coastline, where the road runs between the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged ranges, leading us to Kaikōura – the place where the mountains meet the sea. This afternoon you have a choice between two included activities.

Option 1 is a Whale Watch cruise, where you join a purpose-built catamaran for a two-hour journey in search of the sperm whales, with the chance to also encounter dusky dolphins, fur seals and a variety of seabirds.

Option 2 is a Wings Over Whales flight, a 30-minute scenic experience that combines panoramic views of Kaikōura’s rugged mountains and sweeping coastline with the opportunity to view whales and dolphins from above.

Kaikoura - Christchurch. We depart from Kaikōura and follow the dramatic coastline south, where the road offers sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean. Turning inland, we climb over the Hundalee Ranges before descending into the patchwork farmland of North Canterbury. Our journey continues through a series of rural townships before reaching Christchurch.

This afternoon we step aboard traditional punts for a gentle cruise along the River Avon, guided by boatmen dressed in Edwardian style. Gliding through the Botanic Gardens, we see the city from a tranquil vantage point. Afterwards, we ride one of Christchurch’s beautifully restored heritage trams, travelling in comfort through the evolving city centre.

Christchurch - Fox Glacier. Today, we board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s great rail journeys, crossing the Canterbury Plains and farmland before entering the deep gorges and valleys carved by the Waimakariri River. The train climbs steadily into the Southern Alps, offering ever-changing alpine views. On arrival at Arthur’s Pass we rejoin our coach and continue towards the West Coast.

Our journey takes us through characterful towns before reaching Hokitika, known for its galleries featuring pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and artworks. From here we travel south, with the Southern Alps rising to our left and the Tasman Sea on our right, passing through forest and farmland as we make our way into glacier country. We arrive first at Franz Josef and then at the village of Fox, where vast rivers of ice tumble down from the snowfields high in the Alps to almost sea level.

Fox Glacier – Wanaka. First thing today we visit nearby Lake Matheson which, when weather conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors Mount Cook in its waters creating a stunning visual effect. From here we head up over the Haast Pass along the river road, which took more than 40 years to complete, travelling deep into Mt Aspiring National Park to Lake Wanaka and the picturesque resort town of Wanaka.

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.

Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.

When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.

Wanaka - Te Anau. This morning, we leave Wānaka, pausing at the Cardrona Hotel before crossing the Crown Range to Arrowtown, a preserved gold rush village on the Arrow River. We then follow the road between the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, and continue through glacial valleys now turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau – the South Island’s largest freshwater lake and gateway to Fiordland.

From Te Anau we board a jet boat for a journey along the Waiau River to the remote shores of Lake Manapouri, surrounded by mountains and forest rich in history and natural beauty. Afterwards we visit a working farm, where a restored century-old woolshed sets the stage for an authentic Southland experience. Here we meet the farmer and watch a sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstration, gaining insight into the region’s farming traditions.

Te Anau – Queenstown. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives you can experience. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is awe-inspiring, and features towering mountains and deep valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers. Milford Sound, famously dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling, is a breathtaking destination in any weather.

Following this we embark on a comfortable cruise, passing the iconic Mitre Peak to reach the Tasman Sea. Keep a lookout for seals and dolphins, which often grace the fiord's waters. After the cruise we retrace our route back to Te Anau and then journey through the Southland farmlands and circle the stunning Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Queenstown Airport for your flight home.