New Zealand Wonders - 20 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.

Auckland – Russell. Today we depart Auckland and travel north via the iconic Harbour Bridge before reaching the Reed Memorial Park. Here we walk along an elevated canopy through what remains of the original kauri forests, with some trees at least 500 years old. We also pause at the picturesque Whangārei Falls, a natural wonder formed more than 2 million years ago.

From there, we continue to the Bay of Islands, an enchanting region of 144 sub-tropical islands scattered across warm, shallow waters and bays rich in marine life. Known as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is steeped in Māori culture and early European history. At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds we uncover the story of the 1840 treaty between Māori tribes and British settlers, explore the magnificent meeting house, visit the museum, and see the impressive war canoe (waka). Later we take a ferry to the seaside village of Russell for our two-night stay.

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 take part in.

Today you can choose between two excursions:

Option 1: Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach We depart Russell by ferry to Paihia, where we join a Great Sights coach tour with other travellers for a full-day journey to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand. Here the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, a place of deep spiritual significance in Māori culture. Along the way we travel along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach (Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe) and have the chance to try sandboarding down the giant dunes. A picnic lunch is included, and in the evening we return to Russell by ferry.

Option 2: Hole in the Rock Cruise and Russell Tour This morning we cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse. Conditions permitting, our captain will guide us through the famous Hole in the Rock and into Grand Cathedral Cave. Along the way we watch for dolphins, whales and seabirds, while our skipper provides engaging commentary. The cruise also includes a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you may swim, walk or purchase lunch (own cost). Returning to Russell, we meet a local guide who introduces us to the town’s colourful past, once known as the “hell hole of the Pacific”, and we visit some of New Zealand’s earliest buildings with views from Flagstaff Hill.

Russell – Auckland. This morning we travel south through rural towns and along scenic coastlines before arriving back in Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. Our sightseeing tour includes panoramic views from Bastion Point, a stroll through Parnell Village, the pretty bays along the waterfront drive, and the lively Viaduct Harbour. We finish with a guided tour of the Auckland Museum, offering a fascinating introduction to the cultures and history of the Pacific.

Auckland – Whitianga. Today, we head south across the Hauraki Plains to Thames before continuing up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. This coastal drive is spectacular, and on a clear day, the SkyTower can be seen across the Firth of Thames. We visit the nearby Driving Creek Railway, climbing 120 metres on a narrow-gauge line to the ‘EyeFull’ Tower for panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf and countryside. From here we cross the peninsula to reach the resort town of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.

The Coromandel is a landscape of white cliffs, golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush green forest, with the scarlet blooms of pōhutukawa trees adding colour in summer. One of its best-loved attractions is Hot Water Beach, where natural hot springs bubble up through the sand and, when the tide is right, you can create your own spa pool.

We also enjoy a scenic walk to Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most photogenic beaches, before continuing to Cooks Beach – named after Captain James Cook, who sailed into Mercury Bay in 1769. From here you can either take the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to our accommodation or return 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 to to visit a bushwalk with majestic views over Okere Falls. We continue to Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori heritage and New Zealand’s geothermal activity. Here we visit Te Puia, 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 we 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 stop at the mighty Huka Falls before travelling on to Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. On clear days, we can see the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe, and Tongariro rising beyond the water. From here we continue to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities. Flattened by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in the style of the day, Napier is now a joyful seaside town with striking architecture. A local guide takes us on a walking tour to uncover the history and character of its streets.

In the evening, we visit Mission Estate Winery, New Zealand’s oldest. Established by missionaries in the 19th century, it is now famed for its award-winning wines. We enjoy a tour of the estate before dinner in its beautifully restored seminary building, with sweeping views across 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 discover the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal haven of golden coves, turquoise lagoons, and lush forest. With few roads here, the best way to explore is by boat.

We set out on a morning cruise from Kaiteriteri, gliding past the striking Split Apple Rock, spotting fur seals basking on the rocks, and admiring some of the park’s most stunning beaches, including Anchorage, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Awaroa, and Tōtaranui.

After the cruise, we return to Nelson to spend the evening in this charming town.

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. Today, we leave Nelson behind and journey through vineyards and along the spectacular coastline to reach Kaikoura, a small town dramatically set between the Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped Seaward Kaikōura Range. The region is renowned worldwide for its diverse marine life. You will have a choice of two included excursions.

Option 1 is a 2-hour Whale Watch cruise, where we board a purpose-built catamaran for a close-up encounter with the mighty Sperm Whale, as well as the chance to spot dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds.

Option 2 is a 30-minute scenic flight with Wings over Whales, offering an unforgettable aerial view of whales, dolphins and Kaikoura’s stunning coastline.

Kaikoura – Christchurch. Today we travel south along one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal drives, where the road hugs the shoreline between rugged mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for fur seals basking on the rocks. Turning inland, we cross rolling farmland before arriving in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city.

This afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely punt ride along the Avon River through the Botanic Gardens, guided by boatmen in Edwardian attire. Afterwards, we board a beautifully restored heritage tram for a charming tour through the city centre, where Christchurch’s unique mix of old and new is revealed.

Christchurch – Fox Glacier. This morning, we embark on one of the world’s great rail journeys – the TranzAlpine. Crossing the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, the train then climbs into the Southern Alps, passing through dramatic gorges and alongside braided rivers. At Arthur’s Pass we rejoin our coach and continue towards the wild West Coast.

Stopping in Hokitika, we discover local galleries that specialise in pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and artwork. From there, we journey south through lush rainforest and along rugged coastline before reaching the small village of Fox Glacier, where the mighty rivers of ice descend almost to sea level from the peaks of the Southern Alps.

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. We begin our day from Wanaka, stopping at the iconic Cardrona Pub. Then we venture through the Crown Range road to explore historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the scenic road between the Remarkables mountain range and stunning Lake Wakatipu before traversing a glacial valley turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest freshwater lake and the entry point to Fiordland National Park.

This afternoon we enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Waiau River, travelling from the lakefront at Te Anau to the secluded shores of Lake Manapouri. Along the way we learn about the area’s natural beauty and rich history before visiting a working farm for an authentic insight into Southland life, complete with a sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstration.

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.