New Zealand Getaway

Day 2 : Auckland - Bay of Islands

Journey north today and see a mighty Kauri tree and marvel at its size at the Matakohe Kauri Museum. Afterwards continue to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a special Welcome Dinner this evening.

Hotel for 2 nights: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge

Day 3 : Bay of Islands at Leisure

The Bay of Islands is also home to 144 islands providing a stunning aquatic playground off the north coast of the North Island. After breakfast today, you’ll enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the idyllic subtropical surrounds.

Day 4 : Bay of Islands - Auckland

Explore New Zealand’s finest maritime park on a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. This captivating coastline provides sheltered waters for dolphins, whales, seals, penguins and other marine life, so keep a look out while enjoying the scenery. Then, continue to the Hole in the Rock, a distinctive sandstone arch formation, which defines this remarkable coast. Later, return to Auckland by coach.
 
Hotel: Heritage Auckland

Day 5 : Auckland – Waitomo - Rotorua

Leaving Auckland after breakfast travel to Waitomo, caves. World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. T​housands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves’ historical and geological significance. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history. Continue to the geothermal capital of New Zealand, Rotorua. Visit Te Puia - New Zealand’s premier cultural centre - and enjoy a guided tour of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Then head over to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and witness the phenomenal natural spectacle of erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi Feast with performances of song and dance.

Hotel for 2 nights: Sudima or Heritage

Day 6 : Rotorua

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Maori culture and rich heritage. The city is positioned on The Pacific Rim of Fire, and is therefore one of the world’s most active geothermal areas. Today you will visit to one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome, with its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, dog trials and animal nursery.

Day 7 : Rotorua – Taupo - Wellington

Farewell Rotorua and enjoy the scenery as you travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo - the largest freshwater lake in Australasia - and thundering Huka Falls. Continue south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park to Wellington. The evening has been left free for you to explore the vibrant dining scene independently. From seafood cafes to cosy wine bars and spectacular fine-dining restaurants, you will see that New Zealand’s wild and fresh produce is showcased on a plate here in Wellington.

Hotel: Travelodge Wellington

Day 8 : Wellington - Cook Strait - Blenheim

This morning take in a city sights tour which includes Te Papa Tongarewa. Afterwards, admire coastlines defined by tiny coves on the way to Blenheim as you travel on the Interislander ferry; one of the world’s most scenic voyages through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds.

Hotel: Quality Hotel

Day 9 : Blenheim – Kaikoura - Christchurch

This morning, head to Kaikoura. Delight in the chance to embark on a whale watching cruise, where you may catch a glimpse of the arc of a tail, or a spouting fountain from a blowhole. Here is one of the few areas on Earth where sperm whales can be sighted all year round thanks to the deep Kaikoura Canyon that runs along the coast. Continue your journey onwards to Christchurch. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner.

Hotel: Quality Elms Hotel

Day 10 : Christchurch - Fox Glacier

Absorb the rural scenery from aboard your coach before beginning the ascent into the Main Divide. Then, sit back and enjoy the vistas as you journey through the Southern Alps to Westland Tai Poutini National Park. This evening, enjoy dinner.

Hotel: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Day 11 : Fox Glacier - Queenstown

Journey through spectacular Haast Pass, skirting the tranquil shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. Delicious food is always on the menu in Queenstown as it is renowned for its world-class food scene and nightlife. This evening, during time at leisure, you may like to dine at one of the many restaurants in the town centre.

Hotel for 2 nights: Copthorne Hotel

Day 12 : Queenstown

With the entire day to spend as you please, you have the freedom to simply relax or pursue your interests and choose one of our exciting select experiences. Perhaps step aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship for a cruise to Walter Peak Station, or take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over Queenstown (both at own expense). Or, if you’re more of a gourmand, perhaps choose to set off into the Central Otago region independently - one of New Zealand’s foremost wine-producing areas.

Day 13 : Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Enter Fiordland National Park along the Milford Road, then board a boat and cruise the full length of Milford Sound, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, sheer cliffs and surrounding mountains. Afterwards, make your way to your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau       

Day 14 : Te Anau - Dunedin

Today, journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin. Enjoy a guided tour then head to the nearby hills to take an intriguing tour of Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Steeped in scandal and tragedy, it is filled with magnificent antiques and offers breathtaking views. Enjoy some time at leisure before dinner this evening.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or Scenic Southern Cross    

Day 15 : Dunedin - Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo

Leave the spectacular snow-capped peaks behind and travel to picturesque Lake Tekapo. On the shores of the lake you’ll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district, and it’s a popular photo spot for visitors, so popular in fact, that it is one of the most photographed places in New Zealand! Make sure to see the Sheep Dog Statue. Then continue your journey to Christchurch, where your tour ends at the airport. If you would like to extend your stay in Christchurch, we would be pleased to offer accommodation and activity suggestions.

Day 16 : Lake Tekapo - Christchurch

Pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd before travelling to Christchurch before transferring to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Due to driving distances, please refrain from arranging flights before 5pm.