Summary
Short description
Travel by road, rail and cruise, taking in all the major attractions of the North and South Islands
Highlights
- Explore New Zealand by luxury coach, complete with all-window fully reclining leather seats
- Take an overnight cruise on tranquil Doubtful Sound on-board the Fiordland Navigator
- Experience five spectacular rail journeys, including the world-renowned TranzAlpine
- Contrast New Zealand's North Island volcanicity with the South's mountains and glaciers
In Brief
- 1 Night Auckland
- 2 Nights Bay of Islands
- 1 Night Auckland
- 2 Nights Rotorua
- 2 Nights Wellington
- 2 Nights Christchurch
- 1 Night Fox Glacier
- 2 Nights Queenstown
- 1 Night Doubtful Sound
- 1 Night Te Anau
- 2 Nights Dunedin
- 1 Night Christchurch
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Escorted tour | Natural world | Small group
Travelling by coach in the company of an expert driver-guide throughout, this is the perfect introduction to the spectacular natural and cultural attractions of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Beginning in Auckland, you'll head north to the turquoise waters of the sub-tropical Bay of Islands before taking in the lakes, geothermal geysers and mud pools of Rotorua. Then, having explored the sophisticated capital Wellington, it's time to cross the Cook Strait to the South Island, where you'll contrast the Garden City of Christchurch with the spectacular Southern Alps, picturesque Queenstown and magnificent Doubtful Sound, which you'll explore on an unforgettable overnight cruise. Finally, it's on to Dunedin, where you'll be treated to an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom of Larnach Castle before heading back to Christchurch for a farewell dinner.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK/Auckland
Fly from the UK to Auckland.
Day
3
Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland, transfer to your hotel and meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre-dinner drink.
Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (Superior)
Meals: D
Day
4
Auckland/Bay of Islands
Enjoy an Auckland city sights tour before travelling to Matakohe for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands for a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British was signed.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
5
Bay of Islands
Today is left free for you to explore, perhaps on a dolphin-spotting cruise or a visit to the impressive Ninety Mile Beach. Whatever you choose, you'll be treated to gorgeous views of this dramatic archipelago. Perhaps the most atmospheric option is a dinner cruise.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
6
Bay of Islands/Auckland
You'll be treated to a true trip highlight today, with a trip aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock formation. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins before you return south, pausing at the Parry Kauri Park to see its magnificent Kauri Tree and ending back in Auckland.
Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
7
Auckland/Rotorua
Travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway this morning for a nostalgic 15-kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. You'll then head through a magnificent landscape of green pastures and dairy farms, arriving Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you'll visit the world’s largest kiwi hatchery for a unique behind-the-scenes tour.
Stay: Regent of Rotorua (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
8
Rotorua
Next morning, head for the Skyline Rotorua for breakfast served to spectacular views, followed by a thrilling luge ride. Take in a farm show at the Agrodome then visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and geysers. Your evening meal is a Maori hangi, followed by a concert.
Stay: Regent of Rotorua (Superior)
Meals: B D
Days
9-10
Rotorua/Wellington
Take the Thermal Explorer Highway via the spectacular Huka Falls and continue to the magnificent Lake Taupo. You'll then head through the spectacular Tongariro National Park and along the Kapiti Coast to the bustling capital, Wellington. Here, you'll have the chance to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, and enjoy an extensive city tour in the company of an expert guide. A speciality dinner is included on day nine.
Stay: The InterContinental Wellington (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
11
Wellington/Christchurch
Board the Interislander ferry, cross the Cook Strait and pass through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. You’ll then join the Coastal Pacific on a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Your coach then awaits for the journey across the Northern Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch.
Stay: The George, Christchurch (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Day
12
Christchurch
Visit the International Antarctic Centre followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. Take a trip on the Christchurch Tram and seek out one of the excellent restaurants near your hotel.
Stay: The George, Christchurch (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
13
Christchurch/Arthur’s Pass/Fox Glacier
Board the TranzAlpine for one of the great train journeys of the world. Crossing over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges, you’ll climb to Arthur’s Pass in the centre of the Southern Alps. Continue to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone, before continuing on to Fox Glacier where you'll have time for an optional scenic flight, weather permitting.
Stay: Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
14
Fox Glacier/Queenstown
Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. You’ll continue past Haast Pass to the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown before you arrive at picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. The evening is free for you to dine out at one of the city’s many fine restaurants.
Stay: Heritage Queenstown (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
15
Queenstown
Today is left free for you to explore the myriad delights of Queenstown at your own pace. Then, in the evening, you'll board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner. After dinner, enjoy a short farm tour then rejoin the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Stay: Heritage Queenstown (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
16
Queenstown/Doubtful Sound
Travel via Te Anau to Manapouri and cruise across the glacial lake. Then, following a short ride over the Wilmot Pass, you'll board the Fiordland Navigator for an incredible overnight cruise. It all begins with a delicious picnic lunch as you take in the world-famous beauty of Doubtful Sound, your expert guides pointing out any passing wildlife. Finally, as evening falls, you'll be treated to a delicious carvery buffet, prepared by the ship's chef.
Stay: Fiordland Navigator (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
17
Doubtful Sound/Te Anau
After breakfast, head back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Te Anau. Then, with an afternoon at leisure, you might choose to add on an optional trip to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves – spectacular limestone cave system on the lake's western shore.
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (Superior)
Meals: B D
Days
18-19
Te Anau/Dunedin
Today's scenic drive will see you to Pukerangi, where you'll board the Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular mountain scenery only accessible by rail. You'll arrive at Dunedin's Edwardian railway station before transferring to your central hotel. The next day, you'll be brought out to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula for a tour of historic Larnach Castle, taking in its Garden of International Significance and followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in its Grand Ballroom. You'll then return to Dunedin for a guided tour of the city.
Stay: Distinction Dunedin (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
20
Dunedin/Christchurch
After travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone, continue north to Pleasant Mount Museum for a short rail experience and lunch. It's the chance to explore the perfectly preserved heritage of the South Canterbury railway before you end with a farewell dinner, with select beverages.
Stay: The George, Christchurch (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Days
21-22
Christchurch/UK
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
22-day small-group tour
from £8,475 pp
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