1. Select a Region

2. Select a Country

3. Search a Keyword

New Zealand - home to awesome landscapes, lush forests, diverse physical, cultural, and unique experiences – and all so close to each other making it the perfect holiday destination!  With some meals included, quality budget accommodation already sorted and heaps to keep you busy – this is the perfect travel option if you want to kick back and relax and enjoy the ride!

DAY 1:  AUCKLAND TO PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Our journey begins in Auckland, which in the Maori language means Tamaki-Makau-Rau – ‘the maiden with a hundred lovers’.  It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes.  We head across Auckland’s scenic harbour and travel north.  Our first stop today is at Parry’s Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree, whose ancestors once covered the island.  Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life.  Once settled into the motel, the evening if yours’ free to relax by the pool or head into town for a local meal (own expense).
Meals:  N/A

DAY 2:  PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Today is yours to explore this fascinating region with a range of optional activities – you’ll be spoilt for choice!  Try a drive along 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga* where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea and board down the Te Paki sand dunes.  Relax as you sail the inner Bay on a catamaran and look for dolphins*, take a paddle through mangrove forest to Haruru Falls*. Alternatively you can explore the town or take a step back in time and learn a little of the history of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty House*. There’s also time, if you wish, to visit Russell, the oldest settlement in New Zealand or hike to the Haruru falls through native bush. Maybe take a boat to swim with the local dolphins* or a fast boat out to, and through, the “Hole in the Rock**”.  If chilling on the beach is your scene, then relax - the day is yours!! We’ll gather for dinner and swap stories at the end of our day in the Bay!
Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

NOTE:  Tonight you need to pack down to an overnight bag as tomorrow night you will be staying on a Traditional Maori Marae.

DAY 3:  PAIHIA TO ROTORUA MARAE STAY
This morning we start our journey southwards. If the weather is in our favour today we’ll enjoy the local scenery with a walk to view Whangarei Falls.  It’s then onto Auckland - “the city of sails”.  There is time to grab some lunch in the city before we meet additional fellow passengers and head to Rotorua – the cultural heart of NZ. You’ll see that Rotorua is truly alive as we drive through it on our way to our night’s accommodation. Tonight we will be staying in a traditional Maori Marae and on arrival, we will be welcomed onto the Marae by the elders in traditional style.  If you wish you can take a walk to the Okere Falls or an afternoon swim in the lake. Tonight is yours to enjoy the company of your friends, learn Maori history and folklore or star gaze when the lights go down.
Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 4:  ROTORUA
After breakfast we will depart the Marae and head to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve.  Learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour and concert in this unique village.  See displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. The afternoon is yours to explore Rotorua or you have time for an optional tour*, mud baths and massages might be for you, or if you feel a bit more active hire a mountain bike* and explore the fantastic Redwood Forest or try white water rafting*. After dinner you might want to relax under the stars as you soak in the thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool.
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 5:  ROTORUA TO WELLINGTON
We’ll journey past Wairakei Geo-thermal area and visit the raging waters of Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. If time permits we’ll stop off briefly at the Taupo bungy site* for those game enough to take a plunge toward the clear waters of the Waikato River*.  On the road again, we head around the beautiful Lake Taupo and travel past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – the classical conical volcano most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.  We reach the nation’s capital late this afternoon where it’s time to hang up our travellin’ shoes and explore the many cosmopolitan cafes of the capital, or perhaps you’d prefer to shop til’ you drop or catch up on your e-mails.  Otherwise, try out the scenic cable car up to the Botanic Gardens above the city*. Tonight enjoy a meal (own expense) at one of the many nearby great value, local restaurants tonight and check out the nightlife as the evening is still young!
Meals:  Breakfast
 
DAY 6:  WELLINGTON TO NELSON
This morning there’s a chance to check out Te Papa - the National Museum of New Zealand not your ordinary museum. There are many surprises to be found here, full of interesting and ‘hands on’ interactive displays, and it is free to enter! Today we farewell the North Island and make our way to the Interislander ferry for our journey across Cook Strait.  Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds from the outer viewing decks as we cruise into the little town of Picton.  You’ll immediately notice the change as we arrive in the South Island, home to mountains, lakes and breath-taking coastline.  After disembarking in Picton we will travel through the Marlborough region famous for its wines. It's then onwards to Nelson to check into our “home-away-from-home” for the next two nights by Tahunanui Beach. 
Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 7:  NELSON
Awake to Nelson with the highest recorded days of sunshine in all of New Zealand and the day is yours to explore this amazing area.  The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters.  Explore the park by boat*, the ever-popular walking tracks or from the water as you paddle in your ocean kayaks* along the incredible shoreline.  For a different look at the park try jumping out of a perfectly good plane and take in the incredible views as you skydive back to base on a tandem skydive*.   There’s always horse riding* and quad biking* with ocean views for those who prefer to remain grounded!  Tonight we regroup to reflect on the day and grab an optional dinner at your own expense.
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 8:  NELSON TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA KAIKOURA
Today we head back across the ranges through the Marlborough region, continuing south we stop at Ohau Point to spy out some NZ Fur Seals before reaching our destination of Kaikoura.  This small town nestles at the foothills of the Kaikoura ranges and the pale blue waters of the Pacific lap at its grey pebbly shore and is a picturesque lunch stop. There’s a chance to get up close and personal with some of our marine mammals on a whale watching or dolphin/seal swimming adventure*!  Later we trek southwards to Christchurch and have the chance to do some exploring around the city before heading out to enjoy an optional group dinner out at a local hotspot.
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 9:  CHRISTCHURCH TO FOX GLACIER
The scenery will totally amaze you today as we head off across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps.  Our path is only one of three that cut across these impressive mountains that form the backbone of the South Island.  We’ll stop for a break at Arthur’s Pass then continue on through the Otira Gorge with waterfalls cascading overhead.  Welcome to the wild West Coast as we head into the town of Hokitika for our lunch break.  We’ll stop at the Jade factory – there may be a chance to see the carvers skilfully creating works of art from the greenstone, known as Jade, and grab the chance to purchase a souvenir pendant.  Continuing south we stop briefly in the village of Franz Josef, and an opportunity here to take a scenic twin glacier helicopter flight to our afternoon destination**.   Let’s hope Lake Matheson’s waters are still and the are skies clear so that we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountain peaks in it’s waters as we stretch our legs with an afternoon walk before we check into our accommodation.
Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10:  FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN
Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and today we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice!  A half day guided hike* is an excellent way to take a closer look at Fox Glacier as your guides take you alongside the glacier through rejuvenating temperate rainforest and onto the lower icefall.  Don’t forget to look up and admire the forested peaks that rise dramatically to create the glacial valley.  If you prefer to search higher on the glacier for stunning ice caves and formations take a heli-hike* onto the upper icefall and enjoy a more sedate walking pace as you explore with your guides and await the return of your helicopter.  We’ll grab a quick lunch and head back into the mountains to negotiate Haast Pass on our way to Queenstown.  A stop at Thunder Creek Falls, which flows into the Haast River amidst rainforest, shows the beauty of this world heritage area.  We’ll break at Makarora for a quick snack and journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and onto our destination, the adrenalin mecca of the southern hemisphere - Queenstown!!
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 11:  QUEENSTOWN 
Today is time to play and adventure waits at every turn! Queenstown is perfect for everyone from the adrenaline junkies to the leisure seekers, there is so much to do. Try a bungy jump* (or three!) at the home of commercial bungy jumping. A shot of adrenalin up the Shotover Jet* as you skim past the canyon walls, or the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jetboat safari* or by horseback*. If adrenalin is not your cup of tea, enjoy the mountains and views from a bike* or hike to Ben Lomond for 360 degree views.  Admire the view from the skyline gondola* or any of the fantastic walks Queenstown has to offer. Or just chill out in any of the restaurants, cafes or bars Queenstown is famous for.
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 12:  QUEENSTOWN
For those who are up to it this morning, it’s a perfect chance to try a Skydive*, go exploring “Middle Earth” by horseback*, or maybe retail therapy is your thing. This afternoon we regroup at our accommodation and join your crew for a look at some local hidden gems to this area. We will embark on a fun afternoon of local area sightseeing. (These will change seasonally) Tonight we have a group dinner at one of Queenstown’s famous iconic restaurants, then your last chance to check out that popular Queenstown nightlife, or maybe a hot chocolate by the lake. 
Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 13:  FIORDLAND EXPERIENCE
After a leisurely morning in Queenstown we farewell this adventure playground and head to the Fiords.  We’ll visit the township of Te Anau on the shores of one of New Zealand’s many large glacial carved lakes.  There will be time to stop and admire the reflection in Mirror Lake, the views down the Hollyford Valley, and a short walk at the Chasm before we literally drive through the mountain via the Homer Tunnel and emerge back into a landscape of spectacular mountains and waterfalls.  Our cruise tonight on the Fiord in is a real highlight!  There will be plenty of time on your overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of the Sound.  Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins can be observed.  There is also time for you to kayak around part of the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with the nature guide.  As the shadows lengthen we’ll drop anchor at a favourite mooring for the night.  After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening meal in the dining saloon.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 14:  FIORDLAND TO LAKE OHAU
There is time for additional cruising this morning before returning to the wharf.  We make our way back through Te Anau and onwards along the Kawarau River this afternoon, with its familiar “Lord of the Rings” scenery, and home to AJ Hackett’s original Bridge Bungy site – the first commercial bungy jump in the world.  Continuing through the Cromwell district, we take the chance to stop and stretch and sample the famous fresh and dried fruits grown in the region.  We journey over the Lindis Pass and wonder at the dramatic variation in scenery of these ranges to those we’ve encountered in the west.  Our home tonight is nestled on the shores of Lake Ohau.  You will have time for an evening stroll or quiet drink on the deck as we watch the sunset silhouette Mt Cook as it sets to the west.
Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 15:  LAKE OHAU TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA MT COOK VILLAGE
Awake to magnificent views. Today we make tracks and follow the Southern Lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue water lakes with the ever-present Southern Alps as a backdrop.  We’ll head to Mt Cook village and, if the weather is right, there is the opportunity to take a walk in the National Park, or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery.  Next stop, Lake Pukaki, and a chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters back to Mt Cook – known to the Maori people as Aoraki or “cloud piercer” – hopefully no clouds in sight to obscure our view!  The blue waters of Lake Tekapo greet us as we make a scenic lunch stop in the village. You may choose to do the breathtaking 40 minute fixed wing flight* over the lakes, Southern Alps and glaciers. After lunch we make our way to the “Church of the Good Sheppard” and the monument to the Border Collie, then on to Fairlie - situated smack in the heart of sheep country, we will learn about life on a sheep station and see the Collie dogs in action at our Kiwi Farm Experience stop.  From here it’s flat going as we once again cross the Canterbury Plains and reach our final destination.  We make our farewells, say our goodbye’s and reflect on our time in the grandeur of New Zealand or “Aotearoa”.
Meals:  Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

**Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment.  Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.