New Zealand Explorer

Our tour starts today in Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most diverse city. Surrounded by volcanoes and volcanic cones, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside, Auckland is the perfect introduction to New Zealand. Situated on the North Island, the cosmopolitan city spans a narrow isthmus, between the harbours of Waitemata and Manukau. For those arriving in time today, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Auckland at any time. We don't provide airport transfers on this tour, but you can find information on how to reach your hotel in the final documentation. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take a stroll around the city centre and wharf or get a bird's eye view of the sprawling city with a trip up the Sky Tower. Please note, if you plan to arrive before 3pm on Day 1 you might not be able to check-in to your hotel room, but baggage storage is available if you wish to explore the city.

This morning, we'll get to know Auckland better with a city tour, taking in sites such as Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay. In the late morning, we'll wave goodbye to the city and head to the heart of the North Island and the diverse landscapes of the Waikato region. We'll visit the Hobbiton movie set at Matamata where some of the original Hobbit holes from the Lord of the Rings sit amongst the fertile hills, in the shadows of the Kaimai Ranges. Here, we'll have a two-hour tour with a knowledgeable local guide to discover the real Middle Earth. The set has been completely rebuilt as it appeared in the films, and we'll see the hobbit holes and the mill amongst other structures. After our tour, we'll head to our hotel where we'll spend the next two nights. We plan to stay in a peaceful rural location on Lake Okataina as our base for exploring the attractions of Rotorua. Driving time today will be around four hours.

We'll spend today near Murupara, with the ToeToe family as our hosts. Their lodge is set within the ancestral boundaries of Ngati Manawa tribal land, historically known as the 'Eel People'. Together with our local guide we'll get to see spots like ancient Maori rock carvings. We'll also hear about the local history and the Maori family's vision for the future and how it's making waves in the local community while embracing regenerative tourism. From learning about the ancient roots of the Haka to seeing Māori weaponry and witnessing Māori performance art, today will be packed full of traditions, both old and new. We'll get to catch a glimpse of a traditional Hangi (Māori earth oven) before feasting on a buffet lunch. Plus, we'll also try Kawakawa tea (a native medicine plant brew), visit a local carved ancestral meeting house and take a guided walk through the Whirinaki Native Rainforest. This remarkable, ancient temperate rainforest, dominated by giant podocarp trees, is a direct remnant of the prehistoric forests that covered the ancient supercontinent of Gondwanaland 200 million years ago. At the end of the day we head back to the lodge with a possible stop in Rotorua town if time permits.

This morning we'll head out on the journey to Taupo. On the way, we'll make a stop at Wai-O-Tapu to discover its vibrant and colourful volcanic features, including geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pools along a self-guided route. The Māori name translate to Sacred Waters. Once in Taupo, we'll take time to explore the iconic Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. We should reach Napier around mid-afternoon, a coastal settlement beautifully positioned on the shores of Hawke's Bay. Its original commercial centre was sadly razed in a devastating 1931 earthquake but this meant that the town was rebuilt at the height of the Art Deco era resulting in a wonderful architectural identity, making it one of the most popular attractions on North Island. We have planned a Tour Leader-led walking tour upon arrival to explore a little of this heritage. Finally we check in to our hotel for the next two nights and there should be some free time to explore further. Our driving time today will be approximately four hours.

This morning, after a short scenic drive south along the coast we'll get to grips with nature, hopping into 4WD vehicles to explore spectacular coastlines, working farms, and native bush, finishing up in New Zealand's largest privately-owned nature reserve. Here, we'll come face to face with over 20,000 gannets in their natural habitat and soak up the breathtaking views across the plateau and ocean. After a decent exploration, we'll drive on to take a tour of one of Hawke's Bay's oldest and most famous and pioneering vineyards, as well as enjoying a tasting of some of their wonderful wines. Famed for its Chardonnays and Bordeaux-style superb red blends, the region is home to over 80% of the country's Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes, and produces some of the richest and most exquisite wines in New Zealand. The rest of the day has been left free to enjoy a late lunch and further exploration of Napier.

Today we'll head south, and our first stop is for a guided visit to the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre. This not-for-profit breeding sanctuary and ancient podocarp forest reserve offers a good chance to experience native species up close - including the the world-famous wolf-whistling kōkako, Kahurangi. We then continue our journey to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. The cultural centre of the country, the city has an engaging mix of art, food, and craft beer, combined with stunning harbour views and a backdrop of rolling hills and forest. On arrival, the Tour Leader will conduct an orientation tour, either by bus or on foot, then after checking in to our hotel for the next two nights, we'll have free time to explore Wellington's captivating streets some more. If time permits, why not visit the Te Papa National Museum, one of the finest museums in the world, home to a staggering collection of Maori treasures, artworks, and a unique Marae. There'll be free time tomorrow for you to explore the museum at your leisure. Our driving time today will be around five hours.

Today is free to explore more of Wellington and there are several ways you could spend it. The top of the cable car, a Wellington icon running from Lambton Quay, gives a great close-up view of the city. From here, you can visit the Observatory and stroll back through the Botanic Gardens, extending all the way down to the parliamentary complex. The Parliament's Buildings, including the 'Beehive', are well worth visiting. Aside from its importance as the political centre, the city offers a large choice of museums and art galleries as well as an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, many situated around Cuba Street. You could visit Zealandia and see some of New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects living wild in their natural environment, including the hihi, tuatara, saddleback, kaka and (at night) little spotted kiwi. There are also guided day or night tours. Please note that following local law, this is an allocated day off for your Tour Leader. Alternatively, you could simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbourside, which is particularly beautiful on a fine day or when lit up in the evening.

This morning we make an early start and the hotel will either prepare a breakfast box or serve a limited selection first thing. After driving a short distance to the ferry terminal at Wallington we'll cross the Cook Strait, a three and a half hour public ferry ride. We land at the bustling port of Picton - known as the gateway to the islands and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. Upon arrival your Tour Leader will do an orientation tour, again either on foot or by vehicle according to local conditions and preferences. After some free time for lunch we check in to our hotel and base for the next two nights. The afternoon has been left free at leisure. Options include a scenic boat tour of Queen Charlotte Sound or a quick water taxi to Kaipupu Sanctuary island nature reserve.

Today we have included a busy and full day of activity with time on the sounds, a visit to Motuara Island and the chance to walk a section of one of New Zealand's famous long distance trails. Known as being a 'long track, not a steep track', the Queen Charlotte Track offers an undulating walk through lush native beech forests and farmlands with beautiful coastal views over the sounds. We have planned a walk of approximately 11 km / 7 miles which should take around 4 hours on relatively flat ground. We recommend comfortable walking shoes or boots and layers. This area sits right on the active boundary where the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates collide. The Marlborough Sounds, also known as a ria, were formed through a powerful combination of tectonic sinking (the northern tip of South Island is slowly being dragged down) and rising sea levels after the last Ice Age, where sea levels surged by around 130 metres (425 feet), leaving the ridges and tops of mountains as islands and jagged peninsulas with hidden coves. Māori oral tradition tells a beautiful parallel story in which the South Island is an ancient ancestor's canoe which capsized on a reef during a cosmic storm, and as Aoraki and his brothers climbed onto the hull they were frozen to form the Southern Alps while the broken, half-sunken, upturned prow of the canoe forms the maze of waterways that makes up the sounds today.

This morning, we continue our road trip south towards Christchurch. Our first stop is at Kaikōura - a coastal town famous for its dramatic landscapes, where the Seaward Kaikōura Range meets the Pacific Ocean, and marine life including sperm whales, fur seals, dusky dolphins and albatrosses. Your Tour Leader will lead an orientation walk and a visit to see a Seal Colony. We'll arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon. After an orientation tour we will check in to the hotel and there is some free time to relax a little before we share a farewell dinner (not included) to reflect on our experiences in beautiful New Zealand. Our driving time today will be around five hours.

Today has been left free at leisure to explore Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island. This garden city is known for sweeping parks, tree-lined avenues and has the gentle Avon River running through the centre. You could take a stroll around the city centre, explore Hagley Park or the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. New Regent Street, built in a 1930s Spanish architectural style, offers an eclectic mix of boutique stores, bars and restaurants. Check out the burgeoning craft beer scene anywhere across town and you could try out a great food stalls at the Riverside Market or the food court at Little High Eatery. Our 'New Zealand Explorer - North Island' (NZLN) trip ends this morning and those fellow guests will be leaving the trip and saying farewell. Some guests may join the second half (New Zealand Explorer - South Island (NZLS)) of the trip today and will be joining up this evening at 6pm for an introductory briefing followed by the opportunity to go out for dinner together. Your Tour Leader will indicate if it is advisable that you join the 6pm briefing.

We continue our epic road trip today with a drive through the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Our first stop after a couple of hours is at Arthur’s Pass National Park – a dramatic alpine park that is famous for splitting the Southern Alps and was used historically by Māori hunting parties as a route between east and west. Depending on time and weather we can choose between a popular one-hour return walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, Otira Viaduct lookout and Arthur’s Pass township. This area is known as the Great Divide, and the Southern Alps have two contrasting landscapes with the eastern side featuring wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and dry mountain beech forests, while the western side features deep gorges and wet, dense rainforests. Our descent brings us to meet the Great Coast Road and the old gold mining town of Hokitika at the mouth of the Hokitika River. Founded in 1864, Hokitika was once a thriving community of over 30,000 until the end of the gold seams saw its population drift away. Today it's home to around 4,000 people and, as well as gold still being found here, it's also home to New Zealand greenstone (similar to jade), with a prolific number of craft galleries and open studios. It still retains something of its frontier spirit though and a stroll through its historic heart makes for an interesting diversion. Finally we head south on a two-hour drive to Fox Glacier, passing through the native bush of Rimu (red pine) and Kahikatea (white pine). The first European to discover the west coast was Abel Tasman in December 1642. Long and thin and enclosed by the Tasman Sea to the east and the Southern Alps to the west, it's a land of glacial deposits and alluvium that flows from the rivers and glaciers of the Alps. The Fox Glacier is one of the more well known of 60 glaciers located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Once famous as one of the few glaciers in the world that crept down below the vegetation line, climate change means that the glacier terminal face has receded by over 800 metres since 2009. The whole landscape of this glacial region remains fascinating and there is the option of a scenic helicopter flights to see more. We'll spend tonight in Fox Glacier town. Our driving time today will be around six to seven hours.

A short drive south this morning brings us to the breathtaking setting of Lake Matheson, where (weather permitting) we'll be treated to a picture-perfect view of Aoraki/Mount Cook reflected in the lake's mirrored waters. Following this, we'll head to Fox Glacier, named after a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. The walking track from the car park along the glacial valley crosses a landscape of ancient moraine that testifies to the continual advance and retreat of the glacier over the centuries. Our journey then continues across the River Haast and away from the coast, passing through the beautiful scenery of the Haast River Valley as we snake our way through Mount Aspiring National Park. We will make a stop at the impressive Haast Pass and, time and weather permitting, we can choose from short walks from the roadside to see Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls and Roaring Billy Falls. Our journey continues to the town of Makaroa. After a brief stop to refresh, we'll head for the lakeside setting of Wanaka where we spend the next two nights, impressively situated amongst an encircling ring of mountain peaks before the still waters of the lake. Upon arrival your Tour Leader will lead an orientation tour of Wanaka either on foot or by vehicle, before checking in to our hotel. Our driving time today will be around four hours.

Wanaka is a vacation hot spot for New Zealanders thanks to its beautiful surroundings, with the glaciers of Mount Aspiring dominating the area. Today is at your leisure and there are several optional activities to choose from, including an exhilarating jet boat ride and wilderness walk through moss-covered forest, waterfalls and glacier-fed streams. Alternatively, there's the option to take a boat across Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, which is predator-free and home to the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). There is also the option to visit Stevenson Island and both of these excursions can be full guided with a nature expert or unguided. Wanaka is a hiker's paradise so there are plenty of other walking trails in the vicinity, too, from short one-hour hikes to full-day trails. While your tour leader will be able to help you plan your day, please note that following local law, this is an allocated day off for your Tour Leader. We therefore advise finalising your plans the day before if you need this direct assistance.

We'll leave Wanaka behind this morning, heading in the direction of Queenstown, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. En route, we'll stop at another atmospheric gold-mining town in Arrowtown with its clapperboard buildings and historic Chinese settlement to learn more about New Zealand's gold rush history. From here, we'll continue to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, where we'll soak up the town's resort-like vibe with a short walk around the foreshore and town followed by some free time. After this short visit to Queenstown, we'll continue to the small town of Te Anau, the gateway to New Zealand's Fjordland National Park and our home for the next two nights. The town is stunning, situated on the banks of Lake Te Anau (from which the town takes its name). According to Māori legend, there was a cave on the shore of the lake that was filled with iridescent light. Centuries later, in 1948 the entrance to a series of limestone caves was discovered to be home to hundreds of glowworms - perhaps explaining the ancient legend. We should reach Te Anau around mid-afternoon and soon after we'll visit the glowworm caves ourselves, travelling across Lake Te Anau by boat to reach them. At 12,000 years old, the caves are still relatively young in geological terms and continue to be carved out by the torrent of water that flows through them. This has created a twisting network of passages hiding whirlpools, sculpted rock features and an underground waterfall. Exploring the caves on a small boat, we'll finally visit the small glowworm grotto. In the darkness, the glittering light is quite mesmerising. Only small and scattered bands of limestone survive in this region, so the caves are quite rare for the wider geology of South Island. Our driving time today will be around four hours.

We make an early start today in an effort to beat the crowds, but it'll all be worth it to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Fjordland National Park, a fantastic way to experience New Zealand's wild nature. We join the Milford Road for our scenic drive to the Sound and will make some stops along the way. After reaching Milford Sound we embark on a majestic cruise through some of New Zealand's most stunning scenery. Our knowledgeable nature guide will provide commentary - be it on the pod of resident bottlenose dolphins, fur seals or penguins that we may encounter. We'll have a picnic lunch on board the boat, surrounded by the majesty of the rugged Sounds. We plan to make stops, with some very easy short walks, to see Milford Sound Lookout Track, Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn. After a couple of hours on the boat for the cruise, we'll then drive back to our hotel at Te Anau arriving early to mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is left at leisure. Our total driving time today is around four to five hours.

We'll continue south-east today, arriving on the coast at Dunedin, a city known as the 'Edinburgh of the South' thanks to having a strong Scottish heritage, grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture and a lively university town vibe. It's around a four-hour drive, so we'll arrive in time to have lunch (not included) in this charming town. The drive time is around four to five hours so we should reach this charming town in time for lunch (not included). Known as a wildlife hotspot, the nearby Otago Peninsula is home to the Royal Albatross Centre as well as penguins, fur seals and sea lions. For those interested there is an optional afternoon excursion boarding a boat with an expert guide for a wildlife cruise to see the abundant marine mammals and diverse birdlife, as well as the magnificent albatrosses from a vantage point on the water. We should see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland nesting place of albatross, and we may be lucky enough to see them soaring and banking, with their three-metre wingspan unfurling overhead. Alternatively you may choose to explore the town’s cafes, microbreweries and walkable central business district. Baldwin Street is known as one of the steepest residential streets in the world.

Perched high on the ridges of the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is a 1871 folly and Gothic Revival masterpiece and our first stop of the day. Built by a prominent banker and politician that suffered scandal, tragedy and ultimately ruin, the property and gardens have been lovingly and painstakingly restored. The magnificent gardens and draw on their own. The visit is self-guided. We then head up the coast to view and walk amidst the incredible boulders that lie strewn across Moeraki Beach. Our next stop is at Omarama Clay Cliffs, a striking and dramatic group of towering pinnacles, narrow ravines and layered clay formations. Finally we continue to the rural town of Twizel. Though it's home to under 1,500 residents, Twizel is the largest town in Mackenzie County. It sits within the International Dark Sky Reserve, where you can spot the Milky Way in high definition once the sun goes down. We should reach the hotel around 3pm, followed by freetime before our included dinner at the hotel. Our driving time today will be around four hours.

This morning we embark on the last leg of our epic road trip and the exact itinerary today will depend on the weather. If set fair, then we'll have the chance to explore the dramatic vistas of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. There'll be the option to take a helicopter ride directly over Aoraki/Mount Cook and the stunning park. Alternatively, weather-dependent, we might drive into the park for a walk on one of the many trails - even the short, 30-minute trails, are enough to be impressed by the park's towering mountains and glaciers. If conditions are not in our favour then we will reach Christchurch slightly earlier. Afterwards, we'll continue towards Christchurch, stopping en route at the glacial Lake Pukaki, where we'll have the opportunity to admire the magnificent glaciers of Mount Cook (weather permitting). The Māori name for the highest peak in New Zealand is Aoraki, which translates as the 'Cloud Piercer'. We'll also stop at Lake Tekapo and visit the 'Church of the Good Shepherd', the oldest church in New Zealand. The view from the church window over the Lake and up to the snow-covered mountains of the Southern Alps is particularly beautiful. We'll arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon/early evening. This evening the tour leader will arrange a final dinner together to share a toast and reflect on the holiday. Our driving time today will be around six hours.

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Christchurch. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Christchurch at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. We don't provide departure transfers on this tour, but you can find information on how to get to Christchurch International Airport (CHC) in your final documentation.