The Best of New Zealand

Day 1 - UK - In flight

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flights to Christchurch.

Day 2 - In flight

In flight.

Day 3 - Christchurch

On arrival, the remainder of the day is free. You might choose to stretch your legs strolling through Hagley Park to the wonderful botanical gardens, fringed by the River Avon.

Day 4 - Dunedin

We travel south to Dunedin, clustered around an attractive harbour. Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ for its strong Scottish influence, the city is home to New Zealand’s only kilt shop and produces the country’s whisky. We’ll follow the theme this evening with a grand, Scottish-style dinner.

Day 5 - Dunedin

Today you’re free to explore more of Dunedin. Admire the Edwardian and Victorian architecture, visit the botanical gardens or perhaps follow the Street Art Trail in the quirky Warehouse Precinct.

Day 6 - Te Anau

We journey across the rich Southland plains to Te Anau. It’s the gateway to Fiordland National Park, known for its spectacular waterfalls, dense native forest and rare birds.

Day 7 - Milford Sound - Queenstown

We’ll make our way through the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, one of the most scenic drives in the country. Then, a cruise on spectacular Milford Sound takes us along the fiord, past the spectacular Mitre Peak, out to the open sea and back again. This majestic area was described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. We may catch a glimpse of seals frolicking in their natural habitat. Our drive to Queenstown skirts Lake Wakatipu, the only land-locked lake in the world with its own tide - its name translates as ‘the lake that breathes’. There will be a chance to join a Skyline Gondola optional excursion when we arrive.

Day 8 - Queenstown

Queenstown, dominated by the majestic Remarkables, is a favourite with those who love the great outdoors. After a free day, we take an evening cruise aboard the beautiful vintage TSS Earnslaw. We travel across Lake Wakatipu to the high country sheep station of Walter Peak where you’ll dine in the elegant Colonel’s Homestead.

Day 9 - Twizel

Today, we will visit Kinross Winery and Cellar Door to sample their wines before making our way to Twizel. On the way, we’ll stop at Lake Wanaka, where we'll have an included cruise to Ruby Island on the lake plus some free time to explore this lakeside town. We then continue to our hotel, located in the Dark Sky Reserve. This evening, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to book an optional stargazing tour - a magical experience under one of the clearest night skies in the world.

Day 10 - Mount Cook - Christchurch

This morning, we continue our visit to Mount Cook Village, where you'll have free time to soak in the spectacular alpine scenery and take in views of Mount Cook. You may choose to go on a short hike or perhaps book an optional helicopter ride. Afterward, we’ll stop at Lake Tekapo, where you’ll have free time for lunch, followed by an included visit to the Dark Sky Project. This experience offers fascinating insights into the stars and the region’s unique environment, all from a Maori perspective. A scenic drive to Christchurch takes us along the shores of two alpine lakes, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. In the right weather conditions, they appear an intense milky-turquoise colour - a result of the fine particles of glacial rock-flour suspended in the water.

Day 11 - Wellington

We head north across the plains to the coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for its crayfish. At Picton, we leave the South Island and steam across the spectacular Cook Strait on the comfortable inter-island ferry. Wellington Harbour offers our first view of the capital city, our home for the next two nights.

Day 12 - Wellington

We take a morning tour of the ‘Windy City’ of Wellington. The afternoon is free to explore and there are several attractions worth a visit, none more so than New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa.

Day 13 - Rotorua

We head north, stopping at Huka Falls where the wide Waikato River squeezes through a narrow gorge and tumbles down into a beautiful aquamarine pool. We continue to one of the jewels of the country, Rotorua, known for its awe-inspiring geothermal activity. Later on today, we’ll enjoy a Maori cultural experience, an authentic Maori concert and a traditional ‘hangi’ feast.

Day 14 - Rotorua

This morning we’ll visit the Agrodome for a fascinating farm show, where the skills of mustering, shearing and milking and the use of sheep dogs are demonstrated. Then we’ll head to the National Kiwi Hatchery, where you can learn about New Zealand's national icon and if you're lucky, spot a newly hatched chick of this rare, flightless bird. This afternoon, we’ll take a tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, where the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao tribe have opened their doors to share their way of life for over 200 years.

Day 15 - Waitomo Caves - Auckland

At Waitomo Caves, we take a boat along the underground river to see the thousands of glow-worms - spectacular in the darkness of the grotto. The tiny blue-green lights shine brighter if the glow worms are hungry! We travel on via the dairy centre of Hamilton to Auckland.

Day 16 - Auckland

Today we introduce you to the ‘City of Sails’, the largest metropolis in New Zealand. Our city tour highlights include Old Customhouse, the shoppers’ delight of Lower Queen Street, and Parliament Street. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 17 - Bay of Islands

Crossing the bridge spanning the Waitemata Harbour this morning, we can look back at Auckland’s famous landmark, Rangitoto Island, before heading to Northland, the birthplace of the nation. We drive along the west coast, passing sleepy harbourside hamlets and native forests. The Waipoua Forest is home to huge kauri trees, the largest of which - ‘Tane Mahuta’ (Lord of the Forest) - stands 30 metres tall. We’ll learn more about these ancient trees at the Kauri Museum.

Day 18 - Bay of Islands

We embark on a delightful cruise around the bay to see Cape Brett lighthouse and hopefully spot seals, dolphins or whales. We also cruise into the grand Cathedral Cave and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’. This afternoon, we visit Waitangi Treaty House, where the historic signing between Maori and British formed the nation of New Zealand in 1840. Our visit includes a guided tour of Waitangi.

Day 19 - Bay of Islands - Auckland

After some free time this morning, we'll head back down south along the Hibiscus Coast and return to Auckland.

Day 20 - Auckland - In flight

We transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.

Day 21 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.