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Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 2 : International outbound flight

On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 3 : Auckland

Upon arrival in Auckland you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation. We will also have arranged for a set of documents to await you, which will include a detailed driving atlas and local information guides. After you have settled into your hotel room, venture out into Auckland to begin exploring New Zealand's largest city under your own steam. Take a boat ride around the harbour, or visit the city's many shops and museums. This evening, we recommend making your way to the harbour area which has an abundance of bars and restaurants.

Day 4 : Rotorua

This morning enjoy a half day small group Auckland highlights tour, which is a fantastic introduction to both the city and New Zealand. You then collect your car and make the three hour drive south to Rotorua. We'll have organised your car to be ready at your closest depot at a convenient time for you. All insurances are included in your car hire package and a sat-nav is also available on request.The drive to Rotorua takes around four hours and it's a straightforward, scenic drive. Following the motorway south out of the city, you'll drive through flat pasture lands, then a forested plateau before arriving at Lake Rotorua.

Day 5 : Rotorua

You have the whole day at leisure to explore the thermal plateau region. Take a drive to Lake Taupo and en route, stop at Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Reserve to see Lady Knox Geyser and the bubbling mud basins known as the Devil's Ink Pots. This evening, you have tickets to a Maori cultural evening, where you'll experience traditional performances and a delicious 'Hangi' feast.

Day 6 : Tongariro National Park

Depart for Tongariro National Park where you will spend tonight. You may wish to try one of the many shorter walks available within the park and will notice how dramatically different the scenery here is compared to Rotorua.

Day 7 : Wellington

Depart today for Wellington. Stop en route for coffee and lunch at one of the small rural service towns you will pass through. Once in Wellington, you will have time at leisure to explore the capital city. An excellent recommendation is the national museum, Te Papa, where you will have the opportunity to learn a little more about New Zealand's history and Maori culture. You may also like to take a trip up to Zealandia, a fabulous native bird sanctuary on the hills above Wellington.

Day 8 : Blenheim

Make your own way to the ferry terminal this morning and board the InterIslander ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. The crossing takes around three hours. Upon arrival in Picton you collect your hire car from the ferry terminal and make the short 30 minute drive into the Blenheim and Marlborough winelands.Spend the afternoon exploring the Blenheim winelands. If you'd like to explore at leisure we recommend hiring a push bike and visiting the well-known Blenheim and Marlborough vineyards such as Cloudy Bay or Oyster Bay. Alternatively, we can arrange guided tours of the region and its vineyards.

Day 9 : Hanmer Springs

This morning take the beautiful inland drive to Hanmer Springs, this is a very scenic drive and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.Spend the rest of today at leisure in Hanmer Springs, you might like to take a relaxing dip in the natural hot pools and then go for a walk to take in the beautiful alpine scenery.

Day 10 : Christchurch

Today, drive to Christchurch where you will have time to explore the city this afternoon, check out the Re-Start container mall and perhaps visit the Antarctic centre.Try out one of the fabulous restaurants in the city tonight, the Tram restaurant is a great way to see the city whilst dining.

Day 11 : Franz Josef Glacier

Drop your car at the airport and take a taxi to the train station this morning where you board the TranzAlpine train. This three hour scenic journey takes you across the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass National Park to South Island's west coast.Upon arrival in Greymouth you collect your hire car from the train station and take a leisurely drive down to the Glaciers. We can highly recommend stopping en route at the small town of Hokitika for lunch. The drive to Franz Josef takes around three hours.

Day 12 : Franz Josef Glacier

Today you will enjoy a fabulous heli hike on the Franz Josef glacier. You will be flown up over the glacier before landing where you will put on your crampons and your guide will pick out a path with his pick axe, enabling him to show you the best ice formations on the glacier that day. Your helicopter will collect you and fly you back down to the township where you have access to the relaxing hot pools for the afternoon.

Day 13 : Queenstown

This morning, you will drive south to Queenstown. On the way, there are plenty of short walks to take in the Haast Pass and scenic spots to enjoy. Stop off for the afternoon in Wanaka, a beautiful lakeside town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Then take the road over the Cardrona range to Queenstown which offers you spectacular views of the Queenstown area.

Day 14 : Queenstown

You will join the Dart River Wilderness Safari today - a great half day excursion including an exhilarating jet boat ride followed by a short guided walk and scenic 4WD trip through the forest where you will learn about the local flora and fauna as well as local Maori and colonial history. The trip will take you to Glenorchy and you will have the opportunity to view some of the filming locations of Lord of The Rings during the tour!

Day 15 : International return flight

Today make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight.

Day 16 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1 Auckland

Welcome to the North Island! Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. You’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will take place here at 6pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on this adventure. If you arrive in Auckland with time to spare, you may like to uncover the story of New Zealand rugby during an interactive All Blacks experience where you’ll learn about the heritage of the sport and find out what it takes to wear the famous black jersey. After your meeting, get to know your group over dinner at an atmospheric local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.

Day 2 Auckland (Waiheke Island)

Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and glorious wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re really lucky you may even see dolphins or orcas along the way. The day will be spent sipping your way around the island, stopping off at three unique wineries to learn about their production methods, and of course tasting the goods yourself. You’ll also enjoy an included lunch on the island, not to mention a few scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.

Day 3 Auckland via Waitomo & Hobbiton to Rotorua

After breakfast this morning, hit the road and drive to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, an extensive underground network of tunnels and caverns decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and luminous glow worms. Join a local expert for an in-depth tour of the Ruakuri Cave, descending a spiral entrance to a magical world below. Discover fascinating limestone formations, hear the roar of subterranean waterfalls and learn about the glow worms that light up the caves. Continue to Hobbiton, where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Take a tour around the set with a local guide, hear stories about the production of these iconic films, explore Hobbit holes and enjoy a drink at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you will spend the evening.

Day 4 Rotorua

Wake up in Rotorua to the unmistakable scent of sulphur coming off the town’s many geothermal pools. After breakfast, pay a visit to Te Puia, over 70 hectares of land within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, dotted with hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A local expert will take you on a walk to learn about these geothermal wonders, including Pohutu, the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Next experience the Kiwi Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to observe the beloved nocturnal bird in a darkened enclosure and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them. Swing by the Ahua Gallery and watch culturally significant Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Lunch is a treat today - a traditional hangi feast cooked beneath the earth in traditional style. In the evening, perhaps consider an optional tour of the geysers by night.

Day 5 Rotorua to Taupo

Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupo, sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo – the largest lake in New Zealand. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you will walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colors. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that this picturesque part of the country has to offer. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to get on its waters – speak to your leader to find out about the sustainable sailing and cruising options available to you this afternoon. You may like to try your hand at fishing, or perhaps take a flight over the spectacular Tongariro National Park.

Day 6 Taupo via Tongariro National Park to Ohakune

Today will be spent uncovering the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, as spiritually significant as it is spectacular. Your leader will guide you on a scenic two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls, an impressive 20-metre cascade tumbling over volcanic cliffs. Later in the day, head to your Feature Stay accommodation at the Powderhorn Chateau and settle in. The chateau provides a stunning base for the evening, surrounded by the soaring peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro – the views are simply unbeatable.

Day 7 Ohakune to Wellington

This morning, make tracks for Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, hop aboard a private catamaran and get to know the city on an evening cruise around Wellington Harbour. Return to land after an hour and join your group for dinner at a fantastic waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.

Day 8 Wellington to Christchurch

This morning, check out of your hotel after breakfast and head to the South Island. You'll take a 1 hour flight to Christchurch. Characterised by snow-capped peaks, giant glaciers and shimmering lakes, there’s no denying that the South Island is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Once in Christchurch, settle into your accommodation. A meeting will take place in the evening at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your adventure, followed by dinner at a local restaurant which encapsulates the culinary culture of the region. Learn about the ethos behind this unique dining spot and enjoy a delicious three course meal which celebrates local producers.

Day 9 Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki

Take a morning stroll with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch. Next set off for Punakaiki, driving through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill – the spectacular mountain scenery may look familiar, as parts of The Chronicles of Narnia movie were filmed against this dramatic backdrop. After lunch in Moana, enjoy a short stop at Lake Brunner, the largest lake in the northwestern South Island of New Zealand. Spend the afternoon in Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized west coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Then continue to Monteith's Brewery, considered the original home of New Zealand craft brewing, for a tour and tasting. Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon. Situated in Paparoa National Park, the resort is adjacent to the beautiful Punakaiki beach and the magnificent Pancake Rocks and Blowholes - the perfect spot to reflect and relax.

Day 10 Hokitika / Franz Josef

After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowhole before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming west coast town of Hokitika, and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. In the afternoon, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi, the Rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara, a reptile endemic to New Zealand. Arrive at your Franz Josef accommodation by evening.

Day 11 Franz Josef

Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to this incredible glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef.

Day 12 Makaroa / Wanaka

Depart Franz Josef for the picturesque resort town of Wanaka, the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, located in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makorora and visit the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust, an organisation which strives to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. After lunch, take a guided walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist to enjoy the vibrant hue of the aptly named Blue Pools that feed the Makarora River. Keep an eye out for endangered birds as you learn about how the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust is working to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Arrive in Wanaka by later afternoon, and settle in to your home for the next two nights - a homestead built on the site of a former sheep station. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this charming town has to offer.

Day 13 Wanaka

Enjoy a sleep in or perhaps start your day with a hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Today's experience is one of the real highlight's of your trip. Central Otago is a region well known for food and wine, and today you will visit the spectacular Criffel Station for a chef-guided tasting and foraging tour, followed by a delicious lunch, washed down with some excellent Central Otago wines.

Day 14 Milford Sound

Depart Wanaka for the drive to Te Anau. Along the way, take in a spectacular scenic drive across the Crown Range and by the shores of Lake Wakatipu. After lunch, continue on to your embarkation point for your Feature Stay, an overnight cruise surrounded by the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound, also known by its Te Reo (Maori) name Piopiotahi. Aboard your purpose-built vessel, enjoy a full length journey of the fjord out to the Tasman Sea, with the possibility to see wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins. You will also have access to a specialist guide with information on the fjord's history and natural environment. For those who are keen, kayaking and/or small boat tours allow a truly immersive experience of this special place. Finish your day with a delicious three-course dinner before settling down in your cosy cabin.

Day 15 Milford Sound / Te Anau / Queenstown

After a leisurely onboard breakfast surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, you’ll disembark and travel to Queenstown with plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs along the way. After another stop in pretty Te Anau for lunch, you’ll arrive in plenty of time to check into your boutique hotel in Queenstown.

Day 16 Arrowtown / Queenstown

Today is the grand finale of your trip. In the morning, take an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Kimi Akau (Shotover River), deep into the spectacular Shotover Canyons. Speeding over water as shallow as 10cm, this is an amazing white water experience, operated by the Ngai Tahu, Maori people who have a centuries-old connection with this land. Continue on for a leader-led walk through historical Arrowtown, then enjoy a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley. Perhaps toast the end of your journey with a New Zealand-inspired gin & tonic or glass of Otago wine at a bar & restaurant with arguably the most spectacular views in all of Queenstown.

Day 17 Queenstown

Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends very little time in Queenstown, we recommend you spend an extra day or two here if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).