Auckland > Bay of Islands > Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Rotorua > Napier > Wellington > Nelson > Kaikoura > Christchurch > Fox Glacier > Wanaka > Te Anau > Queenstown > Twizel > Christchurch
Join us for an adventure like no other – a three-week Small Group Journey. Experience the breath-taking scenery of snow-capped Alps, wander through tropical rainforests and relax on wide, sandy beaches. Learn how this beautiful land has been shaped by ancient volcanoes and southern seas, by Maori warriors and colonial settlers. Friendly local guides share their cultural, historical and ecological expertise as you travel with us throughout Aotearoa – ‘the land of the long white cloud’.
Heading north, we pause to marvel at a remnant of ancient Kauri forest from an elevated walkway. At Paihia we enjoy a guided visit to the birthplace of the nation, the fascinating Waitangi Treaty Grounds. We arrive in Russell, the first capital city of New Zealand, by ferry.
Today, the choice is yours. Either travel by special coach along amazing 90 Mile Beach to sacred Cape Reinga (also includes lunch) OR enjoy a cruise towards Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Hole in the Rock, with the chance of dolphin-spotting, before a guided tour of historic Russell.
We return to Auckland to discover its vibrant harbourside, charming village neighbourhoods and panoramic views, before a guided tour of the excellent Auckland Museum to learn more about Pacific culture.
If the tide is right, scoop your own ‘spa’ pool out of the sand at Hot Water Beach, before walking to beautiful Cathedral Cove. A water taxi takes us to Hahei, then we travel to Cooks Beach, where the ‘Endeavour’ dropped anchor in 1769. Now you can choose to take a ferry ride to Whitianga and walk to the hotel, or travel back with our driver.
We turn inland and stretch our legs on an easy bush walk before arriving at the geothermal centre of North Island, which is also the heart of Maori culture. Our private tour of Te Puia includes bubbling mud, indigenous art and kiwi conservation.
Either explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley on foot and by boat to experience this ever-changing landscape close-up, OR Tolkien fans may take a trip to the Hobbiton™ Film Set. This evening, we all experience an amazing Maori welcome and Hangi (feast).
Pausing at mighty Lake Taupo, we head to Hawke’s Bay on the east coast for a walking tour of Art Deco Napier. This evening, we enjoy the best of New Zealand cuisine (with a glass of wine) at the Mission Estate Winery.
Driving through the Wairarapa ranges we arrive in the breezy capital city, known for its creative industries and great coffee! We take the cable car from Kelburn before visiting Te Papa, one of the world’s top museums.
All aboard the Interisland ferry to navigate the Cook Strait to South Island! Back on our coach, we pause for a wine tasting in Marlborough before arriving in Nelson, known for its arts and crafts and artisan food culture.
Enjoy a morning cruise exploration of New Zealand’s smallest National Park. View world-famous Split Apple Rock, New Zealand Fur Seals, golden sands, and the turquoise waters of Anchorage, Bark Bay.
Depart Nelson and drive through vineyards surrounding Blenheim in the Marlborough Wine Country. From here travel south down the stunning eastern coastline to Kaikōura – where the mountains meet the sea. Today you have the choice of two excursions:
Whale Watch Cruise: Take a 2-hour Whale Watch cruise experience, aboard a modern catamaran for an exciting, close-up encounter with Giant Sperm Whales in their natural environment.
Wings over Whales: Gain an aerial perspective during a “flightseeing” tour on the world of whales and dolphins in Kaikōura’s stunning marine environment, from the comfort of a high fixed-winged aircraft for unobstructed viewing
The road south follows the wild coastline, affording constantly changing seascapes and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Then descend into the rolling farmland of North Canterbury, to Christchurch. This afternoon we join punting boatmen, for a relaxing cruise along the River Avon through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a journey in style onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre.
From Christchurch, traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous TranzAlpine rail journey to the West Coast, with a stop at Arthurs Pass National Park. Pass through historic towns reaching Hokitika and its galleries specialising in pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and art works. Continue south to Franz Josef, then on to the small remote village of Fox.
After a photo-opportunity at mirror-like Lake Matheson, we take the Haast Pass river road deep into the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park to the lakeside resort of Wanaka.
Nature lovers may take a lake cruise to a conservation island with an eco-guide to discover native birds like the flightless Buff Weka, or you can choose to enjoy a scenic 4WD adventure to a high-country farm above the lake.
Depart Wānaka, with your first stop to visit historic Arrowtown. Continue your journey to reach Lake Te Anau gateway to Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Te Anau, discover the wild beauty of Fiordland by jet boat and visit a 220-acre working farm and meet a local farmer to gain insight into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, enjoy a sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstration.
The journey there, through rainforest, is as spectacular as the destination: Milford Sound! Top this with a memorable cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea (picnic lunch on board) before ending the day in Queenstown.
Queenstown is New Zealand’s most famous adventure resort. Try white-water rafting and high wire thrills or relax on a classic steamship cruise (at own cost). The day and evening are yours to do as much or as little as you please.
Today we approach the Southern Alps via the Approach the Southern Alps via the Kawarau Gorge and Central Otago, driving alongside Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook Village, the nearest vehicle access to awesome Aoraki Mt Cook.
Head down the Tasman Valley from Mount Cook and on to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, where the window behind the altar frames an astonishing view of the lake.
Then across the high country’s tussock plains, through Fairlie and Geraldine to the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch
Very much enjoyed the superb Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa Museum, Wellington. Loved the jet boat trip on our day out to Arthur’s Pass and the caves at Charleston.
A wonderful holiday!Chris and Joyce Brill
The Million Dollar cruise on Lake Wakatipu was absolutely brilliant – the guide was very knowledgeable and we would highly recommend this trip.
Our meal on the Mission Estate was one of the best meals of the holiday and the gardens at Hamilton were a real surprise.
But the main highlight has to have been the Milford Mariner overnight cruise – not the best of weather, we couldn’t get out on the kayaks – but a wonderful experience.Colin and Maureen Smith
Choosing a small group tour means you don’t have to worry about organising travel at all. With every one of our small group tours, we’ll arrange all of your transportation. We can even organise your initial flights to New Zealand! If you’d like to find out more about any of our tour packages, please do get in touch.
