Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Rotorua > Napier > Wellington > Nelson > Kaikoura > Christchurch > Fox Glacier > Wanaka > Te Anau > Queenstown > Twizel > Christchurch
This Small Group Journey takes you to some of our favourite places and spaces in the North and South Islands, discovering fantastic coastlines and immersing you in Maori culture and history. Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools and boiling geysers and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park with opportunities to swim in its turquoise lagoons.
Our Pohutukawa Tour is available across two touring seasons: Oct 2025 – Apr 2026 and Oct 2026 – Apr 2027. While the journeys are very similar, each season has a few unique inclusions and updates.
FREE HELICOPTER FLIGHT FROM QUEENSTOWN FOR ALL BOOKINGS PAID FOR BY THE 1 JULY 2026
If the tide is right, scoop a ‘spa’ pool on Hot Water Beach, then walk to beautiful Cathedral Cove. Rejoin our vehicle to make for lovely Cooks Beach, named for the first European to land in New Zealand. From here, either catch the ferry to Whitianga and walk to our hotel OR travel back with your driver.
Head inland, pausing at the Okere River before arriving in Rotorua: not only New Zealand’s geothermal hot spot, but a thriving Maori centre. We receive a warm welcome at Te Puia, discover mud pools and steam vents, as well as the arts of weaving, carving and tattooing.
A choice between:Waimangu Volcanic Valley – the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera was devastating, but created a new geothermal valley of boiling craters and jewel-coloured lakes for us to walk through.
Visit Middle Earth – Hobbiton™ This farmland film-set is a treat for Tolkien fans: our guide explains how it became The Shire™.
This evening we all visit a Maori village, receiving a formal welcome (powhiri) and discovering indigenous culture through dance and song, followed by a Hangi feast.
South to Lake Taupo and across the Tongariro plateau to Napier. How did this seaside town come to rival Miami for its Art Deco style? Our guided walk reveals all. Napier is also at the heart of North Island’s vineyards, and this evening’s treat is dinner at its oldest winery, Mission Estate.
Travel across the rural Wairarapa to windy Wellington, the seat of New Zealand’s Parliament. The Kelburn Lookout offers a great view, before we take the Cable Car down to visit Te Papa.
Like HMS Endeavour 250 years before, we cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to South Island. On disembarking, we pause in Marlborough for a wine-tasting at one of the country’s premier cellars. Our base for the next two nights is sunny Nelson.
Paradise found! Abel Tasman National Park is a mosaic of golden coves and turquoise lagoons, sheltered by forested ranges to the south. Enjoy a morning cruise exploration to view world-famous Split Apple Rock, New Zealand Fur Seals, golden sands, and the turquoise waters of Anchorage, Bark Bay, and Tōtaranui Beach. Following the cruise, travel back to Nelson where you conclude your day in this charming city.
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 before turning inland and climbing the Hundalee Ranges. Then descend into the rolling farmland of North Canterbury before entering the city of Christchurch. This afternoon we join punting boatmen, for a relaxing cruise in flat-bottomed punts 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 Arthurs Pass. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps and to Greymouth on the West Coast. Pass through historic towns reaching Hokitika and its galleries specialising in pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and art works. Continue south to Franz Josef Glacier the small remote village of Fox.
We take the Haast River road deep into Mt Aspiring National Park. The atmosphere lightens as we reach Lake Wanaka, reflecting mountain peaks that in winter offer skiing, in summer hiking.
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.
Traverse the Crown Range Road to visit historic Arrowtown. Journey through a glacial-formed valley that is now farmland, to reach Lake Te Anau, the largest freshwater lake in the South Island and gateway to Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Te Anau, discover the wild beauty of Fiordland by jet boat. Visit a 220-acre working support farm and meet a local farmer to gain insight into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage and enjoy a sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstration.
Today’s journey is one of the most scenic you can make on four wheels! On arrival at Milford Sound, we board a comfortable vessel to cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea: keep an eye open for seals and dolphins. Our return journey ends 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.
