Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Rotorua > Napier > Wellington > Nelson > Kaikoura > Christchurch > Fox Glacier > Wanaka > Te Anau > Queenstown
Our Rimu Small Group Journey focuses on the natural beauty of both North and South Islands, from the sea and sand of the Coromandel coast to the Ice Age awe of Milford Sound. Active sightseeing by boat and on foot, as well as on board our agile vehicle, enables us to discover warm springs, boiling mud, temperate rainforest and snowy peaks!
Our Rimui 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
An energetic day, discovering this natural paradise on foot and by boat; the bubbling sands of Hot Water Beach and the rock formations of Cathedral Cove are highlights. We take a water taxi to Hahei to re-join our vehicle and head to Cooks Beach. From here, there’s a choice: catch a ferry ride to Whitianga and walk to our hotel, or travel back with our driver.
A change of scene indeed! Rotorua is the epicentre of New Zealand’s geothermal activity and its Maori heritage. Our walk around Te Puia with a private guide reveals bubbling mud, steaming pools, indigenous crafts and even timid kiwis!
Waimangu Volcanic Valley – A walk through an evolving landscape of boiling craters and jewel-coloured steaming lakes, then a cruise across Lake Rotomahana.
Hobbiton™ Movie Set – Step into Middle Earth on a memorable guided tour of the ‘set’ where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed: a must for Tolkien fans!
This evening we all visit a Marae (Maori Village) to discover the culture of New Zealand’s indigenous people, and feast at a Hangi, with food cooked in the heat of the earth.
Heading across the volcanic Tongariro Plateau we arrive on the sunny east coast, where the Art Deco town of Napier rivals Miami for its architecture: we learn why, during a walking tour with a local expert. This is also wine country, and tonight’s excellent dinner is hosted at New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate.
Today we head to breezy Wellington, taking in the panorama from the Kelburn Lookout before descending to sea level by cable car. No stay in the capital is complete without a visit to ‘our place of treasures’ as Te Papa translates from the Maori: this museum is world-class!
When is a ferry journey a scenic cruise? When the Interislander crosses the Cook Strait and sails up Queen Charlotte Sound. We disembark at Picton then drive to Blenheim and taste some famous Marlborough wines, before our driver delivers us to Nelson. This cheerful arty town enjoys a sunny microclimate and is a great base for discovering ‘the top of the South’.
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.
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.
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.
Haere rā – farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast you are transferred to the Queenstown Airport for your return home, taking with you your fond memories of your time in New Zealand. Alternatively, should you wish to extend your stay in New Zealand, we can assist you with additional travel arrangements.
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.
