Itinerary
This 26-day itinerary takes you on a self-drive journey through New Zealand, discovering the local flora and fauna of this breathtaking country.
Welcome to Auckland! After collecting your baggage, you will be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to explore the City of Sails at your leisure.
Embark on a guided full-day adventure through West Auckland’s natural wonders today. Enjoy hikes through rainforests, beaches, and clifftops, discovering unique black sand beaches and lush landscapes. Begin with a pickup from your accommodation, then head to the Arataki Visitor Centre for stunning views and insights into Maori culture. Explore the rainforest, learn about indigenous plants, and marvel at Kauri trees. Refuel with a picnic lunch before scenic clifftop hikes and a visit to a west coast beach. With over 39 years of experience, the guides will ensure an engaging and memorable experience, tailored to the day’s conditions.
Collect your rental car this morning and start your self-drive journey, your first destination being Waitomo. Spend your morning exploring the mesmerising Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of luminescent glowworms create an enchanting underground spectacle. The rest of the day is yours to spend how you choose.
Make your way to Rotorua this morning and prepare for an afternoon in the skies as you depart on a Volcanic Air Safari. Experience a floatplane flight over Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, including lakes, forests, and farmland. Land at Orakei Korako for a self-guided walk through hot springs, geysers, and mud pits. Enjoy views of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and Wai-O-Tapu, before returning to Rotorua’s Lakefront pier.
Today, join an immersive tour to explore the world of the kiwi. Learn about their native environment, see foraging kiwis in a nocturnal house, and discover interactive displays. Talk to experts, see kiwi eggs incubating, and observe newly hatched chicks. Your ticket supports the kiwi hatching program. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Rotorua at your leisure.
You have a long drive ahead of you today as you travel from Rotorua to the nation’s windy capital Wellington. Consider stopping off at Lake Taupo along the way for a nice lakeside lunch or stroll around viewing the towns breathtaking scenery.
You have the whole day to explore Wellington how you like. Consider taking a ride on the Cable Car and enjoying a leisurely stroll back down through the botanical gardens, or visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. This evening, prepare to immerse yourself in the ZEALANDIA by Night tour at Karori Wlidlife Sanctuary, where you’ll get the chance to learn about and witness the world of native wildlife in their natural habitats.
This morning, make your way to the harbour to board the Interislander Ferry, and enjoy a leisurely journey cruising across the Cook Strait. Upon your arrival to Picton, make your way to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day exploring this seaside town how you choose.
Your journey will take you to Kaikoura this morning, where you’ll spend the day searching for marine wildlife. Start off by enjoying a 30-minute Whale Watching experience from the skies with Wings Over Whales. Then, spend your afternoon searching for majestic Albatross and other seabirds along the coastline.
Make your way to Christchurch this morning, readying yourself for an afternoon spent at the International Antarctic Centre. Explore exhibits on life at Scott Base, experience an Antarctic storm, ride a Hagglund vehicle, and see Little Blue Penguins. The centre provides a fascinating insight into the continent’s unique environment and the scientific research conducted there.
From 07 March 2025:
Make your way to Christchurch this morning, upon your arrival, check into your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to explore the ‘Garden City’ at your leisure. Consider visiting the Riverside Markets for a delicious lunch and explore the surrounding shops or take a stroll through Hagley Park or the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and discover what earned Christchurch the title of ‘Garden City’.
Travel to the enchanting French village of Akaroa this morning and prepare to spend an afternoon on the hunt for marine life. From the world’s smallest Dolphin, Hectors Dolphin, to New Zealand Fur Seals and many types of coastal birds, capture memories and ignite your adventurous spirit aboard the Akaroa Nature Cruise.
Dolphin Guarentee: if you don’t see any Hector’s Dolphins you can cruise again for free.
Make your way to Mt Cook this morning and prepare for an afternoon learning about New Zealand’s legendary mountaineer, Sir Edmund Hillary, at The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Discover the history of mountaineering, the Southern Alps’ environment, and Sir Edmund Hillary’s achievements, including his Everest ascent, in a 3D movie & museum visit.
Start your morning on the Tasman Glacier Lake with the Glacier Explorer boat trip. Get up close to stunning icebergs and the terminal face of the glacier, witnessing the dramatic and ever-changing landscape of New Zealand’s largest glacier. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this excursion provides fascinating insights into glacial dynamics and the surrounding alpine environment, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
After, enjoy a scenic and coastal drive to the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin. Your evening will be spent staying at the serene and rural Camp Estate Lodge, adjacent to New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle.
Explore the Otago Peninsula’s diverse marine life today with Monarch Wildlife Cruises. Aboard a comfortable vessel, observe albatrosses, seals, penguins, and more in their natural habitats, with knowledgeable guides providing insightful commentary. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this cruise provides up-close encounters with New Zealand’s coastal wildlife.
Make your way to Te Anau today, where the day will be yours to spend how you choose. This evening, embark on a magical underground adventure in the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Journey by boat through a network of limestone caves, illuminated by thousands of twinkling glowworms.
Today, you will get to immerse yourself and experience one of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine fiords, the Doubtful Sound. Aboard an overnight cruise, enjoy comfortable accommodations, stunning scenery, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and penguins. The cruise includes guided excursions, informative commentary, and meals, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the heart of Fiordland.
Say goodbye to the magical Doubtful Sound this morning and make your way to Wanaka. The day is yours to explore this picturesque lakeside town how you choose.
We hope you had a good rest last night as you’ll need your energy today for a full day with Ridgeline Adventures, on the Wanaka High Country Walk. Discover the hidden side of Wanaka as you travel off the beaten track to explore private backroads in West Wanaka Station. Enjoy wide open walking trails, alpine meadows, stunning scenery, and high-country farming life. Participate in the predator control conservation project and enjoy a relaxed picnic atop Lookout Hill. With 4WD support available, you can ride anytime and enjoy the views and friendly banter with your guide. It’s a safe, fun, and active Kiwi adventure for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
This morning, experience the Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk, exploring the beauty of this pristine island in Lake Wanaka. Choose between a self-guided tour or join our knowledgeable guide to learn about the island’s history and biodiversity. Cruise comfortably aboard our 28-seat super taxi, Moutimu, and contribute to conservation efforts. Discover the island’s glacial-formed lake and rare wildlife for an unforgettable adventure. After, make your way to Lake Moeraki, where you will spend the rest of today and tomorrow.
Today is yours to discover Lake Moeraki at your leisure. Nestled within the lush wilderness of New Zealand’s West Coast, Lake Moeraki offers a serene escape into nature’s embrace. Surrounded by ancient rainforest, this pristine lake is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Consider spending your day exploring its tranquil waters by kayak or simply immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance, listening to the symphony of native birdsong.
Enjoy a short scenic drive along the West Coast today as you make your way towards Franz Josef. The rest of the day is yours to explore this glacial area how you choose.
This morning, experience the Franz & Fox Josef Glaciers Heli Hike for a thrilling adventure. After a scenic helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, touch down for a guided hike through ancient ice formations. Led by experienced guides, explore icy crevasses and towering walls, discovering the glaciers’ captivating beauty up close.
Make your way to Arthurs Pass this morning, where you will spend the next few days at your leisure. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Arthurs Pass is a breathtaking alpine village renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Surrounded by towering peaks, dense beech forests, and cascading waterfalls, Arthur’s Pass offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the pristine wilderness. Discover scenic trails, stunning viewpoints, and diverse wildlife.
Return to Christchurch today and enjoy a final full day exploring this rebuilding city how you choose. From the Christchurch botanic gardens to the historic tram, the city is yours to discover on your final day of your journey.
Fit in some last-minute sightseeing this morning before you return your rental car to the airport and prepare to depart on your next adventure.
