The Full Monty - South to North Itinerary

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Experience the city on a charming Christchurch Tram Tour.

Known for its resilience and regeneration, the city blends historic charm with modern innovation and vibrant green spaces. Enjoy the freedom of an all-day Christchurch Tram Pass, allowing you to hop on and off at key attractions throughout the central city. Explore the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, and cultural precinct, while learning about Christchurch’s history through engaging onboard commentary as you travel on the beautifully restored heritage tram network at your own pace.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

This morning board the Scenic Plus service of the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, one of the great rail journeys of the world. 

Travel coast to coast through the Southern Alps, descending spectacular gorges, river valleys, and crossing towering viaducts as the scenery transforms from alpine peaks to the West Coast. On arrival in Greymouth, collect your rental car and continue to Punakaiki. Visit the famous Pancake Rocks, a striking limestone formation shaped by the Tasman Sea over thousands of years. At high tide, powerful blowholes erupt seawater skyward, creating a dramatic coastal display in this unique natural setting.

Approximate Distance: 50 kms | 31 miles  Total Driving Time: 45 mins

Accommodation: Punakaiki - 1 Night

Today, drive from Punakaiki to Franz Josef Village, travelling along the spectacular West Coast where rugged coastline meets dense rainforest. 

As you arrive, you are in for a real treat. Franz Josef Glacier descends dramatically from the Southern Alps, flowing almost to sea level. Its ancient ice formations create a striking contrast against the lush, green surroundings of temperate rainforest. This rare meeting of ice and jungle forms one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary landscapes. Take time to absorb the dramatic scenery and ever-changing environment as you settle into this unique alpine village on the edge of the glacier.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 220 kms | 136 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Today is a free day to explore the Franz Josef region, located in the heart of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. 

This is one of New Zealand’s most diverse and beautiful landscapes, and home to the inquisitive kea, a protected alpine parrot known for its playful and sometimes destructive behaviour. While here, you may choose a guided kayaking tour on Okarito Lagoon, a scenic helicopter flight over glaciers with a snow landing, or a thrilling glacier heli-hike, landing on the ice with an experienced guide to explore towering crevasses and ancient formations throughout the unforgettable day experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Continue your journey along the rugged West Coast Road and over the spectacular Haast Pass. 

Travel through lush alpine rainforest as you pass through this remote and historic region, where the dramatic “Gates of Haast” reveal a true lost world of wilderness. So untouched and awe-inspiring, this area forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as rivers, valleys, and forest unfold along the way. After this unforgettable alpine crossing, arrive in the lakeside city of Wānaka, beautifully set beneath the Southern Alps, where you will spend the next two nights surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 285 kms | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Wānaka - 2 Nights

A compelling blend of spectacular alpine scenery, fine food and wine, and boutique shopping, the lakeside resort town of Wānaka is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s wildest and most beautiful landscapes. 

On the doorstep of the inspiring Mount Aspiring National Park, it offers exceptional walking and hiking trails, along with skiing, water sports, and boating for outdoor enthusiasts. Wānaka is a destination that delights in every season. Time in town is equally rewarding, with excellent eateries, lively pubs, and a scenic lakeside walkway. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters or simply relax and take in the views.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you will travel from Wānaka to Queenstown via the spectacular Crown Range Road, offering some of the most dramatic alpine views in New Zealand along the way.

Descend through high country landscapes before entering a region rich with vineyards, boutique cafés, and excellent restaurants across Queenstown, Arrowtown, and the Gibbston Valley. On arrival, experience the iconic Skyline Gondola as it carries you high above Lake Wakatipu to sweeping alpine views, followed by three thrilling luge rides down the mountainside tracks. While Queenstown is known as the adventure capital, it also offers relaxed, scenic experiences and lakeside dining.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 70 kms | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

The Milford Sound Business Class experience offers an elevated and intimate journey into Piopiotahi Milford Sound. 

Enjoy complimentary pick-up in custom glass-roof Mercedes vehicles, travelling in small groups with a professional guide. The journey follows the iconic Milford Road through Fiordland National Park, with curated scenic stops and a private morning tea in Te Anau. On arrival, board the bespoke Real NZ Sinbad vessel, welcomed with sparkling wine. A five-course degustation is served while cruising past waterfalls and towering cliffs. The experience concludes with a scenic flight back to Queenstown, revealing Fiordland’s dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and remote valleys from above.

Included Meals: Lunch

Today is at your leisure to explore Queenstown at your own pace, with experiences ranging from adventure to relaxed sightseeing.

Thrill seekers can enjoy a jet boat ride on the Shotover River or a bungy jump from the Kawarau Bridge, the world’s first commercial bungy site. Wine lovers may prefer a tour through the nearby Gibbston Valley, sampling renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For panoramic views, ride the Skyline Gondola, with optional luge rides down the mountain. Alternatively, cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, with the option of a gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show experience.

Todays journey takes you from the dry-land region of Central Otago to eastern costal climate.

Say goodbye to the tussock covered schist Block Mountains of the Central Otago dry lands and leave hilly country and winding river valleys behind. The vegetation will begin to change, while you cross the farmlands of the Taieri Plains and arrive at todays destination: Dunedin. The name comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. Dunedin is regarded as one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the Commonwealth. 

Approximate Distance: 285kms | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Today cruise the length of the Otago Harbour. 

Experience an unforgettable half day cruise and peninsula tour and explore Careys Bay historic fishing village, Port Chalmers’ busy wharves and the harbour’s beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forest. Enjoy Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the NZ furseals play and swim near their breeding colonies, out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Leave the east coast and drive into the heart of the South Island, travelling towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. 

New Zealand’s premier alpine region is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and is home to the country’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Its Māori name, meaning “cloud piercer,” reflects its towering presence at 3,755 metres above surrounding snow-covered mountains. Arrive and take in the dramatic alpine landscape of ice, rock, and valleys shaped by glaciers. In the evening, experience Big Sky Stargazing, where the clear, unpolluted skies reveal a brilliant display of stars, constellations, and the Milky Way overhead.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 320 kms | 198 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

A day in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers a rich connection with nature. Explore alpine trails, glacial rivers, and scenic lookouts with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. 

Prefer a slower pace? Enjoy a peaceful picnic or simply soak in the dramatic surroundings. As night falls, the park’s clear skies provide an exceptional stargazing experience. Whether you seek adventure or quiet reflection, this spectacular landscape caters to every nature enthusiast with unforgettable moments.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today continue your journey to Christchurch. Travel through the stunning Mackenzie Basin, passing the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully set on the shores of Lake Tekapo. 

From here, enjoy remarkable views across turquoise waters toward Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, rising dramatically above the Southern Alps. Take time to appreciate this iconic landscape of golden tussock, glacial lakes, and vast open skies before continuing your journey north. The scenery gradually shifts as you descend toward the Canterbury Plains, eventually arriving in Christchurch, your final destination for the day, surrounded by gardens, heritage, and vibrant city life.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 206 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Today you leave the Garden City and travel north along the rugged coastline to Kaikōura. 

The Kaikōura Peninsula enjoys a mild microclimate and is framed by dramatic snowcapped mountains rising directly from the sea. This rare meeting of ocean and alpine landscapes creates an ideal setting for eco-tourism, with opportunities for whale watching, dolphin encounters, seal swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. This afternoon includes a spectacular whale watching scenic flight, offering breathtaking aerial views of the coastline and marine life below. From above, you may spot sperm whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural environment along the deep blue waters.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night

Today drive to Blenheim, located in the Marlborough region on the northeast corner of New Zealand’s South Island. 

Blenheim is best known for its world-class wine industry, the nearby Marlborough Sounds, gourmet food experiences, and a range of outdoor and adventure activities. For centuries, this region has provided a safe harbour for travellers, from early Māori traders and war parties to explorers such as Captain James Cook and Dumont d’Urville. Today, it continues this tradition, welcoming visitors seeking a peaceful escape, fine flavours, and the unspoilt beauty of Marlborough’s wine country and coastal landscapes.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 130 kms | 81 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Blenheim - 1 Night

From Blenheim your journey continues to Nelson. Nelson has a large creative community of working artists that gives the town a laid-back, bohemian feel. 

Passionate wine makers and craft beer brewers in the area mean that sitting in the sun with the tipple of your choice is a lovely way to enjoy the town centre. Receiving some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, the Nelson district it the perfect destination to visit year round. Located in the North-West corner of New Zealand, the Nelson region is surrounded by sheltered mountain ranges, golden beaches, national parks and boutique wineries and breweries. From Nelson, it’s easy to access any of three distinctly different National Parks.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 125 kms | 78 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 Nights

Today you have a choice of a full scenic cruise or a cruise-and-walk experience from Marahau along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline. 

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park, protecting 23,000 hectares of the country’s most beautiful and accessible coastal scenery. The coastline features offshore islands, sheltered turquoise waters, estuaries, and golden sandy beaches. Relax on the beach or take a swim if conditions are warm and inviting. Sheltered from ocean swells, the park enjoys a mild climate year-round. After your chosen cruise or walk, return to Nelson for the evening and reflect on the day.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 55 km | 34 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour (each way)

Return your rental vehicle and depart the sunny city of Nelson with a short flight to Wellington, where you will collect your next rental car on arrival. 

Embraced by a natural amphitheatre of harbour and hills, Wellington blends big-city culture with small-town charm. A vibrant energy flows through New Zealand’s capital, renowned for its arts, film, coffee, culinary scene, craft beer, events, and political life. The city is also highly progressive, having been declared nuclear weapon free in 1982 and the first Fair Trade capital in the southern hemisphere. It is also home to the world-leading Zealandia eco-sanctuary.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a true Kiwi cultural highlight, with galleries and character-filled boutiques lining its colourful streets. 

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, located on the waterfront in the city centre, showcases national treasures and is well worth a visit. Wellington is also celebrated for its outstanding food scene, offering some of New Zealand’s finest world-class dining experiences. Culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty come together in this iconic capital. For a unique wildlife experience, visit Zealandia, Wellington’s remarkable urban eco-sanctuary, home to native species in a protected natural environment just minutes from the city.

Leaving the capital, travel through rolling farmland into the rural heart of the Wairarapa region. 

Stop in historic Greytown to admire excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture. The village offers a charming mix of art galleries, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it one of New Zealand’s premier small-town shopping destinations. Continue through the region’s scenic landscapes before heading to Napier, renowned worldwide for its exceptional Art Deco heritage. Nowhere else offers such a concentrated collection of 1930s styles, including Stripped Classical and Spanish Mission. Explore the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre at your leisure.

Approximate Distance: 325 kms | 202 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

The Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand's premier wine producing regions. It is a veritable treasure trove of vineyards, offering wines of superlative quality, many of which have won both national and international acclaim.

Join a fun filled wine tasting afternoon in the sun driving through absolutely stunning scenery. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of this regions fantastic wine. We will visit four to five wineries and enjoy a cheese platter in the grounds of Ngatarawa Vineyard beside the lily pond. You will taste around 30 different wines including the main varieties, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Pinot Gris, Viognier and the lesser known aromatics such as Gewurztraminer and Riesling.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Depart Napier and travel to Taupō, passing through scenic central North Island landscapes. 

Lake Taupō, the southern hemisphere’s largest crater lake, is vast enough to match the size of Singapore. Formed by the powerful Taupō (Hatepe) eruption around 1,800 years ago, it was one of the most violent volcanic events in the last 5,000 years. Continue to the mighty Huka Falls, where the Waikato River surges through a narrow gorge, and explore the geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu with its colourful landscapes. Arrive in Rotorua, a renowned thermal resort city rich in Māori culture and geothermal activity.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 220 kms | 137 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Discover the heart of Māori culture in New Zealand at Te Puia, set within one of the country’s most active geothermal landscapes.

It's 70-hectare park in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley showcases bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs, and dramatic geysers. The famous Pōhutu Geyser erupts approximately every 20 minutes, sending water up to 30 metres into the air. Silica terraces, native bush, and birdlife add to the experience, alongside insight into Māori traditions and history. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance followed by a traditionally prepared hāngī meal, cooked underground and served as part of an immersive cultural experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

An exciting day awaits as you travel to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was created on a private farm in Matamata. 

This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality, with charming hobbit holes, smoking chimneys, bluebells, and the Green Dragon Inn all built to a 3ft hobbit scale. Enjoy a fully guided 2.5-hour tour, visiting Bag End and 43 hobbit holes while learning behind-the-scenes movie secrets and why this location was chosen. Continue your journey to the Coromandel and arrive at beautiful Hahei Beach for an overnight stay.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 235 kms | 146 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Coromandel - 2 Nights

The Coromandel is a renowned outdoor paradise where rugged mountains meet idyllic coastline, creating scenery that inspires creativity and discovery at every turn. 

Its relaxed lifestyle, known locally as “Coromandel time,” embraces a slower pace that is best appreciated in person. Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, with the freedom to do as much or as little as you wish. Explore hidden coves, wander along golden beaches, or simply unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings. Whether active or relaxed, the Coromandel offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, tranquillity, and unforgettable coastal experiences at your own pace.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Leave the beautiful nature of the Coromandel Peninsula behind and head to New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. 

Set among a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, the city sits beside a vibrant harbour teeming with life on both water and land. The Auckland isthmus spans a narrow strip of land bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the wild Tasman Sea to the west. Take time to stroll the waterfront, explore the acclaimed dining precinct, or enjoy activities such as the Sky Tower, whale and dolphin cruises, or day trips to Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Today you will drive north following the beautiful Hibiscus Coast to Paihia, the touristic centre of the Bay of Islands. 

The ‘Bay’ encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. Many of the islands here have walking tracks and have regular ferry’s to get you there. On land, enjoy beautiful river and seaside walking tracks or encounter the mighty Kauri Tree in pristine subtropical rainforest.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 228 kms | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 

Accommodation: Paihia - 2 Nights

Enjoy your day in the Bay of Islands and board the Hole in the Rock scenic cruise. 

Discover the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse as you explore the stunning island-dotted waters of the bay. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine wildlife that frequently appear throughout the journey. Cruise through the dramatic Hole in the Rock, a natural sea arch carved by the ocean, and admire the impressive Grand Cathedral Cave nearby. After experiencing these natural wonders, continue your journey back through the sheltered inner bays, surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery and tranquil waters before returning to shore.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet the 'The Father of the Forest' - Twilight Encounter Tour

The spiritual environment of the Waipoua Forest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world, some estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old. 'Step into our World' and let our local guides take you on a memorable journey through nature's stages of evolution, whilst providing a mythological and interactive interpretation of life in the forest.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 75 km | 47 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Hokianga - 1 Night

Return to the “City of Sails” and enjoy a relaxed final day, with time to unwind or explore more of Auckland’s many attractions at your own pace.

 Take in the city’s waterfront atmosphere, stroll through key precincts, or simply soak up the vibrant urban energy. As evening approaches, head to the Viaduct Harbour, a lively dining and entertainment hub set along the marina. Here you’ll find a wide selection of bars and restaurants, perfect for a farewell dinner. Enjoy your final night in Auckland surrounded by sparkling harbour views, great food, and the city’s unmistakable coastal charm and energy.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 280 kms | 174 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

“Haere rā” — goodbye, and bon voyage! Today we say farewell as your journey comes to an end. Travel to Auckland Airport and return your rental vehicle before boarding your onward flight. 

As you depart, take with you the unforgettable memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday. From dramatic landscapes and vibrant cities to unique wildlife encounters and rich cultural experiences, this journey has showcased the very best of Aotearoa. Though it’s time to leave, the spirit of New Zealand will stay with you, along with lasting impressions of its beauty, warmth, and extraordinary diversity.

Included Meals: Breakfast