The Landmarks of Aotearoa

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 - 2 Nights

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Banks Peninsula on this unforgettable tour to the historic French settlement of Akaroa. 

Along the way, enjoy stops at charming stone rest houses and a delightful morning tea in Little River. In Akaroa, embark on a harbour cruise to spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. Take free time to savor local cuisine, explore boutique shops, or enjoy a peaceful coastal walk. The return trip follows the scenic Summit Road, with a final stop at Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve before heading back to Christchurch.

Included Meals: Lunch

Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey takes you through striking gorges, lush river valleys, and across impressive viaducts before arriving in Greymouth. 

On arrival, collect your rental car and continue your journey to Franz Josef. En route, you may wish to stop in Hokitika, a coastal town celebrated for its talented artisans and beautifully carved pounamu (greenstone), highly valued in Māori culture. Exploring the local galleries is a wonderful way to find a unique, handcrafted keepsake to remember your South Island experience.

Approximate Distance: 170 kms | 105 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Spend today relaxing and soaking in the dramatic scenery of Glacier Country and enjoy a once in a lifetime helicopter flight. 

The Franz Josef Glacier descends from the Southern Alps toward the sea, its ancient ice creating a striking contrast against lush rainforest. A highlight of your day is the incredible Twin Glacier helicopter flight, offering sweeping aerial views of both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Fly high above icefalls, crevasses, and rugged alpine peaks before landing on the snow for a truly unforgettable experience. This unique perspective reveals the scale and beauty of these natural wonders.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Continue your journey along the rugged West Coast Road and cross the dramatic Haast Pass, one of New Zealand’s most scenic alpine routes.

Travel through dense rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and ever-changing landscapes in this historic region. Beyond the Gates of Haast lies a remote wilderness so exceptional it has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Pause at scenic lookouts before arriving in the lakeside town of Wanaka. During your stay, enjoy an included visit to Puzzling World, famous for its quirky illusions and maze, adding a fun and memorable twist to your alpine adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Wanaka - 2 Nights

Wanaka offers a perfect blend of alpine beauty and outdoor adventure, highlighted by a cruise and guided exploration of Lake Mou Waho. 

Blending spectacular alpine scenery with fine food, wine, and boutique shopping, the lakeside town of Wanaka is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most unspoiled landscapes. Set on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park, it offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor adventure in every season. Today, enjoy a memorable half-day guided trip to Lake Mou Waho, a unique “lake on an island on a lake.” Cruise across Lake Wanaka, then hike to the summit for panoramic views and conservation experiences.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you travel from Wanaka to Queenstown via the scenic Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest main road, with sweeping alpine views and photo stops along the way. 

Descend into a region known for its vineyards, boutique cafés, and acclaimed restaurants across Queenstown, Arrowtown, and the Gibbston Valley. While famed as the adventure capital, Queenstown also offers relaxed experiences including lake cruises, wine tastings, spa visits, and scenic walks, alongside adrenaline activities for thrill-seekers. This evening, ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, followed by three exciting luge rides down the mountain track.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Today combines thrilling adventure with iconic scenery across some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes. 

Embark on a scenic jet boat ride along the Dart River, surrounded by the majestic peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Step ashore to stroll through ancient beech forests largely unchanged for 80 million years, while learning about the region’s rich heritage, including early Māori journeys in search of pounamu (greenstone). Continue along a remote backcountry road to Paradise, a filming location for The Lord of the Rings, before experiencing true off-road adventure by 4WD. Explore historic Arrowtown, cross the Arrow River, and take in breathtaking views along Skippers Canyon and the Remarkables Road.

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown to explore at your own pace, with endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, or scenic discovery before experiencing a scenic cruise on TSS Earnslaw.

In the evening, step aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw for a classic Queenstown experience featuring a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet BBQ dinner. This historic steamship offers stunning alpine views as you glide toward Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will dine in a beautiful lakeside setting featuring fresh local produce. After dinner, enjoy an entertaining farm demonstration before returning to Queenstown on a relaxing cruise under the stars. This unforgettable experience blends heritage charm, scenery, and warm Central Otago hospitality.

Included Meals: Dinner

This morning, drive to Manapouri to begin a truly special overnight adventure in one of New Zealand’s most remote and breathtaking wilderness areas, Doubtful Sound. 

From Manapouri, cross Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass before arriving at Deep Cove, where you will board your overnight cruise vessel. Spend the day exploring the fiord’s dramatic landscapes, with towering waterfalls, rainforest-clad mountains, and abundant wildlife, all brought to life by expert on-board commentary. Optional kayaking and shore excursions allow you to immerse yourself in the surroundings before anchoring in a secluded arm. Enjoy a three-course dinner before relaxing in your ensuite cabin overnight.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Doubtful Sound - 1 Night

Experience the remote beauty of Fiordland before continuing your journey to the adventure hub of Te Anau.

After a hearty breakfast on board, cruise back through the tranquil waters of Doubtful Sound to Deep Cove. Keep watch for bottlenose dolphins often seen patrolling the fiord, New Zealand fur seals basking on sun-warmed rocks, and, if you are lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Disembark and journey to Te Anau, a gateway to Fiordland National Park and an area of outstanding natural beauty. This region, featured in Lord of the Rings films, is also the starting point for some of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 20 kms | 110 miles   Total Driving Time: 20 mins

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

With time to relax or explore this stunning lakeside town at your own pace. Today includes a visit to one of its most magical attractions, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Your experience begins with a scenic boat cruise across Lake Te Anau to the cave entrance on the western shore. On arrival, you will be greeted by knowledgeable guides who lead you underground into a fascinating limestone cave system. As you move deeper into darkness and silence, you’ll drift by boat through glowing grottoes illuminated by thousands of glowworms, creating a breathtaking “galaxy” effect unlike anything in the Southern Hemisphere night sky.

Today you travel to Bluff, New Zealand’s southernmost town, where you will board a ferry across the wild waters of Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island. 

Often described as one of the country’s best-kept secrets, this remote destination offers an untouched sense of tranquillity few travellers experience. With only around 1% of the island inhabited, the remainder is a pristine haven of native bush, white-sand beaches, bird sanctuaries, and rugged coastal landscapes. As you explore this peaceful paradise, the pace of life slows, and you quickly slip into the island’s relaxed rhythm, far removed from the outside world.

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 110 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Stewart Island - 3 Nights

Discover the untouched wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island on a guided nature experience from Stewart Island.

Begin with a short boat trip across the open waters before stepping ashore on Ulva Island, a predator-free haven and one of the world’s southernmost bird sanctuaries. Your guide will lead you along well-maintained tracks through lush, ancient forest, sharing insights into the island’s remarkable ecology. The pace of the walk is set by the wildlife itself, with frequent stops to observe and photograph native species including Stewart Island weka, kākā, tūī, fantail, kererū, bellbird, rifleman, and South Island saddleback in their natural habitat.

Experience a rare evening wildlife encounter on Stewart Island with a guided Kiwi spotting tour at Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve.

Ulva’s Guided Walks hold exclusive access to evening tours in this protected reserve, offering one of the best opportunities to see wild kiwi in their natural habitat. After sunset, with virtually no light pollution, the forest comes alive with nocturnal activity and a spectacular starlit sky overhead. Listen for kiwi quietly foraging nearby, along with the calls of morepork echoing through the trees. At certain times of year, you may also hear or see penguins and petrels, adding to this unforgettable nocturnal experience.

Return to the mainland and farewell Bluff, make sure to taste the world-famous Bluff oysters before continuing your journey to Dunedin.

Travel inland through rolling rural landscapes of sheep and dairy farms as you make your way to Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city. Arriving in this vibrant southern hub, you’ll discover a striking blend of historic charm and youthful energy, thanks to the country’s oldest and largest university. Gothic revival architecture lines the streets, adding character and atmosphere, while a lively café culture brings a modern edge. Dunedin offers a rich mix of heritage, culture, and coastal scenery.

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Explore the spectacular Otago Harbour and its rich coastal wildlife on today’s unforgettable cruise and peninsula experience.

Cruise the full length of Otago Harbour, passing Careys Bay’s historic fishing village, the busy wharves of Port Chalmers, and a stunning mix of bays, rolling hills, farmland, and native forest. Continue to Taiaroa Head for Monarch’s renowned wildlife cruise along dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline. Watch New Zealand fur seals playing near their breeding colonies, and look out to sea for rare seabirds such as albatross and petrels. You may also encounter penguins, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today journey along the scenic east coast and inland to the majestic Mount Cook region, combining natural wonders, heritage towns, and a night under the stars. 

Rejoin the coastal road and travel north towards Twizel, allowing time to enjoy scenic stops along the way. Visit the iconic Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach, where giant spherical stones up to two metres wide, formed around 65 million years ago, are scattered along the shoreline. Continue to Oamaru, a charming heritage town where the beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct invites you to step back in time. Wander among elegant white stone buildings filled with galleries, boutiques, and a traditional sweet shop. By day’s end, arrive in the spectacular Mount Cook region, gateway to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and its alpine scenery. This evening enjoy Big Sky Stargazing at The Hermitage.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximate Distance: 320 kms | 199 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Mt Cook - 2 Nights

Experience the breathtaking ice and alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. 

Mount Cook National Park is a fantasy land of ice and rock, renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery and home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Its Māori name, Aoraki, means “cloud piercer,” and at 3,755m it rises above surrounding snow-covered mountains. This afternoon, enjoy a unique guided experience to get up close to an iceberg. Travel by bus into the stunning Tasman Valley for a short walk before boarding a MAC boat to explore the Tasman Glacier terminal lake and its floating icebergs.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you continue your journey north to Christchurch, travelling through some of the South Island’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Along the way, stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, a beautifully located stone chapel framed by sweeping alpine views. From here, enjoy remarkable vistas towards Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. After taking in these unforgettable scenes of lakes, mountains, and open landscapes, continue your drive through the Canterbury region. Your day concludes as you arrive in Christchurch, the vibrant gateway city of the South Island.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 Minutes

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Head inland across the rural Canterbury Plains as you journey towards Kaikōura, a spectacular coastal haven of marine life. 

This striking region is framed by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the snow-capped Southern Alps on the other, creating a truly postcard-perfect setting. Kaikōura’s deep offshore trench supports an abundance of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and fur seals, while pelagic seabirds soar above the waves. The town is also famous for its fresh crayfish, available locally and enjoyed with ocean views, making this a memorable stop on your South Island journey.

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

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 2 Nights

Kaikoura's most famous residents are the many whales and dolphins who feast on the abundant seafood in its waters. 

Sperm whales visit year-round, while the mighty humpback is a regular visitor in June and July. Enjoy spotting them as they breach the surface, spouting seawater from their blowholes before diving in search of tasty squid.End your unforgettable day with freshly caught crayfish at one of Kaikoura's cozy eateries, enjoying one of the glorious sunsets this region is famous for.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your drive from Kaikōura to Nelson takes you through the renowned Marlborough wine region, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and award-winning viticultural areas. 

As you travel through rolling vineyards and sun-drenched landscapes, you may wish to stop and sample world-famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or elegant Pinot Noir at cellar doors along the way. The region is also rich in gourmet produce, including local honey, artisan cheeses, and fresh salmon, ideal for a relaxed picnic lunch. This scenic journey offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, fine wines, and delicious regional flavours en route to Nelson.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 250 km | 155 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Nelson - 3 Nights

Discover the sunny charm, coastal beauty, and creative spirit of New Zealand’s Nelson region. 

Receiving some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, the Nelson district is a perfect destination to visit year-round. Located in the north-west corner of the South Island, the region is surrounded by sheltered mountain ranges, golden beaches, national parks, and boutique wineries and breweries. From Nelson, it is easy to access three distinctly different national parks, each offering unique landscapes and outdoor experiences. Take a scenic drive to Mapua Wharf, a vibrant coastal hub known for its arts and crafts studios. Spend time browsing local galleries and boutiques, and enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the water.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park, protects 23,000 hectares of some of the country’s most accessible and beautiful coastal scenery. The coastline features offshore islands, sheltered turquoise waters, estuaries, and golden sandy beaches. Enjoy time to relax on the beach or take a refreshing swim in the calm waters if conditions allow. Sheltered from ocean swells and blessed with a mild climate, the park offers a perfect coastal escape before returning to Nelson.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Depart Nelson on a scenic flight to Wellington, with views over the Marlborough Sounds on your way to New Zealand's capital city.

Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, set within a natural amphitheatre of harbour and surrounding hills. The city blends big-city culture with a relaxed, small-town feel, and is renowned as the country’s hub for arts, film, coffee, cuisine, craft beer, events, and politics. A lively energy flows through its streets, reflecting its creative spirit. Wellington is also highly regarded for its environmental values, being the first Fair Trade capital in the southern hemisphere and home to the world-class Zealandia sanctuary.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Explore Wellington through an immersive Lord of the Rings film location tour.

Your private tour begins with a scenic drive into Hutt Valley, following the River Anduin and admiring Helms Deep filming locations. Continue to Gardens of Isengard, then Rivendell and iconic Legolas Tree. Return to Wellington, also known as Wellywood, and visit Weta Cave in Miramar, with time to explore exhibits and shop. Enjoy Weta Experience behind-the-scenes tour showcasing props, weaponry, and modelmaking. After lunch at seaside café, ascend Mt Victoria for panoramic views before concluding at Outer Shire and Hobbit’s Hideaway stops visits

Today journey from Wellington to Napier through the scenic Wairarapa, exploring heritage towns and world-famous architecture along the way. 

Leaving the capital, travel through rolling farmland into the rural heart of the region and stop in historic Greytown, known for its beautifully preserved Victorian colonial buildings and charming tree-lined streets. Continue north to Napier, renowned for its outstanding collection of Art Deco architecture, rebuilt after the devastating 1931 earthquake. Here you will discover a compact city showcasing Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and Art Deco styles. Enjoy a guided stroll through the Art Deco Quarter as your guide brings its history to life.

Approximate Distance: 335 kms | 208 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

Discover the flavours of Hawke’s Bay on a relaxed afternoon wine tour through one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions.

Journey through picturesque countryside to visit three or four internationally recognised wineries, enjoying guided tastings and a delicious included cheeseboard. With convenient door-to-door service within Napier, the experience is seamless from start to finish. Along the way, a friendly guide shares easy-to-understand insights into the wines, the region, and the winemaking process. Visits may include renowned wineries such as Mission Estate, Church Road, Trinity Hill, Te Mata Estate, Black Barn, and Clearview Estate, offering a diverse and memorable tasting experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Depart Napier and travel inland to Taupō, journeying through ever-changing landscapes toward New Zealand’s central volcanic plateau. 

Lake Taupō, the largest crater lake in the Southern Hemisphere and roughly the size of Singapore, was formed by the powerful Taupō (Hatepe) eruption around 1,800 years ago—one of the most significant volcanic events in the last 5,000 years. Continue to the spectacular Huka Falls, where turquoise waters surge through a narrow gorge, before entering Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for included entry to explore its vibrant geothermal features. Arrive in Rotorua, a dynamic thermal resort city renowned for its geothermal activity, Māori culture, and striking volcanic scenery.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Rotorua - 3 Nights

Explore Rotorua’s youngest geothermal landscape on a guided eco walk and scenic lake cruise. 

Take an eco-focused nature walk or hike through the stunning Waimangu Volcanic Valley thermal park, followed by a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana, where you can explore its unique geothermal system. Formed by the massive 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu is the world’s youngest geothermal valley, offering a fascinating blend of volcanic history and natural beauty. Sit back and relax on your cruise as your skipper points out key features and shares insights into this iconic Rotorua geothermal attraction and its remarkable formation story.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure in Rotorua before this evening’s unforgettable cultural experience. 

Te Po, meaning “the night,” is an important time in Māori tradition and forms the basis of Te Puia’s authentic evening experience, a celebration of food, culture, and hospitality. The evening begins with a traditional pōwhiri (ritual welcome), including a challenge from Māori warriors, followed by a powerful cultural performance featuring song, haka, and poi dance. Enjoy a traditional dinner before being transported to the illuminated Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Wander among glowing natural features, including Pōhutu Geyser, while enjoying dessert, Māori-inspired delicacies, and a warm drink.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

An exciting day awaits as you travel into the rolling green hills of The Shire, home to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. 

This idyllic landscape, set on a private working farm, brings J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth to life in remarkable detail. Explore the enchanting village at Hobbit scale, with charming hobbit holes, blooming gardens, smoking chimneys, and the iconic Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy a fully guided 2.5-hour tour visiting Bag End and the 43 Hobbit Holes, while learning behind-the-scenes stories from filming, including special effects, scale techniques, and why this picturesque location was chosen for Hobbiton. Continue your journey to Cambridge.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 95 kms | 59 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Accommodation: Cambridge - 1 Night

Explore the remarkable subterranean world of the Waitomo Caves, a breathtaking natural wonder shaped over hundreds of thousands of years. 

Wander through a hidden network of limestone chambers filled with glowworms, underground streams, and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. This morning, enjoy the Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Experience, a fascinating journey into this ancient underground environment. This afternoon, travel onward through scenic countryside to Hahei in the Coromandel Peninsula. Located near Mercury Bay, Hahei is a beautiful coastal settlement close to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, known for its stunning beaches and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 290 kms | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Hahei - 2 Nights 

Discover the stunning coastal beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula on a scenic sea kayaking adventure. 

The Coromandel Peninsula, a sea-bound spine of ancient eroded volcanoes, shelters the tranquil waters of the “City of Sails” and is a favourite escape for Aucklanders seeking relaxation and nature. Its unspoiled coastline features golden beaches, hidden coves, and limestone headlands, ideal for kayaking. Paddle through sea caves, explore sheltered bays, and spot marine life along the way. Cathedral Cove in Hahei offers a “Blue Lagoon” setting, perfect for photography. The experience concludes with coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies overlooking this iconic natural landmark.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you travel from Hahei and head west to discover one of the hidden gems of the west coast, escaping the hustle and bustle of the busier tourist routes. 

Located near Waiuku, Castaways offers stunning views over the remote Karioitahi Beach. West-coast beaches are famous for their dramatic black sand and towering sandstone cliffs, creating a rugged and striking landscape. This is a true off-the-beaten-track escape from the ordinary, offering the perfect setting for relaxation and reflection. Its wild coastline, open horizons, and spectacular sunsets provide an unforgettable experience and a beautiful contrast to the Coromandel’s coastal scenery.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 165 kms | 103 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Karioitahi Beach - 1 Night

Today you will travel to Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, journeying through the changing landscapes of the North Island. 

Leaving the dramatic black sand coastline, you pass rural farmland, rolling hills, and lush native scenery as you head towards Northland. Stop along the way to enjoy local towns and scenic viewpoints before reaching the subtropical north. Arrive in Paihia, a vibrant waterfront town and gateway to the Bay of Islands, known for its turquoise waters, island-dotted harbour, and rich Māori and European history, offering a relaxed coastal atmosphere and endless opportunities for exploration.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 295 kms | 183 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Paihia - 3 Nights

Cruise through the stunning Bay of Islands, weaving past pristine islands and along the scenic Cape Brett Peninsula. 

Take in the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse and the dramatic Motukokako, also known as the Hole in the Rock—watch for a lucky splash as the boat passes beneath (weather permitting). The area teems with marine life, including dolphins, as well as native birds and other wildlife. Enjoy a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where there's time to unwind - take a swim, explore the walking tracks or enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the on-site fully licensed café overlooking the water.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the breathtaking Bay of Islands at your own pace. 

Experience the stunning Bay of Islands your way – a coastal paradise rich in marine wildlife, including dolphins, whales, penguins, gannets, and more. Many islands offer walking tracks and regular ferry services, making exploration easy and rewarding. Take a short ferry ride to historic Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, once known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific” for its wild past. Alternatively, enjoy scenic river and seaside walks around Paihia or visit ancient kauri forests in the surrounding pristine rainforest.

Today you leave the beautiful Bay of Islands and travel to Auckland. Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland is famous for its stunning waterfront, diverse culture, and vibrant urban life. 

Located between Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, it features numerous islands and scenic coastlines along the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. The city's skyline showcases iconic structures amid lush green hills and volcanic cones. As New Zealand's economic and cultural hub, Auckland boasts a thriving arts scene, innovative cuisine, and a strong community spirit.

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights

Enjoy a return ferry from Auckland City to Waiheke Island for a memorable day of wine, scenery, and coastal charm.

On arrival, visit three of Waiheke’s premier vineyards, sampling a selection of exquisite local wines. Between tastings, enjoy a guided scenic drive with insightful commentary on the island’s history, geography, culture, and people from your knowledgeable local guide. Conclude your experience with a relaxed lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at a renowned beachfront restaurant on Onetangi Beach. Afterward, return to the ferry terminal for your scenic journey back to Auckland City, completing a delightful island escape.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

“Haere rā” goodbye and bon voyage! Today we bid you farewell. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. As you depart, take with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday, filled with breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and warm Kiwi hospitality. From mountains and glaciers to vibrant cities and coastal escapes, your journey through Aotearoa comes to a close, leaving you with lasting impressions of this remarkable destination and its unique beauty, culture, and spirit.

Included Meals: Breakfast