Day 1

A private transfer will meet you from your flight and drive you to your Auckland accommodation.

Auckland City is New Zealand's largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the worlds great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless. Spend the day exploring the city or relaxing before your adventure begins.

Day 2

There is so much to do in and around New Zealand's largest city. Sitting on one of the world's finest natural harbours there are countless opportunities to explore the islands of the gulf. Waiheke Island is a popular choice with its splendid beaches and vineyards. Just a short distance from the city centre is Rangitoto Island, the youngest of the volcanic cones that dot the region. Take a ferry over and enjoy the hike to the summit.
Auckland is known as the 'City of Sails' and taking the helm of an Americas Cup yacht with Sail NZ is a great way to experience the harbour. If you just want to relax and enjoy the nautical atmosphere then the Viaduct Basin has shops, cafes, restaurants and the Maritime Museum.
West Auckland offers a huge contrast to the busy modern city. The rainforest and beaches of the Waitakere Ranges are a great place to explore and there are many walks to enjoy. Muriwai Beach is a popular destination and you can see one of the worlds few mainland breeding colonies of the Australasian Gannet at the Takapo Refuge.
West Auckland also has some of New Zealand oldest wineries around the Kumeu and Waimauku regions. Auckland based Fine Wine Tours offer some great day trips that incorporate visits to the wineries and a chance to experience the wild west coast.

Day 3

The drive south from Auckland on State Highway 1 quickly takes you into rolling green farmland, the rich dairy pasture of the Waikato. New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato Riiver, guides you through Cambridge and the art and craft stores of Tirau. Arriving into the City of Rotorua the regions geothermal activity becomes evident as you see steam rising from the roadside and hills.
Rotorua is considered the Maori cultural centre and its here you can enjoy and experience some of their history. The Rotorua Museum is outstanding and one of its main presentations is the devastating eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886. Nearby Ohinemutu Village is the original site of the first Maori settlers in the area.
One of the most popular introductions for many to the Maori culture is through an evening at Tamaki Maori Village. A  recreated village pre-European times gives you an insight into the way of life before an evening of song, dance and entertainment. A dinner prepared in the traditional manner is served to finish the evening off.

Day 4

Rotorua sits right in the centre of the worlds most volcanically active region and this is highly evident through the smell of sulphur. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without visiting one of the many geothermal parks or areas. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is around 30 minutes from Rotorua and here a network of paths will take you though bubbling pool, sulphur ponds, geysers and waterfalls. Formed during the eruption of Mt. Tarawera was the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and you can also stroll amongst hot springs and enjoy a short boat cruise in the world's newest geothermal eco system.
The Buried Village or the village of Te Wairoa was destroyed during the Tarawera eruption. Now this registered historic area has been excavated to show original buildings pre eruption. Set amongst beautiful bush there is also a dedicated museum telling the fascinating story of Te Wairoa Village and the legendary Pink and White Terraces.
White Island sits around 40 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coast and is still one the most active volcanoes in the world. Volcanic Air Safaris offer scenic helicopter and float plane trips to the island and the opportunity to land (helicopter only) and explore the original sulphur mines. They also offer scenic flights over Mt. Tarawera and float plane flights to Orakei Korako Hidden Valley.
Rotorua though also offers much more than this. The lake is stocked with trout and fishing charters operate from the lake front. The Agrodome offers a unique New Zealand experience combining farm tours and sheep shearing shows with the opportunity to enjoy some of the adrenalin packed adventures New Zealand is renown for.

Day 5

The drive from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Just north of the town are the Huka Falls and a short detour to view is advised. The Huka Jet can get you much closer with a thrilling jet boat ride also if you wish. Craters of the Moon is a nearby geothermal reserve with well formed walking tracks around its many bulling pools and steaming vents.
The lake itself is actually a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the worlds largest ever eruptions.
Through Tongariro and onto the central plateau and the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. You might recognise the symmetrical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe as this was used as the scenery of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. A little further the military town of Waiouru also hosts the Army Museum, an incredible collection of New Zealand’s military history and a memorial to its servicemen. Heading south you pass through the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the Kapiti Coast. The coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton are worth a short detour before arriving into the capital city of Wellington. Plan to take most of the day for this drive.
Wellington City is New Zealand's capital. It sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and if you arrive early enough New Zealand;s national museum, Te Papa, is also close by.

Day 6

After dropping your rental car at the terminal depot you board the Interislander Ferry crossing the Cook Strait and onto the South Island. The 3 hour crossing is often compared to a miniature cruise and as you leave the protection of Wellington harbour you are often rewarded with distant views of the mountains around Kaikoura on the east coast. Entering Queen Charlotte Sound the final 1 hour leg of the journey is spectacular as you gently negotiate the calm waters. Bush clad hills and remote holiday homes drift by as you head into Picton harbour.
On arrival into Picton you collect your South Island vehicle from the terminal depot.
Blenheim sits right at the heart of the New Zealand's largest wine producing region, Marlborough, and is ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce. A great way to do this is to take a guided wine tour with Sounds Connection Wine Tours.

The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Leaving Wellington Harbour you pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the countries highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph). From the Cook Strait spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds. This region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays is a true photographic opportunity. Arriving in Picton at the end of Queen Charlotte Sound the cruise comes to an end in this picturesque town.

Day 7

Crossing the ‘dry hills’ of the Marlborough ranges you head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. To the east is the turquoise of the South Pacific Ocean and to the west the towering Kaikoura Ranges. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife.
Whale Watch Kaikoura is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year.Kaikoura is New Zealand's world famous whale watching destination. Sperm Whales can be seen here year-round while depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.
Another great Kaikoura activity is Swimming with the Seals. Donning a wet suit you have the opportunity to interact with these inquisitive creatures on their terms.
Wings over Whales also offer tours from fixed wing aircraft to view the whales and other marine creatures from 500 feet in the air.

Day 8

The drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch continues to follow the spectacular coastline before heading inland and through North Canterbury’s major wine region, the Waipara Valley. You are also introduced you to the South Island’s most numerous inhabitant, the sheep. A great detour to take is the side trip to Hanmer Springs for a relaxing dip in the thermal pools.
Arriving into Christchurch City puts you close to the airport and the International Antarctic Centre and a visit is highly recommended. Here you can get as close to experiencing life on the frozen continent without actually visiting plus see New Zealand little blue penguins and ride in a Haaglund Tracked vehicle.

Day 9

Christchurch's compact city centre is best explored on foot or by taking the hop-on, hop-off historic trams.
Amongst the not to be missed attractions is the International Antarctic Centre. Christchurch is the base from which many Antarctic programmes host their supply operations. The International Antarctic Centre offers the visitor a unique insight into life on the frozen continent. You can view little blue penguins that have been rescued and given a new home as well as taking a ride in the impressive Haaglund tracked vehicle.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve lets you experience New Zealand native birds including the kiwi, plus other animals up close.
Getting a little further out you can also enjoy a Christchurch Wildlife Cruise. Departing from Lyttelton this two hour trip offers you the chance to see the rare hectors dolphins in their natural environment.
For an evening like no other the Tamaki Heritage Village takes you back in time to the when European and Maori first met. This interactive outdoor theatre is designed to let you see, hear, smell and feel the atmosphere and tensions that arose during this time. The evening finishes off with a sumptuous and plentiful dinner prepared in the traditional Maori hangi style.

Day 10

Today you head into the heart of the South Island. Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains along the inland scenic route the first township of Geraldine offers an ideal refreshment stop before you head into Mackenzie country.

Passing through places such as Beautiful Valley it's not hard to understand where the names originate. Ascending Burkes Pass and onto the high country plateau and the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, the first of the large Southern Lakes. It's a great place to take a scenic flight, enjoy a guided horse trek, a boat trip on the pristine lake or just enjoy the magnificent views.

Lake Pukaki is just another 30 minutes from Lake Tekapo and its from here you can be rewarded with spectacular views the full length of the lake and into Mt. Cook National Park. In Mt. Cook Village a myriad of activities are available from glacier landings by ski plane or helicopter, kayaking on a glacial lake and a host of walks to suit all abilities and time frames. At The Hermitage Hotel the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a must see.

Day 11

Twizel, just south of Mt. Cook was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes and a little further on is Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. Wrinkly Rams is a local café and also offers an informative sheep shearing demonstration. The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago.
Bendigo, just off the main highway, was one of Otago’s original gold mining settlements and well marked paths will guide you to explore the remains of stone cottages and other buildings from this bygone era.
Cromwell sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge. Cromwell old town has restored buildings from before the valley was flooded to create Lake Dunstan for the hydro systems. The sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge guide you towards Queenstown and the Gibbston Valley is one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions. At the famous historic Kawarau Bridge you can take a bungy jump or just watch others if you would rather. Approaching Queenstown the impressive Remarkables mountain range come into view and then beautiful Lake Wakatipu as you head towards the alpine resort town of Queenstown, the adventure and activity capital of New Zealand.

Day 12

Queenstown offers adventure for all tastes and abilities. From some of the more well know adrenalin sports such as bungy jumping and skydiving to the more sedate such as sampling the local wines or exploring the historic Chinese settlement at Arrowtown, there is something for everyone.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu there are many water based activities to enjoy. The TSS Earnslaw is a rare working example of a steamship still operating and cruises take you to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a farm tour, lunch or a farmhouse dinner. The Kawarua Jet offers a slightly faster experience with thrilling one hour jet boat rides. Fishing and sailing are also possible here.
The Gibbston Vallley is a short drive from Queenstown and it's here you will find the vineyards producing some of the finest wines in New Zealand, particularly the Pinot Noir. Appellation Wine Tours have a choice of tour options to ensure you get to experience the best and of course have the chance to sample the vintages.
Arrowtown is a popular destination for many visitors to Queenstown. This historic gold mining town features many original buildings and now also boasts some great shopping. The Lakes District Museum is also here and ranks as one of the best in the country.
Nomad Safaris offer 4WD excursions in and around Queenstown to otherwise difficult locations such as Skippers Canyon and Mace Town. Informative guides share theirs and other locals stories of the region.
At the Head of the Lake sits Glenorchy. The 40 kilometre drive along the lake edge is worth the trip alone however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away sitting on the shores of the lake. A great trip from here is the Dart River Wilderness Safari, by far the most scenic jet boat excursion in the country. A short walk amongst native beech forest plus a 4WD bus journey is capped off with over 1 1/2 hours and around 35 kilometres of exhilarating jet boat action as you head deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.
See here for many more ideas and activities in and around Queenstown.

Day 13

Explore more of Queenstown before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.