Day 1

On arrival into Auckland airport a representative of Fine Tours New Zealand will meet you from your flight, deliver your document pack 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.

Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way. Rediscover the Maori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths and legends and browse throughout the largest after hour's tribal market place in Rotorua. Includes dinner.

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.

Fly over the Crater Lakes District and the volcanic rift of Mt. Tarawera and then continue south via Waimangu and Waiotapu Thermal Areas to land at the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako. Transfer by boat across the lake to explore the bubbling hot springs, gushing geysers and natural beauty of this hidden geothermal wonderland. Enjoy a self guided tour before you rejoin your aircraft for the flight to the Buried Village. Explore the historical site and return to Rotorua by shuttle bus. Approx 2 hours 15 minutes (Rotorua to Buried Village).

Day 5

This drive takes you through the thermal regions south of Rotorua. Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon near Taupo to name just a few locations you can visit. Approaching Taupo signs direct you to Huka Falls, a spectacular sight as the full force of the lake pours through a narrow gorge forming the Waikato River. Here you can take a thrilling Huka jet boat ride or enjoy a lunch of fresh prawns raised in naturally heated thermal pools.  The road from Taupo climbs high onto the plateau crossing the Ahiminawa Range before arriving onto the Pacific Coast just north of the worlds finest art deco city of Napier.

Day 6

The Hawke's Bay is home to some of New Zealand finest wineries and there are ample tours to show you around while you sample the produce. Napier has a remarkable history. Destroyed by an earthquake it was rebuilt at the height of the art deco period and the city is teeming with fine buildings.
Enjoy a city tour in a car from the era or explore the museum. Cape Kidnappers is home to one of the few mainland gannet colonies and a trip along the beach by tractor is a unique way to see these incredible birds in their natural habitat.

Day 7

Day 8

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 9

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 10

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.

At the Antarctic Attraction their aim is to re-create the atmosphere and environment of Antarctica, providing visitors with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of the "Great White South". For most people this will be the closest they will be able to come to experiencing this continent. Experience the Four Seasons at Scott Base and the awesome forces of nature in the custom built polar room. Visit the penguin encounter and learn about the worlds smallest penguin. An informative display tells the story, past and present, of life here as well as displays on the wildlife that make the continent home. A exciting ride on one of the famous Haaglund Tracked vehicles gives you an idea of the terrain you might encounter.

Day 11

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.

Akaroa Harbour formed as a result of an extinct volcanic crater being flooded by the Pacific Ocean. It's a beautiful place with sheer cliffs and the picturesque township of Akaroa at its heart. New Zealand's only native dolphin, Hectors dolphin, makes this sheltered harbour its home and its here you can take a 2 ½ tour to see and if you wish actually swim with these incredible creatures. Following a ½ hour briefing you depart on a 2 hour cruise of which around 1 hour is spent in the water with the dolphins. Black Cat Cruises has been operating since 1985 and their success rate at sighting dolphins is over 98%. Swimming with dolphins is no always possible either due to sea conditions, the dolphins' willingness to stay and play and other environmental reasons such as not swimming when there are babies around. You still manage to swim though on over 80% of their tours.

Day 12

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