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.
Set off on a guided full-day adventure through West Auckland’s natural wonders today. Hike through rainforests, beaches, and clifftops, discovering unique black sand beaches and lush landscapes. Your journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation, followed by a visit to the Arataki Visitor Centre for stunning views and insights into Māori culture. Wander through the rainforest, learn about indigenous plants, and admire the majestic Kauri trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch before embarking on scenic clifftop hikes and visiting a west coast beach. With over 39 years of experience, the guides will provide an engaging and memorable experience, tailored to the day’s conditions.
Pick up your rental car this morning and begin your self-drive journey, with Waitomo as your first destination. Spend the 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 enjoy as you wish.
Head to Rotorua this morning and get ready for an afternoon in the skies with a Volcanic Air Safari. Experience a floatplane flight over Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, soaring above lakes, forests, and farmland. Touch down at Orakei Korako for a self-guided walk through hot springs, geysers, and mud pits. Take in the stunning views of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and Wai-O-Tapu before returning to Rotorua’s Lakefront pier.
Today, embark on an immersive tour to explore the world of the kiwi. Learn about their natural habitat, observe foraging kiwis in a nocturnal house, and enjoy interactive displays. Engage with experts, see kiwi eggs incubating, and watch newly hatched chicks. Your ticket helps support the kiwi hatching program. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure in Rotorua.
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 entire day to explore Wellington at your own pace. Consider riding the Cable Car and taking a leisurely stroll back down through the botanical gardens, or visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. In the evening, get ready for the ZEALANDIA by Night tour at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about and observe 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.
This morning, your journey takes you to Kaikoura, where you’ll spend the day exploring marine wildlife. Begin with a 30-minute whale watching experience from the skies with Wings Over Whales. In the afternoon, search for majestic albatross and other seabirds along the coastline.
Head to Christchurch this morning and prepare for an afternoon at the International Antarctic Centre. Explore exhibits about life at Scott Base, experience an Antarctic storm, ride a Hagglund vehicle, and see Little Blue Penguins. The centre offers a captivating insight into the continent’s unique environment and the scientific research conducted there.
Travel to the charming French village of Akaroa this morning and get ready for an afternoon of marine life exploration. Aboard the Akaroa Nature Cruise, you’ll have the chance to spot the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hector’s Dolphin, as well as New Zealand Fur Seals and various coastal birds. Capture memories and ignite your adventurous spirit on this exciting journey.
Dolphin Guarantee: If you don’t see any Hector’s Dolphins, you can enjoy another cruise 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.
Begin your morning with the Glacier Explorer boat trip on Tasman Glacier Lake. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of stunning icebergs and the terminal face of the glacier, witnessing the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of New Zealand’s largest glacier up close. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this excursion offers captivating insights into glacial dynamics and the surrounding alpine environment, creating an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Later, enjoy a picturesque coastal drive to Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the South. Your evening will be spent at the tranquil Camp Estate Lodge, nestled beside 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, immerse yourself in one of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine fiords, the Doubtful Sound. Embark on an overnight cruise, relishing in comfortable accommodations, breathtaking scenery, and chances to encounter wildlife like dolphins, seals, and penguins. With guided excursions, informative commentary, and included meals, this cruise offers a perfect balance 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’re feeling refreshed from your rest last night because you’ll need your energy for today’s full-day adventure with Ridgeline Adventures on the Wanaka High Country Walk. Explore the hidden gems of Wanaka as you venture off the beaten track to uncover private backroads in West Wanaka Station. Revel in expansive walking trails, picturesque alpine meadows, breathtaking scenery, and the charm of high-country farming life. Take part in the predator control conservation project and indulge in a leisurely picnic atop Lookout Hill. With 4WD support available, you have the flexibility to ride at your convenience while enjoying the scenic views and engaging conversation with your guide. It’s a safe, enjoyable, and active Kiwi adventure designed for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
This morning, embark on the Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk to discover the splendour of this unspoiled island in Lake Wanaka. Opt for a self-guided tour or join our experienced guide to delve into the island’s rich history and biodiversity. Cruise in comfort aboard our 28-seat super taxi, Moutimu, and support conservation initiatives along the way. Explore the island’s glacial-formed lake and encounter rare wildlife for an unforgettable adventure. Later, journey to Lake Moeraki, where you’ll spend the remainder of today and tomorrow.
Today is yours to explore Lake Moeraki at your own pace. Tucked away in the verdant wilderness of New Zealand’s West Coast, Lake Moeraki invites you to unwind in nature’s embrace. Enveloped by ancient rainforest, this untouched lake is a paradise for wildlife lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Perhaps spend the day paddling through its calm waters by kayak or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere, serenaded by the chorus 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.
Embark on the Franz & Fox Josef Glaciers Heli Hike this morning for an exhilarating adventure. Following a picturesque helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, land for a guided hike through millennia-old ice formations. Led by seasoned guides, venture into icy crevasses and towering walls, immersing yourself in the glaciers’ mesmerising beauty up close.
Head to Arthurs Pass this morning, where you’ll enjoy the next few days at your own pace. Situated in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Arthurs Pass is a stunning alpine village celebrated for its natural splendour and outdoor activities. Enveloped by majestic peaks, lush beech forests, and cascading waterfalls, Arthurs Pass provides unmatched opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and immersing yourself in pristine wilderness. Uncover scenic trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and a rich array of 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.
