A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock & Roll

This morning, you will take the short walk down to the Auckland waterfront where you will board your ferry for the quick, easy sailing over to the jewel in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf; Waiheke Island.

On arrival on the island, you will be met by your private guide for a full day of touring.

On tour, enjoy succulent fresh oysters, award winning olive oil and other locally produced speciality foods. Your guide, a Waiheke Island local, will provide lots of an entertaining and informative details along the way. Treats may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread and artisan cheeses. A platter lunch at one of Waiheke's top vineyard restaurants is included as part of the tour.

Following a wonderful day on the Island, you will board your ferry back to Auckland City.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you will be met at your accommodation and privately transferred to the rental vehicle depot. Here, you will collect your late model, automatic rental vehicle (Toyota Camry or similar) and head south over Auckland’s Bombay Hills and east across the diverse landscapes of the Hauraki Plains to the Coromandel Peninsula (approx. 2-hours, 30-minutes driving time).

From the former gold mining hub of Thames, you make your way to the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula and the small town of Whitianga, the gateway to Mercury Bay.

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will take the short 30-minute drive north to the settlement of Hahei where you will check in for your full day sea kayaking adventure.

Enjoy your day in the bay as you explore the grand volcanic coast so unique to this beautiful area of New Zealand. You will venture into sea caves and blowholes that others simply can not get to. If the conditions allow you will also land at the Department of Conservation's Mahurangi Island. After just a short walk you'll be soaking up some of the most breathtaking views in the Mercury Bay.

Following your time on the water, you will make your way back to your Whitianga accommodation.

Included meals: Breakfast

Experience the many moods and stunning scenery of the northern Coromandel Peninsula during your time in Whitianga. Go scuba diving and explore the marine wildlife in the Hahei Marine Reserve or explore the wonderful coastline on a scenic boat trip. Dig your own spa pool at Hot Water Beach or enjoy a round of golf. This beautiful region also offers a number of tantalising restaurants and cafes to satisfy your taste buds.

From Whitianga you can enjoy beaches, water sports, scenic flights and boat excursions of Mercury Bay. Indulge in great seafood and enjoy forest walks.

When native forests were being harvested on the Peninsula in the 1800s and early 1900s, Whitianga was a timber port. Ships from Europe sailed into Whitianga's deep water harbour to load up with valuable kauri. Today, the township depends on fishing, farming and tourism for its prosperity.

Included meals: Breakfast

Today you will depart the Coromandel Peninsula and travel over to the small town of Otorohanga - your base for experiencing the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tomorrow (approx. 3.5 hours' driving time). On arrival, you will check into your charming accommodation.

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will take the short 10-minute drive over to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Carpark and check in for your Blackwater Tubing adventure.

Discover the original Waitomo Black Water Rafting tour for a memorable 3-hours. Explore the Ruakuri Cave on an exhilarating underground adventure that involves climbing, black water tubing, floating, and leaping over cascading underground waterfalls.

Float down the underground river in rubber tubes while admiring the glowworm displays above. Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cavern walls and Enjoy a hot shower and complimentary snacks after your tour.

Following a fantastic subterranean experience, you will return to your accommodation.

Included meals: Breakfast

Today you will depart the Waitomo Caves region and travel over to New Zealand's most significant Maori cultural centre, the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua (approx. 1-hour, 40-minutes' driving time). On arrival in Rotorua, you will check into your well-appointed, well located accommodation.

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation for your experience of the very best of Rotorua’s amazing geothermal activity and stunning volcanic landscapes at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

In the afternoon visit the scenic Blue and Green Lakes and Tarawera Lookout for breathtaking panorama’s of Lake Tarawera and the Mount Tarawera volcano, at the historical Buried Village witness the destructive forces of the 1886 Mount Tarawera volcanic eruption.

Visit the authentic living Maori Village of Whakarewarewa, set amidst an active geothermal valley, discover how the Maori people have lived in harmony within this unique and challenging geothermal environment for many generations utilising the amazing activity of hot pools, steaming fumeroles and boiling mud pools on a daily basis for cooking, bathing and medicinal purposes.

This evening, you will be collected from your accommodation prior to entering the world of Mitai to learn about the history of this area which was once flourished in villages. See the fierce warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-Whiro stream.

The story of the migration of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Māori Pacifica connection is told in dance form. Come and join in this Maori and Island fusion extravaganza, including a feast for the ravenous.

Your hāngī/umu earth oven food of Polynesia includes pork, chicken, taro, island style potato salad, and much more. The hangi/umu is cooked in an earth-oven, a hole 1-2m into the ground, the baskets of kai (food) are placed on hot stones at the bottom of a hāngī pit. The kai is then covered to trap the heat, the steam and heat from heated hāngī stones infuses the kai with delicious earthy flavours while it cooks for 3-4 hours.

Following your wonderful evening of culture, company and food, you will be returned to your accommodation.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you will depart Rotorua for the scenic drive in your rental vehicle over to the outskirts of Matamata in one of the North Island's most verdant rural districts (approx. 1-hours' driving time) for your privately guided Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.

Following arrival at Hobbiton, your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges.

Your private guide will escort you through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

Specially brewed beverages are available at The Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour. You will then return to The Shires Rest Cafe with the opportunity to visit The Shire Store.

Following this wonderful experience, you will return to your Rotorua accommodation this afternoon.

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation for your morning of mountain biking in Rotorua's beautiful redwood forest.

Enjoy this great introduction to the Redwoods Forest. You begin the adventure by fitting bikes and helmets to suit, and undergoing a short safety instruction briefing. You will choose from over 140kms of purpose built tracks tailored to all skill levels for a 3-4 hour ride through forestry back roads, single track and fun jump trails surrounded by beautiful native and pine forests.

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, you drive to the Rotorua Airport where you will return your rental vehicle and board your flight to the top of the South Island’s stunning Nelson Tasman Region and the town of Nelson.

On arrival in Nelson, you will be met for your private transfer to your conveniently location accommodation.

Included meals: Breakfast

One of the most unique, immersive day trips offered, Eat! Nelson Tasman is about exclusivity, scenery and slowly peeling the lid off of this beautiful region to reveal the most delectable, quintessentially Nelson Tasman gastronomic pleasures.

Following collection from your accommodation, you will take a one and a half hour walk with your guide into one of Nelson City's celebrated native bush settings where your guide will help you identify the northern South Island's beautiful flora and fauna. Following success with 'summiting' The Grampians wilderness reserve, you will have earned the delights that await your discovery today.

Including a special late lunch during which you'll have the opportunity to sit, relax and enjoy the delights by many of the artisan producers you will meet today while relaxing in your spectacular dining location.

Your guide will delight in introducing you to their friends who stand at the helm of this spectacular region's culinary scene. Visits with an otherwise inaccessible olive grove where you'll meet the artisan's behind some of the most delectable olive oil in New Zealand, the fishing port, a local artisan smallgoods (salami & sausage) producer, your guide's favourite cheese specialists and some of the most awe-inspiring environments make this an unforgettable encounter with Nelson Tasman.

If you love getting under the skin of a destination, meeting the people who make the place tick and tasting the foods unique to the region; you'll love Eat! Nelson Tasman. A truly special, totally exclusive experience that allows you to celebrate your time together in our beautiful region in style.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Following collection from your accommodation, you'll take the exhilarating water taxi ride through the Astrolabe Roadstead into Anchorage. You then leave the golden sand beaches of the coast for a stunning 1.5 hour walk up and further into the Abel Tasman National Park. Along the way your guides will keep you entertained with endless amounts of stories about the history, culture, flora and fauna of the park.

A delicious lunch is served before the action starts.

At the top of the canyon you’ll jump into your rubber suit, crank your harness tight and pop your helmet on. After a clear safety briefing by the guides you enter the truly remote environment of the canyon. You’ll be jumping, sliding, abseiling, scrambling, floating and ziplining through this canyon for about 3.5 hours. The trip finishes with a royal slide into Cleopatras Pool…From the pool it is a 30 minute stroll along the river and the beach back to Anchorage where your water taxi awaits to zip you back to Marahau.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the rental vehicle depot where you will collect your late model, automatic rental vehicle (Toyota Camry or similar) and depart for the beautiful East Coast town of Kaikoura (approx. 4-hours' driving time).

On arrival, you will check in to your comfortable accommodation.k

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, prior to your onward journey to Christchurch, you will experience perhaps one of Kaikoura's most famous activities - Whale Watch.

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings.

Included meals: Breakfast

This afternoon, you will depart Kaikoura and travel further down the South Island's East Coast, to the city of Christchurch (approx. 2.5 hours' driving time). On arrival, you will check into your well-appointed accommodation.

Māori oral history and archaeological evidence suggests that people first inhabited the Canterbury area about a thousand years ago. These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and this migration continued until about 1830. The first Europeans landed in Canterbury in 1815 and Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, making it the oldest city in New Zealand. Many of the city's original Gothic buildings dated from this period.

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and one of the world’s most unique destinations. Bordered by the Port Hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps as a majestic backdrop, allowing for a huge array of experiences all within just a few hours’ drive.

Known traditionally as “The Garden City”, the serene Avon River flows through the centre of the city (its banks now largely forming an urban park), and through the award winning Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The gardens feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand, and are home to one of Christchurch’s most iconic activities, Punting on the Avon.

More recently however, Christchurch has been rebuilding and revitalizing itself following the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and making way for some of the most innovative and creative projects in the world. With a huge emphasis on sustainable and environmental issues, Christchurch is embracing it’s new future, and is excited about the possibilities of having a chance to reinvent itself with modern buildings and bright urban events. This is a chance to visit a city on the brink of reimagining itself with world class technology and innovation alongside history and heritage.

It is important not to forget about Christchurch’s backyard of Canterbury. You can ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, raft, mountain bike, hot-air balloon, wind surf, whale watch and visit internationally-acclaimed wineries and gardens – all within a short drive of the city. And that is just the beginning!

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will depart Christchurch for your journey to Twizel (approx. 4 hours’ driving time). Following your journey through Canterbury’s patchwork quilt of the Plains, you will reach the rich golden landscapes that pave the way for your arrival into Lake Tekapo. This glacial fed turquoise blue lake is a hive of activity for everything outdoors.

After a recommended stop for lunch and time to take in the majestic surrounding scenery, you will continue on to Twizel with views never ceasing to take your breath away.

On arrival, you will check in to your gorgeous Lodge accommodation.

Twizel is set in a grand alpine playground - an iconic New Zealand landscape of high mountain peaks, glacier fed alpine lakes and golden tussocks stretched beneath an endless sky.

This evening, you will drive to to the Lake Tekapo lakefront where you will check-in for your remarkable dark sky experience.

At 1,029m high, Mt John offers unrivalled 360-degree views across the largest accredited International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Your expert astronomy guide brings the night sky to life, sharing the science and the stories of our Southern skies. Stargaze using the naked eye guided by lasers and then proceed to explore deeper through up to 16" optical telescopes, including in the private observatory dome. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies; every night sky beholds something different.

The Summit Experience runs for 1 hour 45 minutes, includes transport to and from Mt John, use of ECW (extreme cold weather jackets) to keep you warm at the summit (Please note: ECW Jackets are unable to be provided during Covid-19 Framework Red and Orange levels), and the full use of our telescopes.

The nature of the terrain on Mount John requires a certain level of fitness, you need to be confident walking 100 meters on a gravel incline and be able to climb a couple of steps in the dark.

The Summit Experience is a weather dependent activity. If it is not possible to observe due to weather, then an alternative indoor experience may be offered in the purpose built technological and interactive venue, with guests entitled to a partial refund.

Please note: On September 21st, the moon will be in its Waning Crescent Phase - a phase when the moons sheds minimal light and the sky is, consequently, very dark. With clear skies, the Waxing Crescent Phase promises optimal stargazing conditions. During this part of the Moon cycle, the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. This can be a great phase during which you may see the features of the Moon's surface with greater clarity. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Included meals: Breakfast

Today, we highly recommend the drive up the south side of Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook Village to take in one of our favourite walks in the park, the Hooker Valley Track. This enjoyable walk leads you up the Hooker Valley towards Mount Cook itself. With multiple glacier fed river bridge crossings and, in fine weather, dramatic views right to the summit of Mount Cook, this is a wonderful way to enjoy one of New Zealand's most beautiful National Parks and the country's tallest mountain. The return hike into Hooker Lake, complete with small icebergs and multiple glaciers, is around 3 – 3.5 hours.

Following your walk, lunch in Mount Cook village and a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is also highly recommended. The Centre is a tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary - humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world's greatest explorers. The centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people, and its place in the universe.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre's 126-seat custom-designed theatre is the world's only theatre with 2D, 3D and a Digital Dome Planetarium contained within the same space. Cutting edge technology allows the 2D screen to raise up for storage while the 3D screen is in use and the Digital Dome Planetarium to lower into place when required. In the foyer of the theatre you will find the museum showcasing the history of the Mount Cook region through transport, climbing, The Hermitage Hotel, and pioneer extraordinaire, Sir Edmund Hillary himself.

Included meals: Breakfast

Today you will depart for your journey to Te Anau, on the perimeter of Fiordland National Park (approx. 4-hours driving time). This is a spectacular journey that includes beautiful lake and mountain scenery and culminates in the Fiordland region - home to Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's oldest and largest national park, covering about 8,000 square miles and your home for the next three nights; Te Anau, where upon arrival, you will check into your beautiful lodge accommodation.

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation for your full day, small group guided walk on the Routeburn Track.

Your journey begins with a spectacular scenic drive along the Milford Road to the Divide Shelter which is the starting point for the guided walk to Key Summit.

There are opportunities for short nature walks and photo stops along the way.

Departing from the shelter, your walk ascends through lush, temperate rainforest on a well maintained track. The steady climb takes approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace.

Gaining an elevation of 400 metres, emerge from the forest into the alpine environment, with panoramic views of high snowy peaks, alpine lakes, and deep bush clad valleys.

On a fine day lunch is at the summit amidst the alpine tarns, and in unfavourable conditions in the shelter of a nearby tramping hut.

After lunch steps are retraced to the Divide Shelter before returning to Te Anau by coach.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you will be met in Te Anau for commencement of your Milford Sound experience.

En route to Milford, your driver will provide an informative commentary as you travel into Milford Sound through beautiful ancient beech forest and soaring mountains of the Southern Alps making a number of stops along the way for photos and short walks.

After a leisurely two-hour cruise on Milford Sound including a picnic lunch your coach will return you to Te Anau.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you will depart Te Anau and travel into the central South Island's magnificent Southern Lakes District and the township of Wanaka (approx. 3.0-hours' driving time).

On arrival in Wanaka, you will check into your beautiful Lodge accommodation.

Located in the spectacular alps of the South Island, New Zealand, visitors from around the world are drawn to the Wanaka region by its outstanding beauty.

The stunning mountain and lakeside setting and proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Area, makes it the ultimate base for outdoor activities.

With four distinct seasons, Wanaka is a year-round destination. Summer’s are hot and dry - perfect for water-sports, hiking and biking. Winter’s are cool and crisp with four diverse ski areas offering great options for skiers and snowboarders. Spring is the ideal time to get out and explore the lakeside tracks and trails, and the vibrant colours of autumn are perfect for photography.

It’s not just the outdoor enthusiasts who have plenty to do, stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries, stylish shops and be spoilt for choice with a great selection of cool cafes, excellent restaurants, craft breweries, award-winning wineries, and an artisan distillery.

Included meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation for the scenic drive around Lake Wanaka, and into the Matukituki Valley.

Your fantastic guided trek begins with a 30-minute walk along the banks of the Matukituki River.

After entering Mt Aspiring National Park by a swing bridge across the river, steadily climb into a rainforest.

It's onward for a leisurely two hours, after which, the forest drops away and you enter open ground of alpine herbs and flowers, and the glory of the Rob Roy Glacier comes into sight. Here you take time to relax and enjoy one of the best views Mother Nature offers, while eating a picnic lunch. Following lunch, the return trek is all downhill back to the car park.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will participate in one of the most spectacular trips available in the whole of New Zealand.

Following introductions with your guides and feel adventurer's, you will enjoy a wilderness experience like no other, combining a scenic flight, wilderness walk and a river jet safari.

Start your experience in Makarora with a scenic helicopter flight taking in aerial views of the towering ice-carved mountains in the Wilkin Valley. Take in the scenic views of the Mt Crucible Glacier and Lake before landing in the remote Siberia Valley and enjoy a 3 hour walk on a well marked track. Rendezvous for a fast-paced return jet boat ride through the icy blue waters of the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers following which time, you will return to your Wanaka accommodation.

Included meals: Breakfast

Today you will take the easy drive from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport (approx 1-hour, 30-minutes' driving time) where you will return your rental vehicle farewell this remarkable part of the world and board your flight home.

Included meals: Breakfast