Best of New Zealand

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.  Late afternoon you’ll visit one of the local geothermal attractions for a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley.  Then enjoy a Hangi Dinner overlooking the valley and geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace. Overnight: Rotorua

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

Te Ra/Te Po Combo (Guided + Evening Experience): Just seven minutes from central Rotorua lies the geothermal valley of Wakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Pohutu geyser. Take a 90 minute guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley and geyser. Enjoy a mouth-watering buffet designed with local sourced cuisine and an authentic Maori twist overlooking the valley’s geothermal vista with sweeping views of the geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house with traditional welcome (powhiri), song (waiata), poi and haka. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding surrounded by steam and the geyser terrace bathed in colored light.

Complimentary transfers are provided from central Rotorua accommodation. Duration: 4.5 hours.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

The Hell’s Gate Experience – Walk + Mud Bath and Spas: Just 15 minutes from central Rotorua, experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds. Take a one hour guided tour or a self-guided walk around this geothermal reserve. See erupting waters, an active mud volcano, land coral and a hot waterfall, or try your hand at Maori carving. At Hell’s Gate the healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Maori for over 800 years. After your geothermal walk, open and clean your skin in the unique geothermal mud and cleanse with a soak in the sulphur spa.Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience. Duration: 3 hours

Secret Spot Hot Tubs: Located a two minute drive from central Rotorua Secret Spot Hot Tubs are set amongst the tree ferns in the spectacular Whakarewarewa forest. The 12 handcrafted red cedar hot tubs have a lovely woody aroma and naturally infuse the water with cedar oil. Soak in your own cedar hot tub of fresh forest spring water with an optional umbrella over the tub to shade from the sun or rain. At night, soak in a magical setting of lanterns amongst the beautifully lit surrounding native bush. The one hour booking allows for 45 minutes soak time and 15 minutes to get in and out.
Please note: not available for under 5 year olds.

There’s a bit of everything on today’s drive past Great Lake Taupo to Napier.   Your scenic journey includes volcanic geography, fresh forest plantations, rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.

Following an earthquake in 1931, a rebuild saw Napier completely redesigned in the style of the times. Buildings were constructed in the Art Deco style with Maori motifs to give the city a unique New Zealand character.  Today, the delightful seaside city of Napier has the extra-ordinary feeling of a time capsule with its seamless line of some of the world’s finest 1930’s architecture.  Enjoy a guided tour of Napier’s unique history and architecture. Overnight: Napier

Rotorua – Napier: 220km (approx 3hrs)

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

Art Deco Afternoon Walk: On February 1931, Napier was levelled by earthquake and fire but was rebuilt in the depths of the Great Depression in just two years. Nowhere else in the world can you see such a concentration of buildings in the 1930’s Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical styes. Maori motifs were also employed to give the city a unique New Zealand character. Your knowledgeable and passionate guide will take you on a 1.5 to 2 hour walking tour from the Art Deco Centre delivery interesting facts and pointing out fascinating features that you may otherwise have missed. After the tour you will be invited into the boutique theatre for a complimentary tea or coffee and a short film viewing if you wish.

Today’s travel south may be via the spectacular Manawatu Gorge or through the beautiful Tuki Tuki Valley and Wairarapa Wine region to reach Wellington.  Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot.  Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants are all within minutes of the city’s untouched nature spots.  Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum offers FREE admission but you might like to include a guided tour for a greater insight into New Zealand’s rich history and culture. Overnight: Wellington

Napier – Wellington: 320km (approx 4hrs, 30mins)

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand: Located on the Wellington waterfront, The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (translated to ‘container of treasures’) is New Zealand’s national museum.  Entry is free to everyone although charges will apply to some short term exhibitions and activities.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

Introducing Te Papa Tour: Spread over six floors, Te Papa Museum of New Zealand brings to life the stories of New Zealand. This 60 minute tour is the perfect way to get an overview of Te Papa’s highlights, Māori taonga (treasures), and New Zealand history. Your experienced tour guide will reveal innovative cultural treasures of the Māori and Pasifika peoples, the history and science of our vibrant natural environment, and the national art collection. Ideal for visitors with limited time or for those wanting an introduction towards an extended visit.

New Zealand’s North and South Islands are separated by three hours of sensational scenery and ocean fresh air.  Departing Wellington, your ship will ferry you across the Cook Strait, past the beautiful beaches, bays and coves of the Marlborough Sounds to the historic port town of Picton. With its rugged mountain ranges and fertile pains, Marlborough has a lot to offer with its water, wilderness and wine.  A short drive takes you to the compact town centre of Blenheim.  Overnight:  Blenheim

Picton-Blenheim: 30km (approx 30mins)

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

North to South Island Ferry Crossing: A full tour of New Zealand includes a delightful water crossing between the North and South Islands. This is not just any ferry crossing. This journey is rated as one of New Zealand’s must do experiences.  Your ship crossing between Wellington city, magnificently cloaked in native forest and the beautiful beaches, bays and coves of the Marlborough Sounds, is known as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.

The Pacific Coast Road to Christchurch presents one of New Zealand’s most dramatic drives with breath-taking mountains on one side and wild Pounding Ocean on the other.  The seaside settlement of Kaikoura is set midway and overlooked by majestic mountains.  The unique marine geography at this location provides the perfect environment for Sperm Whales and other marine life.  On to Christchurch, a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch

Blenheim – Christchurch: 309km (approx 4hrs)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

Dolphin Encounter: Kaikoura is famous for a diverse range of marine mammals and birdlife and is regarded as the best place in New Zealand to view whales, dolphins, seals and albatross. Dolphin Encounter has two options to choose from, swimming with the dolphins or watching the dusky dolphins. Watchers and swimmers travel on the same boat so if someone in your group prefers to watch rather than swim, this is not a problem as all guests will travel together.

Swimming with dolphins is a unique and sought after activity often being described as a life-changing experience; creating the most special and heart-warming memories of any activity. There is a limit of just 16 swimmers on each vessel with plenty of additional space for watching.

Depart across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the West Coast.  New Zealand’s rugged West Coast is a wild and untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice-age, tumble down the rocky valleys.  Overnight: Greymouth

Christchurch – Greymouth: 240km (approx 3.5 hrs)

A temperate climate at a low altitude makes Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world.  Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.   For an absolute bucket list experience, add a scenic flight with a glacier landing and a thrilling hike to your itinerary. Overnight: Glacier Region

Greymouth – Glacier Region: 175-195km (approx 2.5-3hrs)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are located 40 minutes north of Greymouth.  Set in the heart of Paparoa National Park, the stunning Pancake Rocks can be easily accessed on a 20 minute loop track from the main highway. Explore a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools on this short, paved walk.  The blowholes are best seen at high tide and are impressive if the wind is blowing in from the sea.

Travel through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on today’s scenic journey to Queenstown.  We recommend stopping for a break, and to stretch the legs, at Makarora’s Blue Pools. After settling in at your Queenstown accommodation, make your way to the Skyline Base for a Gondola Ride to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy some spectacular panoramic views high above Queenstown.  You might also like to add some Luge rides to your bucket list for some extra fun.  Overnight:  Queenstown

Queenstown – Glacier Region: 330-350km (approx 4.5-5hrs)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike: The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Your experienced and highly trained helicopter pilot will whisk you up and over jaw dropping landscape. After a thrilling scenic flight, high above ice-falls and rugged terrain, you will land high up on the glacier. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons your highly trained and friendly guide will take you on a two hour journey through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery in the world. Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go and, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary landscape of towering peaks and glistening blue ice. The truly incredible features in the glacier such as ice caves and tunnels are constantly changing and evolving so no two days are ever the same. Duration: 4 hours

Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool: Onsen Hot Pools is located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon, providing stunning views over the breathtaking alpine scenery and provides a perfect vantage point to watch the jetboats on the river below. Infused with 100% Earth Minerals, rich in magnesium to naturally detoxify the body and mind, these mineral pools are ideal for up to four people and help to provide natural relief for muscular complaints. The crystal clear water also helps to moisturise and hydrate the skin.

The one hour session includes time to change and shower. Towels are provided and the experience includes a complimentary drink and snack package. Complimentary transport is available from downtown Queenstown if required.

Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool
Indoor cedar lined exclusive use hot tubs are complete with a retractable roof, changing area and shower, overlooking the Shotover Canyon.

EVENING BOOKINGS ONLY From sunset the pool is surrounded with Japanese lanterns for a magical experience! Sunset times vary on the time of year booked; please check sunset times for each individual booking.

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.  Overnight:  Queenstown

We recommend you let someone else do the driving so you can enjoy the scenery on an optional day tour to Milford Sound (not included in tour cost).

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

Shotover Jetboat Ride: World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience. A unique combination of beauty and power, this 25 minute experience is like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish. Journey deep into the Shotover River Canyon as your expert driver whips your jet boat skilfully through the dramatic and narrow canyons, past rocky outcrops and around crags and boulders. Reach speeds of up to 85kph while skimming the surface of crystal clear waters and feel the spray in the 360 degree spins that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping. The Shotover Jet River Base is a 7km drive from central Queenstown. Complimentary shuttle from the Queenstown depot on select jet boat departures.

Glacier Express Heli Flight 50mins: See blue ice and experience a helicopter landing on a glacier. Fly above Skippers Canyon for views of the historic gold mining sites, and then sweep past mighty Mt Aspiring and into Fiordland National Park. Get up close and personal to the unreal, deep blue ice of a remote glacier. Pristine and expansive, landing on this shelf of ice is a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. Duration: 50 minutes. Includes complimentary pick up/drop off from central Queenstown accommodation

Today’s journey takes you to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.  Hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki to a rugged land of ice and rock, home to Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Overnight: Tekapo or Mt Cook

Queenstown – Tekapo/Mt Cook: 256-266km (approx 3hrs, 15mins)

Today you’ll enjoy admission to the Darky Sky Project for a greater understanding of the night sky.  Be sure to stop for a while at Lake Tekapo where the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake.  Then continue north east where braided rivers and familiar plains will signal your arrival back into Christchurch. Make a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch either today or tomorrow for an icy insight into this astounding continent.  Overnight:  Christchurch

Tekapo/Mt Cook – Christchurch: 220-330km (approx 3-4hrs)

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

Dark Sky Experience: Get ready to embark on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making. A treat for the senses, the Dark Sky Experience brings science, Māori heritage and fascinating multi-media installations together in a ‘Big Bang’ of awe and inspiration. At Dark Sky Project, manuhiri (visitors) are connected to New Zealand’s night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above. Located in Tekapo at the Dark Sky Project Base, situated between Queenstown and Christchurch approximately a three hour drive from both cities. Set on the main highway, it is one of the most accessible Dark Sky Reserves in the world and the drive offers some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand.

With scheduled 45 minute tour departures, this is a thought-provoking, educational and entertaining indoor experience suitable for all ages.

Antarctic Centre: Located at 8 minute walk from Christchurch Airport or 20 minute drive from central Christchurch. See, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre where a slice of this astounding continent can be experienced. Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hagglund Antarctic vehicle ride, befriend a husky dog, enjoy the 4D theatre experience and mingle with the little blue penguins. Experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of love and inspiration. Just like the explorers before you. Allow 2-3 hours

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Christchurch Tram Dinner: The Tramway Restaurant offers you a unique way to experience Christchurch. Dine in style in a an air-conditioned vintage tram and be treated to fine service, cuisine and beverages. Incorporate some fabulous dining with the central city sights of Christchurch’s passing right by your window. The Tramway Restaurant offers a great experience of inner city vibrancy and heritage ideal for celebrating special occasions, romantic date nights or simply to see Christchurch from a different perspective.

Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Christchurch Airport.

Please Note 

(i) Rental Car “Days” are based on a 24 hour hire.

Early arrivals into and/or late departures out of New Zealand may necessitate a longer hire period.

(ii) Adding Optional Tours may necessitate an additional nights’ stay in that location.