Luxury New Zealand & Cook Islands
22 day Holiday Idea – from £5285
With flights from £6635
Embark on a 16 night luxury food and wine self drive around New Zealand, followed by an idyllic stay in the tropical paradise of the Cook Islands.
Highlights:
- Experience a traditional Maori Hangi feast
- Sample fine wine and gourmet food in Napier
- Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds
- Boutique hotel accommodation throughout
- Relax on the coral-fringed Cook Islands
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your New Zealand and Cook Islands holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
![Auckland](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-1-Auckland-6-200x133.jpg)
Depart London or your local airport for your journey to the North Island of New Zealand. Arrive into Auckland and spend the next couple of days at leisure.
Your chosen Auckland hotel
![Auckland](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-1-Auckland-6.jpg)
![Te Puia, Rotorua](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Te-Puia-Rotorua-200x133.jpg)
Day 4 – Rotorua
Collect your rental car to begin your self drive adventure. Enjoy the drive through farmland, lakeland and forest until the distinctive smell of sulphur and constant steam drifts let you know you are in tempestuous, geothermal Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a memorable night of culture, song and dance followed by dinner cooked the traditional way on hot stones underground at a Maori hangi feast and concert.
Distinction Hotel Rotorua
![Te Puia, Rotorua](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Te-Puia-Rotorua.jpg)
![Hot Springs, Rotorua, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-2-Rotorua-5-200x133.jpg)
Day 5 – Rotorua
Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore Rotorua to enjoy the many sights and activities on offer.
Distinction Hotel Rotorua
![Hot Springs, Rotorua, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-2-Rotorua-5.jpg)
![Vineyard, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Winery-200x133.jpg)
Day 6 – Napier
Enjoy the scenery as the road changes from forest to rugged mountain ranges and then to fertile vineyards as you continue on to Hawke’s Bay, known for its Art Deco architecture, gourmet food and world-class wineries.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
![Vineyard, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Winery.jpg)
![Napier City Scenes Market](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-1-Napier-City-Scenes-Market-200x133.jpg)
Day 7 – Napier
Today is free to enjoy the local sights and activities. Recommended Optional Extra: Visit Elephant Hill, a stunning and innovative winery estate and restaurant located on the idyllic Te Awanga coast, 30 minutes’ drive away.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
![Napier City Scenes Market](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-1-Napier-City-Scenes-Market.jpg)
![Lighthouse, Cape Palliser](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Cape-Palliser-Wairarapa-200x133.jpg)
Day 8 – Martinborough
Enjoy the clean, green Wairarapa scenery as you drive south through to Martinborough, home to over 25 boutique vineyards. Take your time and stop to enjoy the various cellar door experiences available.
Martinborough Hotel
![Lighthouse, Cape Palliser](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Cape-Palliser-Wairarapa.jpg)
![Winery, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-2-NZ-Winery-200x133.jpg)
Day 9 – Martinborough
Today’s half day gourmet food and wine tour takes you to visit 3 boutique, family owned wineries where you will taste a wide range of wines from Martinborough’s famous Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. A platter lunch is also included.
Martinborough Hotel
![Winery, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-2-NZ-Winery.jpg)
![Dining on the waterfront, Wellington, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-3-Wellington-3-200x133.jpg)
Day 10 – Wellington
Travel to Wellington where cafe culture and fine dining city restaurants await. Enjoy an overnight stay in the nation’s capital.
Rydges Wellington
![Dining on the waterfront, Wellington, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-3-Wellington-3.jpg)
![Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Interislander-4-200x133.jpg)
Day 11 – Marlborough Sounds
Board the Interislander ferry and travel across the Cook Strait to the South Island.
On arrival into Picton you will board a water taxi through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to your beautiful accommodation in the heart of the Sounds. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Queen Charlotte Track with seemingly endless bays and coves to explore.
Furneaux Lodge, Marlborough Sounds
![Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Interislander-4.jpg)
![Marlborough Sounds](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-3-MarlboroughSounds-200x133.jpg)
Day 12 – Marlborough Sounds
Enjoy a full day at your leisure on the Marlborough Sounds.
Furneaux Lodge, Marlborough Sounds
![Marlborough Sounds](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-3-MarlboroughSounds.jpg)
![Coastal Pacific Gliding through the vineyards of Blenheim](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/IMAGE-2-Coastal-Pacific-Gliding-through-the-vineyards-of-Blenheim-200x133.jpg)
Day 13 – Kaikoura
Take the water taxi back through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival collect your rental car and travel down the East Coast to Kaikoura. You may wish to travel via Blenheim – well known as a centre of New Zealand’s wine industry. Follow the ruggedly beautiful coastline between the surging Pacific Ocean and the steeply rising Kaikoura ranges. Kaikoura is renowned for its seafood dishes.
Local specialties include grouper, cod, mussels, paua (abalone) and the town’s namesake – Crayfish (lobster). Other delights such as oysters, scallops and whitebait are available when in season.
White Morph Motel
![Coastal Pacific Gliding through the vineyards of Blenheim](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/IMAGE-2-Coastal-Pacific-Gliding-through-the-vineyards-of-Blenheim.jpg)
![Christchurch, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Christchurch-1-200x133.jpg)
Day 14 – Christchurch
Continue down the coast, across broad, braided rivers and the rich patchwork farming landscape of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Crown Plaza Hotel, Christchurch
![Christchurch, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Christchurch-1.jpg)
![Oamaru, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Oamaru3-200x133.jpg)
Day 15 – Oamaru
Travel south along the coast to the historical town of Oamaru. The rest of your day is at your leisure to explore this delightful township.
Poshtel, Oamaru
![Oamaru, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Oamaru3.jpg)
![Blue Penguin Oamaru](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/BluePenguinOtago-200x133.jpg)
Day 16 – Oamaru
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Be sure to visit the Oamaru Penguin Colony which make an appearance every night.
Poshtel, Oamaru
![Blue Penguin Oamaru](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/BluePenguinOtago.jpg)
![Marlborough Wine Tasting, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/MarlboroughWineTasting-200x133.jpg)
Day 17 – Cromwell
Journey in-land today to the beautiful gold-mining town of Cromwell. The rest of your day is at your leisure.
Marsden Lake Resort
![Marlborough Wine Tasting, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/MarlboroughWineTasting.jpg)
![Cook Islands](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Cook-Islands2-200x133.jpg)
Day 18 to 22 – Cook Islands
Make your way to the airport for your flight to the tropical paradise of the South Pacific on our 5 day Cook Island Explorer. Arrive into picturesque Rarotonga to spend four nights with a memorable visit to neighbouring Aitutaki.
Spend the last days of your holiday taking in the warm Polynesian hospitality and palm fringed beach views.
Your chosen Cook Islands hotel
![Cook Islands](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Cook-Islands2.jpg)
Your Itinerary
You can customise your New Zealand and Cook Islands holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1 to 3
| Auckland
Depart London or your local airport for your journey to the North Island of New Zealand. Arrive into Auckland and spend the next couple of days at leisure.
Your chosen Auckland hotel
![Auckland](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-1-Auckland-6.jpg)
Day 4
| Rotorua
Collect your rental car to begin your self drive adventure. Enjoy the drive through farmland, lakeland and forest until the distinctive smell of sulphur and constant steam drifts let you know you are in tempestuous, geothermal Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a memorable night of culture, song and dance followed by dinner cooked the traditional way on hot stones underground at a Maori hangi feast and concert.
Distinction Hotel Rotorua
![Te Puia, Rotorua](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Te-Puia-Rotorua.jpg)
Day 5
| Rotorua
Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore Rotorua to enjoy the many sights and activities on offer.
Distinction Hotel Rotorua
![Hot Springs, Rotorua, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-2-Rotorua-5.jpg)
Day 6
| Napier
Enjoy the scenery as the road changes from forest to rugged mountain ranges and then to fertile vineyards as you continue on to Hawke’s Bay, known for its Art Deco architecture, gourmet food and world-class wineries.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
![Vineyard, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Winery.jpg)
Day 7
| Napier
Today is free to enjoy the local sights and activities. Recommended Optional Extra: Visit Elephant Hill, a stunning and innovative winery estate and restaurant located on the idyllic Te Awanga coast, 30 minutes’ drive away.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
![Napier City Scenes Market](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-1-Napier-City-Scenes-Market.jpg)
Day 8
| Martinborough
Enjoy the clean, green Wairarapa scenery as you drive south through to Martinborough, home to over 25 boutique vineyards. Take your time and stop to enjoy the various cellar door experiences available.
Martinborough Hotel
![Lighthouse, Cape Palliser](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Cape-Palliser-Wairarapa.jpg)
Day 9
| Martinborough
Today’s half day gourmet food and wine tour takes you to visit 3 boutique, family owned wineries where you will taste a wide range of wines from Martinborough’s famous Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. A platter lunch is also included.
Martinborough Hotel
![Winery, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-2-NZ-Winery.jpg)
Day 10
| Wellington
Travel to Wellington where cafe culture and fine dining city restaurants await. Enjoy an overnight stay in the nation’s capital.
Rydges Wellington
![Dining on the waterfront, Wellington, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-3-Wellington-3.jpg)
Day 11
| Marlborough Sounds
Board the Interislander ferry and travel across the Cook Strait to the South Island.
On arrival into Picton you will board a water taxi through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to your beautiful accommodation in the heart of the Sounds. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Queen Charlotte Track with seemingly endless bays and coves to explore.
Furneaux Lodge, Marlborough Sounds
![Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Interislander-4.jpg)
Day 12
| Marlborough Sounds
Enjoy a full day at your leisure on the Marlborough Sounds.
Furneaux Lodge, Marlborough Sounds
![Marlborough Sounds](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Image-3-MarlboroughSounds.jpg)
Day 13
| Kaikoura
Take the water taxi back through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival collect your rental car and travel down the East Coast to Kaikoura. You may wish to travel via Blenheim – well known as a centre of New Zealand’s wine industry. Follow the ruggedly beautiful coastline between the surging Pacific Ocean and the steeply rising Kaikoura ranges. Kaikoura is renowned for its seafood dishes.
Local specialties include grouper, cod, mussels, paua (abalone) and the town’s namesake – Crayfish (lobster). Other delights such as oysters, scallops and whitebait are available when in season.
White Morph Motel
![Coastal Pacific Gliding through the vineyards of Blenheim](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/IMAGE-2-Coastal-Pacific-Gliding-through-the-vineyards-of-Blenheim.jpg)
Day 14
| Christchurch
Continue down the coast, across broad, braided rivers and the rich patchwork farming landscape of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Crown Plaza Hotel, Christchurch
![Christchurch, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Christchurch-1.jpg)
Day 15
| Oamaru
Travel south along the coast to the historical town of Oamaru. The rest of your day is at your leisure to explore this delightful township.
Poshtel, Oamaru
![Oamaru, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Oamaru3.jpg)
Day 16
| Oamaru
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Be sure to visit the Oamaru Penguin Colony which make an appearance every night.
Poshtel, Oamaru
![Blue Penguin Oamaru](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/BluePenguinOtago.jpg)
Day 17
| Cromwell
Journey in-land today to the beautiful gold-mining town of Cromwell. The rest of your day is at your leisure.
Marsden Lake Resort
![Marlborough Wine Tasting, New Zealand](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/MarlboroughWineTasting.jpg)
Day 18 to 22
| Cook Islands
Make your way to the airport for your flight to the tropical paradise of the South Pacific on our 5 day Cook Island Explorer. Arrive into picturesque Rarotonga to spend four nights with a memorable visit to neighbouring Aitutaki.
Spend the last days of your holiday taking in the warm Polynesian hospitality and palm fringed beach views.
Your chosen Cook Islands hotel
![Cook Islands](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Cook-Islands2.jpg)
This Holiday Includes
Flights & More
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:
- A deluxe Bay of Islands self drive extension
- Extra nights in New Zealand or the Cook Islands
- A stopover to New Zealand in Dubai, Singapore or another destination
Next Step
Please get in touch with our New Zealand Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Luxury New Zealand & Cook Islands
22 day Holiday Idea – from £5285
With flights from £6635
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.
Map
![Luxury New Zealand & Cook Islands Map](https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Luxury-New-Zealand-Cook-Islands-Map.png)
You May Also Like…
Subscribe to our Newsletter
For the latest travel inspiration and offers delivered straight to your inbox.