Arrive into Auckland International Airport, collect your bags before being transferred to your hotel. After checking-in you will be able to spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Auckland.

Situated on a narrow stretch of land between two beautiful harbours, Auckland the ‘city of sails’ is New Zealand’s largest city with a population of over 1 million. Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, so aptly named by the Maoris as the ‘sea of sparkling waters’, has brought prosperity to the city.

Besides being New Zealand’s main shipping port, Auckland is also the main terminal for overseas traffic. The warm sunny climate, with its generous and evenly distributed rainfall is ideal and there are beautiful parklands and garden reserves throughout. The many miles of coastline provide Aucklanders with the means to enjoy their favourite sport of yachting.

Standard: Skycity Hotel

Deluxe: Hotel Fitzroy

This morning pick up your rental vehicle and make your way to Pauanui on the Coromandel Peninsula. This area, about 1.5 hours drive from Auckland is renowned for its native pohutukawa trees on its West Coast and the beautiful white sandy beaches on the East Coast.

Just to the north of Pauanui are two of the most beautiful and unique natural features on New Zealand’s North Island. At Hot Water Beach, where naturally heated mineral water bubbles up through the golden sand, and Cathedral Cove where natural caves and rock arches have been carved into the cliffs. Cathedral Cove is best reached by boat or kayak from the town of Hahei.

The historical past of this region is evident in the mining relics, logging dams and Maori Pa sites that dot the landscape. The central ranges of native rainforest are also popular with hikers & ramblers. Many activities are possible in this area, mainly of a walking or water related nature.

Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula | 160 kms

Standard: Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge

Deluxe: Brenton Lodge

Heading south from the Coromandel Peninsula, along the coast and then inland brings you to town and lake of Rotorua.

Rotorua is the centre of the intense thermal activity in New Zealand. Geysers, pools of boiling mud, crystal springs, hot mineral water and richly coloured craters make Rotorua one of the world’s great geothermal attractions.

The city itself is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua where there are plenty of opportunities for boat excursions and fishing expeditions.

Rotorua is also one of New Zealand’s centres for Maori Culture, with this indigenous culture prevalent throughout the town. You can discover more at Te Pa Tu, just 20 minutes drive out of Rotorua, where recreated traditional villages have been made in the ancient Tawa Forest.

Coromandel Peninsula > Rotorua | 180 kms

Standard: Novotel Rotorua

Deluxe: Regent of Rotorua

From Rotorua continue your drive south, stopping at the beautiful Lake Taupo on your way to the coast of Hawkes Bay. Make your way to Napier and check-in to your hotel.

The centre of the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand, Napier is renowned for both its Art Deco architecture and also for its wine industry. It is said to be one of the warmest regions in the country with warm summers and mild winters. There are many activities from adventure seeking, wine tasting to just browsing around the local art deco shopping areas.

Rotorua > Napier | 225 kms

Standard: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Deluxe: The Crown Hotel

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand lies at the southern end of the North Island, about four hours drive from Napier. On the shores of a magnificent harbour and surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills, it is one of New Zealand’s most scenic cities.

Some of the best views are obtained from the hilltops, especially from Mt Victoria lookout, which can be conveniently reached by a short taxi ride.

Public buildings of interest are the Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery, parliament buildings and the Alexander Turnbull library. The newest attraction in the ‘capital’ is New Zealand’s National Museum. Named ‘Te Papa’ (our place) it contains a wealth of information on New Zealand’s past, present and future, many interactive exhibits, multi-media databases and fascinating collections. A must see while in Wellington.

Napier > Wellington | 330 kms

Standard: Rydges Wellington

Deluxe: QT Wellington

This morning you will board the InterIslander Ferry for your journey across Cook Strait to Picton. More than just a ferry route, the Interislander is both a vital link between the islands, and an extremely picturesque journey as you cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and other wildlife as you cross.

On arrival into Picton, make your way to Nelson. At the top of the South Island, Nelson is an located in an extraordinary corner of New Zealand – a beautiful region between sweeping beaches and the northern edge of the southern Alps. From Nelson it is also possible to visit the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park

Wellington > Nelson | 110 kms

Standard: The Rutherford Hotel

Deluxe: Cambria House

Begin your drive along the west coast of the South Island, by making you way to Greymouth and then on to Hokitika.

En route you may like to stop at Punakaiki and visit the famous “Pancake Rocks”. These unique limestone rock formations date back 30 million years, and were part of the sea bed, and covered in mud and clay, until movement of the earth’s crust lifted them up.

Once checked into your hotel at Hokitika, you may like to take the short hike up to the gorge, where the river waters appear a bright turquoise due to the glacial sediment flowing down from up river.

Nelson > Hokitika | 300 kms

Standard: Beachfront Hotel

Deluxe: Rimu Lodge

This morning make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef from Greymouth or Hokitika. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Franz Josef. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as South Westland’s most famous pair, Franz Josef and Fox. Both descend to levels of about 1000 feet (300 metres) above sea level. Franz Josef Glacier is a remnant of a much older, larger glacier, which flowed from the alpine snowfields right to the sea.

The glacier is over 12 km long extending into the rainforest just 5km from the Franz Josef Township, making it easy to visit. Walk to viewpoints, or for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a guided glacier walk, heli-hike excursion or scenic flight.

Hokitika > Franz Josef | 180 kms

Standard: Scenic Hotel

Deluxe: Rainforest Retreat

Continue your drive down the west coast and make your way to Queenstown.

Queenstown nestles in Queenstown Bay, about midway along the eastern shores of the azure blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. An unusual feature of the lake is the regular ‘breathing’, a 3-inch rise and fall every 15 minutes. Striking mountain peaks surround Queenstown, and although still rural in character, the town has developed into a tourist resort for all seasons.

Situated more than 300 metres above sea level, it is sufficiently inland to provide a sharp contrast between the hot summer and bracing winter. The autumn colours and the Lake District are justly famous and a delight to photographers and painters. Winter brings spectacular snow scenery, ice-skating, white water rafting, parapenting and much more.

Franz Josef > Queenstown | 350 kms

Standard: Copthorne Lakefront, Queenstown

Deluxe: The Rees

Today you can leave the car, and spend your day at leisure sightseeing around Queenstown. There is a lot to occupy you, from thrilling jet boat rides, vintage steamer cruises on the lake, visits to high country sheep stations or mountain gondola rides — the list is endless.

You will also have plenty of time to relax and simply marvel at the beautiful scenery.

Standard: Copthorne Lakefront, Queenstown

Deluxe: The Rees

Today’s drive is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular, with stunning scenery on all sides. You will begin by driving along the shore of Lake Wakatipu, before continuing around the mountains to the lakeside town of Te Anau. Although your hotel is here, you will then continue along State Highway 94 to Milford Sound.

This road offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains tumbling waterfalls as well as still lakes in the valleys below. Your destination is Milford Sound, a glacial cut fiord, that is bordered by steep cliffs. You may wish to join one of the scenic cruises that travel along the fjord to the entrance with the ocean.

Your return drive to Te Anau, offers further opportunities to stop and view the Mirror Lakes and Christie Falls.

Queenstown > Te Anau | 420 kms

Standard: Distinction

Deluxe: Fiordland Lodge

From Te Anau it is just over three hours’ drive to the town of Dunedin on the south east coast. Dunedin is known as the “Edinburgh of the South” and you will be able to discover the town’s Scottish heritage during the afternoon.

You may like to visit the Otago Peninsula – home of a rare Royal Albatross Colony and endangered Yellow Penguins.  Alternatively you may prefer to spend time wandering through the historic Larnach Castle and its grounds.

Te Anau > Dunedin | 290 kms

Standard: Distinction

Deluxe: Fable Dunedin

Depart Dunedin and make your way up the South Island’s eastern coast to Christchurch, known as the ‘most English City outside England’.

In Christchurch you can explore the stunning Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Hagley Park, perfect for leisurely strolls after your drive.

You can discover Christchurch’s arts scene at the Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Art Gallery then take a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram for a unique city tour, or visit the rejuvenated Riverside Market for local cuisine and shopping.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Port Hills for hiking and panoramic views, or the nearby Banks Peninsula for dolphin watching and coastal walks.

Dunedin > Christchurch | 360 kms

Standard: Crowne Plaza

Deluxe: The Observatory

Although it is time to check out of your hotel and return to the airport, you may still have time to visit the International Antarctic Centre that is conveniently adjacent to the airport.

When you are ready, return your car and check-in in time for your scheduled flight to continue your holiday or return home.