Fly into Queenstown for a two night stay and the start of your New Zealand adventure.

This lakeside holiday town has plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can enjoy lakeside and mountain walks, a cruise from the town quay or even a cable car ride for a fantastic view of the town and mountains beyond. The well-preserved former gold-mining town of Arrowsmith is nearby or splash out on a helicopter ride over the magnificent Milford Sound.

Standard: Copthorne Lakefront, Queenstown

Deluxe: The Rees

Travel over the Southern Alps today and through the rolling pastures of the eastern plain before arriving at the small coastal town of Oamaru.

This early pioneer town has some fine Victorian buildings and the oldest public garden in New Zealand. You can view a whole colony of native blue penguins making their way up the town beach each night, and there is also a pleasant coastal walk from which you can see the larger and rarer yellow-eyed penguins in the wild.

Queenstown > Oamaru | 290 kms

Standard: Bella Vista Motel Oamaru
Deluxe: Pen Y Bryn Lodge

Enjoy a drive through fertile farmland and coastal communities towards Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city.

The compact, easy-to-explore centre has a very English feel, with well-kept parks, several heritage buildings and punting on its tree lined River Avon. An old-world hop-on, hop-off tram travels round the city centre, or head out to the enchanting French settlement town of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula.

Oamaru > Christchurch | 245 kms

Standard: Crowne Plaza

Deluxe: The Classic Villa

Take a last look around Christchurch, before following the Pacific coast north on the short journey to Kaikoura. This small fishing port sits in the shadow of the Kaikoura Ranges and is famous for its marine wildlife, as well as its seafood.

Dolphin cruises depart from here, as well as whale watching excursions by boat or plane. There is an interesting local heritage museum, plus an enjoyable hiking trail from the town to the nearby colony of fur seals.

Christchurch > Kaikoura | 180 kms

Standard: White Morph Motel

Deluxe: Sudima Kaikoura

There are more seals to spot at Ohau Point, north of Kaikoura, and Mauri carvings and a cultural centre at Paparoa Point.

As you head towards Blenheim, the land becomes less mountainous and neat rows of vines start to appear on the hillsides, for this is the famous Marlborough wine growing region. Enjoy a cellar door tasting or a winery tour here before your overnight stay in the pretty town of Blenheim.

Kaikoura > Blenheim | 130 kms

Standard: Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Deluxe: 14th Urban

Drive the short distance from Blenheim to Picton harbour for your journey across the Cook Strait to Wellington. The views from the ferry are breathtaking as you travel down Queen Charlotte Sound towards the open sea.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand is compact and easy to explore. Near the trendy Waterfront area is the national Te Papa museum, which tells the story of this wonderful country, and close by you can take a cable car ride to the impressive Botanical Gardens for a magnificent view of the city.

Blenheim > Wellington | 30 kms + ferry included

Standard: Travelodge

Deluxe: QT Museum Hotel

The journey from Wellington to Napier is a varied and scenic one, with spectacular views of the Remutaka Mountains, forests, vineyards and rolling hills. There are several rural towns and villages to explore on the way.

The coastal city of Napier sits on sweeping Hawkes Bay and was largely rebuilt in the deco style after a devastating earthquake in 1931. There are fine shops, galleries and restaurants in the town, plus wineries, superb beaches and the Otatara Pa Historic Reserve nearby.

Wellington > Napier | 325 kms

Standard: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Deluxe: The Crown Hotel

Journey through mountain forests and undulating farmland today as you head to Taupo. This popular tourist town sits beside the sparkling waters of Lake Taupo and is close to the thunderous Huka Falls. If there is time, stop at the boiling waters and bubbling mud pools of Hells Gate, before a two night stay at Rotorua.

This is the centre of New Zealand’s geothermal region and there are more steaming lakes, sulphur ponds and rushing geysers to discover. Mauri people have lived here for over 700 years and there is also an excellent Mauri village and cultural centre to visit.

Napier > Rotorua | 220 kms

Standard: Novotel Rotorua

Deluxe: Regent of Rotorua

The scenic route to Auckland will take you through the country town of Matomato, where ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans can visit the film set of Hobbiton. Wairere Falls, the highest in New Zealand, are also nearby.

We’ve included a two night stay in Auckland to let you enjoy this harbourside city, New Zealand’s largest. For great views, take a trip to the top of the Sky Tower, or hike to the top of Eden Hill, an old volcanic cone within the city. And when you have secured those last minute souvenirs, chill out at the bars and restaurants of the lively Waterfront.

Rotorua > Auckland | 225 kms

Standard: Skycity Hotel

Deluxe: Hotel Fitzroy