Ultimate New Zealand Adventure

Your Ultimate New Zealand Adventure begins in Auckland, the City of Sails.

New Zealand’s largest city is the gateway to the North Island. Start by taking in the views from the iconic sky tower – the tallest structure in the Southern hemisphere. Discover Viaduct Harbour with its waterfront dining and nightlife, or for city escape take a ferry across the water to historic Davenport. This village within a city has a fascinating maritime history and stunning views of the city. If you are feeling active climb Mount Eden, an extinct Volcano that offers fabulous views, set sail on an Americas Cup Yacht, or take a bridge climb tour on the harbour bridge. There’s no shortage of shops, museums, and galleries in Auckland, so however you spend your time here you will not be bored!

Journey to Matamata, home of the magical Hobbiton Movie Set™. Lord of The Rings Fans will be in their element here as they take a guided tour of the 44 hobbit holes that populate The Shire, including that of Bilbo Baggins! Enjoy a drink in The Green Dragon Inn™ or visit at sunset to take part in a Hobbit Feast. Having visited Hobbiton, you’ll find Matamata to be a charming town with a selection of B&B’s to accommodate you.

Make the short drive from Matamata to Rotorua

Sat atop one of the worlds most active geothermal zones, Rotorua is a natural wonderland. Its otherworldly landscapes are shaped by boiling mud, steaming hot springs pools and erupting geysers, that can be explored in its incredible thermal parks. The city is also one of the best places in New Zealand to immerse yourself in Māori culture. Attend a traditional hangi feast, experience the haka up close, and learn of traditions and stories, which will educate and entertain. Rotorua’s scenery is as beautiful as it is dramatic with tranquil lakes and towering forests that can be explored on foot or bike. Adventurous travellers may want to try white water rafting, or zorbing, or for a more relaxing experience unwind in one of the luxurious spas.

Next stop is Napier, Hawkes Bay.

With its unique blend of 1930s charm, world-class wine, and a dramatic backstory shaped by resilience, Napier will surprise and delight you with its charms. In1931, a massive earthquake razed much of the city to the ground. It was rebuilt in the bold, geometric, and flamboyant style of the times: Art Deco. Marine Parade, the city’s palm-lined coastal promenade, is home to beautiful gardens, quirky sculptures, and family-friendly attractions like the National Aquarium of New Zealand. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely bike ride or a sunset stroll with views across the Bay. Just beyond the city lie the rolling vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. Known especially for its bold reds and crisp Chardonnays, the region offers dozens of cellar doors to explore. Pair your wine tasting with locally sourced cuisine and you’ve got a gastronomic experience framed by sea views and sunshine.

Travel South to Wellington. You may wish to detour slightly via the attractive town of Martinborough.

Nestled between rolling green hills and a stunning harbour, Wellington is a truly beautiful city. Known for its creative energy, vibrant culinary scene, and breathtaking landscapes, this compact capital offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering the charming laneways of Cuba Street, riding the iconic red cable car up to the Botanical Gardens, or standing atop Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the harbour, Wellington invites you to slow down, soak it all in, and discover why locals proudly call it the “coolest little capital in the world”. Don’t leave without visiting Te Papa, Tongarewa, a huge museum that explore New Zealand’s art, history and Māori culture.

Today you will cross the Cook Straits as you take the ferry* across to New Zealand’s South Island.

Picton and its ferry terminal connect New Zealand’s South and North Islands. One of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, this route travels through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. To fully appreciate the beauty of the sounds, you’ll need to spend a night or two here. The Sounds encompass nearly 1000 miles of coastline, quiet beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Whether you hike, kayak, cycle or take a boat trip – you won’t fail to be blown away by their beauty. Picton is an attractive seaside town and makes a good base to explore from. Discover its floating Maritime Museum, enjoy its scenic waterfront, and feats on fresh seafood. Marlborough is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc’s, so a winery tour is a great way to sample some of these!

*Depending on your car hire company, you may need to leave your car in Wellington and pick a new vehicle up in Picton – this is normally easier and cheaper than taking a car on the ferry. Your consultant will be able to advise when planning your trip.

Continue along the coast to Marahau, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Situated at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its striking natural beauty and assortment of wildlife. It’s a place where golden beaches, emerald forests, and clear coastal waters combine to offer both adventure and tranquillity. At Abel Tasman you can hike through native bush, kayak sheltered bays, and enjoy moments of solitude on pristine, uncrowded beaches. A sanctuary for native wildlife, you may spot blue penguins, seals, whales and dolphins swimming in its waters. One of New Zealand’s most accessible parks, Abel Tasman is served by a well-organized network of water taxis connects. These allow you to walk the full length of the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track or explore selected sections. Nestled at the southern entrance of Abel Tasman National Park, the tranquil seaside village of Marahau serves as the perfect base for exploring the park’s renowned natural beauty.

Today you will travel inland to St Arnaud, getting your first taste of the South Islands mountainous beauty.

Nelson Lakes National Park offers an unforgettable mix of alpine beauty, outdoor adventure, and peaceful seclusion. Centred around the clear, glacial waters of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, this region is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Surrounded by beech forests and rugged peaks, the alpine village of St Arnaud provides easy access to the park’s extensive network of trails—from short lakeside walks to multi-day treks like the Travers-Sabine Circuit. In summer, the lakes are perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking up the stillness. Come winter, the area transforms into a snowy playground. Just a short drive from the village, Rainbow Ski Area offers a laid-back and family-friendly ski experience with slopes for all levels.

Make the short journey to Blenheim today where you can indulge in some of New Zealand’s best wine tasting.

Located in the heart of the Marlborough region, Blenheim blends natural beauty with world-class wine and laid-back charm. As the gateway to New Zealand’s premier wine country, Blenheim is a haven for wine lovers. There are more than 30 cellar doors nearby—, meaning you can spend your days cycling between wineries, tasting your way through Marlborough’s best. The region is famous for its Sauvignon Blancs. Blenheim is more than just  about wine though. It boasts stunning landscapes, from the Wairau River to the rolling hills that frame the town. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic trails, kayak the nearby Marlborough Sounds, or visit the Wither Hills Farm Park for panoramic views. Whether you’re sipping wine under the sun or soaking in the serene countryside, Blenheim offers a slice of New Zealand that’s both authentic and unforgettable.

Head to the coast today as you travel onto Kaikoura

Perched between snow capped peaks and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikōura is best known for its marine life. A deep underwater canyon attracts a year-round population of sperm whales, making Kaikōura one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Together with a resident pod of playful dolphins, curious fur seals, and the occasional albatross, it offers some incredible wildlife experiences. Beyond the deep blue sea, Kaikōura invites you to hike coastal trails with incredible panoramic views, indulge in fresh crayfish from roadside caravans, and learn of Māori stories rooted in the land and sea. Come night fall, Kaikoura is perfect for star gazing – as an accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary it offers wonderful opportunities to view the night sky.

Continue along the coast to Christchurch

Christchurch isn’t just a city—it’s a comeback story. Once a quietly traditional city, this vibrant destination now blends historic charm with bold innovation. After rising gracefully from devastating earthquakes, Christchurch has transformed into a hub of creativity, green spaces, and unforgettable adventures. Stroll through the award-winning Botanic Gardens, hop on a heritage tram, or explore street art that turns the city into an open-air gallery. The Avon River winds gently through town, perfect for a peaceful punt ride or a riverside coffee. Nature lovers are just a short drive from beaches, alpine hikes, and the breathtaking Southern Alps, whereas foodies will fall in love with local flavours served up in stylish cafes and buzzing markets. Christchurch isn’t just the gateway to the South Island, it’s a destination in its own right!

Experience one of New Zealand’s most stunning scenic journeys today  as you travel from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass, crossing the majestic Southern Alps through dramatic mountain passes, native forests, and charming alpine villages. If you prefer to take the train for this leg then let our team know – we can arrange the Tranz Alpine as part of your journey.

The heart of New Zealand’s wild West Coast, Greymouth offers an authentic experience that’s as untamed as the landscapes around it. This historic town is the end of the line for the Trans Alpine Railway but is also the gateway to unforgettable adventures and breathtaking scenery. A good starting point is Māwhera Pa, a cultural storytelling experience that uses immersive technology to bring to life Māori legends and traditions. To learn more about the town’s gold rush history, visit Shantytown, a replica gold rush settlement that lets you step back in time. Travel North to the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, where limestone rocks have been shaped into stacks of flat rocks by the forces of the sea. Before leaving Greymouth take a tour of Monteith’s Brewery, where you can sample one of New Zealand best loved beers.

Travel South along New Zealand’s beautiful West Coast to the alpine town of Franz Josef.

There are few places on earth like Franz Josef Glacier, an ancient ice flow that slowly descends the mountains into temperate rain forest. Whether you’re exploring ice caves on a guided walk or taking in the scale of this world heritage site from a scenic helicopter ride, the experience is both awe-inspiring and uniquely accessible. Surrounded by native rainforest the village of Franz Josef (also named after an Austrian emperor) has a relaxed Alpine feel and makes a cosy base to explore from. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre and you may spot a rare kiwi, or for the ultimate wind down relax in the town’s hot pools. Nearby Lake Mapourika is just a short drive from Franz Josef and offers scenic boat trips set to a background of some of New Zealand’s most incredible scenery.

During your two night stay we can arrange glacier hikes or helicopter rides to both Franz Josef and nearby Fox Glacier.

Get ready for a long but beautiful days driving as you continue onto Wanaka.

If Queenstown is the life of the party, Wānaka is its effortlessly cool cousin. Set against a stunning alpine backdrop and wrapped around the clear blue waters of Lake Wānaka, this lakeside town is a haven for travellers who crave beauty, calm, and just a touch of adventure. Whether you’re sipping coffee with a lake view, strolling along the shoreline, or setting off on a gentle hike, Wānaka moves at a pace that lets you savour the moment. Take a scenic drive to the Cardrona Valley, cruise the lake to the remote and predator-free Mou Waho Island, or explore walking trails like Mt. Iron for panoramic views without the strain. With boutique wineries, art galleries, cosy eateries, and warm-hearted locals, Wānaka offers the perfect balance of natural wonder and small-town charm.

The scenery continues to deliver today as you drive to Te Anau.

Located on the edge of Lake Te Anau and surrounded by Fiordland’s dramatic wilderness, Te Anau is the perfect base for exploring the South Island’s untamed heart. From here, you can easily access Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound—two of the country’s most jaw-dropping fjords. Take a scenic drive or guided tour along the famous Milford Road, then hop aboard a cruise and glide past thundering waterfalls, towering cliffs, and seal-covered rocks. Closer to town, you can boat across the lake to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves—a magical underground world where thousands of glowworms light up the darkness like stars. Te Anau is also the gateway to three of New Zealand’s Great Walks—the Kepler, Milford, and Routeburn Tracks. You don’t need to do the full hikes—short day walks still offer epic scenery, birdlife, and fresh mountain air. Whether you’re chasing adventure or peace and quiet, Te Anau offers both—in equal, beautiful measure.

Journey to Queenstown today for more lakeside beauty.

Queenstown may be known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, but there’s far more here than bungee jumps and jet boats. For the mature traveller with a curious spirit, it offers the perfect blend of natural wonder, refined experiences, and just the right touch of adventure.

Cruise across the glassy waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, or take the Skyline Gondola to panoramic views that will leave you breathless (in the best way). Feeling bold? Try a gentle jet boat ride through the spectacular Dart River valley—thrilling, but perfectly manageable. Scenic helicopter flights, lake kayaking, and e-bike trails offer active ways to explore without pushing the limits.

Wander through historic Arrowtown, enjoy a wine tasting among the vines of Gibbston Valley, or treat yourself to a gourmet meal with a view of the Remarkables. Whether you’re strolling along the lakefront or exploring alpine trails, Queenstown invites you to rediscover your sense of wonder—at your own pace.

Journey through New Zealands ‘fruit bowl’ before crossing the Lindis Pass on your way to Mount Cook.

Towering above the Southern Alps is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and the star of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Home to New Zealand’s largest glaciers and its only International Dark Sky Reserve, this World Heritage Site offers unrivalled scenery and adventure. The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most rewarding short hikes in the country— offering an easy, well-maintained trail that crosses swing bridges, skirts glacial rivers, and ends with an unforgettable view of Mount Cook reflected in a milky-blue lake. For a closer look at the icy heart of the region, head to the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. You can take a boat ride across the glacial lake, floating past ancient icebergs, or lift off on a helicopter for a high-altitude glacier landing—an experience that brings the scale and grandeur of the Southern Alps into full view. Before travelling on we recommend a visit to The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. This fascinating museum tells the story of the legendary mountaineer who trained here before conquering Everest.

Spend the day enjoying one last scenic drive as you pass Lake Tekapo and  across The Canterbury Plains to Christchurch