This Morning’s Adventure:

We’ll be leaving Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and heading to Waitomo, renowned for its enchanting glowworm caves. Our first stop will be the brightest glowworm cave in Waitomo, which even Sir David Attenborough visited! You’ll embark on a spectacular boat ride through a cave illuminated by glowworms, witnessing the magical sight of hundreds of glowworms shining just for you. We’ll then take a walking tour of another amazing limestone cave shaped over millions of years.

Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Rotorua, the geothermal wonderland of New Zealand. This evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner together and then settle in for a luxurious night’s sleep in Rotorua.

 Visit: Waitomo, Rotorua

 Activity: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

 Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning Adventure: Today, we’ll start our journey by skirting around the edge of Lake Rotorua, heading to a lookout point for a stunning view of the infamous Mount Tarawera. This volcano, once home to the renowned pink and white terraces, was forever changed by a violent eruption that destroyed them. Our morning continues with a visit to the Buried Village, New Zealand’s most visited archaeological site, where we’ll learn about the historic 1886 eruption and explore the remnants of the now-buried Te Wairoa village.

Afternoon Exploration: In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a walk through the Whakarewarewa Forest. Here, we’ll marvel at towering Redwoods, magnificent Douglas firs, and New Zealand’s native silver fern. After our walk, you’ll have free time to explore Rotorua at your own pace. For a dose of geothermal activity, take a stroll around Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes. You can also walk to the lake’s edge and through the government gardens, relax at the Polynesian Spa, or take the Gondola up to experience the stunning Rotorua Skyline.

 Visit: Rotorua

 Activity: Visit the Buried Village and take the Waitawa Walk in Whakarewarewa Forest

 Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we’ll travel to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara, where you’ll experience an authentic slice of New Zealand. Kohutapu Lodge, owned by a passionate local Māori family dedicated to making a difference in their community, is situated on the lake and has been instrumental in transforming the local town of Murupara through community-driven initiatives for years.

Your adventure will begin with a guided tour of the sacred Māori rock carvings. Following this, you’ll head to the Lodge to witness the preparation of a traditional ground-cooked hangi. Once the food is ready, you’ll dine at the Lodge, savoring what is arguably the best meal you’ll have in New Zealand!

After lunch, we’ll depart for Taupo, where you’ll get to see the fiercely blue Huka Falls and explore the charming lakeside town.

 Visit: Murupara, Whirinaki, Taupo

 Activity: Kohutapu Lodge Tribal Tour

 Accommodation: Anchorage Taupo or similar

 Meals Included: Breakfast, Hangi Lunch + Dessert

After breakfast this morning, we’ll head to the stunning Hawke’s Bay region. Napier, known for its exceptional wineries, is home to some of the best in New Zealand/Aotearoa. A visit here would not be complete without a trip to Mission Estate Winery. After a wine tasting, you’ll sit down for lunch to enjoy delicious food and exceptional wines while soaking up the sunshine and ambiance of this beautiful estate.

Later, it’s an easy drive into the picturesque coastal town of Napier, celebrated for its perfectly preserved Art Deco facades. This evening, take a stroll along the tree-lined promenade and sample fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the beach.

 Visit: Mission Estate Winery

 Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning Departure:

This morning, we’ll depart Napier and journey down to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand and renowned for the best cup of coffee in the country!

Midday Stop:

On our way, we’ll stop in Greytown, Wairarapa’s oldest town, for a delightful lunch. This picturesque village, with its restored Victorian buildings, offers a charming spot to refuel and browse the boutiques before we continue our journey to Wellington.

Afternoon in Wellington:

Wellington, with a population of fewer than 220,000 people, perfectly combines a relaxed atmosphere with a cultured, bohemian spirit. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city. We highly recommend a visit to Te Papa, our national museum, which offers free entrance and boasts some incredible exhibits.

 Visit: Wairarapa, Wellington

 Accommodation: Naumi Hotel (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning Voyage:

After breakfast, we’ll take the ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island. If the weather is fine, head up to the deck to enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sounds and try to spot some local wildlife. Upon arrival in Picton, we’ll journey to Blenheim for a delightful vineyard lunch at one of New Zealand’s premier Sauvignon Blanc producers.

Afternoon Exploration:

After lunch, we’ll continue to Nelson, where you’ll have ample time to relax, explore the area, and taste some of Nelson’s exceptional local food and beverages.

 Visit: Picton, Blenheim, Nelson

 Activity: Marlborough Cellar Door lunch

 Accommodation: Rutherford Nelson (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, enjoy a free day in the sunshine capital of New Zealand. Nelson is a charming city, full of arts and crafts, and sits on the edge of NZ’s premier hop-growing region.

Consider taking a wine or beer tour, which you can even do by bike if you prefer some exercise. Alternatively, you can use the day to take a stroll around the area. For those interested in visiting Abel Tasman National Park, day tours are available from Nelson, offering you the chance to explore its golden sands and idyllic landscapes.

For those seeking a good walk, the track to the centre of New Zealand is a must. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with lovely views of the region.

 Visit: Nelson

 Optional Activities: Abel Tasman Cruise, Wine Tour, Craft Beer Tour, Queens Gardens, Centre of NZ walk

 Accommodation: Rutherford Nelson (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning Drive:

This morning, we’ll take a leisurely drive down the coast, soaking up the gorgeous scenery along the way. Keep an eye out for some marine life too! From Kaikoura’s rugged coastline and beautiful mountains to the rolling farmland of Canterbury, today’s views are nothing short of wonderful.

Afternoon and Evening:

We’ll arrive in Christchurch in the late afternoon. This evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.

 Visit: Blenheim, Kaikoura, Canterbury, Christchurch

 Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Final Day:

Today marks the final day of our tour, and it’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy breakfast before bidding a fond farewell to your tour leader and all your travel companions.

Whether you’re traveling home today or extending your stay in Christchurch, we hope you leave this tour with cherished memories and lifelong friends.

 Meals Included: Breakfast