With two full days to explore the Bay of Islands, today takes us inland to the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, still guided by descendants of the Māori chief after whom the caves are named. Millions of glowworms light the way through the limestone passages. From there we visit the birthplace of the nation at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where a local guide walks us through the history of the Treaty before a cultural performance in the carved meeting house.

Today is all about getting out on the water. A relaxed private cruise calls in at secluded islands for swimming and snorkelling before finishing at Russell, once known as New Zealand’s first capital and famous for its rowdy 19th-century past. There is time to stroll the waterfront or climb Flagstaff Hill before the short ferry ride back to Paihia.

On our final morning in the north, we cross to the Hokianga Harbour to visit Manea, Footprints of Kupe, a multi-sensory experience welcomed by the descendants of the great navigator Kupe himself. From there, we head into the ancient Waipoua Kauri Forest with our Ngapuhi hosts, walking to the magnificent kauri tree, Tane Mahuta, before a picnic lunch in the forest. We arrive back in Auckland, the City of Sails, in the afternoon.

ACCOMMODATION

M Social Hotel, Auckland

We take a walk through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, where we can witness its dramatic river scenery, explore the native bush and also see the remnants of the early goldmines. During our visit to a Kiwifruit orchard, we learn all about this famous fruit. The highlight of our trip is a private cruise on a new hybrid boat on Lake Rotoiti, where we get to visit secluded bays and hot pools that can only be reached by water. We will be staying for two nights at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.

After some free time to explore Rotorua’s attractions or stroll along the shores of Lake Rotorua near your hotel, we will head towards Lake Tarawera to have lunch with the Walmsley family. They have a rich history to share with us, comprising of their Maori and Pakeha (European) roots in this region, which was once renowned for the Pink and White Terraces. The lake is a beautiful spot, and we will enjoy the company of the Walmsleys while savoring the delicious lunch.

During our trip, we visite the surreal and geothermal reserve of Wai-O-Tapu, which was full of bubbling mud pools, silica terraces, and deep pools in unforgettable colors. We also stop by the thundering Huka Falls and the shores of Lake Taupo before driving up to Mt. Ruapehu for panoramic views. We took a walk on a trail in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park before spending the night in a nearby location.

Leaving the volcanic plateau behind, we travel south through farmland and small rural towns before following the coastline down to our capital city Wellington, home for the next two nights. Before settling into our hotel, we take in the city’s main sights, right in the heart of Wellington’s museums, theatres, galleries and cafes.

You have the entire day to yourself to enjoy. The waterfront and Te Papa National Museum are just a short walk away, offering a range of fun activities along with some great cafes and boutique breweries. Wellington is famously known as the spiritual home of “The Lord of the Rings”, so you can also visit Weta Workshop and explore the magical world of Middle Earth.

We cross Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry and sail through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to reach Picton and step ashore on the South Island. We stop at Wairau River Wines in Marlborough, renowned for its premier wines, to enjoy a wine tasting and lunch. We then proceed to Nelson and check in at Tides Hotel, where we will be staying for two nights.

We will be meeting our local guide at Kaiteriteri Beach from where we will embark on a catamaran and walk along the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline. You can choose to walk as much or as little as you wish, and along the way, you will witness the stunning islands, bays, estuaries, and sandy beaches. You will also get time to relax on the beach with a picnic lunch and take a swim before we head back to Nelson.

The road winds alongside the stunning coastline that lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. In the afternoon, you can explore the abundant marine life in Kaikoura, which is a result of the nearby ocean canyon. There are also optional activities available, such as whale-watching flights and sunset kayaking. Our accommodation is located close to the seal colony at The White Morph.

Our journey from Kaikoura leads us to the Hunderlee Hills and further to the Canterbury Plains, where we are greeted by our hospitable hosts Di and Ian Mackenzie. They welcome us to their Akaunui Farm homestead, surrounded by stunning gardens, where we are served a memorable lunch. Our road trip includes a visit to the picturesque turquoise-colored lakes, Tekapo and Pukaki, which offer unforgettable photo opportunities. Finally, we reach Aoraki/Mt Cook Village located in the majestic Alps, where we will be staying.

Embark on a journey to discover the stunning landscape of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. You can take a leisurely walk on an easy track from the village, or indulge in a scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier. Later, we will drive through the picturesque golden tussock lands of the Lindis Pass and make our way to Scenic Suites in Queenstown, where we will be staying for three nights.

We will follow the shores of the magnificent lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau as we journey towards the mountains and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. During our trip, we will embark on a cruise that takes us on Milford Sound, which is home to seal colonies and dolphins, and is dominated by the iconic Mitre Peak. The day will end with a magnificent scenic flight over the Southern Alps, bringing us back to Queenstown.

Today is a great day to take advantage of the countless activities that Queenstown has to offer. Your Kiwi Guide is available to help you select from a variety of options including a jet boat ride on the Dart River surrounded by the stunning scenery from the Lord of the Rings movie, wine tasting at the vineyards, or a day hike on the famous Routeburn Track, among many other choices.

Located in the picturesque village of Arrowtown, you can experience the rich history of gold mining along the Arrow River. After driving over the Crown Range and admiring the last views of the Wakatipu basin, you can stop for refreshments at the stunning Cardrona Hotel. During your stay at Edgewater, our lakeside hotel, you can enjoy activities such as biking along the waterfront trail or kayaking on the lake.

Mt Aspiring National Park’s Haast Pass offers a mesmerizing experience with its well-maintained short tracks leading to cascading waterfalls and clear blue pools. While exploring the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the wild West Coast beaches and lush primeval rainforest. Before we reach Franz Josef, let’s make a stop at Lake Matheson and then stay at the Scenic Hotel to complete our trip.

You have the morning free to either walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout or opt for a helihike, flight, or a cruise out on Okarito Lagoon to search for the rare Kotuku, White Heron. Later, in Hokitika – the home of Pounamu (greenstone) – you will meet the carvers of this treasured stone. You will stay for two nights beside the beach at the Scenic Hotel, Punakaiki.

Explore the top local attractions by taking a walk to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The Paparoa Park offers magnificent towering limestone cliffs and karst rock formations, surrounded by river valleys of subtropical forest. While you are there, you can also take a walk to an isolated beach or to witness the seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Additionally, don’t miss out on the amazing experience of visiting the glow worm cave at Charleston.

As we leave the West Coast behind, we cross the Otira Viaduct, a striking cantilevered road that carries us up into the alpine beech forests of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Here is your best chance to spot the antics of the kea, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrot, on a short forest walk. From the mountains we descend into the Canterbury High Country for a farewell lunch and farm tour with Kate and Duncan Calder at LongHill Station, hearing about life farming sheep and cattle in the region. We reach Christchurch in the late afternoon, where your tour ends.