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15-Day Discover New Zealand

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Overview

Dreaming of New Zealand and its iconic landscapes? This trip will show you all of that, and more.

Journeying from north to south, this trip reaches out to nature-lovers and adventure-seekers as you very quickly discover why New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world in this two-week trip.

Think kayaking, swimming with dolphins, hiking, walking and scenic cruises and drives that are beyond your wildest dreams. Along the way, you'll have guides to introduce you to the spectacular Lake Taupo and mountains, and take time to get to know Maori people and learn about their culture and respect for the beautiful landscapes you see.
Outdoors & Nature
Adventure
Cruising
Sightseeing
Hiking & Trekking
Culture & Arts
Diving

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Auckland

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Arrive in Auckland

Head out from the airport and into the city. Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, and you’re getting the picture of Auckland. You'll have the option of doing a half-day trip before you go for your dinner cruise.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sofitel Auckland5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Waiheke IslandOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Viaduct Harbour Dinner Cruise

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Auckland Airport to Auckland

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Drive to Coromandel

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Drive to Coromandel

Leave for Coromandel and the largest town there, Whitianga. Along the way, stop at the water gardens, where you'll learn about New Zealand's unique flora before you arrive in the town. Once in your hotel, you'll discover the volcanic rock formations either by boat or kayaking by exploring the iconic Cathedral Cove and many other essential locations in Whitianga.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Esplanade Apartments

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rapaura Watergardens

    Cathedral Cove KayakingOptional Activity

    Sea Cave Adventures - Makin' Memories TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Auckland to Coromandel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Coromandel Forest Park

    Whitianga

    Hahei

Day 3

Travel to the Bay of Plenty

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Travel to the Bay of Plenty

One of the sunniest places in the country, the Bay of Plenty got its name when Captain James Cook anchored in the great bay in 1969, noting a ‘land of plenty’. The region is famous for its golden-hued coastline and active marine volcano island. Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest-growing populations in the country. You'll arrive in time for a glowworm kayaking experience!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Trinity Wharf Tauranga4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    The Boat Shed Kayaks - Private Glowworm Kayak Experience

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Whitianga to Tauranga

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Whitianga

    Tauranga

    Arapuni

Day 4

Bubbling Streams of Lake Taupo

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Bubbling Streams of Lake Taupo

Leave Tauranga behind and head to Lake Taupo via Rotorua, known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers & natural hot springs. The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia's largest lake, known as Lake Taupo. Visit a Maori village that still holds traditions that are centuries old. Then, marvel at the distinctive landscapes & volcanic activity within a geothermal park before enjoying a soak in the natural hot stream or indulge in a getaway at a luxurious spa & finish the day at Huka Falls.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chalet Eiger5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

    Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

    Huka Falls

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Tauranga to Taupo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tauranga

    Rotorua

    Taupo

    Ohakuri

    Wairakei

Day 5

Leave behind Lake Taupo and Journey into the Rangitikei Valley

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Leave behind Lake Taupo and Journey into the Rangitikei Valley

Tongariro National Park is home to some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes, as you leave Lake Taupo today, you'll have a chance to walk amongst it. Drive deeper into farming country to the remote Mokai Valley, where the picturesque Rangitikei River meets the rugged Ruahine Ranges. The location is set at the edges of the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River amongst the beautiful native flora and fauna, which provides a stunning and picturesque backdrop for your rafting experience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tarata Fishaway Lodge

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tongariro National Park

    Tarata Rafting Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Taupo to Tarata

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Taupo

    Tongariro National Park

    Taoroa Junction

Day 6

Arrive in the Capital

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Arrive in the Capital

Come back to civilisation as you make your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. In the morning pass the Kapiti Coast formerly known as the Golden Coast, with views to the Kapiti Island nature and marine reserves. Situated at the southern end of the North Island, filled with museums, galleries, nature reserves and with vibrant street culture, Wellington is an easily navigated and affordable destination.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bolton Hotel5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Te Papa Tongarewa

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Rangitikei Valley Road to Wellington

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Taoroa Junction

    Wellington

Day 7

Ferry to Picton

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Ferry to Picton

Hop onboard your ferry to the South Island, one of the most beautiful journeys in the world. Picton is the gateway to the famous Marlborough region. Marlborough put New Zealand on the international wine stage with its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s. Over 20,000ha of vines are under the care of local wine producers, making it the country's largest wine region. Tonight, you'll stay in the heart of it.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chateau Marlborough5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Interislander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

    Picton

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Picton

    Blenheim

Day 8

Head to Coast of Kaikoura

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Head to Coast of Kaikoura

Leaving the wine area you travel along the East Coast of New Zealand. We pass over the arid rolling foothills of South Marlborough, we drop down to the dramatic Pacific coastline. Kaikoura's environment is truly spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean where whales and dolphins are always close by - you'll have a chance to encounter them today! In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Kaikoura Boutique Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Whale Watch Kaikōura Tour

    Seal Swim KaikouraOptional Activity

    Encounter Kaikoura DolphinsOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Marlborough to Kaikoura

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Blenheim

    Kaikoura

Day 9

Kaikora to Akaroa via Christchurch

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Kaikora to Akaroa via Christchurch

Travel through Canterbury where fertile soils, warm summers and cold winters produce wines that are renowned for their intense flavours, richness and complex fruitiness. You'll stop in Christchurch, a city promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you charmed with its historic buildings and passion for fine food. You'll arrive in time of a nature cruise and an evening penguin tour.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beaufort House4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Christchurch

    Dolphin Swimming Adventure with Black Cat CruisesOptional Activity

    Pohatu Penguins Evening Penguin Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Kaikoura to Akaroa

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kaikoura

    Christchurch

    Akaroa

Day 10

Drive through Canterbury to Lake Tekapo

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Drive through Canterbury to Lake Tekapo

Continue through Canterbury where there are warm summers and cold, clear winters, the regions can deliver a taste experience that's every bit as memorable as the fantastic scenery. Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. You'll arrive to a host of scenic flight options and hikes to make the most of this beautiful location.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lake Tekapo Lodge

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

    The Helicopter Line - Mount Cook Glaciers FlightOptional Activity

    Air Safaris Tekapo

    Stargazing Observatory Tour & Hot Pools at Tekapo SpringsOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Akaroa to Lake Tekapo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Akaroa

    Canterbury

    Mount Cook

    Tekapo

    Lake Tekapo

Day 11

Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook to Wanaka

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Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook to Wanaka

Passing through Mount Cook, this alpine area of tall, tussock-covered mountains is beautiful in every season, but with a dusting of snow, it's particularly enchanting. There are several optional tours you can choose to explore this magical national park. Then arrive at Lake Wanaka, perfect for jet boaters, sailors and kayakers to explore. With the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park on its doorstep, Wanaka is an awe-inspiring natural playground.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Edgewater Hotel Lake Wanaka4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Glacier Explorer Cruise Mount CookOptional Activity

    Mount Cook Glacier KayakingOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Mount Cook National Park to Wanaka

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lake Tekapo

    Mount Cook

    Canterbury

    Wanaka

Day 12

Head to the Glacial Lake of Te Anau

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Head to the Glacial Lake of Te Anau

Wake up to beautiful scenery and explore with adventures like jet boating and a wilderness walk before you jump in the car to go to Te Anau. You may want to stop at the Bannockburn winery before you arrive. Late afternoon, we reach Te Anau with the largest of the southern glacial lakes, covering an area of 344 square kilometres. The main body of the lake runs north-south and three large fiords reach out from its western side - these arms are called North Fiord, Middle Fiord and South Fiord.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Dock Bay Lodge5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Wanaka River Journeys - Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk

    Wanaka Highlights SafariOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Wanaka to Te Anau

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wanaka

    Minaret Bay

    Te Anau

Day 13

Sounds and Fiords

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Sounds and Fiords

One of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand; the power of Fiordland's scenery never fails to enthral travellers. This remarkable natural environment features stunning fiords, spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Today, you'll have the day to explore the fiords and sounds, with Milford Sound (which is actually a fiord) at top of the list as one of the essential New Zealand experiences.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Dock Bay Lodge5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Nature Encounter Cruise

    Doubtful Sound Wilderness CruiseOptional Activity

    Fiordland Trips & Tramps Lake Marian TrackOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Te Anau

    Milford Sound

    Southland

Day 14

The Last Stretch - Queenstown

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The Last Stretch - Queenstown

Today, you'll make one last journey to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. You'll have the option to make some photo stops on the way. Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors - captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers - gave this now cosmopolitan town its name. As the town comes into view, so do The Remarkables mountains.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    QT Queenstown5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Glenorchy

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Te Anau to Queenstown

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Te Anau

    Glenorchy

    Queenstown

Day 15

Depart from Queenstown

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Depart from Queenstown

Relax and enjoy this trendy, chilled town that is not just home to adventure but delicious food and excellent wine! You'll head to the airport in time for check in.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Queenstown to Queenstown Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

Included in Price

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • 17 activities
  • 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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