23-Day New Zealand Grand

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This morning, you'll pick up your rental car and then spend the day exploring Auckland. Sandy beaches, native bush and lush rainforests give way to a vibrant urban culture, humming with life. Spend time in the Viaduct Harbour, try your hand at sailing an America’s Cup yacht, or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for a gourmet food and wine experience. From the top of Auckland's highest volcano, Mt Eden, take in soaring views of the gulf, or lose yourself in one of the national parks.

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The drive from Auckland to the Bay Of Islands takes around 3.5 hours, giving yourself some leeway for stops. As you go through Puhoi, you'll take in the bohemian atmosphere of this historical township. You can stop for a breath of fresh salty air in Whangarei and take another break at Kawakawa - home to the world-famous Hundertwasser toilets. You'll enjoy the native bush surrounds and marvel at the endless golden beaches as you arrive into central Bay Of The Islands, Paihia.

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Commonly known as the winterless north, New Zealand's Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls renowned for their untouched beaches, abundant marine life and idyllic climate. Today, you can explore this area on an optional tour should you wish. You can let the driver of the Dune Rider vehicle immerse you in the culture and history of the area while taking in the amazing scenery. Alternatively, you can take to the skies on a scenic flight or you can go on a dolphin cruise!

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From the Bay of Islands, you will head west for the wilder shores of Hokianga and the Tasman Sea. Small towns, Omapere and Opononi, are reminiscent of days gone by with a vintage seaside feel and are the perfect place to stop. You'll head south into Waipoua Forest, home to giant Kauri trees. You'll then backtrack cross-country to the Matakohe Kauri Museum, an award-winning museum before you continue on the road to Snells Beach, a lovely township close to Warkworth.

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Continuing south, you'll be taken into rolling green farmland and the rich dairy pasture of the Waikato. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the greater Auckland area and it's here, you turn inland to central Waikato. On the way, you can stop in Matamata and visit the Hobbiton Movie Set. Continuing on, you'll pass several farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signals your arrival into Rotorua. In the afternoon, you can visit Mitai Maori Village.

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Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to one of the Maori Villages should be high on your agenda. You can spike your adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving. Alternatively, you can head for the skies on a spectacular scenic flight with Volcanic Air Safaris for an extra thrill.

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The drive from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake. Following the lakeshore, you'll pass Turani and then ascend the central plateau onto the high country the Rangipo Desert. Skirting the edge of Tongariro National Park, you'll descend through rich farmland and rural towns to arrive at your destination, Wellington. In the evening, you'll have the option to explore the city on your own!

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Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton, you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. The journey between Wellington and Picton takes around three hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Enjoy spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the stunning Marlborough Sounds. You'll then travel 30 minutes to the heart of Marlborough - New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region.

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Today, you'll cross the 'dry hills' of Marlborough and head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view native wildlife. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops - but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife - and it's one of the only places in New Zealand you can see whales year-round.

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Today, you'll begin the day with an optional whale watching tour. Then, you'll travel down the coast before heading inland through the North Canterbury wine region. If you have time on your hands, it is recommended that you take a detour to Hanmer Springs for a relaxing dip in its thermal pools. Arriving into Christchurch, you'll see a new and improved city, steadily rising from the ruins of the 2011 earthquake.

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You'll have the day free to spend as you wish, exploring Christchurch. You can make use of the Hop On Hop Off Christchurch Sightseeing bus to explore the key attractions of the city and its surrounds. Alternatively, you can head to the International Antarctic Centre or even head out on a Christchurch Grand Tour on a luxury coach with an interactive guide. If you prefer to explore on your own, then taking the Christchurch Gondola for a brilliant view of the city won't disappoint.

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Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country to Mt Cook National Park. You'll catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie and ascending Burkes Pass, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo. Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier-fed turquoise blue colour. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore on various tours!

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Leaving the MacKenzie Country today, you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin. Today you'll leave Mt Cook National Park and travel past Twizel, one of the locations for the Lord of the Rings films. Driving through the Waitaki Valley, you'll head towards the east coast. Continue south down the coast to Moeraki. As you arrive in Dunedin, take in the city’s Edwardian and Scottish heritage reflected in the buildings around the city centre - The Octagon.

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Known as the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin city has a heavy Scottish influence. Renowned for its Flemish Baroque-inspired ‘gingerbread house’ Railway Station, this university town is bustling with life. Head to the Saturday farmers market held in the aforementioned railway grounds for a taste of organic produce, handmade crepes and local honey. You may want to take a half-day tour of the Otago Peninsula and its unique wildlife including a cruise through Dunedin Harbour.

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The drive from Dunedin to Te Anau takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery but if you want to spend the whole day exploring a little off the beaten path, taking the Southern Scenic Route through The Catlins is highly recommended. Upon arrival, you'll have the option to head to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves for a cruise through the inner caves to admire the incredible scene of millions of glowworms lighting up the cavity.

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Today, you'll make the beautifully scenic journey to Milford Sound. You'll get up close and personal with Milford Sound on a leisurely two-hour cruise of this spectacular fiord. From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford has it all. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.

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Today, you'll cross vast tussock lands on your way to Queenstown. You'll pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of the nation. You'll then continue on through the Southland countryside where the road begins to hug the lake edge and the Remarkables Mountain Range towers over your approach into the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. You'll spend the day exploring Queenstown and its surrounds and in the evening, you'll have the option to head out on the TSS Earnslaw Cruise with dinner.

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Today, you'll have the day free to spend in Queenstown, the adventure capital of Queenstown. As well as taking to the skies, bungee jumping and gondolas, Queenstown is also known for its wine and culinary scene. Today, you can experience a tasting journey through three of Central Otago's incredibly scenic and varying wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. You'll visit three boutique wineries and tasting their unique cool climate wines. Alternatively, head to Glenorchy on a tour.

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From Queenstown, you'll cross the Crown Range –the highest sealed road in New Zealand– to the Alpine town of Wanaka. Skirting the shores of Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a one-hour walk through native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Then through the remote settlement of Haast before heading up the West Coast, a 600-kilometre stretch of bush and rainforest. Fox Glacier welcomes you first, then comes your destination - Franz Josef township.

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Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12-kilometre long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the terminal face without a guide. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.

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Your drive today takes you north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika, a seaside town dating back to the 1860s. Take in the sea views before moving on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point of the next leg of your journey. You'll drop your rental car at Greymouth Station and board one of the most spectacular trains in the world to Christchurch, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your accommodation.