Day 1 - 2 UK to Christchurch

Our VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flights to Christchurch.

Day 3 Christchurch

On arrival, the remainder of the day is free.

You stay at Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton (4*) or Crowne Plaza Christchurch (4.5*).

Day 4 - 5 Dunedin

We travel south to Dunedin, known as ‘Edinburgh of the South’ because of the strong Scottish influence in the area.

You’ll have free time to explore, and we’ll enjoy a grand Scottish-style dinner at our hotel one evening.

Day 6 Te Anau

We’ll journey across rich Southland plains to Te Anau. It’s the gateway to Fiordland National Park, known for its spectacular waterfalls, dense native forest and rare birds.

You stay at Distinction Te Anau Hotel (4*) or Distinction Luxmore Hotel (4*).

Day 7 Milford Sound to Queenstown

A cruise on spectacular Milford Sound takes us along the fiord, out to the open sea and back again, where we may catch a glimpse of seals frolicking in their natural habitat.

You stay at Heritage Queenstown (4.5*), Millennium Queenstown (4.5*) or Rees Hotel Queenstown (4.5*).

Day 8 Queenstown

Queenstown, dominated by the majestic Remarkables, is the most sophisticated resort in New Zealand. This stunning landscape is a favourite with all who love the great outdoors.

After a free day, we take an evening cruise aboard the beautiful vintage TSS Earnslaw. We travel across Lake Wakatipu to the high country sheep station of Walter Peak, where we’ll dine in the Colonel’s Homestead.

Day 9 Mount Cook

This morning we visit Gibbston Valley Winery to sample their wine, before we journey into the heart of the Southern Alps, where we have our first glimpse of Mount Cook.

Towering 3,754 metres above sea level, it’s known as ‘Cloud Piercer’ by the Maori. The Tasman Glacier, nudging one side of Mount Cook, is one of the longest glaciers outside the Himalayas.

Day 10 Christchurch

Leaving the majestic Mount Cook, we skirt the glacial blue waters of Lake Pukaki and pass Lake Tekapo en route to Christchurch.

You stay at Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton (4*) or Crowne Plaza Christchurch (4.5*).

Day 11 - 12 Wellington

We leave the South Island and steam across the Cook Strait to Wellington.

On day 12, we’ll take a morning tour of the ‘Windy City’ of Wellington.

The afternoon is free to explore and there are several attractions worth a visit, none more so than New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa.

Day 13 - 14 Rotorua

We head north, stopping at Huka Falls on the way to one of the jewels of the country, Rotorua.

During our time here, we’ll experience Maori culture at a traditional concert and ‘hangi’ feast; watch a farm show, where the skills of mustering, shearing, milking and the use of sheep dogs are demonstrated; visit the National Kiwi Hatchery; and tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Village.

Day 15 Waitomo Caves to Auckland

At Waitomo, we take a boat along the underground river to see the glow-worms, spectacular in the darkness of the grotto.

We travel on via the dairy centre of Hamilton to Auckland.

Day 16 Auckland

Today we’ll introduce you to the ‘City of Sails’ - our city tour will highlight the heart of the city.

Also included is Old Customhouse, the shoppers’ delight of Lower Queen Street, and Parliament Street.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 17 Bay of Islands

Heading up to the Bay of Islands, we drive along the west coast, passing sleepy hamlets and native forests home to ancient kauri trees.

We visit the Kauri Museum, where the history of the kauri can be seen.

You stay at Copthorne Resort (4*) or Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (4*).

Day 18 - 19 Bay of Islands

On day 18, we embark on a delightful cruise around the bay to see Cape Brett lighthouse and hopefully spot seals, dolphins or whales. We also cruise into the grand Cathedral Cave and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’.

In the afternoon, we visit Waitangi Treaty House, where the historic signing between Maori and British formed the nation of New Zealand in 1840.

Day 19 is at leisure - perhaps head to Ninety Mile Beach to see the sand dunes and hillocks of shells.

Day 20 Bay of Islands to Auckland to UK

We return to Auckland and the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 21 UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.