We are currently offering £300 per person discount aswell as FREE Compact car with fully inclusive insurance.
Day 1 London to Auckland
Fly overnight from London to Auckland.
Day 2 Auckland
Arrive into Auckland after your overnight flight. Pick up your hire car from the airport and drive to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 Auckland
You have a full day here to enjoy this lovely city. Why not pre-book one of fabulous excursions which you can find on the ‘things to do’ tab.
Day 4 Auckland to Bay of Islands
This morning make your way to the bay of Islands where you will spend 2 nights. when you arrive settle into your hotel, Sanctuary bay of islands and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 5 Sanctuary bay of islands
This elegant retreat is located 5 minutes from Paihia and offers a tranquil and private haven that is wrapped in native NZ bush and looks out over the sea to Russell. The ambience of this beautiful property is one of relaxation, wellness and rejuvenation.
Day 6 Bay of Islands to Taupiri
After the relaxing 2 night stay on the bay of islands continue your journey to Taupiri where you have a one night stay at the Hillside hotel. Hillside hotel is a boutique retreat, set in native bush and offering breath taking views over the central north island. This unique property is the perfect overnight spot en-route to Waitomo or Hobbiton. Just 4km off the main state highway and situated atop the Taupiri ranges. Hillside hotel provides and opportunity to enjoy eyefuls of iconic New Zealand landscape scenery.
Day 7 Taupiri to Lake Taupo
Today you continue your journey to Lake Taupo where you will spend 2 nights at the Oreti Village which is beautifully situated on the stunning southern shores of Great Lake Taupo. Oreti Village offers tranquillity, stunning views and an outstanding location. This property is a beautiful retreat, nestled in New Zealand bush and offering uninterrupted lake views.
Day 8 Lake Taupo
It was created nearly two thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened the skies in Europe and China. Visit the Crater of the Moon and you'll see evidence of the lake's fiery birth in the geysers, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. At some of Lake Taupo's beaches, swimmers and paddlers can enjoy warm, geothermal water currents.
Just north of Lake Taupo you'll find New Zealand's most visited attraction, the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.
Taupo is a great lake for water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience.
Day 9 Lake Taupo to Wellington
After a lovely 2 days in Lake Taupo make your way down to Wellington where you will spend 2 nights before getting the ferry to the South Island. When you have arrived check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 10 Wellington
Great coffee is a Wellington speciality with cafes and roasteries dotted throughout the city. Grab a coffee and watch the world go by - the local speciality is a flat white. Take a short drive to the top of Mount Victoria for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and harbour and great photo opportunities.
Day 11 Wellington to Picton
Today you will need to drop your car off and make your way to the ferry port for your 3 hours journey to the south island. When you arrive you will be picked up by a water taxi to take you to Marlborough sounds for your 3 night stay at the Bay of Many coves resort.
Day 12-14 Bay of Many coves resort
This elegant New Zealand retreat in the heart of the Marlborough sounds is just 30 minutes by water taxi from picton. Tucked away on the shores of a stunning aqua-blue bay, the contemporary bungalow apartments peek through lush native bush surrounding this special place. Sailing, hiking, kayaking or just relaxing – are all available. The cafe offers a casual deli-style dining experience in surroundings that will mesmerise you. In the restaurant you can enjoy sumptuous New Zealand cuisine while appreciating the elevated views of the bay and surrounding sounds.
Day 15 Picton to Kaikoura
After a relaxing few days grab the water taxi back to picton where you will pick up your car from the ferry port and make your way down to Kaikoura. Why not stop for a spot of lunch in nelson. When you have arrived at the Hapuku lodge & tree house settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 16 Hapuku lodge & Tree houses
A contemporary country lodge, Hapuku lodge & tree houses located 12km from Kaikoura and are composed of four luxury lodge suites, the olive house suite and five luxury tree houses built in the canopy of a native Manuka grove. All rooms at Hapuku lodge & tree houses feature beautiful, custom designed, hand crafted furniture, tailor-made beds and mattresses, European style bathrooms where the tree house have large spa baths and the lodge suites have Japanese soaking tubs. Breathtaking views of snow capped mountains and surf washed coastline are seen from all rooms. Dining is a unique experience of flavour, fresh locally sourced produce, beautifully cooked to offer the ultimate takes experience.
Day 17 Kaikoura to Christchurch
After an amazing 2 nights at the unique property make your way to Christchurch for your final 2 nights. When you arrive settle into your gorgeous boutique hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 18 Christchurch
Get around and see the sights in style on a hop-on hop-off tram tour, running from the Botanic Gardens to the River Avon. Enjoy the central city highlights; including Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, the floral clock, Christ's College, Arts Center with craft market, and the Bridge of Remembrance. Visit the Big 5 most popular attractions in Christchurch: Antarctica's beautiful icy wilderness has been re-created at the International Antarctic Center, view native kiwis at the Willow bank Wildlife Reserve, ride on a historic Christchurch tram, take a relaxing two-hour harbour cruise, and soar to the summit on the Christchurch Gondola with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula.
Day 19 Christchurch to London
After an amazing 2 nights in Christchurch drop your car back off at the airport and check in for your flight home.
Day 20 London
Arrive back into London after your amazing New Zealand adventure.
You can call us free of charge on 01737 646416 to book any of these trips & tours.
Auckland
Waitomo Caves and Rotorua Day trip from Auckland, £169 per person - Enjoy two of New Zealand's famous destinations in one day travelling aboard a premium air conditioned tour coach. At Waitomo you'll take a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers to view stalactites formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water. Your caves tour includes a magical boat ride through the glowworm grotto, illuminated by thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling.
Next stop is the the Agrodome for a hands-on Kiwi farming experience. You'll see sheep mustering by highly trained dogs, sheep shearing demonstrations and receive an insight into the history of dairy farm milking. Don't miss the opportunity to milk a cow, feed young animals or even be photographed with a huge bull!
Then it's on to the famous Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see the renowned silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and unique geothermal vegetation. Exploding from the ground up to 100 feet (30 meters) high is the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, which bursts into life 10-20 times a day and has been a visitor attraction since the early 1900s.
You'll also visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, to see how traditional carvings and weaving record history and customs in the Maori sacred meeting houses.
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari, £89 per person - Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safari takes you out on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf which is considered one the most biologically and geographically diverse marine parks in the world.
Considered one of the most biologically and geographically diverse marine parks in the world, 22 species of marine mammal have been identified in the Hauraki Gulf, almost one third of the entire world's population of species.
Every Safari is different but all include: Dolphins viewed on over 90% of trips, whales viewed on 75%; cruise and commentary; culture and history of Auckland's Hauraki Gulf; fully licensed bar and snacks available for purchase.
You may be spellbound by the spectacle of a feeding frenzy involving sea birds, whales, and dolphins or see small pods of dolphins playing around the boat. Wherever the most exciting whale and dolphin activity is, we aim to find it for you. Plus show you some of the most significant cultural and historical parts of this amazing maritime park.
With six years of continued scientific programmes undertaken onboard, our crew are probably New Zealand's most experienced and knowledgeable. On Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safari you will experience the Gulf from the most comfortable and stable whale watching vessel in New Zealand. Our luxury 20m high speed catamaran is designed specifically for the sea conditions of this unique area.
Auckland Harbour Sailing Dinner cruise, £69 per person - Dine aboard a 50-foot (15-meter) yacht, then take an evening cruise on Auckland's beautiful Waitemata Harbour to see the twinkling city lights.
Tie up at a sheltered anchorage within the largest yacht marina in the Southern Hemisphere where you will be invited to your table below decks and served your dinner along with an offering from the ship's bar. After dinner the sails are set and we pass under the Harbour Bridge to Chelsea sugar works, Devonport Naval Base and the City's waterfront. Guests are welcome to participate in sailing the yacht or just sit back, relax and enjoy the sail.
Auckland Bridge Climb, £69 per person - Admire the stunning views over the bustling harbour and downtown Auckland as you scale the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge on this fun filled adventure.
On this exciting excursion you will travel up, under and around the 1,021 metre long bridge that links the North Shore of Auckland with the city and southern suburbs. Dubbed The Coathanger by the city’s residents after it was opened in 1959, the bridge rises 67 metres above the Waitemata Harbour, providing stunning 360 degree views of Auckland’s harbour and islands and the busy city around you.
Your expert guide will fully brief you before your climb over the purpose built walkways and stairs which let you climb both over and under the traffic on the bridge with safety and ease. Your guide will fill you in on some of the history and myths surrounding this New Zealand landmark, as well as pointing out many interesting architectural features. If you can take your eyes off the astonishing scenery surrounding you for long enough, watch other thrill seekers as they leap past you into the harbour below from the bungy jumping pod.
Auckland city highlights, £39 per person - Perfect for first time visitors or if you have limited time to get to know New Zealand's largest city, this tour serves as an introduction to this sophisticated, multicultural city.
Your coach tour around Auckland begins in the commercial heart of the city, with a journey down affluent Queen Street, also known as the “Golden Mile”. From here you will travel though the historical buildings and university grounds of old Auckland and then over the Auckland Harbour Bridge enjoying fantastic views over downtown Auckland and the sparkling Waitemata Harbour.
The magnificent 360 degree views over the city, Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour at the summit of Mt Eden provide an excellent opportunity for a photo stop where you can stretch your legs before continuing on to the America’s Cup Village and Westhaven Marina. A forty-five minute stop in the Auckland Domain gives you the opportunity to visit the highly recommended Auckland War Memorial Museum or to explore the Domain in your own time.
Your coach then travels via colonial Parnell Village to the exclusive residential area of Paritai Drive, before returning to the city along Tamaki Waterfront with its stunning views of the beaches, harbour and islands.
Wellington
Wellington City Tour, £39 per person - Perfect for first time visitors or if you have a limited time in the country's capital, this tour of is a great way to get to know Wellington.
Learn a bit about the city’s interesting history as you take in the Gothic Revival style of Old St Paul’s Cathedral, the unique architecture of The Beehive and Parliament Buildings before visiting the Botanic Gardens and Lady Norwood Rose Gardens.
Enjoy sweeping city and harbour views from some of Wellington’s spectacular vantage points, including Mount Victoria where the 360 degree views over the city and out over Cook Strait are unrivalled. Your tour visits the inner city beach at Oriental Bay and also includes a drive around the pretty, rugged bays of Wellington’s south coast where you may be able to spot the South Island on a clear day.
Seal Coast Safari, £69 per person - Take a look at the wild side of Wellington on this 4WD tour along the rugged south coast. This tour takes you along Wellington's craggy coastline to encounter the seals and birdlife that inhabit it's beaches
Your comfortable 4WD will take you 20km along the beach to the Leaning Lighthouse at Tongue Point where you will see the seal colony and fascinating resident bird life. During the winter months there are over 600 seals laying lazily in the sun, but they are spotted in the area all year round.
Your journey takes you back over the hills of Wellington via the Brooklyn Wind Turbine. Enjoy spectacular views over the capital, as well as the distant mountains of the South Island, the sparkling Tasman Sea and the azure Pacific Ocean.
Christchurch
Discover Christchurch, half day sightseeing - £39 per person - Following the pickup from guests accommodation, the tour commences by covering the central city highlights, including Cathedral You will be collected from your Hotel/Motel, the tour then travels through the University of Canterbury, down to Riccarton House and Bush and then through Monavale Gardens where you will have a chance to have a short stroll with 5.5 hectares of richly landscaped gardens, ponds and fountains.
The tour then continues into the central city, through Hagley park, the boat sheds, Botanical Gardens Arts Centre in the historic Buildings that were once Canterbury University, past the Museum, Art Galley and Victoria Clock Tower before moving on to the Catholic Basillica, then onto the seaside suburb of Sumner, then to Lyttleton Harbour, a volcanic crater which is now the port of Christchurch.
The tour then ends with a visit to the Sign of the Takahe, situated on the volcanic ridges of the cashmere hills, provides spectacular views of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, you will be then returned to your accommodation.
Full day Hamner Springs - £189 per person See rural New Zealand at its finest with a visit to a farm followed a white-knuckle river adventure and a visit to the famous Hamner Springs thermal resort. And on the return journey, stop off at a winery for a tasting of brilliant local wines that are simply bursting with character.
Travel by road through the rural pastoral scenes of north Canterbury, taking in the beautiful scenery before arriving at a local sheep farm for short tour of complex and for a sheep shearing demonstration. Arrive at Thrillseekers Canyon, Hanmer Springs, and challenge the waters of the Waiau Gorge by jet boat or white water raft. Lunch at the Garden House Café at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort Pools. Since 1859 these thermal springs have attracted visitors seeking to unwind and ease their aches and pains in the soothing mineral waters. As an alternative to the jet boating or rafting at Thrillseekers, a therapeutic massage with steam or sauna can be arranged for your pleasure.
On the return journey to Christchurch, a stop will be made at a North Canterbury Winery for wine tasting. The tour includes lunch, admission to thermal pools, farm visit and wine tasting. Also included is a choice of one of the following: jet-boating, rafting or therapeutic massage.
Christchurch Wildlife Cruise - £45 per person Discover rare dolphins just 15 minutes from central Christchurch. Cruise the scenic Lyttleton Harbour aboard the sleek Canterbury Cat. You'll catch a glimpse of one of the world's rarest and smallest dolphins - the Hector or New Zealand dolphin. You'll also discover Little Blue Penguins and other coastal marine birdlife such as breeding spotted shags, white fronted terns and numerous species of gulls. As well as the natural wildlife, you'll see evidence of the harbours violent, volcanic past. Lyttelton has a fascinating history; your skipper will point out the many significant sites including those of the early Maori and European settlers. There are stories from the historic Lyttelton Township, the lengends of Ripapa Island and more.
Lord of the rings – Journey to Edoras - £139 per person Get well off the beaten track with this 4WD tour to the wide open spaces of remote Mt Sunday, which was transformed into Edoras for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Get well off the beaten track with this 4WD tour to the wide open spaces of remote Mt Sunday, which was transformed into Edoras for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
This tour by 4WD will take you racing through rivers and right onto Mt Sunday itself, showing you the stunning scenery of the remote Mt Potts high country station. You will enjoy a delicious champagne lunch in the crisp mountain air overlooking beautifully clear lakes and rivers, and have a full running commentary about the area from your local kiwi guide throughout the day.
There are plenty of behind the scenes photos and replicas, as well as unique Edoras merchandise, but you do not have to be a fan of the trilogy to appreciate the stunning mountains rising out of the alluvial plains carved by ancient glaciers in the immense wilderness surrounding you.
Kaikoura
Dolphin encounter Kaikoura, swim with dolphins cruise - £129 per person Swim with playful, acrobatic Dusky Dolphins in their natural environment in this experience-of-a-lifetime off the coast of Kaikoura.
For those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, this is a truly unique experience. All vessels are purpose built for the comfort of passengers and have adequate covered areas out of the weather; approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours is spent out on the water. This is an opportunity to interact with the dusky dolphins at play while gaining wonderful views of these spectacular and acrobatic mammals. These dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round. Other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins are sometimes also seen and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the trip.
Whale watch Kaikoura - £99 per person Get up close and personal with giant Sperm Whales in their natural habitat on this dream encounter.
Due to a complex marine eco-system which supports a variety of wildlife, including the largest concentration of pelagic birds in New Zealand, fur seals, dolphins and many species of whales, Kaikoura is the perfect place for you to see marine mammals in their own environment.
Onboard you will see the magnificent Sperm Whale as it comes to the surface after hunting for giant squid at depths of up to 3,200 metres. Humpback, Pilot and Southern Right Whales also call Kaikoura home and although the Sperm Whale can be seen year round, it is likely that you will spot many other species out at sea, including pods of up to 800 Dusky Dolphins cavorting in the water around you!
Your local crew know the area and the whales themselves, and so are able to provide you with a fascinating commentary as you enter into the habitat of the amazing array of wildlife that call this area home. Come and see these amazing creatures in their natural environment and experience the magic of being close to them.
Kaikoura Albatross Encounter - £79 per person Experience the sensation of getting close to the mighty Albatross, one of the world's largest flight birds.
Although famous for its resident whales and dolphins, Kaikoura's best kept secret is its incredible diversity of pelagic (ocean going) birds. Kaikoura is the albatross capital of the world with up to 14 different species visiting the area throughout the year. Experience the sensation of getting close to the mighty Albatross, one of the world's largest flight birds. This tour involves feeding and observing the large pelagic birds of the Kaikoura coastline, including Northern and Southern Albatross, Petrels and occasionally some varieties of Penguins. Travel time out to where you begin to see seabirds can be anywhere from a few minutes to 30 minutes.
Blenheim
Full day wine experience – Marlborough region - £79 per person On this exclusive tour, you will travel to the heart of New Zealand's primary wine-making district famous for floral sauvignon blancs, chardonnays and fruity reislings.
On this exclusive tour, you will travel to the heart of New Zealand’s prime wine-making district and visit 6 or 7 local vineyards. Marlborough is NZ’s biggest wine-producing area and is particularly famous for floral sauvignon blancs, chardonnays and fruity reislings. Your guide and the enthusiastic local owners will assist you in learning how to fully appreciate white wine and how to tell the subtle differences in the grape.
Hell’s Gate mud bath and spa - £59 per person Perfect for experienced fishermen or absolute beginners, enjoy the tranquillity of Marlborough's sheltered waterways and abundance of game fish including snapper, hake, barracouda and blue cod.
Perfect for experienced fishermen or absolute beginners, this tour lets you enjoy the tranquillity of Marlborough’s sheltered waterways and an abundance of fish. The region is famous for snapper, hake, hapuku, trumpeter, butterfish, ling, barracouta and blue cod. You can choose to keep whatever you catch and have it filleted ready to be cooked for supper - your entertaining captains will advise you on which fish are best to eat. Many of the local restaurants will cook your fish which you can enjoy with one of the marvelous local Sauvignon Blancs.