North to South New Zealand Discovery

Arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails”, and transfer to The Hotel Britomart for two nights. This afternoon, join a guided wilderness tour to Auckland’s rugged west coast. Walk barefoot on black sand beaches, explore lush rainforest alive with bird song, and marvel at ancient kauri trees. Back in the city, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy Auckland’s buzzing dining scene.

Board the ferry to Waiheke Island, a haven of golden beaches, vineyards, and olive groves. On a gourmet food and wine tour, sample local oysters, honey, and olive oil before enjoying a vineyard lunch with paired wines. End the day with a whisky tasting or time to explore Oneroa Village. Return by ferry to Auckland.

Collect your rental car and drive south to Waitomo. Don a wetsuit for a blackwater rafting adventure through glowworm-lit caves, climbing and floating along underground rivers. Continue to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland where geysers and mud pools meet Maori traditions. Tonight, settle into On the Point Lodge overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Your day is free to explore Rotorua. Try white-water rafting, ziplining through native forest, or world-class mountain biking. For something gentler, wander geothermal parks, soak in hot pools, or enjoy a Maori cultural performance with a traditional hangi feast.

The drive from Rotorua to Napier takes you through volcanic landscapes and past New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupo. A stop at Huka Falls is a must — more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the rocks every second, creating a natural hydro spectacle that powers the region. As you approach Napier, the scenery softens into rolling vineyards and coastal plains, leading you to one of New Zealand’s most distinctive cities. After a devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier was completely rebuilt in the Art Deco style, and today it’s like stepping back into a perfectly preserved 1930s movie set. Think pastel-coloured facades, geometric patterns, and Maori motifs worked into the designs. For travellers, it’s not just about architecture — it’s about experiencing a city that turned tragedy into beauty, with streets that feel both historic and vibrant. Your stay at the Art Deco Masonic Hotel puts you right on the waterfront, perfectly placed to soak in Napier’s vintage glamour.

Today is a perfect blend of wildlife, wine, and dramatic scenery. Start with a private safari to Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. These striking birds, with wingspans of nearly two metres, nest on the cliffs above the Pacific — and the colony is accessible only by crossing a private coastal farm, adding to the sense of privilege. Watching thousands of gannets soaring, nesting, and feeding against the backdrop of pounding surf is unforgettable, whether you’re a keen birder or not. The day continues with a platter lunch and tastings at some of Hawke’s Bay’s most celebrated wineries. This region is one of New Zealand’s oldest wine producers, famed for bold reds and crisp chardonnays, and a tasting here connects you to that legacy. Finally, ascend Te Mata Peak for panoramic views of quilted vineyards, undulating hills, and the wide sweep of Hawke’s Bay coast — a perspective that shows why this fertile region is considered New Zealand’s food and wine basket.

Today’s drive takes you through farmland and the Rimutaka Ranges to reach Wellington, New Zealand’s iconic capital. More than just a political hub, Wellington is a creative city with an energy all its own. Its walkable waterfront is lined with cafés, craft breweries, and galleries, while its hilly suburbs add to its character. This afternoon, join a guided tour of Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, where Maori treasures and cutting-edge exhibits bring New Zealand’s stories to life. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the country’s identity — from its geological origins to its cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy the capital’s renowned food scene on Cuba Street, known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and live music. Staying at Naumi Studio Hotel puts you right in the middle of this creative district, with a boutique base that reflects Wellington’s quirky charm.

This morning, board the Interislander ferry for a spectacular crossing of the Cook Strait. Often described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, the three-hour voyage takes you past rugged coastlines and into the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds, a labyrinth of bays and forested hills. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds along the way. Once ashore in Picton, you’ll drive through rolling vineyards to Blenheim, the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine region. Marlborough is world-renowned for its sauvignon blanc, and the rows of vines stretching across the plains are a reminder of its global reputation. Tonight, stay at the 14th Lane Urban Hotel, a boutique property with stylish heritage design, perfectly placed for exploring the cafés and restaurants of this charming town.

Drive west to Kaiteriteri, where golden beaches meet turquoise waters, and board a water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park. Along the way, spot fur seals basking on Adele Island and marvel at Split Apple Rock, a geological curiosity. Arrive at Awaroa Bay, a place so remote it’s accessible only by boat or on foot. This seclusion makes Awaroa feel like a hidden paradise, with sweeping sands, clear water, and dense native bush. Your base is Awaroa Lodge, a boutique property designed to blend into its environment, offering comfort without disturbing the wild beauty around it. Staying here is about slowing down and connecting with nature — whether that’s by walking trails through the forest, sitting quietly with a book, or sipping a glass of local wine as the sun sets over the bay.

Spend today immersed in the wonders of Abel Tasman. You might kayak across calm waters to hidden coves, hike coastal trails where native birdsong accompanies you, or simply enjoy the pristine sweep of Awaroa Beach. The park is known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, making it feel almost tropical, yet the dense native bush reminds you that you’re deep in New Zealand wilderness. Birdwatchers will love spotting native species in the nearby wetlands, while those seeking relaxation can savour the tranquillity of the lodge itself, perhaps with a long lunch of seasonal produce. Abel Tasman is one of New Zealand’s smallest national parks, but its accessibility and beauty make it one of the most beloved. A full day here allows you to slow down and appreciate why Kiwis treasure this coastal gem so highly.

This morning, return by water taxi to Kaiteriteri and drive to Nelson for your flight to Queenstown. From there, a scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu delivers you to Glenorchy, often described as “paradise” — and for good reason. Snow-capped mountains rise dramatically from the lake, rivers braid across the valley floor, and dense forests cloak the foothills. It’s no wonder filmmakers chose this area for The Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and The Hobbit. Yet despite its fame, Glenorchy retains a tranquil, small-town charm. Staying at The Headwaters Eco Lodge, you’ll find a perfect balance of comfort and sustainability, with private eco-chalets that look out onto mountain views. The journey today is about more than relocation — it’s your first taste of the South Island’s cinematic landscapes, which only grow more spectacular from here.

Today is an absolute highlight of this itinerary, as you experience an unforgettable heli-cruise to Milford Sound. From Glenorchy, board a helicopter and fly over the snow-capped Richardson Mountains, vast valleys, and alpine lakes. Landing at Milford Sound, swap the sky for the water as you cruise beneath sheer cliffs and towering waterfalls. With luck, you’ll spot dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. The scale here is humbling - Mitre Peak alone rises more than 1,600 metres straight out of the sea. After your cruise, take off again for another breathtaking flight, with a landing on a remote alpine ridge before returning to Glenorchy. Seeing Milford Sound this way is not just efficient - it’s awe-inspiring, giving you multiple perspectives on one of the world’s most celebrated natural wonders.

With a full day at leisure, Glenorchy is your playground. Thrill-seekers can jet boat the Dart River, skimming through narrow gorges at high speed, or ride horseback across glacial valleys framed by mountains. Scenic flights offer a bird’s-eye view of landscapes made famous by cinema, while 4x4 tours reveal hidden corners and filming locations. For a gentler day, hike through ancient beech forests, enjoy a picnic at Bob’s Cove, or simply sit by Lake Wakatipu and absorb the tranquillity. Glenorchy is special because it feels both epic and intimate — the scenery is grand, yet the experience is deeply personal. Every trail, river, and view here makes you feel part of a wild, unspoiled world. Returning to The Headwaters Eco Lodge, you’ll appreciate the comfort and warmth of your eco-chalet after a day in the elements.

After your final NZ breakfast, transfer to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight, taking with you lasting memories of New Zealand’s incredible diversity.