New Zealand Trails

Arrive at Auckland and enjoy a free day of leisure. Savor the glorious food and wine scene with lunch at a local restaurant, bar, or café. Marvel at the incredible views of the coastal waters. And browse the local shops and markets for a great deal. Head to the hotel in the evening for a welcome meeting.

Spend 2 nights at the Copthorne Auckland City Hotel or similar.

(N)

Set sailing across the Gulf to Rangitoto Island. Home to the youngest volcano in New Zealand, the island is estimated to be around 600-years old, and has undergone major restoration, making it easily accessible to the general public and tourists. Whilst there, you can walk through lava fields and lush forests, stopping at the summit to marvel at the spectacular views.

Please note: Access to Rangitoto Island may be temporarily suspended due to cultural reasons. In this case, we will visit an alternative island for the day.

(B)

Leave Auckland and head south to Rotorua. This drive takes about 3.5 hours to complete. Upon arrival, relax then go for a hike around redwood forest. In the afternoon, enjoy free leisure or go for a hike to Blue Lake. Then in the evening visit the Marae ceremonial ground. You’ll be greeted by traditional Maori hosts and then entertained with a traditional concert and meal.

Stay overnight at the Jet Park Hotel or similar.

(B, D)

Explore one of the most vibrant, colorful thermal areas in New Zealand, which features hot streams, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Afterwards, leave Rotorua and head to Tongariro National Park.

Stay for 2 nights at The Park Hotel or similar

(B)

Spend the day exploring the oldest national park in New Zealand. You have the option to go on two different excursions based on your level of physical fitness and confidence. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the more challenging of the two, with a number of steep sections and loose surfaces. The crossing takes about 7 to 8 hours to complete. There is also a return shuttle service, which will take you from your hotel to the start and finish of the crossing.

If you do not wish to go on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, there are a number of easier, more accessible walks, such as the one at Taranaki Falls. Other optional excursions include: a visit to the Tongariro National Park Conservation center, a trip to the Mount Ruapehu Sky Waka gondola, the Tokaanu public hot pools, and a Rafting excursion.

(B)

Enjoy a day of rest as you leave the National Park and spend 5-hours driving to Wellington. Along the way, you will visit the Te Papa, the New Zealand National Museum, and the visually stunning botanical gardens.

Stay overnight at the The Bay Plaza hotel or similar.

(B)

Enjoy an early breakfast and take a ferry across Cook Strait to Marlborough. Then take a 90-minute drive to Nelson, where you can stretch your legs and explore the city. Arrive at Abel Tasman National Park.

Stay for 2 nights at the Avalon Manor Motel or similar.

(B)

Take a morning coastal walk across the beautiful beaches and coastal vegetation. Then, take a sailing boat from Anchorage Bay to Marahau, followed by a relaxing dinner at the small town of Motueka.

(B, L)

Leave the Abel Tasman National Park and take a scenic drive to Buller River. Stop at Cape Foulwind on the way to check out the local seal colony. Then stop at Punakaiki, which is home to the iconic Pancake Rocks, where you will watch the sunset.

Stay overnight at the Punakaiki resort or similar.

(B)

Proceed south to the Fox Glacier and visit the small village of Okarito on the way. There are many optional excursions here, including kayaking in the nearby lagoon and hiking to the Trig station. Then take a short drive to the Fox township.

Stay overnight at the Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier or similar.

(B)

Enjoy breakfast then head to the town of Franz Josef. Go for a short walk to marvel at the Fox Glacier (if not done the previous day). Then stroll around the beautiful Lake Matheson for sightseeing and photograph opportunities.

From there, make your way to the settlement of Haast. Here, climb Hasst Pass, situated in the Southern Alps, and travel through to Wanaka.

Stay for 2 nights at the Wanaka Hotel/ Lake Wanaka Lodge or similar.

(B)

In the morning, make your way to the Mount Aspiring National Park. Then go on a thrilling jetboat ride through the rivers that lead into the park. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch before going on a 3-hour hike to the Diamond Lake.

(B)

Leave Wanaka and travel to Te Anau and then Eglington Valley. There are several short walks in the valley, which you’ll have enough time to explore.

Board the Milford Mariner boat and stay overnight.

(B, D)

Have an early morning breakfast then cruise the inner sound once more. Along the way, you may witness dolphins and seals, among other marine wildlife.

After departing, take a 3-hour walk to Key Summit for more sightseeing. Then take a 4-hour drive to Queenstown.

Spend 2 nights at the Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar.

(B)

Enjoy a free day of leisure in Queenstown. Participate in the many optional excursions on offer. Or spend the day shopping and exploring the city.

(B)

Travel through the Kawarau Gorge and over the Lindis Pass to reach Mt Cook National Park. The trip will take about 4 hours to complete. Walk into Hooker Valley and marvel at the nearby lakes and crashing glaciers.

Stay overnight at the Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge /Aoraki Court Motel or similar.

(B)

After breakfast, drive to Christchurch. Traverse the Canterbury Plains while en route. Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon and participate in an optional farewell dinner.

Stay overnight at the Hotel Cotswold Christchurch or similar.

(B)

Check out of hotel and depart Christchurch.

(B)