18-Day Classic New Zealand Tour

Guided: Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, a shuttle driver will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.

Self Drive: Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

YOUR DAY

385km, 5 hours 10 minutes driving

Today you will drive through the mighty Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass National Park. Keep a look out for the Bealey River as well as the reflective waters of Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon. Our favourite nature walk in this national park features a stunning 150 metre waterfall and spectacular views of the mountains as you peek through native beech forest. Be sure to keep a look out overhead for the Kea (New Zealand’s cheeky native alpine parrot)!

Driving further you will reach the West Coast and the Tasman coastline. Head slightly inland where you can visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge to marvel at its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest.

Continue further south through the rainforest to the town of Franz Josef glacier, nestled at the base of the towering alps and surrounded by dense native bush.

YOUR DAY 

287km, 4 hours driving

This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy a short scenic helicopter flight with snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier, or a 3 hour guided heli-hike on the ice of glacier itself (optional). Franz Josef Glacier is one of only three glaciers in the world that is surrounded by rainforest! Alternatively, walk along the Waiho River into the colossal Franz Josef Glacier valley and get closer to the base of the glacier.

One of the most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on your drive over the Haast Pass through to Wānaka. En route you will visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and you can choose from several nature walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite spots at The Road Trip is Ship Creek, an isolated beach featuring native totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Tonight you stay in the pictiresque lakeside town of Wānaka.

YOUR DAY

Today is a chance to explore the beautiful lakeside town of Wānaka. Options include a walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River, a visit to Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World, kayaking on the lake, a visit to the Warbirds and Classic cars Museum or even fishing on the lake for some brown or rainbow trout. Perhaps take on the majestic Rob Roy Glacier hike or venture Roy’s Peak if you’re feeling especially fit!

This afternoon you will enjoy a cruise to one of Lake Wanaka’s five islands, Mou Waho. Mou Waho Island is the most remote and in our opinion, the most beautiful of the five. With its steep rocky coastline, small secluded beaches, diverse birdlife and a hidden lake (Arethusa pool) which sits atop the island. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on the two hour island walk and share insights on the geology, history, flora and fauna and local culture of the region.

YOUR DAY

260km, 3 hours driving

This morning your South Island tour takes you to the beautiful town of Arrowtown via The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway. Arrowtown was an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s and is now a historic town with a very special vibe. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer.

Following this, perhaps enjoy a wine tasting at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, overlooking the stunning Lake Hayes (optional)

This afternoon you will drive a further 2 hours to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

YOUR DAY

240km, 4 hours driving

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot).

Upon arrival in Milford Sound you will experience all that the fiord has to offer with a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea. Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin.

On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to enjoy several short walks in the Fiordland National Park.

YOUR DAY

175km, 2 hours driving

This morning you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings.

The afternoon is free to spend as you wish in Queenstown, and there is plenty to see and do! Perhaps enjoy a walk around the botanic gardens on the lake, enjoy a drop of Central Otago pinot noir at a nearby winery, or sample some fresh local cuisine on offer on the lakefront.

YOUR DAY

Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Canyon Swings, White Water Rafting, Flyboarding and Paragliding. If you feel like taking a more relaxed approach to the day, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw 100 year old steam ship or a walk through Queenstown’s Botanic Gardens are not to be missed. Perhaps drive out to the head of Lake Wakatipu and experience the breath-taking scenery of the Glenorchy area.

YOUR DAY

280km, 4 hours driving

You leave Central Otago today through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell where you can make a stop en route at a local fruit shop to try real fruit ice cream and perhaps sample New Zealand famous manuka honey products.

From there, cross the Lindis Pass to the Mackenzie Country and travel alongside the stunning turquoise Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Weather permitting you can take a short walk at the foot of Mt Cook – New Zealand’s highest mountain. Our favourite walk ventures into the Hooker Valley and takes in some of the most impressive views in the country.

En route to Lake Tekapo, perhaps take a trip to the top of Mt John to experience the feeling of being on top of the world. The cafe at the top boasts stunning 360 degree views of the Mountains and turquoise coloured lakes in the area.

Tonight you will enjoy a stargazing tour atop Mt John with Dark Sky Project. At 1,029m high, Mt John offers unrivalled 360-degree views across the largest accredited International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Their expert astronomy guides bring the night sky to life, sharing the science and the stories of our Southern skies. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies; every night sky beholds something different.

YOUR DAY

227km, 3 hours driving

This morning you depart Lake Tekapo and continue on to Christchurch. The afternoon is free to explore The Garden City of Christchurch. You could enjoy a stroll in the botanic gardens and a drive around the bays of Banks Peninsula, taking in Lyttelton which was the gateway for many of Christchurch and the Canterbury region’s first European settlers. Cathedral Square and the remains of the Christchurch Cathedral are well worth a visit, as well as the revitalised central shopping area and Riverside Market.

YOUR DAY

190km, 2.5 hours driving

Today you will head north through the wine growing area of Waipara to Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a sea life paradise which boasts whales, seals, albatross and dolphins. There are over 17 species of whale to be found in Kaikoura all within 8 km of the coastline. Early afternoon you will take a whale watching boat tour. Keep a look out for Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales and Orcas as well as many species of Dolphin.

Spend the night in the seaside village of Kaikoura.

YOUR DAY

170km, 2 hours driving + 3.5 hour ferry ride

This morning you will have the chance to visit a seal colony to view New Zealand’s native fur seal up close (but not too close!).

Driving north you will head through the wine growing region of Marlborough (New Zealand’s largest and biggest producer of wine). From here board a ferry in Picton with your vehicle and sail across Cook Strait. Arrive in Wellington and enjoy the vibrancy of “The Coolest Little Capital in the World.”

YOUR DAY

Today is your day to explore the Coolest Little Capital in the World! This morning you will take the Cable Car from the city up to Kelburn, where you will be able to wander the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Next, hop on the free shuttle to Zealandia, the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 225 hectare ecosanctuary is a ground+breaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area, 6 of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Tonight why not enjoy one of the delicious restaurants the city has to offer?

YOUR DAY

287km, 3.5 hours driving

This morning you depart Wellington and continue North to the beautiful Tongariro National Park. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in the beautiful ski resort of Ohakune where you may wish to take a hike in the National Park itself. Enjoy a night at the Powderhorn Chateau where the cast of Lord of the Rings stayed during filming in the area!

YOUR DAY

185km, 2.5 hours driving

En route today we recommend taking a short detour to the village of Whakapapa and the Chateau Tongariro in the Tongariro National Park where you may wish to enjoy a hike. One of The Road Trip’s favourites is 2 hours long featuring native bush, volcanic views and stunning waterfalls. In clear weather you will spot 3 of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes – Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaurauhoe (also known as Mt Doom). Heading North today, you will reach Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Winding your way around the lake, you will reach the lakeside holiday town of Taupo.

Further down the road, stop at the mighty Huka Falls where you could take a spin in the Huka Falls Jet and experience the thrill from beneath (optional).

Continuing on the ‘Thermal Explorer Highway,’ you will arrive at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland- a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. You will visit New Zealand’s largest thermal mud pool, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours.

You will arrive in Rotorua late afternoon where you could have a walk through the wonderful redwood forests or a look at Rotorua’s lovely Government Gardens and lakefront.

YOUR DAY

This morning you will enjoy the Ultimate Canopy Tour with Rotorua Canopy Tours. This is an unforgettable 3.5-hour Canopy Tour journey. Venture deep into the wilderness to experience prehistoric New Zealand forest at its best.

Following this, today is free for leisure activities. Options include: Rotorua Gondola and Luge, zorbing, or the spectacular Treewalk of the redwood forest.

This evening you will enjoy an authentic cultural experience at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village). Te Pā Tū offers seasonal celebration experiences. “Tū Te Rā.” Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration, aligned with the maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar. This is a time when the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine.

YOUR DAY

245km, 3 hours driving

This morning you leave Rotorua and head towards Auckland via Hobbiton and The Shire’s Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. You’ll also enjoy a buffet style feast in the festive marquee next to the Green Dragon!

You then drive north to New Zealand largest city; Auckland. Time permitting you could enjoy a visit to Mt Eden, a stunning viewpoint and one of Auckland’s most famous (and highest) volcanic craters, and perhaps a trip out to the beautiful Mission Bay for a stroll along the beach.

YOUR DAY

Today you will transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you’ve had an excellent time in New Zealand and wish you safe travels to your next destination.

Onward flight is not included.