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Within GB: 01580 214 089 • International: +44 (0)1580 214 089
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Journey through dazzling New Zealand, from Christchurch to Auckland, discovering incredible landscapes, warm-hearted locals, and a tapestry of natural, cultural and historical wonders along the way. From snow-capped mountains and bubbling thermal terrains to stunning coastlines and unique Maori culture, much is waiting to be discovered. New Zealand was made for motorhoming.
Duration: 36 days
Holiday Type:
Escorted Motorhome Tours
Departure dates:
Led by our experienced, friendly and knowledgeable tour leaders, this tour lets you discover New Zealand at your own pace but with everything taken care of for you and help and support on hand. Enjoy the best that Aotearoa has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
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Board your chosen flight to Christchurch. On arrival in New Zealand, you will be met and transferred to your Christchurch hotel for a 2 night stay. You have the opportunity to explore the city at your leisure.
Before you pick up your motorhome there is the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner along with an orientation session to help familiarise you with your motorhome.
Distance: 274km (170miles)
Your motorhome adventure starts today! In the morning you’ll be transferred to the depot to pick-up your vehicle. Once you’re ready you’ll head south out of Christchurch across the Rakaia River on the longest bridge in New Zealand. Drive across the Canterbury Pains towards Lake Tekapo. The views out along the lake, with its distinctive turquoise waters, are exceptional. Be sure to stop and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, a photographer’s favourite. Head towards Lake Pukaki in the Mount Cook National Park, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Take the opportunity to explore World Heritage listed Mount Cook National Park. Covering over 70,000 hectares of breath-taking alpine scenery, the park is home to glacial lakes and New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Mount Tasman and, of course, Mount Cook.
Options include following the easy going trail along the Hooker Valley (one of the most popular in the park), passing tumbling rivers and over swing bridges or exploring the melting ice-face of the Tasman Glacier by boat and get up close to touch and taste 400 year old icebergs that have been calved into the murky waters of the lake. You may also like to visit the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre and Museum and enjoy stargazing into the southern skies with expert astronomers.
Distance: 266km (165miles)
Heading southwards through the Waitaki Valley and along the coastline, take time to stop at the mysterious Moeraki Boulders. Nestled on the beach and appearing to emerge from the sands at low tide, these boulders have an other-worldly feel to them.
Continue onto to Dunedin, affectionately known as ‘the Edinburgh of the South’. It is an endearing city of classical Victorian & Edwardian architecture and is a gateway to diverse wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Half or full day cruises and tours of the Otago Peninsula are available, taking in the region’s wildlife, scenery and historic buildings including Lanarch Castle, the Royal Albatross Centre and Penguin Place. Options in Dunedin include tours of Cadbury Chocolate World and Speights Brewery, home of New Zealand’s most popular beer.
Distance: 204km (128miles)
Looking on a map, the drive from Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlin’s may seem a short distance, but with its winding roads, its stunning coastal landscapes and numerous photo opportunities, it may take you a little longer than you first expected.
The Catlin’s are ecologically unique and are made up of native coastal bush and forest, waterways, beaches, birds, and sea life and combined with the coast’s temperamental weather, a journey through the Caitlin’s will no doubt be a memorable one.
Affectionately known as the "City of Water and Light", which refers to it’s long summer days, the frequent appearances of the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), and the city’s location by the Waihopai River estuary, Invercargill has plenty of character and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Distance: 155km (97miles)
From Invercargill you will drive through a patchwork of farmland and plains, dramatic coastal scenery and rolling hills before heading inland once more to Te Anau. Once in Te Anau, options here include an exhilarating jetboat ride, stopping at three of the actual film locations featured in the Lord of the Rings films, or you can visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves where a mystical underground world of waterfalls and incredible rock formations awaits.
The next day, we will take you on a full day excursion to Milford Sound where you get to take an extended nature cruise along the entire length of the Sound out to the Tasman Sea. Milford Sound is famous for the towering peaks that rise up almost vertically from the water as well as spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, and towering mountains.
Distance: 179km (112miles)
Skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu and head to Queenstown, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Explore this beautiful town before heading to Arrowtown for two nights. Located in the Otago region of the South Island, Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town and well worth exploring.
Distance: 340km (213miles)
View incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park to the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The glaciers of Fox & Franz Josef are fairly unique, in that they are so close to the sea. These twin rivers of ice, slowly making their way down from the mountains, are just waiting to be explored. We recommend a guided walk onto the glacier itself to appreciate the scale of it close up.
Once you’ve had enough of the ice you can take a walk through the rain forest trail around Lake Matheson, near Fox, for fantastic mirror lake views of the Southern Alps or you might prefer to relax in the Franz Josef Glacier hot pools, nestled in lush rainforest beneath mature 30m tall trees.
Distance: 273km (170miles)
With the Tasman Sea on one side and the Southern Alps mountain range rising up on the other, take it slowly and enjoy this scenic drive. Be sure to stop at Punakaiki and marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes and powerful vents of ‘Pancake Rocks’, formed millions of years ago. Then make your way to Westport for an overnight stay.
Distance: 222km (138miles)
Continue onto the Kaiteriteri region, an area of diverse beauty that enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate. The stunning coastal forest and shoreline of nearby Abel Tasman National Park can be explored on foot, by kayak or on a leisurely cruise by boat. A popular option is the Kaiteriteri kayak excursion to Split Apple Rock, ideal for beginners and departing right from the beach.
Distance: 115km (72miles)
It’s a really pleasant, interesting drive to Picton: skirting round Nelson on the coast road, with sublime seascapes and bobbing yachts, you climb up into forested hills and twisting mountain passes.
Enjoy wine tastings at the Marlborough vineyards, famous for their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs.
Distance: 28km (18miles)
Enjoy the scenic InterIslander ferry that takes you from the picturesque fishing village of Picton across the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s North Island. As the ferry leaves Picton you’ll sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, making the journey between the two islands an experience in itself.
Wellington is the nation’s capital and options here include a visit to the Te Papa museum to learn about the history of New Zealand and its Maori heritage. Or take a ride on the famous Wellington Cable Car to the top of Mt Victoria for spectacular panoramic views over the city and harbour.
Distance: 322km (200miles)
Drive north through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region as you make your way to Napier, on the east coast of North Island, often referred to as the Art-Deco capital of the world. Napier is in the Hawke’s Bay region which is famous for its many vineyards that serve gourmet food to accompany award-winning wines. Alternatively you might enjoy the chance to view the world’s largest mainland gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Distance: 222km (138miles)
On your way north today be sure to stop at the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, in the centre of the North Island. Nearby is the mighty Huka Falls, where the full force of the Waikato river flows from the lake and is squeezed through a canyon only 15 metres across. The Wairakei Geothermal Project is another option.
Continue on to the geothermal city of Rotorua. This evening, enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (feast) & cultural performance. The region around Rotorua is a geothermal ‘hot spot’ featuring volcanoes, geysers, improbably colourful mineral lakes, hot springs and thermal vents, where you can see and hear the earth’s heat escaping from the surface. Visit Wai-o-Tapu, with its ‘Champagne pool’ and Lady Knox geyser or perhaps Te Puia Thermal Reserve in the historic Te Whakarewarewa valley with its boiling mud pools, silica terraces, steaming vents and Pohutu geyser. You can also visit Hobbiton, the movie set used in the award-winning Lord of the Rings & Hobbit movies.
Distance: 243km (151miles)
Drive across the volcanic plateau and along the Bay of Plenty coastline to the popular beachside towns of Mount Maunganui & Tauranga. You might like to stretch your legs and climb ‘The Mount’ for picturesque views along the coastline.
Then head to your next destination the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of attractive beaches. It is a place where many Kiwis choose to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and is home to arts & crafts and stunning scenery. You can dig out your very own hot pool metres from the Pacific Ocean at world-famous Hot Water Beach, or head for Cathedral Cove where a huge arched cavern passes through the headland, joining up two secluded coves. Relax in the cafes and enjoy the art galleries or just taking in the wonderful scenery.
Distance: 225km (140miles)
Travel north today, heading for the Hibiscus coast to Red Beach and its beautiful stretch of sand and sea for an overnight stop. Located on the east coast, this is a perfect spot to rise early and watch the sunrise.
Distance: 229km (142miles)
Head north to Russell in the Bay of Islands, a National Maritime Park. The scenic Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views with a 3 night stay. Alternatively you might enjoy a boat trip out into the bay, or how about heading to the most northerly point of New Zealand and Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea converge.
Distance: 258km (160miles)
Auckland is a harbour city and the locals love nothing more than getting out on the water. You have the opportunity to explore the city at your leisure be it on land or water. A visit to Waiheke Island is a recommended and enjoyable experience that offers spectacular views of the city across the water. The Sky Tower is unmistakeable and offers an alternative view of the city.
Time to bid farewell to new found friends, leaving New Zealand with treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
Price per person is based on two people sharing, prices for solo travellers are available on request.
You have the choice of 2 types of motorhome for this tour. The prices displayed are based on the Maui Ultima 2 berth model or you can upgrade to the Maui Cascade 4 berth - please enquire for upgrade prices and availability. Click on the images for more details and specifications of each motorhome.
Our hosts for this tour all live in New Zealand and can't wait to share their passion for their home country with you. Each tour departure is led by one couple and you can click on their photos below to find out more about them.
Within GB:
01580 214 089
International:
+44 (0)1580 214 089
