Fly to Auckland arriving on Day 3 where you will be met and transferred to a central hotel. Spend your free time exploring Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on a boat tour or head to one of the Hauraki Gulf Islands.

Only a 25-minute ferry ride from the city is Rangitoto Island, a volcanic icon of Auckland with panoramic views and the country’s largest pōhutukawa forest. Slightly further afield is the subtropical, bohemian island of Waiheke, renowned for its art, food and wine. Alternatively, enjoy an 80-minute cruise to the wildlife reserve on the Tikapa Moana Island for a walk through native flora and fauna. 

On Day 4, get to know your fellow travellers and learn more about the exciting tour ahead from your tour hosts with an included welcome dinner.

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Distance: 124km (78miles)

Head southeast to Thames, the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, and visit the charming historical museum in Thames which showcases its gold-mining past. Continue onto Hot Water Beach for your two nights stay.

The Coromandel is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, native rainforests and laid-back vibe. On a clear night, enjoy the galaxies of stars which can be seen thanks to the low population and minimal light pollution.

On Day 6, join an included full day tour where experienced local guides will provide an insight into local history, geology and wildlife. Visit an historic gold mine cave which is now home to glowworms. After your included lunch, you will see an old Maori Pa (village), Cathedral Cove and (tide permitting) the famous Hot Water Beach.

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Distance: 203km (126miles)

Continue southwards towards Tauranga and Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Penty. Along the way, stop at Waihī which is home to the richest gold mine in New Zealand and still in operation today. The Goldfields vintage railway runs between Waihī and Waikino, where you will see relics from the early gold-rush days. 

Mount Maunganui’s waterfront is the ideal stop for lunch or an ice-cream whilst enjoying a coastal view. Heading inland to Rotorua, it is an hour’s drive before arriving at the town famous for its geothermal attractions.

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Distance: 219km (136miles)

Travel to Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region through scenic countryside and vineyards. Take time to stop at the mesmerising Huka Falls near Lake Taupō where the white water of the Waikato River surges through a narrow gorge. Once in Napier, you will see iconic Art deco architecture which arose after the city experienced a devastating earthquake during 1931.

On Day 10, an included 4WD guided safari will take you to the picturesque Cape Kidnappers, an extraordinary sandstone headland home to the largest and most accessible gannet colony in the world. The 13-hectare reserve includes the Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies.

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Distance: 269km (168miles)

Travel southwards to the charming rural village of Martinborough in the Wairarapa region. On the way, visit the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre which is a breeding sanctuary for native wildlife and has aviaries to hatch kiwi, kākā and kākāriki for release across New Zealand.

At the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Martinborough offers the perfect opportunity to sample the regions world-class pinot noir.

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Distance: 70km (44miles)

It is a shorter drive today to the country’s capital, Wellington, situated at the southern tip of the North Island. Discover the city on foot, taking in the national museum of Te Papa and Hannahs Laneway, a gourmet heaven. Alternatively, visit the Weta Workshop and take a behind-the-scenes tour for a glimpse of the film industry’s innovations, costumes and movie effects.

On Day 12, a night tour at the Zealandia Eco-sanctuary will provide an opportunity to hear and see the sounds of the native forest’s birdlife, such as a tuatara, kākā (parrots), and if you’re lucky, a Kiwi!

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Depart Wellington for a 3.5 hour scenic crossing to the South Island. Enjoy comfortable seating in the lounge with inclusive food and beverages, and if there’s a dolphin sighting the captain will make an announcement!

Sail into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, disembarking in the small harbour town of Picton. You’ll have the afternoon to do an easy, short walking track or relax at a café on the waterfront.

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Distance: 156km (97miles)

Only a short drive from Picton is Blenheim and the Marlborough wine region. There are plenty of cellar doors to visit and collect a bottle or two of Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy around a campsite fire one evening.

As the road hugs the coast you’ll be treated to beautiful sea views. There’ll be places to pull over to soak up the scenery and watch for marine wildlife close to the shoreline, including sea lions sunbathing on the rocks.

Before checking into your campsite, board a modern catamaran for the opportunity to see the Giant Sperm Whale on this included half-day tour. You may also encounter New Zealand fur seals, Dusky Dolphins and other birdlife during the sailing.

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Distance: 263km (164miles)

Continue south past Christchurch to the French-influenced town of Akaroa nestled in an ancient volcano on the Banks peninsula. Learn about the conservation efforts of white-flippered penguins during your first evening in this region with an included tour. A 4WD scenic drive and a walk to Pohatu Bay will take you up closer to a penguin colony to watch any coming ashore.  

On Day 17, embark on a two-hour nature cruise with commentary from the skipper to hear stories about Akaroa’s wildlife, sea-caves and majestic volcanic cliffs.

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Distance: 188km (116miles)

Drive inland to rural Geraldine set in the heart of the Waitaha / Canterbury region, and the beginning of the Starlight Highway. Nestled between the Four Peaks (Devils, Firey, Waihi and Trip) Mountain Range, Geraldine offers plenty of outdoor activities.

Visit nearby Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve to join one of the short walking tracks and observe a fantastic variety of ferns and fungi.

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Distance: 90km (56miles)

Driving inland towards the jaw-dropping Mackenzie region, spend the next two nights in the pretty town of Lake Tekapo with its picture-perfect views. Located in the heart of the South Island, the lake’s turquoise waters surrounded by the majestic mountains offers the perfect photo opportunity.

Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this area offers some of the world’s clearest, darkest skies for stargazing. On Day 19, join an included 75-minute guided tour to explore the brilliance of the Milky Way. 

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Distance: 259km (160miles)

Today’s journey to Dunedin takes you via the village of Moeraki, famous for its mysterious spherical boulders formed 60 million years ago. Arriving in the city of Dunedin, check into your campground for a relaxing evening ahead of next day’s tour.

On Day 22, visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the magnificent Royal Albatross located on the tip of the Otago Peninsula. An included one hour guided tour, plus the viewing observatory will provide an amazing opportunity to witness the social and family life of the colony. 

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Distance: 117km (73miles)

Heading northwards, there is the option to take State Highway 88 to spend some time at the Orokonui Eco Sanctuary. This biodiverse sanctuary has over 300 hectares with self-guided walking tracks allowing visitors to explore and learn more about threatened habitats and species.

In the relaxed port city of Timaru, head to Caroline Bay for a gentle stroll along the boardwalk. To view New Zealand’s most significant collection of Māori rock drawings, visit the Te Anau Māori Rock Art Centre.

Distance: 164km (102miles)

Your last leg on the road passes through the town of Ashburton which has six museums including a museum for aviation, cars and vintage railways.

After returning your motorhome, transfer to a central hotel for your final two nights of the tour. There are plenty of activities to show off the city’s old-English charm, stroll through the botanical gardens or relax on a traditional punt on the River Avon.

Share all the wonderful times of your road trip together during a farewell dinner on the last night of your tour.

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