Embark on your adventure with an overnight flight to New Zealand, arriving on Day 3. Spend the day 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.

On Day 8, there will be a transfer to take you to an included cultural Māori evening experience. Within the forest-formed amphitheatre, stories are shared through haka and song before a 3-course meal of a traditional hangi and other Māori-fusion dishes are provided

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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: 274km (170miles)

Today, cross to the eastern side of the north Island to the Kāpiti Coast’s forty kilometres of dramatic cliffs and coastline. Your stay for two nights is in a small seaside village nestled between the sea and hills. It is seen as the district’s creative hub where many artists, musicians and actors make their home.

On Day 12, enjoy a short ferry ride to the protected Kapiti Island Marine reserve where an experienced nature guide will talk about the flora and fauna on a one hour guided walk. This included tour brings you closer to New Zealand’s most beautiful and endangered birds.

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Distance: 44km (28miles)

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 14, 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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Distance: 156km (97miles)

A ferry crossing to the South Island is a pleasurable journey as you cross the Cook Strait, sailing into the Marlborough Sounds. Disembark in the small town of Picton and continue south along the east coast towards Kaikoura.

Drive through the Marlborough Wine Region, which is all about world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and delicious fresh seafood all to be savoured amongst the vineyards.

On Day 16, 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: 266km (165miles)

Bypassing Christchurch, your next stop is the commercial centre for the local farming district and mid Canterbury. The large town sits between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers and is popular for salmon and trout fishing.

Ashburton offers six museums, including a museum for aviation, cars and vintage railways. There are also local craft and art galleries to peruse and wander through.

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Distance: 195km (122miles)

Driving inland towards the jaw-dropping Mackenzie region, there will be the chance to stop at the pretty town of Lake Tekapo for those 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.

Continue onto Twizel for your overnight’s stay. Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky reserve, Twizel offers some of the clearest darkest skies in the World.

On Day 18, join an included 75-minute guided star-gazing tour to explore the brilliance of the Milky Way.

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Distance: 259km (160miles)

Due to the previous late night’s stargazing, it will be a later start before getting on the road. The 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 18, visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the magnificent Royal Albatross. 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.

Oamaru is the largest town in the Waitaki District and has a rich history with Victorian heritage. Stroll through the town to see the 19th century architecture, taking in the Victorian Precinct where you will find shops, traditional crafts and galleries.

On Day 19, an evening’s viewing of the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is included. With premium seating, you can watch the world’s smallest penguin in their nesting burrows with a guide providing live commentary. During the summer, arrival numbers can reach to over 200 penguins

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Distance: 299km (186miles)

Continuing northbound, tonight’s stay is at the charming French, seaside town of Akaroa which will have you captivated with its magnificent harbour, historic buildings and delectable cuisine. Wander down the town’s two main streets, Rue Lavaud or Rue Jolie and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the bistros.

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Distance: 87km (54miles)

Your last leg on the road is a shorter drive to Christchurch to drop off 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 punt on the River Avon.

On Day 24, share all the wonderful times of your road trip together during a farewell dinner on your last night of the tour.

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