15 DAY GRAND KIWI - Auckland to Christchurch and everything in between

DAY 1 - Auckland to Paihia, Bay of Islands

Our journey begins as we head across Auckland's scenic harbour and travel north. We will break our journey at Parry's Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands. A good opportunity tonight to get to know our fellow travellers as we share a sunset drink on the beach.
Waitangi Motel

DAY 2 - Paihia, Bay of Islands

Today is ours to explore this fascinating region by way of a range of optional activities. If chilling on the beach is your scene then relax, the day is yours!! and we'll gather for dinner and swap stories about our day in the Bay!
Waitangi Motel

DAY 3 - Paihia to Rotorua

This morning we start our journey southwards to visit the impressive site of the Sky City Tower. At 328 metres Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll have the opportunity to take the plunge off the edge! before we make tracks on the road again towards the well known city of Rotorua. We'll drive by the picturesque Lake Rotorua and take a tour of the town before settling into our motel.
Alpin Motel

DAY 4 - Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Option

You will have time for an optional day trip* to the small township of Waitomo or a day trip to White Island and walk on a live Volcano?* Perhaps take a raft on the local Kaituna River or relax with a soothing massage or mud bath*! After dinner you have the chance to relax under the stars as you soak in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel hot pools.
Alpin Motel

DAY 5 - Rotorua to Lake Taupo

Rotorua is truly alive as we'll see with our morning visit to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve. We'll also have time to enjoy a Maori concert followed by a traditional Maori "hangi" meal. We'll journey past Wairakei geo-thermal area and visit the raging waters of Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. An adrenalin packed day!
Silver Fern Lodge

DAY 6 - Lake Taupo to Wellington

On the road again, we head around the beautiful Lake Taupo and travel past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe - the classical conical volcano most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from the epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. We reach the nation's capital and go for a drive along the harbour and up Mt Victoria for a 360-degree view of Wellington and surrounds. Time to hang up our travellin' shoes and explore the many cosmopolitan cafes of the capital.
Sharella Motor Inn

DAY 7 - Wellington to Nelson

This morning we farewell the North Island and journey across Cook Strait. Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds as we cruise into Picton. You'll notice the change as we arrive in the South Island, home to mountains, lakes and breath-taking coastline. Onwards to Nelson, and time in the city centre before we head to Tahunanui Beach.
Aloha Lodge

DAY 8 - Nelson

The day is yours to explore this amazing area. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters. There are loads of amazing options sure to suit. Tonight we'll gather for a scrumptious meal and reflect on the day.
Aloha Lodge

DAY 9 - Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikora

Today we head back across the Bryant Ranges and past the many vineyards of the Marlborough region. We'll make our first stop Montana vineyard. It's then on to Kaikoura where you'll have the chance to whale watch or explore this popular region. Then southwards to Christchurch.
Cathedral Camelot Hotel

DAY 10 - Christchurch to Fox Glacier

The scenery will amaze you today as we head off across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps. We'll stop for a break at Arthur's Pass then continue on to the visitor's centre in Franz Josef, and an opportunity here to take a scenic twin glacier helicopter flight to our afternoon destination** - Fox Glacier.
Fox Glacier Inn

DAY 11 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown

Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and today we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice! We'll then head back into the mountains to negotiate Haast Pass on our way to Queenstown past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Rydges Lakeland Resort

DAY 12 - Queenstown

Today it's time to play! And adventure awaits us everywhere. Choose from a huge selection of optional activities sure to get the blood pumping, with everything from bungy, shotover jets, balloon rides and horseback riding. You name it - it's all here and awaiting you in Queenstown!! We'll regroup at dinner and share our day's experiences.
Rydges Lakeland Resort

DAY 13 - Milford Sound

After a leisurely morning in Queenstown we farewell this adventure playground and head to the Fiords. We'll stop and admire the reflection in Mirror Lake before we literally drive through the mountain via the Homer Tunnel and emerge back into a landscape of spectacular mountains and waterfalls. Our cruise tonight in the Tasman Sea! Enjoy the stunning views and discover the hidden arms of the Sound. There is time to kayak around the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with the nature guide.
Overnight Cruise (share facilities)

DAY 14 - Milford Sound to Lake Ohau

There is time for additional cruising this morning before returning to the wharf. We make our way back through Te Anau and onwards along the Kawarau River this afternoon, with its familiar "Lord of the Rings" scenery, and home to AJ Hackett's original Bridge Bungy site. We journey over the Lindis Pass and wonder at the dramatic variation in scenery of these ranges. Our home tonight is nestled in the hills on the shores of Lake Ohau.
Lake Ohau Lodge

DAY 15 - Lake Ohau to Christchurch

Today we follow the southern lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue water lakes and the ever-present Southern Alps as a backdrop. First stop Lake Pukaki and a chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters to Mt Cook. We follow the canal system over to Lake Tekapo where there is an opportunity to take a scenic flight. Another photo opportunity at the "Church of the Good Shepard" before we enter the Canterbury plains and reach our final destination.