New Zealand Highlights

Explore the fascinating culture and beauty of New Zealand's North Island. Travel through the land of 'Lord of the Rings' and visit volcanic plateaus and thermal hotspots, limestone caves and wildlife havens, lush vineyards and pristine bays.

Quaff New Zealand's best wines, hang out in the modern cities of Auckland and Wellington and experience Maori culture over a hangi dinner and a marae visit.

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 Auckland
Admire stunning views over Auckland from atop an extinct volcano.

Day 2 Coromandel Peninsula
Walk or kayak to Cathedral Cove's spectacular limestone arch. Explore the former Maori 'pa' (fortified village) of Te Pare Point amid volcanic hills and lush kauri forest. Dig your own thermal pool in the steaming sands of Hot Water Beach.

Day 3 Rotorua
Enjoy warm hospitality overnight on a local marae. Devour a traditional hangi feast and learn about Maori culture. Rotorua's geysers, bubbling mud pools and volcanic cliffs are shaped by seismic forces.

Days 4-5 Tongariro National Park
Wander eerie snowfields, volcanoes, crater lakes and desert. The park gained fame as Mordor in Lord of the Rings, and the still active volcano Tongariro is also sacred to the Maori. Adventurous sorts can tackle the 19.4 km Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Days 6-7 Napier
Work up an appetite cycling through Hawkes Bay wineries and orchards. Explore Napier's art deco heritage; the town was rebuilt after a devastating 1931 earthquake.

Days 8-9 Wellington
Explore Te Papa Museum or ride a cable car to the Botanic Gardens, taking in spectacular views of the city and harbour.

Day 10 Marlborough Sounds
Bushwalking tracks among these gorgeous inlets and coves just beg to be explored. It's also possible to fit in a spot of fishing.

Days 11-12 Kaikoura
Animal fans can spot sperm whales, dolphins, seals and wandering albatrosses.

Days 13-14 Christchurch
Soak up Christchurch's charming atmosphere, perhaps picnicking by the River Avon, wandering heritage buildings or investigating local culture at the Arts Centre.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Hotels (8 nts), motels (1 nt), hostel (3nts), dorm-style lodge (1 nt)