All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours. Our Vehicles   Travel Guide Profiles

You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours Representative, and transferred to your accommodation in our luxurious vehicle. (Early flight) Alternatively, if you arrive in New Zealand prior to the tour start, your host will pick you up from your accommodation!

Day 1: Auckland (Sailing/dinning cruise Auckland harbour)
Your 15 Day Tour starts with a relaxing sightseeing tour of Auckland, a chance to explore the CBD and outer areas of the city, taking in the spectacular harbour views of the Waitemata from Auckland’s illustrious waterfront, and through some of the most expensive real estate in NZ. You will also have the opportunity to stop off and visit one of Auckland’s most prestigious shopping areas “Parnell Historical Village”, from “Parnell Historic Village” your tour continues on to the summit of Mt Eden one of 48 dormant volcanoes situated in and around Auckland, from the summit of Mt Eden you can take in a stunning 360 degree view of Auckland city and it’s surrounding harbours. From Mt Eden your tour continues out to the magnificent west coast famous in New Zealand for its unique black sand coastline film location for the “Piano”, and native bush surroundings set in one of Auckland’s many regional parks. On your return back to your accommodation we will give you the opportunity at your request to stop off and enjoy a taste of celebrated New Zealand wines that are grown and produced throughout the area. Auckland is known as the City of Sails! Watch the fairy-tale lights of Auckland city pass while dinning and cruising the Auckland Harbour. If you still not tired that visit the nearby Viaduct Basin and its many lively bars. Accommodation: Auckland City 

Day 2: Auckland-Rotorua-Lake Taupo (Float-plane to Geothermal areas, jet-boat on Waikato River) driving distance 1h
Your tour arrives in the geothermal capital of Rotorua in the morning. Stopping off for a visit to the world-renowned “NZ Maori Arts and Crafts” and “Geothermal” centre located in what is known as 'Te Puia'. Here you will see the world famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest such geyser in the Southern hemisphere. Watch a 45-minute Maori cultural performance displayed in a traditional Maori meetinghouse where you can enjoy the beautiful songs, music and culture of the Maori. Visit a Kiwi bird house. By midday we take a floatplane over the Crater Lakes District and the volcanic rift of Mt. Tarawera. Continue south via Waimangu and Waiotapu Thermal Areas to land at the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako. Transfer by boat across the lake to explore the bubbling hot springs, gushing geysers and natural beauty of this hidden geothermal wonderland. On return we take a Jet boat ride on the largest river in the country the Waikato. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush farmland passing boiling Mud pools. Today we stay at the nearby Lake Taupo, the largest Lake in this country on the way we stop at the Huka Falls - these spectacular falls roar through a 15-m wide chasm before plunging a further 11-m. You have the late afternoon to explore the township with its many shops and modern coffee places. Other wise you can relax in a geothermal hot pool on the beach or just scroll around the lake edges. Accommodation: Taupo

Day 3: Taupo (Day trip to the Kaimanawa Forest Park-ranges, cultural expirience) driving distance 3h return
This takes you on a Māori bush journey back through the ages, as you learn about the land, the history and significance of Māori Kai (food).The day culminates in a delicious Hangi feast using authentic Māori gathering techniques and cooking methods in this great outdoor wilderness. Incorporating elements of the Native Bush and the Native Kitchen experiences. Your personal guide Tom will share traditional knowledge, legends and stories as the day unfolds.From Tamau Pa you have exclusive access to a magnificent native wilderness. This wilderness has remained unchanged for thousands of years. With unspoilt views and breath-taking natural beauty you can explore the tranquil sub-alpine homeland of the Tuwharetoa Iwi (tribe). Take the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna, how the Māori utalised it and how they lived from the land and what Nature provided. The area was used as a trading route for centuries before the Europeans arrived as tribes traded seafood and valuable rocks used to make tools and weapons. Discover the region’s significance to its Ngati Tuwharetoa kaitiaki (tribal caretakers) as you walk the land and learn about the legends and history. Accommodation: Taupo

Day 4: Lake Taupo-Taihape (Volcanic National Park) driving distance 3h
After Breakfast we travel around the edges of the Lake and stop at the remote Lake Rotoaira to get our first spectacular view of the Volcanic Plateau and Mount Tongariro. We reach the park ranges, which include wildly differing landscape and scenery: from deserts to vast areas of tussock land, mountain beech forests and wetlands, all with a mix of native flora and fauna. You will see active volcanic craters, natural springs, and valleys filled with jagged lava flows. Driving through the National Park area, which is a World Heritage Site, you will get superb views at the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. We take you near the top of Mount Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest mountain (2797 meters); by midday we drive deeper into farming country to the remote Mokai Valley, where the picturesque Rangitikei River meets the rugged Ruahine Ranges. Accommodation: Mokai Valley

Day 5: Taihape (Remote Farms-stay,  Soft Water Rafting in a remote canon and option to bungy jump and experience the largest flying fox in the world)
Relax in the morning, swim in the pool or take a 4wheel drive with the hosts through their farm property. At midday we take you near our accommodation on a 4 hours soft rafting trip through the gentle rapids and the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River. We pass secret waterfalls and unbelievable scenery you will float quietly through Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings) and pass scenes from the Movie. Here you can stop for a fish, a swim or have a picnic. Experience the largest flying fox in the world or take a bundgy jump of a 80m bridge. (Optional and extra charge) In the evening unwind and relax with a home cooked dinner at this magic place. Just before settle back in your retreat, take a soak in a hot pool, which overlooks this remote valley. Accommodation: Mokai Valley   

Day 6: Taihape-Wellington–Marlborough Sounds  (Ferry Crossing, Water Taxi) ferry crossing 3,5h
We drive via the West Coast of the North Island to the Waikanae region. This area has adopted the name of the “Gold Coast”. In the afternoon we encroach on New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. After midday we board a ferry to cross the Cook Strait encounter a glorious world as the ferry enters the Marlborough Sounds, from the Tory Channel into the Queen Charlotte Sound. You will discover a region of myriad inlets and bay's with dramatic hills that plunge steeply into the sea. The steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays of the sounds are sparsely populated, as access is difficult. Many of the small settlements and isolated houses are only accessible by boat. The main large port is Picton on the mainland, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. The Queen Charlotte Track runs almost the entire length of New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Sound. From here we travel with a water taxi to a small unique remote beach in the Marlborough Sounds. Accommodation: Marlborough Sounds   

Day 7: Marlborough Sounds (Float Plane to D'Urvville Island, Fishing trip on private yacht)
The steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays of the sounds are sparsely populated, as access is difficult. Many of the small settlements and isolated houses are only accessible by boat.  In the morning take a float plane flight from the resort to the most kept secret and fly to D”Urvville Island. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and waterfront dining in this peaceful and tranquil place. The pilot will take you back to your resort from where we have organised a cruise on a Yacht for the afternoon. Take trip back to the golden age of the pleasure motor yacht. The good ship Faith has been meticulously maintained and upgraded to combine a nostalgic experience with modern facilities. Designed and built for the Mediterranean, she is perfect for exploring the bays and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds.
Accommodation: Marlborough Sounds

Day 8: Marlborough Sounds–Kaikoura (Wine tasting, Whale-watch, seal colonies) driving distance 2h
From Picton, we enter the sun-drenched wine region, New Zealand’s pre-eminent grape-growing area. Blenheim is the main town in the region of New Zealand. Its lovely sunny climate makes Blenheim an ideal wine growing region. Leaving the wine area you travel along the East Coast of New Zealand. We pass over the arid, rolling foothills of South Marlborough, we drop down to the dramatic Pacific Coastline. By early afternoon we reach the small seaside town of Kaikoura which is nestled on a rugged peninsula on the East Coast and is backed by the breathtaking Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura; - living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. Fur seals, once almost hunted to extinction are now plentiful here, resting on warm rocks after a nights fishing. Walk among these creatures at this unique beach and watch our native Seabirds, also enjoying the rich sea harvest. In the late afternoon join a whale watching cruise at the beautiful coastline of the South Island. (This excursion is subject to weather and lighting conditions–optional and extra charges). Accommodation: Kaikoura

Day 09: Kaikoura-West Coast (Underwater cave rafting/tubing, Wilderness Lodge) driving distance 4h
From the small but charming town of Kaikoura, your journey will take you across the alpine mountains into the small alpine settlement of Hanmer Springs.  Today your day has an interesting flavour of mountains, and native flora and fauna, as you travel through the rugged terrain that divides the east from the west. Taking the Lewis Pass over to the west coast of New Zealand, and upon reaching Reefton your tour then takes you south toward to Westport, the northern gateway to the “Wild West”. From Westport your journey winds its way through the western slopes of the west coast which displays a series magnificent mountain ranges, and native New Zealand vegetation. Take an exciting half day underworld rafting trip into remote caves. In the lower active levels of the Cave, you meet up with a slow moving underground river on which you float in your tube using only the natural light of a simply awe inspiring display of glow worms for navigation. Your tonight’s lodge is near Punakaiki, we're an ideal base for exploring all the Northern West Coast has to offer. Accommodation: West Coast 

Day 10: West Coast–Franz Josef Glacier (Pancake Rocks, White Heron Sanctuary and Glacier area) driving distance 4h
We stop at Punakaiki the jewel of the West Coast, Punakaiki is world renowned for its pancake rock formation and blowholes. Walk with us along some of the stunning and remote beach treks, though a dense rainforest with Nikau Palms and large ferns. We follow the winding road along one of the most stunning coastal drives in the country. Pass the township of Greymouth and Hokitika; know both for gold and coal mining in New Zealand. After midday we take a jet boat ride to a rare white heron sanctuary. The Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve is a sanctuary to most of the bird life that you will see in the South West Heritage Area. The pristine rainforest, predominantly Kahikatea, stands tall, and shows off it's untouched beauty. Your day’s itinerary will end in the tiny settlement Fox Glacier just 25km from Franz Josef Glacier. Both Glaciers are located 25 km from each other and are unique in the world as they seem to nearly reach the ocean.  Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier   

Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier-Lake Wanaka (Rainforest, remote waterfalls and alpine country) driving distance 4h
An interesting day of scenic opportunities experiencing the untamed beauty of the native New Zealand flora and fauna, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. This day gives you the opportunity see large crystal clear streams and waterfalls and it also takes you through the South Westland region to one of our World Heritage Parks Mt Aspiring National Park this area is a vast, glacial sculpted wilderness. As you exit Mt Aspiring National Park you will travel through what is known as “The Neck” a formation of land that separates two of our great South Island lakes Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Wanaka is a new and modern Alpine resort and mostly visited by us New Zealanders. You will have the afternoon off to enjoy the scenery, go shopping or play golf. Accommodation: Wanaka 

Day 12: Wanaka  Wanaka – (Half day hike to Rob Roy Glacier) driving distance 2h return
As braided river valleys, native beach forests and lush alpine meadows give way to the dramatic glaciated Southern Alps, the pure beauty of the scenery pushes daily pressures a million miles away. Part of Te Wahipounamu - Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, Mt Aspiring National Park is an area of unrivalled natural beauty and host to hundreds of hiking tracks, rock climbing routes and trout fishing rivers, all within easy reach of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. At its heart is Mt Aspiring, the park’s highest mountain at 3,027m and known to early Maori as ‘Tititea’ or ‘glistening peak’. Since the age of mountaineering began in New Zealand it’s been a draw card for climbers the world over. Today you hike to the majestic Rob Roy Glacier and picnic by a cascading waterfall with native alpine parrots for company, while listening to the cracks of the hanging glacier high overhead. The track is an ideal entry point to Mt Aspiring National Park - an area of spectacular alpine scenery, snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. A one hour drive from Wanaka brings you to the Raspberry Creek car-park. After a 15 minute valley walk you cross the West Matukituki River into beech forest as the track climbs through a small gorge along the Rob Roy Stream, then into alpine vegetation at the head of the valley, with good views of the Rob Roy Glacier. Accommodation: Wanaka

Day 13: Wanaka-Te Anau (Wine-tour, Fiordland National Park) drivng distance 3h
Central Otago is New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region and also it’s most scenic. Take the time to explore these incredible vineyards set in small micro-climates in a landscape dominated by high snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad slopes. Travel to Cromwell and Bannockburn, the heart of Pinot Noir country, and depending on your personal tastes, we will guide you to a selection of boutique wineries. At some stage of the wine tour we suggest a stop for relaxing lunch at one of the wineries. Visit the surrounding areas to Arthur's Point it's on to Coronet Peak for more spectacular views of Queenstown, to your next stop in Arrowtown, a historic colonial village that takes you back into the Gold Mining days of the Otago region. From there journey takes you pass the Eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau. Here you will be visiting one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. The extraordinary scenic beauty has earned this region a reputation as a significant sightseeing and walking destination, and a 'Must See' for anyone travelling to New Zealand. We highly recommend (Optional and extra charge)!  By Helicopter: Experience scenery on an epic scale in the Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's very own land of sheer granite mountains, with spectacular fiords reaching ever inland. A premier experience! You will journey south over Lake Manapouri and across the Main Divide to the remote southern fiords. Over-fly the small scattered islands that are unique to Dusky Sound, before heading north to the Doubtful Sounds. Take a spectacular journey past hidden alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and lush native forest to Doubtful Sound. In the heart of the Fiordland National Park we have found a pristine spot, hidden from the rest of the world, for you to enjoy a wilderness landing. After 1 hour you heading further north to view 2 more sounds and returning via the South Arm of Lake Te Anau. (Very Weather dependant). Accommodation: Te Anau

Day 14: Te Anau (Day trip to Milford Sounds, Encounter cruise) driving distance 4h return
We are heading for the spectacular Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world” which was carved out during successive ice ages and, at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 meters. The awesome splendour of this region is unsurpassed anywhere else in the World, a daring claim in a country which offers extraordinary beauty around every corner. Getting there is half of the experience; we take you through the Fiordland National Park, pass staggeringly beautiful valleys, lakes and creeks. If the time allows we will stop at the” Mirror Lakes”, before entering the narrow and dark 1km long Homer Tunnel. We take you on a day cruise into the magnificent wonder-world of the Milford Sound.  You may encounter Kea’s, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrots and we stop and explore some of nature’s wonders on the way. At Milford we board a vessel and cruise on the Fiord through sheer cliffs covered with vegetation that plunges into the sea. View the Bowen Falls, hurtling 165 meters into the sea, and the Stirling Falls further down the sound, set amidst the towering cliffs and dwarfed by Mitre Peak. On the way back we take a board walk into the “Chasm” to see surreal, water-hewn rock sculptures. Accommodation: Te Anau 

Day 15: Te Anau-Queenstown departure driving distance 2h
Your guide will take you to the airport in Queenstown for your departing flight.

Prices:
We are specialized in custom made tours for the desiring traveller. Each tour package will be tailored to your specific needs. Individual choices of accommodation style and the amount of activities you anticipate in will reflect on the general overall cost of the tour. Please make an enquiry.

Accommodation:
We use quality accommodations which are handpicked and have great hosts and are located in beautiful locations. All rooms are modern with private on suites or bathrooms! If you decide on 5 Star travel that we will offer you the best boutique lodging that New Zealand has to offer.

Dining:
We have decided not to include lunches and most dinners in the package (Exceptions’: Wilderness and Farm-stays and superior Lodges are inclusive private dinners), as we believe that each individual has different needs and tastes and that New Zealand had great restaurants in each area, that are within reach. It also allows you to choose places to your own budget. Your guide will advise you in each area about your best options. Special dietary needs can be catered for.

Activities:
We pride ourselves on a wide range of activities in your tour package. We chosen those that we feel will enhance your New Zealand experiences. You can participate in as many or as few as you like. If you are unable to participate in any activity or there are weather restrictions, alternatives will be provided where possible. Please check our activity list on 'Links' site

Transport:
All our vehicles are comfortable, luxury sedans (max 4 people) or luxury vans (max 8 people).

Support:
You will receive detailed pre-trip information. Including passport and visa requirements, packing tips and general travel information for New Zealand!
We have professional office staff to help you plan every aspect of your trip inside of New Zealand.