On this journey, you will be close to but far enough away from the main tourist centres. You will meet locals, experience incredible adventures, and partake in activities that will leave fond memories. You will enjoy a private and friendly journey with us and an authentic New Zealand experience!
Many visitors sadly miss the opportunity to immerse themselves in the actual depth of experience that our little slice of paradise offers. One has to wander off the main highways and venture down meandering country roads to find unique experiences and authentic New Zealand hospitality, where you can get away from the tours and the commonplace attractions and discover what it means to be a Kiwi. Experience authentic New Zealand and become a local.
Day 1: Auckland
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Airport Meet and Greet, transfer to hotel—day at your leisure.
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Unique, quirky and oozing with style, Ponsonby is an inner-city suburb of Auckland located 2 km west of the Auckland CBD. Ponsonby is Auckland's always-on mixing pot of cheap eats, posh nosh, in-your-face art, and world-class shopping that famously banded together to ban the Golden Arches. We're Auckland's urban village, where haute couture turns heads, and over a hundred bars, restaurants, and cafés turn tables to create the kaleidoscopic heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. E
Day 2: Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula
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The Coromandel is known for its pristine beaches, native forests, and laid-back vibe. It offers many activities and attractions, from fishing and diving to hiking and cycling.
- Cathedral Cove is arguably one of the most picturesque spots (and there are many) in The Coromandel. A gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur.
- Dig your natural hot pool metres from the Pacific Ocean at the world-famous Hot Water Beach. Great surf, cafes & art galleries add to this very Kiwi experience.
Day 3: Coromandel - Tauranga - Mount Managanui
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Mount Maunganui - From the base of the volcano Mauao, a white sand surf beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Catch a wave or cruise the many cafes. Mount Maunganui's Main Beach has been crowned the 'Best Beach in New Zealand' by TripAdvisor and ranks among the top 25 best beaches in the world. They are often referred to as the Mount by locals.
- Magical, enchanting, surreal and unforgettable. If any of the above words describe the activity you are looking for, the Glow-worm Kayak Tour is for you. This is a truly unique experience; while you can see glow worms elsewhere in New Zealand and paddle a sea kayak in many places worldwide, this is the only place where the two combine for a magical evening.
Day 4: Tauranga - Rotorua - Taupo
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Meet a local Māori guide connecting guests with the history and culture of the ancient pā sites (fortified
villages), identified by archaeologists as the most prominent location of the best-maintained sites in New Zealand. Travel to Otamataha Pā - site of inter-tribal battle and historic cemetery. Visit the Elms Mission Station, which is iconic for the missionary who brought Christianity to the region and his positive relationship with the local tribes. Discover the Pukehinahina Pā - the site of one of the most significant battles during colonisation and how it had relevance to the world wars in the 1900s.
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Orakei Korako' The Place of Adorning' is a spectacular geothermal attraction. Lonely Planet Travellers Guide writes: "Orakei Korako is arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand.
- Stunningly beautiful, its sapphire waters, world-class trout fishing, and endless water sports opportunities make Lake Taupō a wonderful place to visit.
Day 5: Taupo - Volcanic National Park - Rangitikei River (2-night Farm-stay)
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Centred upon three volcanoes –Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu –Tongariro National Park is home to some of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes.
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One of Tongariro National Park's best short walks is the Taranaki Falls Walk. This easy loop is jam-packed with fascinating natural sights, including Taranaki Falls, which tumble 20 metres into a boulder-ringed pool. The falls plunge over an ancient lava flow formed by the Ruapehu eruption of 15,000 years ago.
- Manawatū is packed with incredible scenery, driving routes, and wildlife. It's no wonder some of the country's most affluent culture and heritage stories come from here. Your farm stay is always looking for help collecting eggs and feeding the chickens, pigs, deer, goats, dogs and puppies, rabbits, possums, sheep, and turtles.
Day 6: Rangitikei Valley River
- Nothing has influenced the Rangitīkei district's landscape more than the mighty Rangitikei River as it has carved its way from its headwaters in the Kaimanawa Range to the Tasman Sea in the south; characters, curiosities and intrepid opportunities lie around every corner of one of New Zealand's longest rivers.
- All the amenities of an urban lifestyle in a relaxed, adventurous & rural community, but without the traffic lights! Culturally diverse, naturally unspoiled, and perfectly positioned for a life of luxury in the slow lane, be a part of New Zealand's best-kept secret and Visit Rangitīkei.
- We are departing from Tarata, rafting through gentle rapids, crystal clear waters, vertical gorges, and unbelievable scenery of the Rangitikei River. We will stop for a Picnic lunch and swim. We will then float quietly through Middle Earth, scenes from the movie Lord of the Rings.
Day 7: Rangitikei River - Wellington
- Wellington, situated at the southern end of the North Island, offers a great mix of art, culture, history, nature and craft beer. Find out more about 'the coolest little capital'. Wander through hidden laneways to discover street art and follow the sculpture walks along Wellington's waterfront.
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Located in central Wellington, the ecosanctuary is home to some of the world's most extraordinary animals. A unique and magical experience, ZEALANDIA is one of the best places to see Kiwis in New Zealand. Over 180 of these remarkable birds live wild and naturally here, so your chances of finding one are good. Also look for glowworms, tuatara, wētā.
Day 8: Wellington – Marlborough Sounds (2 nights)
- On New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough is the largest wine-growing region and home to the world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc. Take a wine tour or explore the Marlborough Sounds.
- Picton is the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. This picturesque port town is home to great cafes, restaurants, galleries, Queen Charlotte Sounds, and specialty shops. Find out more about Picton.
- Cruise on a water taxi from Picton to the end of the Tory Channel to Whekanui Bay. Disembark your vessel at Arapawa Sea Farms, where your hosts, Mike and Antonia Radon, will show you their innovative aquaculture farm.
Day 9: Marlborough Sounds
Day 10: Picton - Kaikoura - Christchurch – Akaroa Peninsula
Day 11: Akaroa - Oamaru
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While Timaru is famous for its woolly sheep and hardy shepherds, this picturesque agricultural region is also packed with boutique hotels, artisan food producers, and sleepy country towns.
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Oamaru, the largest town in the Waitaki District, has a rich history and proud heritage enriched by passionate and perhaps quirky locals. Explore this heritage in the Victorian Precinct, where you will find shops, galleries, and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemisphere's most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th-century architecture.
Day 12: Oamaru – Mt Cook National Park
- Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky.
- Omarama, nestled in a broad basin between mountain ranges, Ōmarama is well known to glider pilots. Come here to soar in the skies and fish in the fast rivers.
- Don’t miss the unique geological attraction, the Clay Cliffs, just north of Ōmarama. You feel dwarfed walking among towering pinnacles and ridges separated by steep ravines. It’s like something straight out of a Western movie.
Day 13: Mt Cook – Clyde
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The Grand Traverse is the “flight of a lifetime”, exploring the incredible world heritage Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. See New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery, from snowy mountain ranges and turquoise lakes to epic glaciers and unique ice fields flowing through West Coast rainforests to the wild Tasman Sea!
- Located on the shores of Lake Dunstan, Cromwell has the appearance of a modern town, but its history stretches back to the gold rush days of the 1800s. This history is best experienced in 'Old Cromwell Town’, a feature attraction for visitors. Today, Cromwell’s primary industry is fruit growing – if you’re here over summer, roadside fruit stalls are a delicious temptation.
- This historic town is located at the foot of a river gorge and is surrounded by rounded hills of schist punctuated with large, craggy standing rocks. Schist is gold-bearing rock, and substantial strikes in the rivers near Clyde sparked a gold rush in the late 1800s.
Day 14: Clyde - Wanaka ( 2 nights)
- Central Otago, on New Zealand's South Island, is known for its wine, cycling, and powerful landscapes. Taste your way around the sunny Pinot Noir vineyards.
- On a half-day self-guided, supported tour, explore the best of Central Otago's natural beauty by bike and experience the fantastic new Lake Dunstan Trail.
- A lively town buzzing with a carefree spirit, Wānaka’s picture-perfect location and easy access to the outdoors make it the ultimate base for your holiday.
Day 15: Wanaka - Mt Aspiring National Park
- Mount Aspiring National Park - Stretch your legs and feed your soul in this beautiful wilderness of native forests, towering mountains and long river valleys.
- A hiker's paradise, Mount Aspiring National Park offers many short walks, mainly concentrated at the end of the park's access roads.
- Jet boat within the World Heritage-listed Mt Aspiring National Park. Experience the ultimate in shallow water jet boating, skimming along in just inches of water on the mighty Wilkin and Makarora Rivers. Learn about the history and geology of the stunning Makarora and Wanaka region with an informative commentary from our experienced drivers.
Day 16: Wanaka - Fiordland National park
- The road along Cardrona Valley can take you to all kinds of active adventures or a great meal at the historic hotel.
- Lake Wakatipu fills a deep valley carved into the mountains by ancient glaciers. Fernhill offers views of an impressive trio -Quewesntown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables. The Dart and Rees Rivers flow into the northern end of Lake Wakatipu; the Kawarau River, beginning near Queenstown, handles its outflow.
- Considered to be New Zealand’s loveliest lake, Lake Manapouri was formed by glacial action during the most recent ice age, around 20,000 years ago.
Day 17: Overnight Doubtful Sounds
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Your Doubtful Sound overnight cruise with Fiordland Expeditions offers you the opportunity to explore a small part of what Fiordland has to offer on an overnight cruise. Having evolved over millions of years, Fiordland, still prehistoric, can offer you the feeling of being isolated and free from the shackles of mankind. No phones, no cars, no sirens. Once you are onboard and the formalities are complete, the captain will lead you off on an adventure to explore the fjord. As you cruise the peaceful waters, you will see incredible vistas. The mountains rise directly from the seafloor to the highest of peaks in near vertical cliff forms, where unexplained trees hang on, and waterfalls cascade from top to bottom.
Day 18: Lake Manaopouri - Glenorchy - Queenstown
- Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu & is the gateway to hiking trails and Middle‑earth™ magic.
- Hidden away in the mountains just west of Queenstown, Moke Lake is a serene body of water surrounded by three golden, tussock-covered peaks – Ben Lomond, Ben More and Mt Hanley. It’s a beautiful spot for swimming, fishing, boating or walking.
- Last day souvenir shopping. Combine quality boutiques, big brands and charming streets with views of soaring mountains and a turquoise-blue lake, and you’ve got Queenstown – one of the country’s most scenically stunning places to go shopping.
Plan Your Tour
