Nature and Wildlife Discovery Itinerary

Haere Mai and Welcome to the 'City of Sails'

Relax, you are officially on holiday! We have arranged for you to be met and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to do as you please. There is plenty to see and do in Auckland. New Zealand’s largest city is located between two large harbours and 48 extinct volcanic cones scattered over the city are evidence of it's volanic past. They also provide a perfect location for viewing the city! A diversely cultural place, Auckland is a great location for marine adventures, wine tasting, forest walks and urban sophistication.

Suggested activity options if you have time:

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Depart Auckland this morning and travel through lush farmland to Matamata. Take a guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located on a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep and beef farm. Here, the village of Hobbiton was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies.

During your guided tour you will see sights such as Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and you will learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Green Dragon Inn.

At the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead.

After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.

Accommodation Rotorua - 2 Nights

This morning you will join a small group tour to discover Rotorua's most famous natural geothermal parks and thermal hot pools.

Experience Rotorua's famous geothermal activity with a tour Wai-O-Tapu's colourful hot springs. You will also see Then see the Lady Knox geyser erupt at 10:15 am. This unique geyser can reach up to heights of 10-20 meters. Next up is a visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you will learn about the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park. 

Māori Cultural Experience
The Mitai Maori Village offers you an authentic introduction to Māori culture this evening. This indigenous cultural experience incorporates a traditional hangi meal, cultural performance, warrior canoe and sacred freshwater spring.

This morning you will continue by coach south to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Road past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. You will continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. Your arrival in Wellington will be in the late afternoon. 

Accommodation Wellington - 1 Night

This morning you will take the ferry from Wellington to Picton.

Once arrived in Picton you can enjoy a ride on the Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch. Winding down the rugged East Coast of the South Island, the Coastal Pacific showcases both towering mountains and surging ocean. Travelling between Picton – located at the tip of the South Island - and the city of Christchurch, this very special train journey makes a magnificent addition to any New Zealand holiday.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Depart Christchurch and head south through the seaside town of Timaru and onto Oamaru known for their creamy limestone buildings. Pass Moeraki Beach where rounded boulders are embedded in the sand. The arrival in Dunedin will be in the early afternoon. Majestic Victorian architecture dots the city centre, but one of the main attractions is the rare wildlife that lives here. Dunedin is home to rare yellow-eyed penguins as well as the world’s only accessible mainland colony of Northern Royal Albatross. These princely ocean adventurers are thrilling to see up-close. Experience Dunedin your way with an afternoon of free time.

Today you will tour the beautiful Otago Peninsula with a focus on wildlife. Visit a private conservation area that will give you fantastic opportunities to photograph Hooker's Sea lions, Yellow-eyed Penguins,  Blue Penguins, a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals and other sea bird colonies. 

Enjoy a fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the New Zealand Furseals play and swim near their breeding colonies, out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

The Otago Peninsula was described by the internationally-acclaimed environmentalist Dr David Bellamy as “the finest example of eco-tourism in the world."

Board your Intercity coach to Queenstown today. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, Queenstown is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination. Offering a wealth of experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities through to superb golf, gourmet food, and wine tours or romantic hot air ballooning.

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

No visit to New Zealand is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder of the World": Milford Sound. today you will head on a return full day coach/cruise/coach day trip to see this magical part of the world.

The Milford Road takes you from Te Anau to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic drives on the planet. A glorious labyrinth of soaring peaks is punctuated by unspoiled rainforest, plunging valleys, azure lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers. Keep a lookout for our cheeky alpine parrot, the Kea. These super-intelligent and mischievous birds are a delight to see in the wild.

Arriving in Milford, you will board your purpose-built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound, dwarfed by towering cliffs and waterfalls all around you. The onboard nature guide will tell you all about the seals, penguins, and dolphins who frequently visit this mesmerising location. Return back to Queenstown this evening.

Wildlife to watch out for: Bottlenose, Dusky and Hector's Dolphins, Whio (blue duck), NZ Fur Seal, Little Blue Penguin, Fiordland Crested Penguin, Kea, Oystercatcher, Sooty Shearwater

Today you will board the TSS Earnslaw. Enjoy a scenic cruise from Queenstown, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. A delicious BBQ Lunch will be served on the sun terrace at the Colonels Homestead. When you returned to Queenstown you will have some free time to explore the city. 

Recommended Queenstown excursions if you have time:

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

It is time to say goodbye. Today you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport in time for your onward flight.

There maybe time for some last minute excursions or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight. We are sure you will enjoy your New Zealand short break holiday, our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with plenty of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon.