The New Zealand Scenic Escape 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 volancic 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.

Activity and sightseeing options if time allows:

Accommodation - 1 Night

With an early departure from Auckland you will be travelling to the amazing Hobbiton Movie Set used in the filiming of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. Amazing attention to detail and a tour that will have you truly impressed from start to finish. From here your journey continues to Rotorua.  

Enjoy a guided tour through the spectacular geothermal valley of Te Puia, followed by a visit to the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and Kiwi Bird House where you will see native Kiwi birds. Following the guided tour, commence your Te Po experience with an authentic Maori welcome, enjoy a first class delicious Maori feast and enjoy the incredible illuminated thermal valley where the famous Pohutu Geyser explodes 30m high into the air.

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal wonders, witnessing their deep interconnection. Start with a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s top cultural attraction. Highlights include the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house, and the impressive Pohutu geyser.

Continue to the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and delve further into Maori history and customs. Take a brief visit to Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site. Conclude the day by exploring the serene and picturesque lakes of our stunning volcanic region, with views of Mount Tarawera accompanied by explanations of both volcanic and Maori history.

This morning you will continue 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 - 2 Nights

Enjoy a half-day tour of the Wellington area. After you have been collected from your accommodation the first stop is Mt Victoria to witness the stunning views of Wellington and the harbour below. From here you will follow the coastline to the Weta Cave museum and shop, the showpiece of Peter Jackson's film empire. Your scenic drive then continues around the rugged south coast before you can sit back and enjoy a ride up the famous Cable Car and a walk around the Lady Norwood rose gardens in Wellington Botanical Gardens. Your tour concludes with a visit to The Beehive and Parliament buildings before being dropped off back to your accommodation.

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. After your arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your accommodation. 

Suggested activities in Christchurch if time allows:

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

This morning you will board the TranzAlpine to Greymouth. The TranzAlpine Train, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Greymouth. 

From there you will take a coach to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is in the heart of the Westland National Park, considered to be the most diverse and beautiful areas in New Zealand and the home of the Kea, a protected native parrot that thrives in the chilly environment and is infamous for its inquisitive and often destructive behaviour! 

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Franz Josef village is small (only 500 locals) and is located only ten minutes from the Glacier. The Franz Josef is a glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Together with the Fox Glacier 20 km (13 Miles) to the south, it is a unique in the fact that it descends from the Southern Alps to just 200 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest. The glacier is currently 12 kilometres (8 miles) long and terminates 19 km (11mi) from the Tasman Sea. The glacier exhibits a cyclic pattern of advance and retreat, driven by differences between the volume of meltwater at the foot of the glacier and volume of snowfall feeding the neve.

If you are feeling adventurous take a Glacier Heli Hike and land on the glacier with an experienced guide to explore the towering peaks and ice formations.

Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:

On your coach journey to Queenstown the scenery is impressive all the way. Once over the Haast Pass it changes dramatically as you head into the mountains and bid farewell to the coastline. Continuing up the Haast River into Mount Aspiring National Park and Central Otago (This pass was used by the Maori to trade Poumanu (Greenstone) and food) you follow Lake Hawea nearly all the way through to Wanaka over the Crown Range to Arrowtown and Queenstown. This drive is world class, some of the vistas to watch out for the views of Mount Cook, Bruce Bay, Ship Cove, Haast River/Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools, Lakes Hawea & Wanaka.

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

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:

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 leave Queenstown and continue to Dunedin. 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. Take a wildlife cruise, visit the famous Speights Brewery or enjoy a historic rail experience on the Taieri Gorge Railway.

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

Today we are heading back to Christchurch. Keep your eyes peeled for the perfectly rounded boulders which are embedded in the sand at Moeraki Beach.

If you have time these activities might interest you: 

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

It is time to say goodbye. Today you will be transferred to Christchurch 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.