The Full Monty - South to North Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to New Zealand!

Welcome to Christchurch New Zealand’s Garden City.  A transfer has been arranged from the airport to your hotel in Christchurch. After you check-in, head out and explore Christchurch.

Step back in time to a grand era of transport and relax as the Christchurch Tram takes you around the 'must-see' central attractions. The tram drivers provide a live commentary throughout the loop, identifying points of interest, historic architecture and the changes the city is under-going since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

If time allows today you might like to take a tram tour around the city, ride on the Christchurch Gondola, or sit back and relax as you go punting along the Avon River.

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 here collect your car and drive to Punakaiki.

Check out the famous Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki. Nowhere have the effects of Tasman Sea heaving swells had such a dramatic effect on the West Coast landscape than at the beautiful seaside village of Punakaiki. These rocks are a truly remarkable piece of natural sculpture that have been created when a series of stratified limestone stacks have been eroded over thousands of years to give the effect of large piles of Stacked Pancakes. Another prominent feature are the blowholes that at high tide force columns of spray high out of these holes with a bone shaking roar.

Approximate Distance: 50 kms | 31 miles  Total Driving Time: 45 mins

Accommodation: Punakaiki - 1 Night

Today drive from Punakaiki to the Franz Josef Village – and here, you’re in for a real treat. The Franz Josef Glacier tumbles down from the Southern Alps almost to the sea, its ancient icy faces contrasting spectacularly with the surrounding rainforests. Stay 2 nights in Glacier Country.

Approximate Distance: 220 kms | 136 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Today is a free day to explore the region around Franz Josef. You are 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! 

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:

Continue your journey and travel along the rugged West Coast Road and over the Haast Pass. Discover the rich alpine rainforest, as you journey through this historic region. Behind the Gates of Haast is a lost world that’s so spectacular and remote UNESCO designated it a World Heritage area. After this breathtaking drive you will arrive in the lakeside city of Wanaka, where you will stay for the next two nights.

Approximate Distance: 285 kms | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Wanaka - 2 Nights

A compelling mix of spectacular alpine scenery, fine food and wine and boutique shopping, the lakeside resort town of Wanaka is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most wild and beautiful places. On the doorstep of the very 'Inspiring' Mount Aspiring National Park, Spectacular walks & hikes, skiing, water sports and boating options are available here delight those passionate about the outdoors. Wanaka is a destination that’s charming in all seasons. Staying around town is just as enjoyable; delight in the many delicious eateries and bustling pubs and enjoy a stroll on the lakeside walkway or a swim in the refreshing waters. 

Today you will make your way from Wanaka to Queenstown. Travelling through the Crown Range, there will be a possibility to enjoy some unique views en route. There is a bounty of vineyards, cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the wider district of Queenstown, Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Queenstown and part of its charm is the array of less hectic quality activities on offer – but if interested Queenstown is home to the ultimate adventure bucket list!

Approximate Distance: 70 kms | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

This morning, you will drive by coach to Milford Sound. With camera batteries fully charged, you set out on an unforgettable journey into a World Heritage Site of absolute majesty. 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. 

The light at the end of the Homer Tunnel marks the final reaches of this amazing roadway and our arrival at Milford Sound. Following a boat cruise of the sound, you will understand why this place was once described as the '8th natural wonder of the world'. From the spectacular scenes of Milford Sound, you will travel back by coach to Queenstown. 

Today is fully at your disposal and a great opportunity to discover Queenstown at your own pace. From thrills to relaxed sightseeing; the lakeside town offers something for everyone.

If you want to enjoy spectacular scenic views, you can sit back and relax in the Skyline Queenstown Gondola (cost of Gondola included). The steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the must-do activities in Queenstown. 

Recommended excursions in Queenstown:

Todays journey takes you from the dry-land region of Central Otago to eastern costal climate.

Say goodbye to the tussock covered schist Block Mountains of the Central Otago dry lands and leave hilly country and winding river valleys behind. The vegetation will begin to change, while you cross the farmlands of the Taieri Plains and arrive at todays destination: Dunedin. The name comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. Dunedin is regarded as one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the Commonwealth. 

Approximate Distance: 285kms | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Today cruise the length of the Otago Harbour. Experience an unforgettable half day cruise and peninsula tour and explore Careys Bay historic fishing village, Port Chalmers’ busy wharves and the harbour’s beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forest. Enjoy Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the NZ 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.

Leave the east coast and drive into the centre of the south island. Arrive at Mount Cook National Park. 

New Zealand's Mt Cook National Park is known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to our highest mountain, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park.

Approximate Distance: 320 kms | 198 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

Enjoy a full day in the Mount Cook National Park. Start your day with a walk up the beautiful Hooker Valley, providing breathtaking views of some of New Zealand's highest and most enthralling peaks. Enjoy a stunning 11 km (6.8 mile) trek along over mostly flat terrain (there are some rocky bits) to the terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier. The journey encompasses an Alpine Memorial and passes over the turbulent Hooker River by Sswing bridge to unsurpassed vistas of Aoraki Mount Cook's south face and the surrounding glaciers. Take in the unique features of this alpine world in the shadow of New Zealand's and Oceania's highest peak, standing at 3,754 metres (12,316 feet).

Today continue your journey to Christchurch. You will pass by the charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd', which sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable. After enjoying these amazing sceneries you will continue to your final destination of the day - Christchurch. 

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 206 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Today, you leave the garden city and head up the rocky shoreline to Kaikoura. The Kaikoura peninsula has a mild microclimate and is overlooked by majestic snowcapped mountains. This unique proximity of ocean and mountain range offers a host of eco-tourism oriented activities, including whale watching, dolphin and seal swimming, kayaking, fishing and hiking.

This afternoon we have included a whale watch cruise for you. 

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night

Today drive to Blenheim. Blenheim is situated in the Marlborough Region, on the north east corner of the South Island, due west of Wellington city. Blenheim's attractions include its wine industry, the Marlborough Sounds, gourmet foods and adventurous activities. For centuries Blenheim has offered safe harbour to travellers sailing to the spectacular South Island: first the Maori traders and war parties; then explorers like Captain James Cook and Dumont d’Urville; and now, to visitors seeking a retreat from city pressures, as they discover the unspoilt haven and foodie heaven that is Marlborough today.

Approximate Distance: 130 kms | 81 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Blenheim - 1 Night

From Blenheim your journey continues to Nelson. Nelson has a large creative community of working artists that gives the town a laid-back, bohemian feel. Passionate wine makers and craft beer brewers in the area mean that sitting in the sun with the tipple of your choice is a lovely way to enjoy the town centre.

Receiving some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, the Nelson district it the perfect destination to visit year round. Located in the North-West corner of New Zealand, the Nelson region is surrounded by sheltered mountain ranges, golden beaches, national parks and boutique wineries and breweries. From Nelson, it’s easy to access any of three distinctly different National Parks.

Approximate Distance: 125 kms | 78 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 Nights

Today you have a choice of a full Scenic Cruise or a cruise and walk from Marahau along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline. Abel Tasman National Park is our country's smallest national park. It protects 23,000 hectares of the most natural stretch of easily accessible coastline in New Zealand. The coastline is characterised by islands just offshore, sheltered waters, estuaries and golden, sandy beaches. Lie on a beach, or even go for a swim if the weather is warm. The park is sheltered from ocean swells, and enjoys a mild climate. After your cruise or walk we return to Nelson.

Return your rental vehicle and leave the sunny city of Nelson with a flight to Wellington where you will collect your next rental vehicle on arrival.

Embraced by a natural amphitheatre of ocean and hill, Wellington merges big city culture with small town charm. A lively energy pulses through what is celebrated as New Zealand’s arts, film, coffee, culinary, craft beer, events and political capital.

Wellington is also known as a socially and environmentally conscious city. Declared nuclear weapon free over 30 years ago in 1982, it was also the first capital city in the southern hemisphere to gain Fair Trade status, and is home to the world-leading Zealandia sanctuary.

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets. The Museum of New Zealand 'Te Papa' is full of national treasures and sits beside the water in the downtown area of the city centre - well worth a visit. Wellington is also famous for having some the New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world class. Culture, cuisine and scenic beauty abound in New Zealand’s iconic capital.

Some suggestions to enhance your stay in Wellington:

Leaving the capital you are soon travelling through rolling farm land as you travel into the rural heartland of the Waiarapa region. Stop at historic Greytown to view excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture. The village has a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants making it one of New Zealand’s premier shopping destinations.

Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco- the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area.  Napier is the world’s finest example of the Art Deco age and your guide will bring Napier's fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre. 

Approximate Distance: 325 kms | 202 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

The Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand's premier wine producing regions. It is a veritable treasure trove of vineyards, offering wines of superlative quality, many of which have won both national and international acclaim.

Join a fun filled wine tasting afternoon in the sun driving through absolutely stunning scenery. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of this regions fantastic wine. We will visit four to five wineries and enjoy a cheese platter in the grounds of Ngatarawa Vineyard beside the lily pond. You will taste around 30 different wines including the main varieties, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Pinot Gris, Viognier and the lesser known aromatics such as Gewurztraminer and Riesling.

Depart Napier and travel to Taupo. Lake Taupo is the southern hemisphere's largest crater lake (in fact, it is the size of Singapore!) and the Taupo Eruption (also known as the Hatepe eruption) that occurred about 1,800 years ago, represents the most violent eruption in the world in the last 5,000 years. View the mighty Huka Falls and the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland before arriving at the thermal resort of Rotorua.

Approximate Distance: 220 kms | 137 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Discover the heart of Maori culture in New Zealand at Te Puia. This is also one of the most geothermally active environments in the country and Te Puia's 70 hectare park in the beautiful Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is right in the heart of the action. Restless forces boil to the surface in the enchanting, superheated mud pools and hot springs and geysers gush hot steam and water in spectacular fashion. The famous Pohutu Geyser erupts approximately every 20 minutes and bursts reach heights of 30m (100ft). Silica terraces, native bush and birdlife and a wonderful insight into Maori culture and tradition rounds off a fascinating and memorable experience.

In the evening, you will experience an entertaining Maori Cultural Performance. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal steamed under ground. During the cultural performance, you'll learn about the Maoris past, see their carvings and ta moko (tattoo art).

An exciting day awaits this morning. Journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys, bluebells, and the Green Dragon Inn. Visit Bag End as well as the other 43 Hobbit Holes on this fully guided 2.5hr Hobbiton tour. Learn about the production of the movies – how did they make Gandalf appear so tall? Why was this exact site chosen to build Hobbiton? The passion and knowledge gleaned from your guide brings this authentic Middle-earth experience to life.

On to Pauanui beach in the beautiful Coromandel, a favourite New Zealand holiday beach resort for our overnight stay.

Approximate Distance: 235 kms | 146 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Coromandel - 2 Nights

The Coromandel is a renowned outdoor heaven where rugged terrain meets idyllic coastline. These natural features provide inspiration for the creative works and unique attractions hidden around every corner. The laid back culture, locally known as ‘Coromandel time’, encourages a relaxed atmosphere that is better understood once experienced. Have a relaxing day to choose to do as much or as little as you wish.

Recommended excursions in and around the Coromandel:

Leave the beautiful nature of the Coromandel Peninsula behind and head to New Zealands biggest city - Auckland.

The city of Auckland is situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Some activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

A three-hour drive north following the beautiful Hibiscus Coast, you arrive in Paihia, the touristic centre of the Bay of Islands. The ‘Bay’ encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. Many of the islands here have walking tracks and have regular ferry’s to get you there. On land, enjoy beautiful river and seaside walking tracks or encounter the mighty Kauri Tree in pristine subtropical rainforest.

Approximate Distance: 228 kms | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 

Accommodation: Paihia - 2 Nights

Enjoy your day in the Bay of islands and board the Hole in the Rock scenic Cruise. See the historic Cape Brett lighthouse, as you explore some of the 144 islands in the bay. Spot some dolphins and other wildlife of the Bay. Skip through the majestic Hole in the Rock and take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before returning to the inner islands of the Bay. 

Northland is one of the narrowest spots in the whole North Island, which makes it an easy drive from the Bay of islands to Hokianga, on the 'other side'.

Meet the 'The Father of the Forest' - Twilight Encounter Tour
The spiritual environment of the Waipoua Forest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world, some estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old. 'Step into our World' and let our local guides take you on a memorable journey through nature's stages of evolution, whilst providing a mythological and interactive interpretation of life in the forest.

Approximate Distance: 75 km | 47 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Hokianga - 1 Night

Head back to the 'City of Sails', simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland. Afterwards, we suggest you head down to the viaduct to spend your last evening in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Activity and sightseeing options if you have time:

Approximate Distance: 280 kms | 174 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Auckland Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.