New Zealand's Hidden Gems
Summary
Get off the beaten track in New Zealand! Perfect for first timers who want to do something different, or return visitors, this trip will show you the beautiful, wild scenery of the South Island.
From the captivating Catlins, to wild kiwi spotting in Stewart Island and exploring up the windswept west coast, you'll enjoy some of Aotearoa's most stunning sights. You'll stay in boutique and unique properties, from a private lodge on a working farm, to a rainforest tree hut in Glacier Country. We've included some of our favourite experiences but you'll have plenty of free time to explore.
Best of all, this is a totally customisable trip! Just let us know what you want to tweak and we can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Reach out to our friendly experts.
We're here to help with flights, transfers, or any other inquiries you may have.
PetraSenior Travel ExpertMap
Outbound flight from the UK
Day 1: Arrive in AotearoaArrival Day
Pick up your car hire (all insurance included) for the quick drive to your first accommodation. You'll be staying in the heart of Queenstown, walking distance from shops and restaurants. Perfect for gently walking off the jetlag along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and gently immersing yourself in Kiwi culture.
Accommodation: Browns Boutique Hotel
Included Activity: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining
Day 2: Queenstown
Spend the day exploring Queenstown, adventure capital of New Zealand.
In the evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you can enjoy an amazing buffet of local and homegrown produce before taking in a demonstration of their farm dogs in action.
Accommodation: Browns Boutique Hotel
Included Activity: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining
Day 3: The Catlins
Today you'll be getting away from it all and heading into the Catlins, getting off the tourist trail and immersing yourself in this wild, wooded corner of the South Island.
It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive down to meet your hosts. They'll then transfer you to your accommodation in a covered, comfortable ATV for the off-road journey across a working farm to your cosy lodge. For two nights you can relax in nature, go for walks, explore the local area (your hosts can transfer you back to your car any time, with a couple of hours notice), book a massage in your lodge or enjoy the outdoor hot tub and brazier fire.
You can choose to self-cater, or your hosts can also provide food options with at least 7 days notice. Your room rate includes food for a tasty continental breakfast.
Accommodation: Beresford Heights
Day 4: The Catlins
Enjoy another day of relaxation and nature in this stunning corner of New Zealand.
Accommodation: Beresford Heights
Day 5: Island Life
A two hour drive will take you to Bluff where you can park up at the ferry terminal and hop onto the Stewart Island ferry to cross the Foveaux Strait. Keep your eyes peeled for albatross and other wildlife. Stewart Island Lodge will pick you up on arrival.
Stewart Island is a paradise for bird spotters and the perfect place to see the icon of New Zealand, the Kiwi, in the wild. After sunset you'll head out from Oban Township and take a short drive into Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve to search out these famous birds.
Accommodation: Stewart Island Lodge Note: The lodge is open from September to May. Children under 12 are not permitted.
Included activity: Evening kiwi spotting tour
Day 6: Stewart Island
You have a free day on Stewart Island.. There's so much to do, from kayaking, fishing and bird spotting, to relaxing on the deck at your lodge and enjoying the views of the bay. Take a short walk into Oban village and spend the evening star gazing in this Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 7: Dunedin
Next stop: Dunedin.
The 'Edinburgh of the South', you can enjoy Scottish heritage in this town very far away from its origins. You'll travel back in time with the stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture - check out the famous Larnach Castle and gardens. It's also another fantastic wildlife hub, home to the Royal Albatross Centre and with chances to spot penguins, fur seals and sea lions. You can also enjoy the local pubs and take a tour of the historic Speights Bewery.
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin
Day 8: Dunedin to Wanaka
An easy drive across from Dunedin, Wanaka is a hub for walks and lake activities in the summer, and ski and snowboarding in winter. For those brave enough, book a skydive and take in the views of six lakes, glaciers and the Clutha River before leaping from a plane at 15,000 feet.
Accommodation: 4* Edgewater Resort
Day 9: Wanaka to Franz Josef
Head up the west coast to Glacier Country. Stay in a Deluxe Tree Hut amongst the rainforest, but still just a short walk from local restaurants and shops. Your lodging is stylish and modern, with kitchenette, Nespresso machine and a deck area from which to enjoy the incredible scenery.
Accommodation: Rainforest, Franz Josef
Day 10: Glacier Country
There's so much to do here. You could take a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, or for those more adventurous why not fly up to Franz Josef Glacier and embark on a 2 hour guided hike amongst the ice formations and pinnacles? For those who prefer an easier pace, there are also more gentle walks through the bush to get those amazing photos.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Rainforest Retreat
Day 11: Franz Josef to Punakaiki
Punakaiki is famous for the pancake rocks, cliffs and ravines with hundreds of horizontal slices along their vertical faces - giving the appearance of a stack of pancakes. You can also visit the Paparoa Experience, which blends Maori culture with history and geology to give an immersive insight into the history of the Paparoa National Park.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Day 12: Punakaiki to Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri is a great base for exploring the Abel Tasman National Park. This is a real hidden gem, with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, a complete contrast to the wildness of the west coast. For those who love the water, getting around by kayak or water taxi is popular in order to explore this area fully. There are plenty of options when it comes to kayaking and walking tours. In fact, for keen walkers, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks (must be booked in advance).
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort, Kaiteriteri
Day 13: Abel Tasman National Park
Today you'll cruise from Kaiteriteri through the Tonga Island Marina Reserve to Awaroa. The beach here is formed of stunning golden sand fringed with native forest. It's a beautiful spot for relaxation, or you can choose to hike through the forest to Tonga Quarry to pick up your return sea shuttle.
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Day 14: Kaiteriteri to Marlborough Sounds
Your last stop is the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Leave the car at Picton and catch the Cougar Line boat for a scenic journey to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Punga Cove Resort
Days 15-16: Punga Cove
Kick back and enjoy your last full day in New Zealand.
Return flight to the UK
This itinerary can be fully customised to your preferences. Our specialists will work with you to create your perfect experience.
Browns Boutique Hotel
Browns Boutique Hotel is a charming European styled boutique hotel that combines both bed and breakfast with genuine New Zealand hospitality and is the perfect Queenstown accommodation for your next vacation, short break, ski or family holiday. Superbly situated in a quiet, central Queenstown location just three minutes walk to the shops and restaurants. At Browns Boutique Hotel whatever the season you will love the stunning views of the town, lake and mountains or take time to enjoy a quiet sunny moment on the private outdoor patio with open fire and dramatic alpine backdrop.
Facilities
- Plug adaptor
- Fan
- Individually adjustable heating
- Balcony
- Wheelchair-accessible
- Mobile phone coverage
- Valet parking
- Room service
- 24-hour security
- Alarm clock
- CD player
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Year of most recent renovation
- Luggage room
- Café
- Non-smoking area
- Breakfast room
- Mini fridge
- Carpeted floors
- Safe
- Car park
- Hotel safe
- Garden
- DVD player
- Satellite TV
- Bathrobes
- Toiletries
- Bathroom
- Diners Club
- Double Room
- Electric kettle
- Towels and bed linen
- Printer
- Breakfast
- Continental breakfast
- Breakfast a la carte
- Fridge
- Ironing set
- Central heating
- Terrace
- Pillow menu
- Smoke detector
- Wheelchair-accessible
- Check-out hour
- Airport shuttle
- Laundry service
- Cable TV
- Visa
- Disability-friendly rooms
- Number of floors (main building)
- Year of construction
- Concierge
- Clothes dryer
- BBQ facilities
- Ski storage
- Photocopier
- Breakfast buffet
- Hot breakfast
- Special dietary options
- Adult Only
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Desk
- Check-in hour
- Wifi
- Babysitting service
- Multilingual staff
- Bellboy service
- Fireplace
- Radio
- TV
- Direct dial telephone
- Wi-fi
- Hairdryer
- Shower
- Triple Room
- Terrace
- Newspapers
- Dining area
- Library
- Restaurant
- TV lounge
- Breakfast served to the table
- Non-smoking establishment
Hotel
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Located in City Center, Distinction Dunedin Hotel is a perfect starting point from which to explore Dunedin. The hotel offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. Facilities like 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, daily housekeeping, wheelchair accessible, 24-hour front desk are readily available for you to enjoy. Some of the well-appointed guestrooms feature closet, towels, carpeting, separate living room, television LCD/plasma screen. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities.
All guests 12 years and over are required to be fully vaccinated and validated by the COVID-19 vaccination pass in order to enter the premises, its venues and outlets. This policy will continue to be reviewed in line with the changing government restrictions.
Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Check-in hour
- Wifi
- Bellboy service
- Lift access
- Gym
- Newspapers
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking establishment
- Fitness
- Minibar
- Ironing set
- 24-hour reception
- Check-out hour
- Laundry service
- Smoke detector
- Concierge
- Clothes dryer
- Total number of rooms
- Microwave
- Washing machine
- Hotel safe
- Towels and bed linen
- Bar
- Meeting room
- Wheelchair-accessible
- Valet parking
- Room service
- Luggage room
Hotel
Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Set in a prime location of Motueka, Kimi Ora Eco Resort puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. The hotel offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. To be found at the hotel are free Wi-Fi in all rooms, facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park. Guestrooms are fitted with all the amenities you need for a good night's sleep. In some of the rooms, guests can find television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless (complimentary), whirlpool bathtub, non smoking rooms, air conditioning. Access to the hotel's hot tub, sauna, outdoor pool, indoor pool, spa will further enhance your satisfying stay. Kimi Ora Eco Resort combines warm hospitality with a lovely ambiance to make your stay in Motueka unforgettable.
Facilities
- Wheelchair-accessible
- Luggage room
- Non-smoking area
- Sauna
- Massage
- Table tennis
- Hotel safe
- Garden
- Outdoor freshwater pool
- Sun loungers
- Steam bath
- Hot tub
- Breakfast
- Skiing
- Check-out hour
- Laundry service
- Conference room
- Game room
- Spa centre
- Check-in hour
- Wifi
- Bicycle hire service
- Gym
- Newspapers
- Library
- Restaurant
- Indoor freshwater pool
- Parasols
Hotel
Outbound
Inbound
We partner with leading airlines to source the perfect flights for your trip.
Speak to our experts
Call or email our experts to find out more and help with ideas and planning.
Anna
Petra
Charlotte