New Zealand's Hidden Gems

Days 1-2: Flight to QueenstownArrival Day

Settle in! It's not a quick flight to New Zealand but what better time than to cue up that box set you've been meaning to catch up with?

Day 3: Arrive in Aotearoa

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: 4* Brown's Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 4: 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

Days 5-6: Heading to the south coast

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

Days 7-8: 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 9: 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 10: 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

Days 11-12: Wanaka to Franz Josef

Head up the west coast to Glacier Country. Stay in a Deluxe Tree Lodge amongst the rainforest, but still just a short walk from local restaurants and shops.

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: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

Day 13: 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

Days 14-15: 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

Days 16-17: 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.

There is a choice of land and water-based activities on offer, from hiking and biking, to kayaking, sailing and fishing charters. Kick back and enjoy your last couple of days in New Zealand.

Day 18: Time for home

After taking the boat back to Picton, pick up your car and head south towards Christchurch. If you have time, you may want to add nights along the way, at Kaikoura (for whale watching) or in Christchurch itself, before boarding your flight home.