The Grand Kiwi Experience

Itinerary

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  Days 1-2: Time to fly!Arrival Day

  Board your flight to Auckland.

  We can book all the major airlines and can also arrange stopovers complete with hotel, airport transfers and day tours if you wish! Just let us know.

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  Days 3-4: Arrival in Aotearoa

  On arrival take your private transfer into the city centre. Chances are you'll be tired after the long journey so let someone else drive you to your hotel. You'll have a couple of nights in busy Auckland to get rid of the jetlag and explore.

  Accommodation: M Social Hotel

  Optional excursions:

  • Take a small group walking tour of the city, learning about its volcanic origins, Maori legends and key historical events
  • Take the ferry across to Waiheke Island to spend a day exploring its vineyards and olive groves.
  • Scale the Auckland Harbour Bridge for a 360 degree view of the city.
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  Days 5-6: Auckland to Bay of Islands

  Pick up your hire car today. We advise a compact SUV with all inclusive insurance for peace of mind and comfort while on the road.

  It's around 3 1/2 hours to get from Auckland city up to Russell in the Bay of Islands. Picture a seaside town full of historic buildings, cafes, restaurants and art galleries. This is a great base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Our itinerary includes a 2 night stay at New Zealand's first licensed hotel.

  Accommodation: The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

  Included excursion: Day in the Bay Cruise Cruise through the inner islands out to the famous Hole in the Rock, keeping an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife. Spend an hour or so relaxing on the beach or hiring a kayak at Otehei Bay. Cruise back via the unique Black Rocks and historic Marsden Cross.

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  Days 7-8: Russell to Rotorua

  Today is the longest drive you'll do on this trip, heading south to the geothermal area around Rotorua. We recommend an early-ish start so that you can lunch in Hamilton and then fit in the Waitomo Caves before heading into Rotorua.

  You need 2 nights in Rotorua as an absolute minimum, but if you have the time why not add

  Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel

  Included Excursion: Mitai Maori Village Learn about the history of the area through music, the haka and performing arts. You'll enjoy a traditional Hangi dinner, an evening walk through the forest to the sacred spring, and see the glow worms that light the banks.

  Optional Excursions:

  • Waitomo Caves - For over a hundred years people have come to these caves to see the glow worms. There are daily tours and adrenaline seekers might choose to go caving or blackwater rafting.
  • Hobbiton - Choose between the options of an express movie set tour, the combo tour and lunch, or the special evening banquet tour (booking essential)
  • You can't visit Rotorua without experiencing some geothermal activity. Head along to the Hell's Gate where you can take a geothermal walk to see erupting waters and a hot waterfall, and check out the mud bath and spas
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  Day 9: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

  Just two and a half hours south you'll find your next stop, in the heart of Tongariro National Park. Stop off halfway to visit Lake Taupo. You might even decide to take a whirl on the famous Hukafalls jet, a thrilling jet boat ride that takes you right up to the base of the Falls.

  Accommodation: Plateau Lodge

  Optional Excursions:

  • Hukafalls jet boat
  • A variety of walks from a 2 hours short walk amongst the Tongariro volcanoes, to a full day on the 20.4km Tongariro Crossing for those who want to stay longer in the area. You can also summit Mt Ruapehu.
  • Spend a day canoeing on the Whanganui River (clothing hire and equipment included)
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  Day 10: Tongariro National Park to Wellington

  It's about a four hour drive south to Wellington, your last stop on the North Island. Keen wine connoisseurs may want to detour to go via the Martinborough wine region on the way (renowned for it's world-class Pinot Noir).

  Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and known for its cafe culture. If you have time, you could stay longer and fit in a visit to the Weta Workshop, a behind the scenes glance at the home of the team that helped bring films such as The Lord of the Rings, Avatar and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to life. If you just want a quick stopover, your hotel is right across from Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand.

  Accommodation: QT Wellington

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  Days 11-12: Wellington to Blenheim

  It's worth getting up early to catch the ferry across the Cook Strait. Drop your hire car off at the ferry terminal - don't worry, there'll be a new car waiting on the other side! Your fare includes the upgrade to the Premium lounge so you can relax in comfort, with food and beverages included.

  Blenheim is the perfect base for those who want to explore wine and food culture. It's in the heart of the Marlborough wine country and one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Think incredible scenery, wineries, shops, restaurants and artisan food outlets.

  We've included a wine tour by bike - includes hotel pick up, bike hire and a detailed cellar door map so you can self-navigate around. If you end up buying more wine than you bargained for, pick-up can be arranged.

  Accommodation: 14th Lane Urban Hotel

  Photo credit: MarlboroughNZ

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  Days 13-14: Blenheim to Kaikoura

  Just a couple of hours south along a scenic coastal route, you'll find the town of Kaikoura, an ideal base for marine mammal encounters. Whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in these coastal waters and you'll be heading out on a whale watching trip while you're here (if you're prone to seasickness let us know - we can also arrange flights to whale-watch from the air.

  Accommodation: The White Morph

  Included tour: Whale Watching by boat

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  Day 15: Drive to Akaroa

  Head down south, past Christchurch (you'll be stopping there later!) to the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is a small seaside town with French flair (it was settled by the French back in 1840). Seafood lovers will have a great time at the restaurants here, though there's something for everyone.

  We've included a harbour nature cruise to spot dolphins with the 'dolphin dogs'!

  Accommodation: Akaroa Village Inn

  Included tour: Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

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  Day 16: Drive to Lake Tekapo

  Head on down for around four hours to reach Lake Tekapo. This small village to home to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky reserve, the largest dark sky reserve in New Zealand. If you want to stargaze whilst on holiday, this is the place!

  Accommodation: Three Rivers Lodge

  Optional activities: Opt to go star gazing, visit the hot pools, or combine the two in one amazing tour!

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  Days 17-19: Tekapo to Queenstown

  Another three hours takes you into the tourist hub of Queenstown, your base for the next three nights. There's something here for everyone, from adrenaline activities to lake cruises, wine tasting and local history.

  Accommodation: Browns Boutique Hotel

  Included activities:

  • Milford Sound day tour - head out on the coach, cruise Milford Sound and then take a scenic flight back to Queenstown.
  • Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner - cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak station. Enjoy an amazing dinner before enjoying a farm show. Lots of fun and an incredible experience.

  Optional excursions: *

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  Days 20-21: Queenstown to Franz Josef

  A slightly longer drive up to Glacier Country. We recommend stopping off at Wanaka for a late morning coffee break at one of the cool cafes before taking photos by the lake, then you might want to spend some time exploring the Haast UNESCO World Heritage area before making it up to Franz Josef.

  Accommodation: Franz Josef Rainforest Retreat

  Optional activities:

  • Take a helicopter flight over the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef
  • For the more adventurous, why not helicopter up to hike the glacier itsefl and take on an ice hike!
  • For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, why not take a nature tour instead, learning about the local ecosystem and wildlife while walking through native rainforest and through glacial streams and rivers.
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  Day 22: Franz Josef to Christchurch

  Drive two hours north to Greymouth where you'll drop your hire car off next to the railway station. If you have time, why not stop off at the town of Hokitika just 30 minutes south of Greymouth. First settled after gold was discovered nearby in 1860, this is a cool little historic town and a great place to get your pounamu (greenstone) souvenirs.

  Board the TranzAlpine train in Scenic Plus, an exclusive carriage with panoramic windows and an inclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey. The trip takes you over the Southern Alps to see some stunning mountain vistas.

  From the railway station in Christchurch, make your way to The George hotel overlooking Hagley Park. You can just relax after your evening arrival or head out into the city to start exploring.

  Accommodation: The George, Christchurch

  Included activity: TranzAlpine train in Scenic Plus

• Day 23: Time to fly home

  Today is your departure day. If you have time, head into Christchurch city to take a ride on a tram, see the Cardboard Cathedral or grab lunch in one of the amazing cafes.

  When it's time, your transfer will take you back to Christchurch Airport.