A fully escorted adventure through Aotearoa New Zealand’s highlights - from geothermal wonders and glowworm caves to coastal wildlife, alpine lakes, spectacular mountain scenery and the famous TranzAlpine rail journey. Relax with coach travel, 4-star stays, delicious vegan meals, new friends, and memories to last a lifetime.

• Fourteen nights hotel accommodation

• Fourteen vegan dinners at local restaurants featuring local and seasonal produce

• Twelve vegan lunches

• Fourteen hearty vegan breakfasts

• Welcome dinner on arrival in Auckland

• Fully escorted coach travel

• Cathedral Cove excursion

• Hot Water Beach visit and soak

• Entry to Waitomo Glowworm Caves with guided boat tour

• Māori cultural experience in Rotorua

• Rotorua hot pools visit

• Get up close to spectacular geysers and colourful crater lakes

• Guided bush walks to waterfalls, points of interest and scenic viewpoints

• Domestic flight from Auckland to Nelson (North to South Island connection)

• Wine tasting in the beautiful Malborough region

• Maori canoe adventure in Abel Tasman National Park

• Scenic journey along the Pacific Coast to Kaikōura

• Coastal wildlife viewing at Kaikōura

• Photo opportunities & overnight stay at Lake Tekapo

• Stargazing in Tekapo’s world-renowned Dark Sky Reserve

• Queenstown skyline gondola

• Scenic West Coast journey with stops at Haast Pass, the Blue Pools & more

• Rainforest walk to Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint

• World-famous TranzAlpine Train journey across the Southern Alps

• Friendly, experienced, vegan tour guide

• All local taxes, road tolls, national park fees and included activities

Important notes:
To get the most out of the experience, this tour involves walking, exploring and full days of activities. Guests should have a moderate level of fitness and be comfortable walking at a steady pace with the group, including on uneven surfaces and natural terrain.

The order of activities and sightseeing may change due to weather, operational requirements or other unforeseen circumstances. However, all inclusions outlined in the itinerary will be provided wherever possible.

Welcome to New Zealand! This first day is all about settling in. Rest in your hotel or explore nearby cafés or laneways at your leisure. Enjoy a gentle stroll along the waterfront and take in Auckland’s lively harbourside atmosphere.

As the sun sets, we'll meet up for  a relaxed welcome dinner, so you can get to know your guide and fellow travellers. It's a welcoming introduction to Aotearoa’s blend of urban energy and laid‑back Kiwi hospitality.

After a hearty vegan breakfast, board the coach and settle in for a scenic journey to the Coromandel Peninsula - one of New Zealand’s most beloved coastal regions. Known for its rugged beauty, forested hills and golden beaches, the Coromandel is a haven for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.

As we make our way along the coast, enjoy glimpses of sparkling bays and quiet inlets before arriving at one of the peninsula’s most iconic spots: Cathedral Cove.  Accessible via a short, picturesque walk, this stunning natural archway frames the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and is backed by towering limestone cliffs and soft white sand. It’s a truly magical place to pause, explore, and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Next, we’ll continue to nearby Hot Water Beach, a unique geothermal wonder where natural hot springs bubble just beneath the surface of the sand. We’ll dig our own hot pool right on the shoreline for a relaxing soak (subject to tides) before a short drive to our Coromandel hotel.

Today begins with a relaxed breakfast at a local café, easing into the day before exploring Tairua Beach, where you might enjoy a gentle walk along the shoreline or simply take in the ocean views and the laid-back rhythm of this seaside town.

From here, begin the journey inland toward Rotorua, travelling through rolling countryside and lush farmland. Stop in the historic town of Paeroa, known as the birthplace of the iconic New Zealand soft drink Lemon & Paeroa (L&P), and also loved for its collection of antique and vintage shops. It’s a great place to pause for lunch and a wander.

Continue through the Waikato region with a stop at the beautiful Te Waihou Blue Springs, where a gentle walk alongside the crystal-clear water reveals striking shades of blue.

Arrive in Rotorua in the late afternoon, where geothermal activity shapes the landscape, and settle in for the evening ahead of tomorrow’s explorations.

Today is a full immersion into the cultural and geothermal wonders of Rotorua. This morning is spent exploring an active geothermal valley on a guided experience, where you’ll walk among steaming vents, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and silica terraces. Gain insight into Māori traditions with a cultural performance and visit a working craft centre where traditional Maori skills are preserved. You'll also get the chance see one of New Zealand’s most treasured native animals, the kiwi.

Later in the day, you’ll visit the lakeside thermal pools for a relaxing soak in naturally heated mineral waters. Surrounded by tranquil views across the lake, this is a restorative and uniquely Rotorua experience.

In the evening, enjoy dinner in the lively atmosphere of Eat Street Rotorua, a vibrant dining precinct known for its energy and variety, providing a relaxed and social setting to round out the day.

After breakfast, we set off towards the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Here, you’ll embark on a guided boat tour through an underground labyrinth of limestone caverns, softly illuminated by thousands of tiny bioluminescent glowworms. Drifting in near silence beneath this natural display feels truly otherworldly.

In the afternoon, continue exploring the region’s natural beauty with a series of scenic bush walks. Wander through lush native forest to a striking natural limestone arch, a remnant of an ancient cave system. You'll feel like you've walked into a scene from The Lord of the Rings films. You’ll also visit one of the North Island’s most beautiful waterfalls, cascading into a fern-lined gorge.

From here, travel on to Hamilton, arriving in the early evening to settle in for the night.

Today we make our way back to Auckland but before departing Hamilton, we spend time exploring the beautifully designed Hamilton Gardens, a series of themed garden spaces that range from tranquil Japanese landscapes to dramatic Italian Renaissance inspired designs. It's a surprising and memorable highlight of the Waikato.

From Auckland, we board our flight to Nelson, a vibrant coastal city known for its sunshine, creative energy, and access to some of the South Island’s most stunning natural landscapes, including nearby Abel Tasman National Park. The wider region is also home to boutique wineries, making it a relaxed but richly varied destination.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening to prepare for the South Island adventures ahead.

The morning begins with an exploration of the beautiful waterways and coastline of Abel Tasman National Park with a twist, you'll be travelling in a traditional Māori double-hulled canoe. As you paddle through this stunning marine environment, you’ll take in golden beaches, forested headlands, and clear coastal waters, with your guide bringing the journey to life with stories of Maori navigation and history.

This region is known for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc so, after lunch, your day continues with a wine-tasting at a local winery.

The day concludes with a gourmet meal, showcasing regional produce.

This morning, depart Nelson and travel south along the dramatic east coast of the South Island, passing through rolling farmland, river valleys, and long stretches of wild, wave-lashed shoreline. As you approach Kaikōura, the landscape becomes increasingly striking, with snow-capped mountains rising directly from the ocean.

On arrival, experience the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, one of the region’s true highlights. This scenic coastal track follows rugged limestone cliffs with sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and is renowned for its rich marine life. The waters below are often alive with activity, from New Zealand fur seals along the shoreline to seabirds riding the coastal winds, and it’s not uncommon to spot dusky dolphins or even migrating sperm whales offshore from the clifftops.

This morning, travel inland through ever-changing landscapes to reach Lake Tekapo, an alpine jewel nestled among the Southern Alps and famous for its vivid turquoise waters, mountain backdrop, and peaceful atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops at the Waimakariri and Rakaia River regions, where wide braided riverbeds and sweeping valley views showcase the raw, open beauty of the South Island.

On arrival at Lake Tekapo, take time to stroll along the lake’s edge, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone chapel set right beside the water and one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks.

As night falls, experience the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the clearest night skies on Earth. Here you’ll observe distant constellations, planets, and galaxies, and hear stories of Māori celestial navigation, offering a calm and awe-inspiring end to the day.

Begin the day in Lake Tekapo with breakfast overlooking the lake, after which , set out on a walk up Mount John, where panoramic views unfold across the Mackenzie Basin, from the vivid blues of Lake Tekapo and Lake Alexandrina to the surrounding golden tussock landscape and distant Southern Alps.

Continuing south, pause for a picnic beside a peaceful alpine lake with views stretching toward Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, often capped in snow and dominating the skyline. The journey then carries on through Central Otago, with a series of scenic stops that showcase the region’s rugged beauty.

One of these stops is the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, where the green river cuts through steep rock walls and the historic Kawarau Bridge spans the gorge, if you’re lucky, you may even see bungee jumpers taking the plunge. From here, continue on to Queenstown, arriving in this vibrant lakeside town surrounded by mountains in time for sunset.

Wake up in Queenstown, surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of the Remarkables and the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu.

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains. Take your time soaking in the scenery, grab a coffee at the mountaintop café, or watch the paragliders launching into the sky.

The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown offers lots of outdoor thrills including  jet boating, para gliding, bungee jumping and ziplining. If you prefer a gentler pace, browse boutique shops, enjoy a lakeside walk, or settle in a wine bar with a view.

This morning, we depart Queenstown and begin our journey north through some of the South Island’s most striking landscapes. Travelling via Haast Pass, the road winds through towering mountains, ancient rainforest, and alongside fast-flowing glacial rivers, with plenty of opportunities to pause along the way and take in the changing scenery.

One of the highlights is a walk to the Blue Pools, where a gentle forest track leads to a swing bridge overlooking vivid, crystal-clear glacier-fed water. Throughout the day, you’ll also visit waterfalls, wander through fern-filled forest, and stop at carefully chosen viewpoints, with time to enjoy a relaxed picnic in a beautiful natural setting.

By late afternoon, continue on to Franz Josef, a small village set within lush rainforest and surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery, where you’ll settle in and enjoy dinner.

We start the day with a peaceful walk through the temperate rainforest near Franz Josef Glacier. As we follow the trail beneath ancient tree ferns and moss-covered canopies, we’ll catch glimpses of the glacier’s icy curves framed by lush greenery, an enchanting blend of rainforest and alpine scenery.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish in the laid-back town of Franz Josef. Soak in the local hot tubs, visit a penguin sanctuary, carve your own greenstone pendant or simply unwind with a coffee and mountain view.

For those seeking adventure, we highly recommend a helicopter visit to the top of the glacier, it's a thrilling and magnificent experience.

This morning, farewell the West Coast and travel north to Greymouth. Along the way, pause in Hokitika, known as the home of pounamu (greenstone), where you can wander along the beach to see the ever-changing driftwood sculptures or browse local galleries showcasing this treasured stone.

From Greymouth, board the iconic TranzAlpine for one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular train trips anywhere, the journey takes you from the lush West Coast rainforest through deep river gorges and across the dramatic Southern Alps. Large panoramic windows and open-air viewing carriages offer uninterrupted views as the train climbs through alpine passes, skirts braided rivers, and reveals vast, ever-changing landscapes before descending onto the expansive Canterbury Plains.

Arriving into Christchurch in the evening, transfer to your hotel and come together for a final dinner with your new tour friends.

After a late arrival the night before, enjoy a relaxed sleep-in before gathering for a hearty breakfast. It’s a chance to reflect on your journey through New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, from geothermal wonders and coastal wildlife to alpine lakes and rainforest valleys.

When you’re ready, transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward journey, departing Aotearoa with lasting memories of a truly special experience.