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 while listening to the waves roll in. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a local favourite.

After breakfast, we'll set off towards the legendary Waitomo Caves. Here, you’ll embark on a guided boat tour through an underground labyrinth of limestone caverns, softly lit by thousands of tiny bioluminescent glowworms. Gliding in near silence beneath the glowing canopy, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered another world; an experience that’s both peaceful and awe-inspiring. 

In the afternoon we arrive in Rotorua, a region renowned for its geothermal wonders and strong Māori cultural presence. The earth feels alive here—steam rises from the ground, and the scent of sulphur lingers in the air.  Unwind with a soak in one of the region’s natural hot pools , these mineral-rich thermal waters are renowned for their soothing properties—perfect for easing tired muscles and calming the mind. Let the warmth of the earth envelop you as you relax under the open sky, taking in the steamy atmosphere and the gentle scent of minerals in the air. 

Today offers a full immersion into the cultural and geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Begin with a guided visit to a traditional Māori village, where you'll hear ancestral stories, witness cultural rituals—including the pōwhiri (formal welcome)—and gain insight into the deep spiritual connection between the Māori people and the land.

From there, continue your exploration with visits to the region’s most spectacular geothermal parks. Walk among steaming vents, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and vibrant silica terraces, each landscape more surreal than the last. These geothermal marvels provide a vivid and sensory-rich introduction to the powerful volcanic forces that continue to shape the heart of New Zealand.

After breakfast, journey south through rolling countryside to Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, formed nearly two thousand years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. On the way, we’ll stop to visit the mighty Huka Falls, an awe-inspiring cascade where the Waikato River narrows from 100 metres wide to just 15 metres, sending more than 220,000 litres of water thundering over the edge every second. It’s a spectacular display of raw natural energy and one of New Zealand’s most photographed sights.

Upon arrival in Taupō, board a scenic lake cruise and glide across the calm waters for panoramic views of the lake’s volcanic landscape, steaming geothermal shores, and distant snow-capped mountains. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to view ancient Māori rock carvings etched into the cliffs that are only accessible by water. 

This morning, take a short domestic flight from Taupō to Picton, at the top of the South Island.  Upon arrival, you’ll head into the heart of Marlborough wine country, New Zealand’s premier wine region, famed for its world-class sauvignon blanc and beautiful vineyard settings. Spend the afternoon on a relaxed winery tour, visiting hand-picked cellar doors for tastings of crisp whites and elegant reds, all paired with light plant-based bites and warm hospitality.

Enjoy time to soak in the scenery, rows of vines backed by rolling hills and big skies, before returning to Picton in the late afternoon. Tonight, dinner is at a vibrant local restaurant known for its innovative vegan cuisine and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Today you’ll explore the serene beauty of the Marlborough Sounds with a guided kayak and walk experience. Depart Picton in the morning and travel to the Queen Charlotte Sound, where forested hills tumble into glassy blue water. Paddle along the coastline at a relaxed pace, taking in the peaceful scenery and watching for seabirds, rays and perhaps a fur seal or two.

Your guide will share insights into the local environment and Māori legends of the land and sea.​ Pull ashore at a secluded bay for a bush walk through native forest, with views back across the Sound. A fresh, plant-based picnic lunch is included before returning by kayak and heading back to Picton.

This morning, depart Malborough and travel south along the dramatic east coast of the South Island, passing through rolling farmland, river valleys, and along stretches of wild, wave-lashed shoreline. As you near Kaikōura, the landscape becomes increasingly striking—where snow-capped mountains seem to rise directly from the ocean. This coastal town is famed for its marine wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

On arrival, stretch your legs with a walk along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. This scenic coastal track offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged limestone cliffs and passes a New Zealand fur seal colony where you can see the seals  basking on the rocks.

Today is yours to spend as you wish in the laid-back coastal town of Kaikōura. After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy some well-earned downtime—take a leisurely stroll along the beach, visit the local art galleries and shops, or simply unwind with a coffee and ocean view. The dramatic landscape of sea and mountains makes Kaikōura the perfect place to slow down and soak in the natural beauty.

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For those who feel like exploring further, a range of optional experiences are available. Head out on a whale watching cruise to see sperm whales, dolphins or even orcas. Prefer to stay on land? Join a guided cultural walk with a Māori guide, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment or soak in a hot tub with views of the Pacific. However you spend the day, Kaikōura’s peaceful energy will leave you refreshed.

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. 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 perched beside the water. It’s one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots for good reason.

After a nourishing vegan dinner crafted from fresh, local produce, prepare for an unforgettable evening of stargazing beneath the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the clearest night skies on Earth. You’ll observe distant constellations, planets, and galaxies, and hear stories of Māori celestial navigation. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring end to the day.

Farewell the tranquil shores of Lake Tekapo as we journey south through the breathtaking Mackenzie Basin and into the dramatic landscapes of Central Otago. Along the way, we'll take a break for lunch in the charming town of Cromwell, a region known for its fruit orchards, rolling vineyards, and historic gold rush past. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the lake or browse the artisan shops in the nearby Cromwell Heritage Precinct.

In the afternoon, we'll continue our scenic drive toward Queenstown, passing through rugged mountains and along the turquoise Kawarau River. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and take some time to soak in the energy of this vibrant lakeside town before enjoying a gourmet dinner.

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 the Haast Pass, we wind our way through towering mountains, ancient rainforests, and glacial rivers, with scenic stops along the way to stretch our legs and soak it all in.

We'll do a short walk to the Blue Pools, where a gentle forest trail leads to a swing bridge overlooking vivid, glacier-fed waters surrounded by lush native bush. We’ll stop in the lakeside town of Wānaka, where there's time to explore the relaxed waterfront and take in the sweeping alpine views. Later in the afternoon, we continue on to Franz Josef, a village nestled in the West Coast rainforest. 

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.

We then farewell the West Coast and travel to Greymouth, where we board the iconic TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Settle into your seat and watch the landscape unfold as we cross the Southern Alps, passing rugged gorges, high mountain passes, and wide Canterbury plains.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Christchurch, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a delightful final dinner.

On our final morning, we'll enjoy breakfast before taking a leisurely stroll through Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens or riverfront precinct, admiring native plantings and creative public artworks. This is an ideal last moment to reflect on your journey through New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

When you're ready, board the coach for your transfer to Christchurch Airport. Farewell Aotearoa as you head home, carrying memories of glowworms, geothermal magic, alpine lakes, glacier valleys, and vegan cuisine delights.