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.

Today begins with a relaxed breakfast at a local café, easing into the day with good coffee and a nourishing start before setting out to explore more of the Coromandel’s coastal beauty. Spend some time at Tairua Beach, where you might enjoy a gentle walk along the shoreline, take in the ocean views, or simply pause to appreciate the quiet rhythm of this seaside town.

From here, begin the journey inland toward Rotorua, travelling through rolling countryside and lush farmland. Along the way, stop in a picturesque country town nestled at the foot of a mountain, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and stretch your legs with a walk through the local domain for a glimpse into small-town New Zealand life.

Continue on to Rotorua, where geothermal activity and Māori culture shape the character of the region. On arrival, check in to your boutique hotel and settle in for the evening, ready to begin exploring this fascinating destination.

Today offers a full immersion into the cultural and geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Begin the morning with a guided visit to a geothermal cultural site, where you'll hear ancestral stories, witness cultural rituals and performance, and gain insight into the deep spiritual connection between the Māori people and the land, all set within an active geothermal landscape.

Walk among steaming vents, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and silica terraces. In the afternoon, unwind with a soak in the mineral-rich waters, where naturally heated thermal pools provide a relaxing end to the day.

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.

In the afternoon, we'll continue exploring the region’s natural beauty with a couple of bush walks. We'll walk through lush forest to a natural limestone arch, a remnant of an ancient cave system and then on to one of the North Island’s most beautiful waterfalls, cascading dramatically into a fern-lined gorge.

Today we make our way back to Auckland, taking in the changing landscapes as we travel north. From here, we board a flight to Blenheim, gateway to the renowned Marlborough wine region.

On arrival, settle into your hotel and take some time to relax before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant. This evening’s meal showcases the region’s excellent produce, paired with Marlborough wines, offering a fitting introduction to this celebrated food and wine destination.

Today offers a balance of nature and local flavours in the heart of the Marlborough region. Begin the morning with a guided kayaking experience in the tranquil waters of the Marlborough Sounds, where forested hills meet sheltered bays. Paddle at a relaxed pace along the coastline, taking in the peaceful scenery, while your guide shares insights into the local environment.

In the afternoon, shift from sea to vineyard with a visit to one of Marlborough’s acclaimed wineries. This region is best known for its crisp and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a tasting while learning about the area’s winemaking traditions. Your visit concludes with a relaxed meal at the winery.

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.