Breakfast at your leisure. Today we head to the Bay of Islands!

Driving distance and time for this leg is 226 km / 140 miles: 2.9 hours.The journey from takes around 3.5 hours but we will make sure to take our time to see the sights along the way!

As you go through Puhoi, take in the bohemian atmosphere of this historic township. Stop for a breath of fresh salty air in Whangarei and take another break at Kawakawa - home to the world famous Hundertwasser toilets. Enjoy the native bush surrounds and marvel at the endless golden beaches as you arrive in central Bay Of The Islands, Paihia.

7:00 PM dinner at a local restaurant as a group.

You can leave your big bags at the Hilton in Auckland because we will be back after our stay at the Bay of Islands.

Overnight stay in the Bay of Islands.

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure. Today we head back to the beautiful city of Auckland in time for you to enjoy a day trip to see the adorable movie set: Hobbiton, followed by a boat ride to see the glow worms.

Visit a pair of New Zealand's must-see attractions with this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit Holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a Kiwi-style lunch. 

In the afternoon, explore Maori myths and history on a boat ride through mesmerizing caves lit by thousands of glowworms, and finish with a drive through some of the North Island’s most majestic scenery.

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant

Overnight stay at the Hilton Auckland

Breakfast the the hotel at your leisure. Today we depart for Rotorua. Free time in Rotorua.

Optional Activities:

Land in a helicopter on White Island, New Zealand's most active volcano and traverse the crater for a once-in-a-lifetime hike.

Those in need of an adrenalin rush should spend time at Agroventures Adventure Park static skydiving, bungy jumping, and ‘swooping’ on the giant swing. 

For a calmer day out, head up the Skyline Gondola for awe-inspiring views of the lake. While you're there, grab a night luge pass for an extra thrill.

This evening, we will enjoy a cultural experience at the Mitai Maori Village.

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. But geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, Rotorua is the perfect place to immerse yourself in our local culture. Spend an evening at the Mitai Maori Village for a hangi dinner and Maori performance

Overnight stay in Rotorua

Breakfast at your leisure. Today we depart for Lake Taupo.

The drive from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Just north of the town is the Huka Falls. An easy walking track from the car park will lead you to a viewing platform, but if you want to get even closer, the thrilling Huka Jet boat ride will do just that. 

Heading into town the lake comes into view. Lake Taupo is a gigantic volcanic caldera (collapsed crater) formed during one of the world’s largest eruptions – estimated to have taken place 1800 year ago.  This evening we will enjoy free time in this beautiful lake town.

7:00 PM dinner at a local restaurant as a group.

Overnight stay at the Hilton Lake Taupo

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. Today we make the drive from Lake Taupo to Wellington.

Wellington city is New Zealand's capital. It sits on a wonderful deep natural harbor and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (approximately 2 square kilometres) so exploring on foot is relatively easy. 

From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place.

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay at the Doubletree by Hilton Wellington

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. Today we take the Ferry from Wellington to Picton.

The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'.

Leaving Wellington Harbour you pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the country's highest ever wind speed of 268 km (167 mph). From the Cook Strait, spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many seabirds are often seen.

Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds - and this region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays is a remarkable photographic opportunity. At the end of Queen Charlotte Sound, the cruise comes to an end in the picturesque town of Picton.

When you're not out on the deck enjoying the amazing views, you can retreat to the exclusive premium plus lounge which is the most comfortable and relaxing way to travel across the Cook Strait. 

You'll enjoy complimentary beverages, light snacks, lunch or breakfast, internet access, magazines and newspapers and the most comfortable seating, so you can sit back and enjoy the journey.

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Picton.

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure.

From Picton, we will head south on State Highway One towards Blenheim, and the wine producing region of Marlborough. We will of course be stopping in Malborough for a wine tasting excursion.

Crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges you head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. To the east is the Pacific Ocean and to the west, you'll follow alongside the Kaikoura Ranges before arriving into the bustling Kaikoura Township.

Check in to your hotel in Kaikora. Afternoon whale watching excursion.

New Zealand's only marine based whale watching company, Whale Watch Kaikoura offer visitors a once-in-a-lifetime up-close encounter with the giant Sperm Whale. You are also likely to encounter New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins and albatross. 

You'll be taken out in modern catamarans specifically designed for whale watching - featuring large passenger cabins and outside viewing decks. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept below the vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Kaikora.

Today we continue down the coast before heading inland through the North Canterbury wine region - the Waipara Valley. 

Again, of course we stop for wine :)

As we drive through this area you’ll be greeted by one of New Zealand's most notorious animals, the sheep. 

Arriving into Christchurch you'll see a new and improved city, steadily rising from the ruins of the 2011 earthquake.

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Christchurch.