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New Zealand - home to awesome landscapes, lush forests, diverse physical, cultural, and unique experiences – and all so close to each other making it the perfect holiday destination!  With some meals included, quality budget accommodation already sorted and heaps to keep you busy – this is the perfect travel option if you want to kick back and relax and enjoy the ride!

DAY 1:  CHRISTCHURCH TO LAKE OHAU
Our journey commences in Christchurch where you’ll find grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks intermingle with the technology and style of modern life. This morning we make our way across the Canterbury plains and into Mackenzie country the heart of sheep farming in the south island - we will learn about life on a sheep station and see the Collie dogs in action at our Kiwi Farm Experience stop. Stop for a photo opportunity at the “Church of the Good Shepard” and a monument to the Border Collie Dogs before making our way to Lake Tekapo village for lunch.  There is an opportunity to take a breathtaking 40 minute fixed wing flight* over the lakes, Southern Alps and glaciers.  We then travel onwards to Lake Pukaki and a chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters towards Mt Cook – known to the Maori people as Aoraki or “cloud piercer” – hopefully no clouds in sight to obscure our view!  From here it’s only a short drive to Mt Cook village.  If the weather is right, there is the opportunity this afternoon to take a walk in the national park, or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery.  We then make our way to our home tonight, nestled into the hills on the shores of Lake Ohau.  Time for an evening stroll after dinner or a quiet drink on the deck as we watch the sunset silhouette Mt Cook amongst the nearby mountains.
Meals:  Morning Tea, Dinner

DAY 2:  LAKE OHAU TO FIORDLAND EXPERIENCE
This morning’s drive takes us over the Lindis Pass and through the Cromwell district where we have a chance to stop and stretch and sample the famous fresh and dried fruits grown in the region.  Our journey continues along the Kawarau River, with its familiar Lord of the Rings scenery, and home to AJ Hackett’s original Bridge Bungy site – the first commercial bungy in the world. We stop in the township of Te Anau on the shores of one of New Zealand’s many large glacial carved lakes.  We’ll stop and admire the reflection in Mirror Lake, the views down the Hollyford Valley, and a short walk at the Chasm before we literally drive through the mountain via the Homer Tunnel and emerge back into a landscape of spectacular mountains and waterfalls.  Our cruise tonight on the Fiord is a real highlight!  There will be plenty of time on your overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of the Sound.  Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins can be observed.  There is also time for you to kayak around a part of the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with the nature guide.  As the shadows lengthen we’ll drop anchor at a favourite mooring for the night.  After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening meal in the dining saloon.
Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 3:  FIORDLAND TO QUEENSTOWN
Time for additional cruising this morning before returning to the wharf.  We make our way back through Te Anau and onwards around Lake Wakatipu to the adrenalin mecca of the Southern Hemisphere!! Queenstown has it all – spectacular scenery, great hikes, cafes, shops, and every adrenalin charged activity you can imagine!  You can enjoy some free time this afternoon to experience a slice of what the town has to offer.  Re-charge with a well-earned meal tonight before we head out and perhaps check out the nightlife – there’s always a party on somewhere in this adrenalin charged town!
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 4:  QUEENSTOWN
Today is time to play and adventure waits at every turn! Queenstown is perfect for everyone from the adrenaline junkies to the leisure seekers, there is so much to do. Try a bungy jump* (or three!) at the home of commercial bungy jumping. A shot of adrenalin up the Shotover Jet* as you skim past the canyon walls, or the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jetboat safari* or by horseback*. If adrenalin is not your cup of tea, enjoy the mountains and views from a bike* or hike to Ben Lomond for 360 degree views.  Admire the view from the skyline gondola* or any of the fantastic walks Queenstown has to offer. Or just chill out in any of the restaurants, cafes or bars Queenstown is famous for.
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 5:  QUEENSTOWN
For those who are up to it this morning, it’s a perfect chance to try a Skydive*, go exploring Middle Earth by horseback*, or maybe retail therapy is your thing. This afternoon we regroup at our accommodation and join your crew for a look at some local hidden gems to this area. We will embark on a fun afternoon of local area sightseeing (these will change seasonally). Tonight we have a group dinner at one of Queenstown’s famous iconic restaurants, then your last chance to check out that popular Queenstown nightlife, or maybe a hot chocolate by the lake. 
Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 6:  QUEENSTOWN TO FOX GLACIER
An early start today as we journey past Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka and break at Makarora for morning tea.  We negotiate Haast Pass and stop at Thunder Creek Falls, which flows into the Haast River amidst rainforest, highlighting the beauty of this World Heritage area.  Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and this afternoon we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice!  A half day guided hike* is an excellent way to take a closer look at Fox Glacier as your guides take you alongside the glacier through rejuvenating temperate rainforest and onto the lower icefall.  Don’t forget to look up and admire the forested peaks that rise dramatically to create the glacial valley.  If you prefer to search higher on the glacier for stunning ice caves and formations take a heli-hike* onto the upper icefall and enjoy a more sedate walking pace as you explore with your guides and await the return of your helicopter. 
Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 7:  FOX GLACIER TO CHRISTCHURCH
Let’s hope Lake Matheson’s waters are still and the skies clear so we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountain peaks in it’s waters, as we start our day with a morning walk before heading off into the mountains. We stop briefly in the village of Franz Josef, then on to the wild West Coast as we head into the town of Hokitika for our lunch break and visit the Jade factory. There may be a chance to see the carvers at work, skilfully creating works of art from the Greenstone and perhaps purchase a souvenir pendant. The scenery will continue to amaze you today as we head once again across the Alps.  Our path is only one of three that cut across these impressive mountains that form the backbone of the South Island.  Through the Otira Gorge with waterfalls cascading overhead, a quick break at Arthur’s Pass, then back down onto the Canterbury Plains.  Our home tonight is back in Christchurch and time, if you wish, for a meal out at a local hotspot as we unwind.
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 8:  CHRISTCHURCH TO NELSON
Our morning’s drive takes us to the small town of Kaikoura, nestled at the foothills of the Kaikoura ranges with the pale blue waters of the Pacific lapping its grey pebbly shore.   In summer you have the chance to get up close and personal with some of our marine mammals while in winter you have the chance to visit a local winery to sample some of NZ’s finest wines. It’s here we stop for lunch and to soak up the scenery before continuing north to Ohau Point to spy out some NZ fur seals before entering the vineyards of the Marlborough region, famous for its wines. It’s then onward across the ranges to Nelson, into our “home-away-from-home” for the next two nights by Tahunanui Beach.
Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 9:  NELSON
Awake to Nelson with the highest recorded days of sunshine in New Zealand, and the day is yours to explore this amazing area.  The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters.  Explore the park by water taxi*, the ever-popular walking tracks or from the water as you paddle in your ocean kayaks along the incredible shoreline*.  For a different look at the park try jumping out of a perfectly good plane and take in the incredible views as you skydive back to base on a tandem skydive*.   There’s always horse riding* and quad biking* with ocean views for those who prefer to remain grounded!  Tonight we’ll gather for a scrumptious meal and reflect on the day.
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 10:   NELSON TO WELLINGTON
Our journey today takes us to the little town of Picton situated on the north coast of the South Island, as we make our way to the Interislander ferry for our trip across Cook Strait.  Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds from the outer viewing decks as we cruise through and on towards the North Island.  We take a drive along the harbour and up Mt Victoria this afternoon for a 360-degree view of Wellington and surrounds.  A definite Kodak moment!  After some free time in the city we hang up our travellin’ shoes.  You'll also have the chance to check-out Te Papa, the National Museum of NZ.  This is not your ordinary museum but very “hands-on” and full of interesting displays and entry is free.  Maybe you’d prefer to look in the nearby city centre, take a stroll along the harbour, catch up on your e-mails or perhaps take the scenic cable car* up into the Botanic Gardens and check out the view from there.   The choice is yours.
Meals:  Breakfast

NOTE:  Tonight you need to pack down to an overnight bag as tomorrow night you will be staying on a Tradition Maori Marae.

DAY 11:  WELLINGTON TO ROTORUA MARAE STAY
On the road again, we depart Wellington and head north through farming country.  We head past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – the classical conical volcano most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy – on to Lake Taupo. It’s here that geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire.  We’ll make a stop at the raging waters of Huka Falls, and past Wairakei Geo-thermal area. You’ll see that Rotorua is truly alive as we drive through it on our way to our night’s accommodation. Tonight we will be staying in a traditional Maori Marae, we will be welcomed onto the Marae by the elders in traditional style.  If you wish you can walk to the Okere Falls or enjoy an afternoon swim in the lake.  Tonight is yours to enjoy the company of your friends, learn some Maori songs or star gaze when the lights go down.
Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 12:  ROTORUA
After breakfast we will depart the Marae and head to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve.  Learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour and concert in this unique geothermal village.  See displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. The afternoon is yours to explore Rotorua or you have time for an optional tour*, mudbaths and massages* might be for you, or if you feel a bit more active hire a mountain bike* and explore the fantastic Redwood Forest or try white water rafting*. After dinner you might want to relax under the stars as you soak in the thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool.
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 13:  ROTORUA TO PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
This morning we travel north along the Waikato River to Auckland, otherwise known as the “city of sails” and New Zealand’s largest city.  It’s here we have time for lunch and pick up any new passengers before our journey continues across Auckland’s scenic harbour and north Parry’s Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree, whose ancestors once covered the island.  Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life.  Once settled into our motel, the evening is yours to relax by the pool or head into town for a local meal (own expense).
Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 14:  PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Today is yours to explore this fascinating region by way of a range of optional activities – you’ll be spoilt for choice!  Try a drive along, or flight over, 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga* where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea and board down the Te Paki sand dunes.  Relax as you sail the inner Bay on a catamaran and look for dolphins*, take a paddle through mangrove forest to Haruru Falls* or take a day cruise and hike at Cape Brett*. Alternatively you can explore the town or take a step back in time and learn a little of the history of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty House*. There’s also time, if you wish, to visit Russell, the oldest settlement in New Zealand or hike to the Haruru falls through native bush. Maybe take a boat to swim with the local dolphins* or a fast boat out to, and through, the “Hole in the Rock”*.  If chilling on the beach is your scene, then relax - the day is yours!! We’ll gather for dinner and swap stories at the end of our day in the Bay!
Meals:  Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 15:  PAIHIA TO AUCKLAND
This morning we start our journey southwards. If the weather is in our favour today we’ll enjoy the local scenery with a walk to view Whangarei Falls.  It’s then onto Auckland and as we again cross the bridge you can appreciate the magnificent harbour, islands and modern city environment that has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Not a bad spot to finish your journey with us!
Meals:  Breakfast

**Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment.  Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.