Starting in Auckland; we head south over the Bombay hills to the Coromandel Peninsula where you will have time to relax on the sandy white beaches or explore the rock formations of Cathedral Cove. Our journey then takes us to the geothermal centre of New Zealand, Rotorua where we visit a Maori village followed by a traditional dance and meal.
Continuing south we head to Hawkes Bay, where you will have the chance to take an early morning hot air balloon flight, wander the streets of Napier to see all the art deco buildings or sample some of New Zealand’s best wines. Onto Wellington - New Zealand’s vibrant capital – and a ferry across the Cook Straight to the South Island.
We drive through New Zealand’s top wine region to Kaikoura where you will have the chance to see the mighty sperm whale. Christchurch has plenty to offer before we head to Dunedin and then follow the Southern Scenic Route into Te Anau and Milford Sound. We arrive at Lake Wakatipu and spend some exhilarating time in Queenstown where this tour ends.
Day 1: Auckland to HaheiOur tour starts in the cosmopolitan city of Auckland ‘the City of Sails’ which has a population base of 1,250,000 - over a 1/3 of New Zealand’s total population. Our first stop is Mt Eden where we take advantage of the views from the top, which is 196m high and the closest volcano to the city centre. From up here you come to terms with how this city was made from volcanic forces. ‘One Tree Hill’ is another land mark that you will see.
The first thing you will notice is that it’s a hill with no trees - as over the years, the one tree was subject to a number of vandalized attacks before being officially cut down in 1999. We now make our way east on the ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ to one of New Zealand's popular beach holiday destinations, Coromandel Peninsula with its beautiful sandy beaches, crashing surf, rock strewn shorelines and huge Pohutukawa trees. We make ourselves comfortable here for two nights.
Day 2: Hahei
Today we have the day to either explore the local area and Cathedral Cove or just relax on the beach. You can either take a leisurely walk out to the very famous Cathedral Cove or an optional half morning kayaking trip to take in the sights of this majestic rock formation. Other optional activities that can be enjoyed are snorkelling and diving.
Day 3: Hahei to Rotorua
Our day starts off with a scenic drive South via more popular white sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula. We then cross the heart of New Zealand's dairy farms on our way to a geothermal wonderland - Rotorua. Tonight we have an optional evening out in Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua
Rotorua is the thermal and volcanic capital of New Zealand, and offers endless amounts of sights and activities you can participate in. You are free to explore Rotorua as you wish. You can soak the morning away at the Polynesian Natural Thermal Pools, take a 4x4 trip up Mt Tarawera or ride the Skyline gondola, followed by a luge ride back down, or take in the spectacular wildlife amid trees and ferns at Rainbow Springs.
There is also plenty of water based activities, like kayaking and rafting, or take a walking/cycle trail through the redwood forest that stands at the end of town. We then venture back in time to a Maori Village for a cultural experience of a life time, and this evening enjoy a traditional concert and Hangi (dinner cooked on hot stones in an earth oven).
Day 5: Rotorua to Hawkes Bay
This morning we take the ‘Thermal Highway South.’. We can take an optional trip to the astonishing volcanic craters at Wai-O-Tapu Valley, where you can walk past the worlds largest hot springs. We will make one more stop before we reach Lake Taupo at the base of the Huka falls. Here you will see the equivalent of two Olympic size swimming pools of water tumbling over the falls every second. A short drive brings us to Lake Taupo - New Zealand’s largest lake covering 619sq km.
Lake Taupo was formed in AD186 by the biggest volcanic eruption in the last 5,000 years. The amount of ash that was spewed into the air was seen in China and Rome. The view across the Lake is something not to be missed with its wide open spaces, snow capped mountains and clear blue water. We then drive South East to Hawkes Bay, our destination for the following two nights and camp close to the World’s biggest mainland colony of Gannets.
Day 6: Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay is New Zealand’s leading food and wine region. Hawkes Bay is home to the oldest winemaker and producer of award-winning red wines. Hawkes Bay is also renowned for its world-class concentration of Art Deco Architecture, a result of rebuilding after a devastating earthquake in 1931. Your day could start off with an optional early morning hot air balloon flight over the Hawkes Bay. You then have a selection of optional activities to choose from to full your day.
You could spend your day at Napier’s Splash Planet theme and Water Park, take an adrenaline pumping River Gorging trip, or visit Napier’s Marine land Zoo, or take a tractor ride to visit the Gannet Colony, maybe take the Hawkes Bay Wine trail or simply take a guided walk of Napier’s Art Deco Architecture.
Tonight we have the option of navigating and winding our way around the Amazing Maze ‘n’ Maize. A maze made with real live maize!!
Day 7: Hawkes Bay to Wellington
Our journey continues south through Tararua, past the’ World Famous in New Zealand’ Mangatainoka’s Tui Brewery and the Manawatu Gorge before we hit the capital of New Zealand. Wellington enjoys a small town atmosphere and is noted for its art and café culture. You will have free time to visit Te Papa – The Museum of New Zealand, Wellington Cathedral, or relax in the Botanic Gardens, or take a ride on the famous cable car. Tonight we head out for a night on the town.
Day 8: Wellington to Kaikoura
Today we cross the Cook Strait and enter the South Island through the scenic Marlborough Sounds, often dubbed New Zealand’s ‘little slice of Norway’. We arrive at Picton, the gateway to the Sounds, and make our way to Kaikoura via Marlborough which is New Zealand’s top producing wine region. Here we have the chance to sample some of New Zealand's fine wines.
Day 9: Kaikoura to Christchurch
This morning before we depart Kaikoura we have the chance to go in search for the mighty Sperm Whale (weather permitting) - or maybe a swim with dolphins/seals in their natural environment.
A drive along the Kaikoura coast and the ‘Alpine Pacific Triangle’ brings us to the very English looking city of Christchurch. The ‘Garden City’ has plenty to offer and you will have time to explore. Don’t miss the Cathedral Square and the chance to meet the famous wizard! Take time out with a walk through tree lined Hagley Park which borders the city centre, and end your afternoon with a relaxed punt down the Avon River. Tonight we head into town for a bit of local culture.
Day 10: Christchurch to Omarama
We depart Christchurch and head South through the Canterbury Plains towards McKenzie Country. We stop for views along the way at Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. We have the option of a flight over New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook, which is 3764m and produces fantastic aerial views of the mountains and surrounding areas. Tonight we spend the night at one of McKenzie Countries remote farm stations.
Day 11: Omarama to Dunedin
Today as we make our way to Dunedin, New Zealand’s Scottish and Victorian City, we stop along route to see Moreraki Boulders. Formed some 60 million years ago, these boulders have long been a subject of legend and curiosity. Dunedin is at the heart of one of New Zealand’s most renowned eco tourism areas.
Not only can one see the world’s rarest penguin’s, the Royal Albatross, New Zealand’s Oldest University, but the world’s steepest street, and a 19th Century Castle. And let’s not forget an optional tour of the Speight’s Brewery, ‘The Southern Man’s beer’. Tonight we can enjoy a night out in this Scottish City.
Day 12: Dunedin to Te Anau
We head into Southland on the ‘Southern Scenic Route’ towards the famous Milford Sound. We make the ascent up to the Homer Tunnel, which is 1200m long and an experience on its own. As we drive into Milford Sound you will soon understand why we have travelled so far off the beaten track to get here. Come rain or shine this is truly New Zealand at its unparalleled and glorious best. Tonight we will relax before we take in the spectacular scenery.
Day 13: Milford Sound to Te Anau
Today we hop aboard the ‘Milford Wonderer’ for a breathtaking cruise in the heart of the sounds. You will see Mitre Peak, which has a dominate presence on the skyline. Milford Sound is 15km long and about 290m at its deepest. You also have the chance to visit the 160m Bowen falls. The fiords are home to a number of different wildlife, with Fur seals commonly being seen lying about on the rocks. Here you have the option of a Helicopter Flight over Milford Sound.
We head back to Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. This lovely little lake side town will allow you to appreciate the spacious open areas, beautiful lake views and the amazing contrasts that the South Island has on offer.
Day 14: Te Anau to Queenstown
Today we head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, where it will be time for your adrenaline to get pumping.
You now have a few options available to you as we arrive into Queenstown. First, you can take time to relax and get your breath back, or you can fasten your seatbelt and indulge in the adrenaline capital of New Zealand!
With the variety of activities on offer in and around Queenstown, you will be spoilt for choice. Jump off the bungee bridge, go white water rafting and follow that by a jet boat ride. When you think you have had enough, there's always more! It's out of the wet cloths and on with the dry, as we paint the town red by night. (Winter trips have the option of hitting the slopes, to catch up on some skiing).
Day 15: Queenstown
Today is when your tour ends. You have the next couple of days to explore this adventure town or just relax in the array of coffee shops on and around the lakes edge; the surrounding view will see your day pass very easily.
NOTE:
All Overland NZ tours are flexible and we do our utmost to take you to the best places we possibly can. Our expeditions can sometimes be effected by local climatic conditions and anything else unexpected so please treat this information as a guideline only. When you come to New Zealand be prepared to take things as they come and above all don’t forget your sense of humour!
*Winter Supplement of 135.00 on some departures
