11 Day Land of Contrast Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival in Auckland, you will be met by and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU – an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city’s many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand’s biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

This afternoon once settled into your hotel make your way to SKYCITY Auckland Sky Tower for their Total Tower Experience.  The Total Tower Experience allows you to explore every publicly accessible level of the Sky Tower. You’ll take a glass-fronted elevator to the main observation deck at 186 meters and continue up to the Sky Deck at 220 meters for even more spectacular panoramic views. The experience offers a chance to see Auckland’s volcanoes, harbors, and islands, and provides an impressive perspective on the city’s geography.

Today you will pick up your Compact SUV Rental Car and head south from Auckland, traveling through the lush, green hills of the Waikato region. You’ll pass plenty of farms, it’s the heart of dairy country! As you get closer to Rotorua, you’ll start to notice the unique, sulphur-rich air. It’s the city’s signature scent and a sign that you’ve arrived in a place full of bubbling mud pools and incredible Māori culture.

On your way why not choose from one of our optional tours, the perfect addition to your journey.

ROTORUA – located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

A perfect Rotorua day is ahead of you today as you take two of our favourite local tours.

Firstly you’ll join Elite Adventures on their Elite Rotorua Half Day Tour. Enjoy a personalized and intimate experience with this half-day private tour. Your dedicated guide will craft a unique itinerary based on your preferences, whether you want to focus on geothermal wonders, Māori culture, or scenic highlights. The tour offers the freedom to explore Rotorua at your own pace, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s rich offerings.

This evening you are in for a real treat when you join Te Puia for their very special Te Po combo Tour (Guided experience + Indigenous Evening). This is a perfect way to experience Māori culture and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. The tour begins with a guided walk, where you’ll see the famous Pōhutu Geyser at dusk. You’ll then be welcomed into the Marae (meeting house) with a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), followed by a cultural performance and a delicious hāngī feast. The experience concludes with a hot chocolate at the geyser under the stars.

Today you will leave Rotorua and travel south through Taupō and the central plateau. The route crosses the Desert Road, providing spectacular views of Mount Ruapehu. Continue through the Manawatū region and along the Kāpiti Coast. Your journey concludes as you arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital on a stunning natural harbour.

later today visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand and take the Introducing Te Papa tour. This one-hour guided tour is an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Te Papa. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the museum, sharing captivating stories and providing a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s rich history, art, and culture, from its unique geological past to its indigenous Māori traditions.

WELLINGTON/TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA – the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new, beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

This journey starts with a scenic car ferry ride across the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton. You’ll be treated to incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton, a beautiful harbour town that serves as a gateway to the South Island.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton. This journey is often called one of the most beautiful ferry trips in the world. Your crossing starts in Wellington Harbour, and as you leave the city behind, you’ll be greeted by the dramatic cliffs of the Cook Strait. The true highlight is the last part of the journey as the ship glides through the tranquil, fjord-like channels of the Marlborough Sounds.

BLENHEIM/WAIHARAKEKE – the “Sunshine Capital” of New Zealand is situated on the Wairau Plain near the top of the South Island. Blenheim’s combination of high sunshine hours, a long ripening period, and free-draining river flats have put the district’s vineyards at the forefront of the International Wine Industry. The second Saturday of February is Blenheim’s Wine and Food Festival which draws many to celebrate food, music and dance.

Prepare for a fantastic and scenic journey that hugs the coastline for much of the way. You’ll leave the Marlborough vineyards behind and travel south with the dramatic Kaikōura Ranges on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Keep an eye out for seals, as they often hang out on the rocks right next to the road!

Prepare yourself for the biggest smile on your face today as you join Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura and swim with dolphins! The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where, weather permitting, wild dolphins can typically be encountered every day. It is something incredibly special that these wild animals choose to stop and engage one on one with swimmers in the water. Dusky dolphins are probably the most interactive dolphin species and snorkeling with the pod will leave you with lasting magical memories.

KAIKOURA/TE TAUMANU O TE WAKA A MAUI – means “to eat crayfish”, from the Maori words “Kai” meaning food, and Koura meaning crayfish. You can savour crayfish here in Kaikoura, view whales and dolphins at play, or visit local galleries and craft shops, or take a walk along the Peninsula Walkway. If you travel out onto the Kaikoura Peninsula and look back towards the mountains, an amazing tableau will appear before you. The seaward Kaikoura Range appears to rise from the sea, with the snow-capped Southern Alps as a backdrop.

A very popular trip that takes you south along the stunning coastline. The route hugs the Pacific Ocean, offering incredible views, and it’s a great place to spot seals basking on the rocks right next to the highway. You’ll leave the dramatic coastal scenery behind as you approach the city of Christchurch, a perfect way to end a coastal adventure.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI – Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

Prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch. You’ll pass through the Canterbury Plains and enter the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. The route then leads you directly to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Maori name “Aorangi” means “Cloud Piercer” is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast changing weather patterns of an alpine climate.

Tonight you will love joining The Hermitage for their Big Sky Stargazing experience. Join an expert astronomy guide for a mesmerizing 90-minute journey through the cosmos. You’ll be taken to a purpose-built viewing platform where, on a clear night, you can explore the Southern Cross, planets, and galaxies through powerful telescopes. Your guide will share their knowledge of the night sky, creating an unforgettable experience in this internationally recognized dark sky reserve.

This morning choose from one of our optional tours or talk to us about other activities available before you start your spectacular journey from the heart of the Southern Alps to the adventure capital. You’ll leave the Mount Cook area and travel through the Mackenzie Basin, with views of the Southern Alps and the famous turquoise lakes. The journey continues through the rugged high country of Central Otago before you arrive in Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Tonight you will join RealNZ for their renowned Walter Peak – Gourmet BBQ Dinner. This is a magical evening cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. As the sun sets over the mountains, you’ll cross Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak, where you’ll enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. The evening also includes a farm show, where you can see sheep dogs in action and a sheep shearing demonstration.

A day to enjoy the many activities Queenstown has to offer. Choose from one of our popular optional tours or talk to your consultant about our many tours on offer.

Today you’ll drop your car off at Queenstown Airport and sadly leave New Zealand but ready to share your extraordinary memories and hopefully plan your next trip down to see us.