17 Day Kiwi Classic Extended Tour 

Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Auckland International Airport to your accommodation with time to get a feel for Auckland.

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.

Today you’ll pick up your Compact SUV Budget Rental Car and head north from the city and discover the breathtaking beauty of Northland, New Zealand’s ‘Winterless North.’ This vibrant region offers stunning beaches, lush subtropical forests, and rich Māori culture. Explore the famous Bay of Islands, a paradise for sailing, dolphin cruises, and island hopping. Experience the ancient history at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s story began. Wander through charming coastal towns, indulge in fresh seafood, and marvel at untouched natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Northland promises unforgettable experiences in a spectacular setting.

BAY OF ISLANDS/IPIPIRI – This was the name given by Captain James Cook when he described the area 200 years ago. The Bay, studded with over 150 islands, is a “drowned river system,” an area where the sea has invaded and drowned a number of river valleys. Its sheltered waters offer some of the finest boating and fishing to be found anywhere. The Bay of Islands was the site of the first Christian Mission station in New Zealand, as well as having New Zealand’s first capital city, Russell, which is now a quiet little seaside village.

Northland Ferries, Paihia – Russell – Paihia Ferry. When you reach your accommodation, we have included a ferry over to explore Russel and its eateries. Northland Ferries operates passenger and vehicle ferries in the Bay of Islands, providing regular and reliable connections for the local community and visitors to the region. It’s a fun and easy way to get out on the water and get a feel for the Bay of Islands.

Today you will head out on the famous Fullers Great Sights, Hole in the Rock Cruise. Board a purpose-built catamaran for a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock. You’ll sail through pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula, with an excellent chance to see dolphins and other marine life. The tour also includes a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can relax on the beach or take a short walk for panoramic views.

This is a big road trip that takes you all the way down the North Island. You’ll leave the coastal paradise of the Bay of Islands and travel for several hours through the Northland and Waikato regions. You’ll pass by Auckland and continue south to Matamata, a small town that has become world-famous as the location of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

On your way enjoy a detour to the Hobbiton Movie Set and take a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Time to step into Middle-earth with this enchanting guided tour. You’ll journey through the picturesque sheep farm to the movie set, where you’ll see the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Party Tree. Your guide will share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and movie magic secrets, culminating in a complimentary beverage at the world-famous Green Dragon Inn.

MATAMATA – Set among the rolling hills of the Waikato, Matamata is a town steeped in agricultural heritage and local pride. Originally a thriving farming community, it has grown into a welcoming destination known for its scenic beauty and relaxed pace. While it’s famously close to the Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata’s real charm lies in its friendly locals, lush countryside, and connection to New Zealand’s rural roots.

Head down south past the lush Waikato farmland, through forested sections of highway before you arrive in Rotorua, a city celebrated for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture.

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 Māori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

A free day in Rotorua to soak up the geothermal wonders.  Starting with a fantastic Te Ra 90 minute guided tour at Te Puia.  You’ll be led through the valley by a local guide who will provide insights into Māori history, culture, and traditions. You will get to see the bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and the impressive Pōhutu Geyser. The tour also includes a visit to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you can watch students learning traditional wood carving and weaving.

Afternoon in Rotorua to relax and soak up the geothermal wonders, or choose an optional tour to Wai Ariki Hotel Springs and Spa.

Tonight you will be picked up by Te Pa Tu for an unforgettable evening that celebrates Māori culture and tradition. You’ll be welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri (welcome), and your guide will lead you on a journey through a reconstructed village. The experience includes stories, songs, and demonstrations of Māori life, followed by a powerful cultural performance and a delicious five-course feast. It is an intimate and engaging way to learn about the Māori world.

Today depart 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.

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.

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, Introducing Te Papa. included today is this one-hour guided tour which 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.

Step aboard the Interislander Ferry for a memorable crossing of the majestic Cook Strait. As you approach Picton, be enchanted by the sparkling waters and dramatic coastline of the Marlborough Sounds. From Picton, take a short scenic drive through rolling vineyards and charming countryside to Blenheim, the heart of New Zealand’s famous wine region.

From there, you’ll travel south along State Highway 1, which hugs the dramatic coastline. This route offers some of the best scenery in the South Island, with mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.

KAIKOURA/TE TAUMANU O TE WAKA A MAUI – means “to eat crayfish”, from the Māori 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.

Spend the morning spotting giants of the sea with Whale Watch Kaikōura. This is a fantastic boat tour with a high success rate for spotting whales. You’ll be on a modern catamaran designed for whale watching, with an enclosed cabin and large outdoor decks. Your expert guides will use specialized equipment to locate giant sperm whales, the stars of the show and year-round residents, and you might also see dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds.

Journey further 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.

Spend a free day in Christchurch at your own pace – wander the city’s streets, discover hidden gems, or book optional tours to explore more of its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, fascinating stories of resilience, or take a trip to charming Akaroa with its French-inspired streets, harbour views, and playful Hector’s dolphins.

Prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch. Travel from Christchurch to Tekapo through the heart of the South Island, passing dramatic Canterbury Plains, braided rivers, and the towering Southern Alps—a scenic journey of mountains, farmland, and unforgettable views.

Immerse yourself in this spectacular region and enjoy the mountain air, extraordinary scenery and local adventures.

LAKE TEKAPO/TAKAPŌ – located in the Mackenzie country, with fantastic views of the surrounding Alps. The Lake’s unusual turquoise colour is given by fine rock-flour, which is dust ground by glacial movement and held in suspension by the Lake’s waters. The Lake is also well known for its brown and rainbow trout.

Tonight, join Dark Sky Project for Summit Experience – At Mt John Observatory. This is a world-class stargazing experience. You’ll be taken to the summit of Mount John, the scientific heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Your guide will provide a captivating tour of the Southern Hemisphere sky, using a powerful, state-of-the-art telescope to show you constellations, planets, and nebulae, all while sharing stories and scientific knowledge.

Make the most of your free morning in Aoraki/Mount Cook with a selection of scenic walks, glacier views or perhaps take an incredible scenic flight over snow-capped mountains.

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 take a magical evening cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak Station for a Gourmet BBQ Dinner.  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.

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, with the flexibility to add your choice of luxury experiences or simply relax in style.

Next is a relatively long and incredibly scenic journey that links the adventure hub with the West Coast glaciers. On route to Franz Josef Glacier you’ll travel through Wanaka and over the Haast Pass, a route with lush rainforest and past towering mountains. The scenery transforms dramatically as you travel up the West Coast, with lush native bush and dramatic coastal views before you arrive at the glaciers.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER/WAIAU – originally named Victoria, after Queen Victoria of England, geologist Julius Von Haast, renamed it, Franz Josef, after the current Emperor of his homeland, Austria. The Glacier is pale blue/green ice that has retreated and advanced many times over the years. A walk from the carpark to the Glacier terminal will give you some impressive views and an idea of the immense size of the Glacier itself. The township of Franz Josef is a small town based around the tourist and supply trade.

There’s nowhere like Franz Josef and today you’ll experience the expansive grandeur of it all with Franz Josef Glacier Guides famous Heli-Hike tour. This tour is consistently rated as a highlight of any New Zealand trip. After a thrilling helicopter flight over the glacier, you’ll land high on the ice fall. Equipped with boots and crampons provided by the company, your expert guide will lead you on a two-and-a-half-hour hike through an ever-changing landscape of ice caves, crevasses, and towering ice formations.

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth to begin an epic train journey aboard the TranzAlpine. Experience one of the world’s most scenic train rides, traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. The journey takes you from the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains through river gorges and into the mountains of Arthur’s Pass, offering incredible views from the open-air viewing carriage. You’ll have time to explore the alpine village before your return trip.

The Great Journeys of New Zealand – TranzAlpine: Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, enjoying the incredible scenery along the way. The journey will take you coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. From your carriage you’ll see the lush green valleys of the West Coast, the spectacular Southern Alps, beautiful gorges and river valleys and the fields of the Canterbury Plains. Your train journey is 223.8 kilometres long with 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. An open-air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots.

You will be met by Hallmark Limousines at the Christchurch Train Station for your private transfer to your Christchurch city hotel.

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.

Today you will be transferred by private vehicle to Christchurch airport. Sadly it’s time to leave New Zealand, but you’ll be heading home with amazing memories and plan your next trip down to see us.