18 Day New Zealand Waters and Wonders ‘Premium’ Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Auckland International Airport to your hotel.

AUCKLAND / TAMAKI 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, Māori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Your adventure begins with a ferry trip to Waiheke Island from downtown Auckland with Fullers360  Waiheke Island Ferry – Return Tickets. The ride is about 40 minutes and offers great views of the city skyline and the Waitemata Harbour. Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and stunning beaches, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape.

Meet your Terra and Tide guide on arrival at Matiatia Ferry Terminal for a Double Headland Walk tour. Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay, walking in a small group with an expert local guide. This walk consists of two parts, with lunch in between. Walk around the Matiatia headland, enjoying beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. Learn about the history and ecology of the Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island, its conservation projects and island life. Then walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around the Church Bay headland through a sculpture park and a stunning bush reserve. You’ll pass hidden coves and amazing homes, as you enjoy views of the city and sea.

Today you will be transferred to Auckland Domestic Airport and depart on Air New Zealand from Auckland, flying south over the volcanic plateau and the vast expanse of Lake Taupō and onto Wellington. Once in Wellington you will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation.

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.

We suggest booking the optional Zealandia By Night tour at Zealandia The Karori Sanctuary, an unforgettable after-dark experience where you may spot glowworms, tuatara, and the elusive little spotted kiwi in their natural habitat.

Step into the heart of Aotearoa’s stories at Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, where culture, history, and innovation come vividly to life with a 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.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure in vibrant Wellington. You might choose to stroll the waterfront, explore local shops and cafes, or simply relax and take in the harbour views. If you’re keen to discover more, talk to your consultant about booking an optional tour. We recommend either the Fresh Taste Private Tour with Fine Art Tours NZ for an indulgent introduction to the city’s food scene, or the Seal Coast Safari with Wanderlust Tourism Group for a rugged coastal adventure and the chance to see native fur seals up close.

This morning you will be transferred to the Interislander ferry terminal by private vehicle.

Jump aboard the Interislander Ferry from 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, fiord-like channels of the Marlborough Sounds. The “Plus” experience elevates your trip with access to the exclusive, child-free Premium Lounge. Here, you’ll find comfortable seating, complimentary food and a selection of premium New Zealand wines and craft beers, ensuring a peaceful and luxurious passage with some of the best views on the ship.

Upon arrival in Picton, lift your Intermediate SUV rental car and travel to Mapua located in the Nelson region. From Picton, the drive weaves through the region’s world-famous vineyards before following the coast to the charming village of Māpua. This trip is a perfect blend of sea, wine country, and seaside charm.

MAPUA – Discover the charm of Mapua, a sun-drenched coastal village on Tasman Bay where boutique shops, local markets, and waterfront cafés invite you to slow down and explore. Stroll along the scenic waterfront, savour fresh local produce, and enjoy the tranquil coastal vibe before venturing into the stunning Abel Tasman National Park just a short drive away.

Enjoy a day at leisure. You may wish to relax in the wonderful surrounds of the Apple Pickers Cottage where you can explore 5 acres of regenerating native coastal forest and wetland on the property. Or perhaps venture around sunny Nelson, a region known for its creative energy, golden beaches, and easy access to nature. Wander through local art galleries, sample fresh produce at the markets, or take a scenic drive to nearby vineyards.

NELSON/WHAKATU – with its gardens and gorgeous sunsets, looks across Tasman Bay. Streets and Parks are named after Admiral Nelson and his exploits, as well as the names of the ships that brought the first pioneers over from England. Forestry, fruit and fishing are the main focus of Nelson’s port, while to the west, apple orchards, tobacco and hop plantations occupy the land.

For a deeper experience of the region, you may wish to book the optional Wine Art and Wilderness Tour with Wine Exposed, a small-group journey that blends boutique wineries, local art, and stunning natural landscapes. This region produces outstanding aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, as well as elegant Pinot Noir.

Today, departing from Māpua, the drive takes you along the picturesque coastline of Tasman Bay. The route offers stunning views of the turquoise waters and the surrounding hills. The journey culminates as you arrive at Marahau where you will check in for your walk and sail tour:

Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures – Anchorage Walk,Seals & Sail – Feel the freedom, soak up the ambience and take in the views of New Zealand’s coastal paradise. Start the day with a self-guided walk through lush native forest from Mārahau to Anchorage. This is a 4 hour walk at a casual pace. The Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures boat arrives in Anchorage at 12:30. Enjoy your lunch from the crew on board and take an hour to relax on the beach before the boat departs at 13:30. In the afternoon, join the sailing tour for a visit to the fur seal colony. Then let nature do the work and sail back through the best of the Abel Tasman coastline via Split Apple Rock into the gorgeous resort community of Kaiteriteri. This is a 3-4 hour (12 km) self-guided walk. Free transfers back to your vehicle in Marahau are provided at the end of the day.

Your drive today offers a beautiful and diverse look at the upper South Island’s landscapes. Departing from Māpua, the route heads inland, taking you through the picturesque countryside and past the serene native forests of the Pelorus Bridge area. The scenery then transitions dramatically, giving way to the vast, fertile plains and endless rows of grapevines that define the Marlborough wine region. The journey ends as you arrive in Blenheim, the sun-drenched town at the heart of New Zealand’s premier Sauvignon Blanc territory.

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.

Suggested Optional Experiences: For a memorable afternoon in Marlborough, consider the Deluxe Half Day Guided Biking Wine Tour with Explore Marlborough. Pedal at a relaxed pace through the region’s renowned vineyards, stopping for tastings at hand-picked wineries along the way. Or alternatively, visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre with entry to both the Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies exhibitions, showcasing rare aircraft and captivating war stories brought to life with cinematic flair.

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!

Join Whale Watch Kaikoura for a Whale Watching Tour – Ocean Cabin. 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.

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.

Once settled, explore Christchurch or choose from your suggested optional dinner tours.

Today, embark on a breathtaking journey with Canterbury Trails on the Arthur’s Pass – TranzAlpine Train Experience – one of the world’s most scenic TranzAlpine train ride, 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.

Hit the road and this is a must-do New Zealand road trip. You’ll leave the Canterbury Plains behind and head inland. The landscape changes dramatically as you get closer to the Southern Alps, and suddenly you’ll see the brilliant, milky-blue waters of Lake Tekapo. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially with the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on its shores.

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 you are booked in for the Dark Sky Project 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.

Enjoy a free day to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Lake Tekapo. Take a peaceful stroll along the turquoise lake, visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, or unwind in the Tekapo Springs hot pools with views of the Southern Alps.

If you’re keen to explore more of the region, consider an unforgettable day trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak and some of its most stunning alpine scenery. Chat to your consultant about adding one of these unforgettable experiences to your day: Soar above Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and the West Coast glaciers on the Air Safaris Grand Traverse Scenic Flight, a breathtaking 50-minute journey offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Glacier. Or, take a short drive to Mount Cook Village for The Hermitage’s Glacier Explorer Tour, where you’ll cruise among floating icebergs on a glacial lake at the foot of the Tasman Glacier, the only tour of its kind in New Zealand.

You’ll leave Lake Tekapo and travel south, passing through Twizel and the Mackenzie Basin. The route then climbs the iconic Lindis Pass, with its vast and sweeping tussock landscapes. Descend into Central Otago, a region of world-class vineyards and dramatic mountain valleys. Your trip ends on the shores of Lake Wakatipu as you arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

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.

Looking to spend a magical evening with an optional tour? Book our suggested optional tour to step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship for a scenic sunset cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station.

There is so much to do in and around Queenstown that you are spoilt for choice today. Choose from one of our suggested optional tours, take it easy and enjoy the town or talk to your consultant about the myriad of fun on offer in this extraordinary destination.

Your journey takes you south from the lively town of Queenstown, traveling through the stunning Wakatipu Basin. You’ll pass by beautiful high-country scenery and open farmland, offering a peaceful and scenic trip. Your journey concludes as you arrive in Manapouri, a tranquil town that serves as a gateway to the remote wilderness of Fiordland.

At Manapouri, you’ll check in for a real treat aboard the RealNZ – Doubtful Sound Navigator Overnight Cruise. 12:30 You will depart from Manapouri and cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland’s most dense rainforest. Real Journey’s Doubtful Sound overnight vessel, the Fiordland Navigator, is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland’s heritage. The vessel is purpose built for these waters.

Board the overnight cruise vessel at Deep Cove for a leisurely exploration of Doubtful Sound. The vessel has spacious deck areas offering stunning views of waterfalls, abundant wildlife, rainforest and mountains. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals and when in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. An on board nature guide with specialist knowledge for the region’s history, flora and fauna provides a detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone. Activities include kayaking excursions in the tender vessels to explore the coastline. Anchor overnight in one of the Sound’s hidden arms. A three course buffet dinner is included and beverages are sold at the licensed on board bar.

Overnight Doubtful Sound Navigator Overnight Cruise (including dinner and breakfast)

Next morning following cooked or continental breakfast, trace your steps back to Manapouri via Deep Cove and Wilmot Pass.

From Manapouri and travel north through the open farmland of Southland. Pass through Mossburn and continue into rolling hill country. You’ll enter the Wakatipu Basin, a spectacular region surrounded by mountains. Your trip concludes as you arrive back in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Tonight – why not add on a Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour? This relaxed evening experience showcases Queenstown’s vibrant food and drink scene, with guided visits to boutique wineries and a local craft brewery. Enjoy tastings of the region’s famed Pinot Noir and top local beers, paired with a delicious platter of regional produce.

Return your rental car to Queenstown Airport and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.