Day 1

Arrive Auckland, make your way to your first accommodation after collecting your rental car from the international airport. Depending on your arrival time, we can plan with you a half day city sight seeing tour (additional cost).

Day 2

Your next destination is the geo-thermal capital of New Zealand - Rotorua (3.5hrs drive)

After checking in at your accommodation, visit the renown Whakawerawera thermal village. You also have the opportunity to relax in the outdoor thermal spas (cost included), or if you really want to treat yourself, try one of the many massage therapies on offer (additional cost).

In the evening you will be collected from your accommodation and transported to the Tamaki Village, from where you will be able to view a Maori cultural performance and experience a hangi (feast). A truly memorable experience.

Day 3

This day will see you travelling to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley (20 mins south of Rotorua).

Take a scenic cruise and hike round this geothermal phenomenon.

After a morning's exploration, head back to Rotorua, where you will catch your flight to start the southern leg of your tour. Bleheim - in the heart of New Zealand's premier wine region is your next destination.

Please note, this particular leg of your journey can be amended to incorporate the drive from Rotoura through the volcanic plateau interior, or alternatively, travel down the east coast, taking in the wine regions of Hawke's Bay and Martinborough. You will catch your ferry across the Cook Strait from Wellington. This trip takes you through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. A great opportunity to view whales and dolphins (if you are lucky enough).

After your flight, you will pick up your rental car to begin your southern leg.

If you are a wine lover, you may wish to spend the night here, during which time you have the opportunity to take in a guided gourmet wine and food tour - sampling some of the world's best sauvignon blanc.

If you choose, you can travel south down the east coast, to the seaside village of Kaikoura.

Day 4

This morning, choose between the world famous whale watching or dolphin swim. This area is renown for its marine life. A memorable experience - one not to be missed!

After the completion of your morning's activities, take the scenic route south to Christchurch - the Garden city. Christchurch is known as the most English of cities outside England and is a very easy city in which to walk around, taking in the many sights of interest.

Day 5

From Christchurch, drive south through the South Island's interior. This particular drive is one of the most scenic in New Zealand. Vast open plains surrounded by majestic mountains - plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Your destination this day is New Zealand's highest peak - Mt Cook. There are numerous day walks on offer, as well as scenic flights over the mountain and surrounding glaciers - breathtaking views! (Additional cost).

Day 6

This day sees you in the adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere. A myriad of activities are on offer from the adrenalin pumping bungy jumping, shotover jetboat and rafting, Lord of the Rings tour to the more sedate romantic dawn hot air balloon trip - something for everyone.

The tour included in the package is the award winning Lord of the Rings safari. 4WD into back country Skipper's Canyon through spectacular Lord of the Rings sites.

NB: You have the option of exchanging the above tour for one that suits your requirements. Cost difference will be reimbursed or charged.

Day 7

Spend the day exploring the picturesque sights of this alpine region, or take the opportunity to do further activities.

Day 8

This day has you travelling south to Fiordland National Park and the famous Milford Sound, where you will board your boat for a cruise round the awe inspiring sound. Abundant marine wildlife to be viewed while on your cruise.

After the afternoon on the Sound, travel back to Te Anau on the spectacular Milford road, where you will view the world famous glowworm caves - a magical experience.

Day 9

Travel across to the east coast - Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula is your next destination.

(Alternatively, you could choose to travel back inland to the lakeside village of Wanaka - a great place to unwind and relax on the final leg of your trip)

Day10

While in Dunedin take the opportunity to explore the Peninsula, where you will see yellow - eyed penguins and the world famous Albatross colony. You also have the chance to view NZ fur seals and sea lions.

After a morning taking in the wildlife, head back up the east coast to Christchurch for your departure home the following day. En route, you can stop off and view the unique Moeraki Boulders - naturally formed stone balls found on the beach.

Day 11

All good things must unfortunately come to an end. Catch your return flight home, departure from Christchurch.