Day 1: Auckland

Auckland is the 'City of Sails', so what better way to start your holiday than with a days sailing on Auckland's sparkling Waitemata Harbour and cruise the site of this season's America's Cup race on board our chartered yacht. Take the helm, learn about sailing or just relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Day 2: Auckland - Nikau Caves - Rotorua

At a private farmstay, we enjoy the company of a typical New Zealand family as Phillip prepares us for a unique wild cave visit followed by a picnic lunch on the lawn. The Nikau Caves are undeveloped and known to only a few. We are privileged to explore this underground wonderland. The evening highlight is the lakeside Marae (ceremonial ground) visit. Our Maori hosts welcome us in their traditional manner before entertaining us with a concert and hangi (traditional meal).

Day 3: Rotorua - Tongariro National Park

Explore one of New Zealand's most colourful thermal areas with boiling mud pools, hot streams and silica terraces. Visit the streaming Wairakei geothermal valley and the impressive Huka Falls, before driving alongside the eastern shores of Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park.

Day 4: Tongaririo National Park

Two half day walks to beautiful waterfalls and bushlands provide the option of a rugged full day ascent of Mt Ruapehu or the amazing 8 hour Tongariro Crossing, one of New Zealand's great one day walks. A magnificent scenic flight option also exists for those wanting to understand the volcanic origins of the area.

Day 5: Tongariro National Park - Wellington

Enjoy the drive through the rural countryside to our capital city. Explore Te Papa, our national museum and take a night stroll through our latest wildlife sanctuary within the city boundary.

Day 6: Wellington - Abel Tasman National Park

By Inter Island ferry we cross Cook Strait and pass down the beautiful and spectacular Marlborough Sounds to the tranquil port of Picton. Here we swap for stable double kayaks and paddle the sheltered waters of the sounds. In the afternoon we travel onto the edge of the nearby Abel Tasman National Park with its beautiful golden sand beaches and forests.

Day 7: Marahau - Abel Tasman Walkway

By water taxi we are whisked up the coast to the beautiful Tonga Island and a view of its seal life. Back on land and the start of our days walk. We enjoy the beautiful beaches and ancient forests as the track weaves through the park, providing a kaleidoscope of impressions. A final water taxi ride provides the return to Marahau and some time to relax and enjoy this coastal vista.

Day 8: Marahau - Punakaiki

Our departure from Marahau is followed by the scenic drive with an exhilarating rafting trip on the mighty Buller River. After a BBQ lunch we follow the river to the coast and Cape Foulwind. Further down the coast we stop at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks. Amid the splendour of the breaking swells on the unique rock formations we have time to watch the sun set from our accommodation.

Day 9: Punakaiki - Fox Glacier

An early start has us passing through areas of lush forests as we continue south down the beautiful West Coast. After lunch we take a guided walk on the spectacular Fox Glacier which descends to within 200 metres (660ft) above sea level, and then hike up beside the glaciers terminal face and out onto the ancient white ice.

Day 10: Fox Glacier - Haast Pass - Queenstown

Mid-morning we take an exciting 20 minute scenic flight over the remote Aspiring National Park and land in a remote and peaceful valley hemmed in by magnificent mountains. We pause awhile and enjoy the solitude and scenery, before hiking through the mature beech forests and grassland flats to rendezvous with a jet boat for a thrilling 20 kilometre (12 mile) ride down the braided backcountry river.

Day 11: Queenstown

A leisure day to enjoy the scenic delights of this world famous destination, home of the famous 'bungy jump'! Optional activities are available such as a scenic flight into and a cruise on the Milford Sound, or you may just prefer to simply spend the day shopping or relaxing.

Day 12: Queenstown - Mt Cook

Enjoy morning tea in the tawny rolling hills of Lindis pass before driving through the tussock covered plains into Mount Cook National Park. Towering above the Southern Alps, this is New Zealand's highest peak and we get spectacular views of it as it towers over us from the glacial valley floor. The setting sun on the highest peaks provides an awesome backdrop to our last evening's meal.

Day 13: Mt Cook - Christchurch

On board our stable craft we explore the glacial lake on the Tasman glacier, unlocking the secrets of its past 1000 years. Back on the road again, we stop off for a farm lunch and visit. A final drive across the Canterbury Plains brings us into the 'Garden City' of Christchurch by late afternoon and the conclusion of your holiday.