DAY1

Arrive Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest, busiest and most diverse city. Home to almost one third of the country’s population, and the business centre of the nation, it’s not surprising this vibrant metropolis is often mistaken for the country’s capital. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is magnificently framed by the stunning waterways, the Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour. Easily highlights of the city, the harbour and marina are in walking distance of your accommodation.  

Distinct in its pace, opportunities and multi-cultural influences, Auckland offers many diverse events, attractions and experiences. Auckland is a popular arrival destination for starting your New Zealand holiday, a fantastic place for a city break or a perfect venue for an unforgettable surfing holiday.

Auckland, the “City of Sails”, lies on an extinct volcanic bed and is magnificently framed by geographic wonders – the stunning waterways of the Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour and by native forests. From boats and boutiques, to surfing and socialising, Auckland is a marvellous multi-cultural city that offers so very many diverse events, attractions and experiences and is thus a great place for a city break.

DAY3

Rotorua

Famed for its geothermal activity, Rotorua is utterly unique – peer into an active volcano and watch the belly of the earth bubble and roar as it leeches sulphurous steam trying to find its way out through thermal pools and geysers. Steeped in Maori history and culture, and picturesque to boot, Rotorua offers a profusion of opportunities for the long or short-term visitor.

The thermal activity in Rotorua is fascinating – as is the local constant companion, the smell of sulphur! There are many geysers to view although the Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley at Te Puia is arguably Rotorua’s favourite geyser known for its 30 metre high steam spurts! Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is where the rich Maori history and culture of the region is detailed through song, dance and storytelling.
However there is more to Rotorua than hiss and steam. 

A visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing a few of the 16 magnificent lakes in this region – such as Lake Rotorua, Lake Tarawera or the beautiful Green (Rotokakahi) and Blue (Tikitapu) Lakes – perhaps even catch a trout for dinner? Popular water sports are kayaking, jet boating, water skiing, fishing (note that Green Lake is closed to public) and white water rafting (especially at the Kaituna River). 

Nearby Mount Tarawera is known for its devastating volcanic eruption of 1886 which, in destroying three whole villages, also buried The Pink and White Terraces, a geological phenomenon considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. 

Opportunities for families – attractions and actions – abound. For the adrenaline junkies why not try hurtling downhill in a plastic bubble, racing through space, body flying or bungy jumping 43 metres! But worry not, there’s always horse riding, orienteering and walks through the lovely Whakarewarewa (Redwood) Forest.

Activities

Geothermal Experiece | Te Puia

DAY5

Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

Wellington to Christchurch 
Driving distance: 414 km / 257 miles 
Driving: Approx 5h1m Sailing: Approx 3h20m 

When travelling between islands a ferry journey is required 

Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The road south hugs the coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. After Kaikoura the road heads inland to the sheep country of North Canterbury. Overnight in Christchurch

DAY7

Dunedin - Te-Anau

Dunedin to Te Anau 
Driving distance: 298 km / 185 miles 
Driving: Approx 4h19m 

Leaving Dunedin City behind , the Southern Motorway speeds you out of Dunedin, passing Lake Waihola and the townships of Milton and Balclutha.  There you turn inland and drive through the lush grazing paddocks of Southland beside the trout rich Mataura River, to reach the junction town of Lumsden.  
Continue westward following the Oreti river between the foothills of the Takitumu range, which Maori legend describes as the hull of one of the seven great canoes that brought their people from Hawaiki.   

The road then joins the Mararoa River, cruising through tussock and grazing land to reach Flaxy Creek Junction, and soon after Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, flanked by the brooding Murchison ranges.
  

Drive through the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, cross the Waimea plains towards Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

DAY9

Queenstown

An adventure playground extraordinaire, Queenstown is both beautiful and bountiful: even the mountain range framing the town is called “The Remarkables”. Add to this Lake Wakatipu and lush forestation, its no wonder Hollywood film-makers frequently visit. 

Home to the first commercial bungy jumping enterprise, Queenstown is known for its many adrenaline-filled activities. Nearby Skipper’s Canyon and Arthur’s point commemorate the discovery of gold in the area. 

A stunningly beautiful and compact town, walking around Queenstown from eatery to entertainment, from parties to performances is all too easy – and being the unofficial adrenaline capital of New Zealand, you might want to pace out your days! Mountain skiing is immensely popular at Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone; with cross country skiing at the Waiorau Snow Farm (near Cardrona). Other adventure possibilities include jet boating, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, skateboarding, tramping, paragliding, canyon-swinging, sky diving, river surfing and fly fishing!

If a calmer pace suits you, Queenstown has a great shopping and commercial scene and there is an equally vibrant night-life. Take in Queenstown’s incredible scenery over a leisurely lunch and a locally produced Pinot noir from, apparently, the world’s southernmost wine region! Bars are a-plenty, whilst there is a constant buzz of street (and indoor) entertainment and live music. Queenstown is home to the coal fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw; hosts an annual International Jazz  Festival and a Winter Festival and also makes a great base for exploring the inland lakes (Lake Hawea, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Wanaka).

DAY11

Queenstown

Phew! Could be the big sleep in today if you’ve taken advantage of the many attractions of Queenstown over the past two days. 

If you are the sort to have taken a more measured approach, and you still have lots of energy, well then there’s plenty more in store should you feel inclined.

Have you dangled from the bungy yet? Felt the chill of the clear lake waters from the Earnslaw, skied your heart out, raced up the Shotover for a thrilling ride in the jet boat, or shopped to your hearts content? No?
Dont wait around then -get in to it Then tomorrow when you depart you can truely call yourself an accredited Queenstown adenalin junkie!