BEST OF NEW ZEALAND

On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation.

2 Nights at The Park Hyatt in a Double Hotel Suite 

Full Day Private Gourmet Food & Wine Tour (Private Tour)

Board your ferry at the Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal and enjoy the scenic 40 minute cruise to Waiheke Island through the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. This stunning island just off the Auckland coast boasts 92 square kilometres of beautiful beaches, vineyards, olive groves, native bush and laid back seaside villages. Some sailings will travel via the Devonport Ferry Terminal.

Experience succulent fresh New Zealand oysters, award-winning olive oil and other locally- produced specialty foods, accompanied by wines from some of the Island’s top boutique vineyards. Your guide will provide an entertaining and informative commentary along the way. Visit an award- winning olive oil mill followed by two vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines. Treats may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread and artisan cheeses. A lunch platter at one of the areas top vineyard restaurants is also included.

Starts: 9.00am (ex Auckland) | Ends: 4.45pm (arrives Auckland)

This morning, make your own way to the Budget Rent a Car depot to collect your rental vehicle.  Drive Auckland to Taupo.

Leaving the City of Sails, head via the southern motorway and over the Bombay Hills taking you into the mighty Waikato Region and across the Hauraki Plains. The Waikato River once flowed over this land, and has left behind a flat, sometimes swampy landscape of fertile alluvial soil that is excellent for dairy farming, the area’s main industry. To the east, the craggy Kaimai Range overlooks the plains and remains a constant presence as you continue south. Travel on through Tirau, a small town famously dubbed the 'Corrugated Capital of the World'. From here, you will pass through a series of interesting small towns - Putaruru, where much of New Zealand's bottles water comes from, and Tokoroa, the heart of New Zealand's massive forestry, timber and paper. As you start to approach Taupo, the road runs past the Wairakei Geothermal Field and a short detour will take you to Huka Falls, where a look-out gives you a great view of the mighty waterfall. Finally the road drops down to the lake and the township itself which looks out across the lake to the mountains of the Central Plateau.

Come and explore a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world. Wander through the Hidden Valley and visit the thermal Ruatapu Cave which extends more than 36m down into volcanic tuff to the 'Waiwhakaata' or 'Pool of Mirrors' hot pool at the bottom. Orakei Korako boasts the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand. Up to 23 active natural geysers play freely through the area, which is constantly changing. Marvel at the number of boiling hot springs and the vibrant colours all around you, or take a native bushwalk through this untouched geothermal paradise. The Lonely Planet Guide describes Orakei Korako as "...arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand"

First ferry: 8.00am | Last ferry: 4.00pm (4.30pm during daylight saving)

2 Nights at Huka Lodge in a Double Junior Lodge Suite 

Today is a day of leisure for you in Taupo. During your free time in Taupo you may like to consider some of the following activities: scenic flights, bungy jumping, cycling, white water rafting, tandem skydiving or would you prefer to unwind in the thermal pools, take a walk beside the lake or play a few holes of golf.

Drive Taupo to Napier 

Napier and its neighbour Hastings, are rich farming lands supporting vast orchards, vineyards and sheep farming. Wool and fruit growing are the back-bone of the region's economy and Napier is fast gaining an international reputation for wine making. After 1931’s violent earthquake and subsequent fires most of Napier’s commercial heart was destroyed. Napier’s harbour sustained a massive upheaval and 4000 hectares of new land was formed. The people of Napier rebuilt their city which has lent an art deco flavour to the downtown area. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s; Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and above all Art Deco. Napier's Art Deco style is unique with its Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay.

2 Nights at The Farm At Cape Kidnappers in a Double Ridge Suite 

Can-Am Tour (Private Tour)

Largely inaccessible to regular vehicles, Cape Kidnappers is best explored by Can-Am (an off-road buggy). Discover this rugged terrain with a personal guide as you travel to the very edges of this vast coastal property. Breathe in the southward views towards Ocean Beach and Bare Island before turning back to unrivalled vistas across the entire farm towards Napier and the surrounding ranges; venture through an old creek bed, across expansive farmland and down to historic Rangaika Beach. Ideal for all age groups and fitness levels, this tour is an absolute highlight.

Today you will drive to Napier Airport where you will drop off your rental car and check in for a flight to Nelson.  On arrival in Nelson, collect  your rental vehicle from Budget Rent A Car and drive 

Sunny Nelson lives up to its name with one of the highest sunshine hours in the country. The province has interesting topographical contrasts, from rugged mountains to extensive alluvial flats, from rough grazing land to intensive close backed farming, from desolation to virgin forest. Nelson is the commercial centre and seaport for a fertile, highly productive and extremely beautiful district noted for fruit and hops growing as well as general agricultural and vineyards. With three National Parks on its outer fringes Nelson is a great base for those who enjoy the outdoors. The region is also home to around 350 artists so enjoys an enviable reputation for a vibrant arts scene.

3 Nights at Edenhouse in a Double Edenhouse Suite

Private Charter (Private Cruise)

On Taranui, Torea or Sweet Release, you can create your own itinerary for the day and options include sea kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and bush walks in the national park. Lunch, refreshments, towels and sunscreen will be provided and all you need to bring is your hat, sunglasses, swimming gear and a warm jacket (just in case!). If you intend hiking then bring comfortable footwear - sneakers or sports sandles are okay. Enjoy a special private getaway in New Zealand's Abel Tasman National Park.

Starts: 10.00am | Ends: 4.00pm

Today is free to explore Nelson at your leisure and there are many options available. The vibrant city of Nelson is alive with boutique art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Various regional markets are held on a weekly basis. Don't miss the Nelson Farmer's Market if your stay includes a Wednesday morning or the Motueka Sunday Market for fresh local produce and crafts.

The wider region boasts craft breweries and wineries as well as a number of scenic and adventure activities. Visit some of them on a guided tour or hire a bike and explore them at your own leisure while cycling along Tasman's Great Taste Trail.

Nelson is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand's most popular visitor destinations. Take a day trip out to the park with its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters and lush New Zealand bush. Explore the park on foot, by kayak or opt for a leisurely cruise.

Situated by the Waimea Estuary, just a short drive off the main coastal highway Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park, lies Mapua Wharf with a range of craft shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes. Mapua Wharf is also where the ferry departs from, connecting Rabbit Island with Tasman's Great Taste Trail.

Today you will drive to Nelson Airport where you will drop off your rental car and check in for a flight to Christchurch. On arrival, you will be met by your private driver;  enjoy three hours of sightseeing around Christchurch before being transferred to Otahuna Lodge.

2 Nights at Otahuna Lodge in a Double Suite 

Full Day Akaroa & Harbour Cruise (Private Tour)

A day tour to Akaroa, the only settlement attempted by the French in New Zealand, passes through the magnificent surrounding landscapes. Travel over the beautiful Banks Peninsula on a high summit route which gives glorious views of farmlands, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps as well as remote bays indenting the coastline. From the main Akaroa wharf depart on a Nature Cruise. See Hectors Dolphins, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and local bird life. You will have an opportunity to wander around the charming 175 year old French harbourside village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers’ history, art and craft shops and studios before enjoying lunch at an award winning cafe. On the return journey to Christchurch visit the Cheese Factory at Barry’s Bay, the Little River Art Gallery and if time permits Vince’s Gem Stone Museum.

Starts: 8.30am | Ends: 5.45pm

Today you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred by private vehicle to Christchurch Airport. On arrival, collect your rental vehicle from Budget Rent A Car and drive to  Blanket Bay Lodge. 

Blanket Bay is a 50 minute drive from central Queenstown and activity options from the lodge are more limited and do involve more travel time.

Relax within an elegant yet rustic lodge surrounded by majestic alpine scenery. Accommodation is provided in intimate Lodge Rooms, generous Lodge Suites in the Main Lodge, and superb Chalet Suites all filled with sumptuous furnishings and elegant rugs. Natural materials are showcased throughout, echoing the Lodge's integration and interaction with the environment. All rooms within the Lodge are placed to take full advantage of the magnificent lake and mountain vistas.

3 Nights at Blanket Bay Lodge in a Double Chalet Suite 

Milford Ultimate - Squirrel (Private Activity)

Leaving Queenstown, you fly west over the high country peaks of Queenstown, towards the ‘Main Divide’ of the Southern Alps and into the World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. The scenery unfolds dramatically with vast U-shaped glacier carved valleys rich with primeval beech forests. The Milford Ultimate includes four landings, each at diverse and pristine locations where you can sip the pure waters of an alpine lake; take in the majestic Milford Sound; stroll along uninhabited wild yet beautiful west coast beaches, see the blue ice on glaciers high in the Alps and the fiords coastal rain forests. At each landing site, the helicopter will shut down for you to enjoy the quiet sound of themountains. Perhaps a curious Kea, New Zealand’s native parrot, will drop in to say hello. No two Ultimate trips are the same. 

Duration: 4 hours

Please note: Scenic flights by plane or helicopter are weather dependent, so we may be required to move your flight to another day, or your touring arrangements on the day may differ from those originally planned. If any scenic flights are cancelled, please contact your agent about any refunds due.

Today is free to explore Queenstown at your leisure. Queenstown and its surrounds are a true outdoor playground with much to offer for adrenaline-seekers, the active, wine lovers, and families alike.

Known as the adventure capital of the world, thrill-seekers have an abundance of options to choose from. Queenstown is ground zero for commercial bungy jumping anywhere in the world. Choose between Kawarau Bridge, where it all started, or head to the Nevis Bungy site for the most daring and highest bungy jump in the world (134m high!) – or go for a combination of the two and supplement it with a canyon swing or catapult experience. Experience the excitement of a high speed jet boat ride: skim across the water, whizz round corners and shoot through narrow rocky gorges!

A busy soft-adventure playground is located on top of Bob’s Peak, high above town. It can be reached by the iconic Skyline Gondola and offers activities like lugeing (part go-kart, part toboggan), zip lining (flying fox), dining with a view and stargazing.

There is no better way to appreciate Queenstown's location amid the Southern Alps than from a bird's eye perspective. Take a scenic helicopter flight, paraglide flight or take to the skies with a tandem skydive.

If you feel more comfortable on the ground, activities are plentiful, too. Cycling tours and mountain biking trails in Queenstown are a great way to explore and discover remote parts of this beautiful region! Or take to one of the many walking and hiking trails along the lakeshore or up the many hills and mountains.

For heritage-lovers, a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on board the iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw is a must as is a visit of the historic town of Arrowtown, a gold-rush village.

A little further afield lies scenic Glenorchy that can be reached by a 45-minute drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The views are spectacular and Glenorchy itself offers a range of activities, including walks, scenic jetboating, horse-riding and film locations from Lord of the Rings and Narnia. These are best be visited by 4x4 tour.

Wine devotees should not miss a trip out to nearby Gibbston Valley, home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, to explore cellar doors and restaurants to find your favourite vintage. This can be done independently by car or bicycle or as part of a guided tour.

In winter, Queenstown transforms itself into a ski resort. Ski fields like The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona offer options for experienced skiers and snowboarders and novices alike. Or, if you would like to try something new, why not head out for a snow shoeing experience?

Today marks the end of your time in New Zealand. 

Drive to Queenstown Airport where you will drop off your rental car and connect with international flight home.