NATURE AND WILDLIFE TOUR (21 NIGHTS) ENGLISH Great days

Despite the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch was placed second on The New York Times’ list of 52 ‘Places to Go’ in 2014. This speaks volumes of the spirit of this city and its people, whose collective creativity has seen a number of restorative art projects developed on the empty lots and buildings the disasters left behind. The city also offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot-air ballooning and whale and dolphin watching. Or stroll around the Botanic Gardens.

Just 75 kilometres from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés. Relax or take part in the many activities that are on offer. Explore the dramatic outer bays and take your time to soak in the magic of this area.

Oamaru has two unusual claims to fame: remarkable Victorian architecture and penguins. This is indeed an unusual combination but Oamaru is no ordinary town. Many of the town centre’s newly renovated historical buildings play host to an array of quirky galleries, wonderfully bizarre shops, and trendy cafes all run by a small tight-knit community of often wildly eccentric bohemian locals. Oamaru’s main attraction is undoubtedly the opportunity to witness colonies of blue penguins, the smallest and only blue species of penguin in the world, as well as yellow-eyed penguins, one of the world's rarest birds. Once this highlight has been ticked off the list, take a stroll around the well-preserved Historic District, with its distinctive, limestone, nineteenth-century buildings that have afforded Oamaru the title “The Whitestone City”. Throw in a surprisingly impressive culinary scene and it's no wonder that this kooky little hamlet is fast gaining a reputation as New Zealand’s coolest town.

Situated on tree-covered hills overlooking the spectacular Otago Harbour and Peninsula, Dunedin (Celtic for Edinburgh) is New Zealand’s largest city geographically. But there’s no urban sprawl here; instead you’ll find impressive historic architecture, parks, and natural beauty in abundance. You’ll want to visit Larnach Castle (high tea is served at 3pm every day); Speight’s Brewery for tours, tastings and hearty meals; St Paul’s Cathedral; and the Ice Stadium to watch a game or two of curling. Beyond the city limits you’ll find some gems, too, including the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, and the seaside settlements of Karitane and Port Chalmers.

Oban is the largest settlement on Stewart Island (also known as Rakiura), the southernmost inhabited island of the New Zealand archipelago. Most easily accessed via ferry from Bluff, this scenic destination on the shores of Halfmoon Bay makes an excellent base for exploring some staggering natural attractions on the island. Key activities include swimming and sea kayaking; bird watching at the Ulva Island Open Sanctuary; chartered fishing trips; and a range of hiking and walking trails. As well as shorter tracks, this area is famous for its range of long-distance walks, including the Rakiura Track (36 kilometres, three days) and the North-West Circuit (125 kilometres, about 10 days). Finally, Oban is one of the few places in the world to view the aurora australis (or Southern Lights).

Te Anau is situated in the southern region of New Zealand’s South Island, on the eastern bank of Lake Te Anau (the largest lake on South Island). The town is the perfect gateway to the unique and awe-inspiring geographical attractions of Milford Sound (boasting rich marine life and spectacular views), and the Fiordland National Park (offering the excellent Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford hiking and biking trails among astonishing landscapes). However, beautiful Te Anau has plenty to offer in its own right. Active travellers can enjoy water sports on the lake, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and trout fishing, while gentle boat cruises provide a more leisurely option. Make sure to visit the incredible Te Anau Caves to see other-worldly displays of glowworms and an impressive underground waterfall, and visit the beautiful native birds at the Punanga Manu o Te Anau aviary.

Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and has stunning views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s adventure capitals, it offers visitors a wide selection of adrenaline-boosting activities to choose from, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, zip lining, skiing and skydiving. Queenstown also has a lively bar and restaurant scene, and for those who prefer the quieter things in life there are vineyards, golf courses, spas and wellness centres.

The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, but numbers swell during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country, and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23km further south, are the main attractions. The town offers myriad options for cosy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer – combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevisses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.

As its name suggests, this historical town lies at the mouth of the Grey River. The town is well geared for travellers, offering all the necessary services and the odd tourist attraction, the most famous of which is Shantytown, a re-created 19th-century gold-mining town surrounded by an impressive native forest. Greymouth’s wide avenues are strewn with galleries specialising in pounamu, also known as New Zealand jade. Spend a day admiring these exquisite greenstone carvings for which this town is famous, take a tour of one of the town’s impressive local breweries, or indulge in some excellent trout fishing on the peaceful banks of the stunning Lake Brunner. Greymouth caters for a broad range of interests. Those in search of adrenaline pumping adventure will be well sated, but so too will those looking for a quiet, relaxing day out in a magnificent natural landscape. There really is a little bit of everything for everyone in Greymouth!

On the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, the seaside settlement of Kaikoura is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains. This little hamlet has become a popular tourist destination, primarily due to its famous wildlife watching opportunities. Few places can boast such a wide range of accessible wildlife. With whales, dolphins, fur seals, penguins and albatrosses frequently spotted, this area is truly a nature lovers dream. Visitors can join the Art Trail to witness the skilled local artisans at work in their own studios and galleries or visit the town’s first home which was built in 1842, remains remarkably well-preserved and, interestingly, was built using whale bone as its foundation. So, if you are looking for a bit of history, a touch of crafty culture and a whole heap of outdoor adventure, Kaikoura won’t fail to impress.

Sandwiched between the lush green rolling hills of the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and the calm, tranquil waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, lies the small, picturesque town of Picton. This peaceful seaside town is known as the gateway to the greater Marlborough area and it makes an excellent base for exploring the Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track or the wonderful wine region around Blenheim. The town’s favourable location around a sheltered harbour makes it an ideal spot for boat cruising, fishing, dolphin watching or sea kayaking. Less energetic travellers can enjoy browsing local craft markets, exploring the floating maritime museum or simply watching the world pass by at one of the numerous cafés and bars lining the waterfront of this delightful little port town.

Encompassing vast farmlands and lush forests, Waikanae is a scenic town with an idyllic location between the calm Tasman Sea and the rugged Tararua Ranges, along New Zealand’s Kapiti Coast. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this seaside setting is home to the stunning Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve, the sandy shores of Waikanae Beach, the refreshing swimming holes and walkways of the Waikanae River, and the spectacular coastal area of Nga Manu Nature Reserve, a thirteen-hectare forested area home to over 56 bird species. Additionally, visitors can roam around the lively city centre’s artisanal stores and decadent eateries, or visit the famed Kapiti Coast Museum. Don’t miss out on a chance to indulge in organic produce and artisanal products at the bustling Saturday Market.

The small rural town Ohakune is blessed with magnificent scenery, as well as some of New Zealand’s best skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of nearby Mount Ruapehu. Sporty travellers will be in their element here, with kayaking, hiking and cycling also high on the list of local activities. Ohakune is the kick-off point for trips to Tongariro National Park, the country’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO Wold Heritage Site, known for its stunning glacial lakes with aquamarine waters, rugged volcanic peaks blanketed with snow, and rich Maori culture. The town also has plenty of great wining, dining, shopping and entertainment options.

The city of Rotorua has been a spa town since the 1800s, thanks to the many geysers, hot springs and mud pools that can be found in what is one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. The Maori, who considered the region sacred, make up 35% of the population and a popular attraction is discovering their rich culture and traditions. Rotorua is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests and other natural features that afford visitors the opportunity to try out a number of outdoor activities between relaxing sessions in the hot springs and pools.

Set on the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula’s Mercury Bay, alluring Whitianga is a charming seaside destination best known for Buffalo Beach, a five-kilometer-long stretch of white sand perfect for swimming, fishing, and collecting seashells. There are plenty of other activities on offer, including hiking(through the grand Coromandel Ranges), or kayaking or snorkelling (among bright schools of fish in the secluded Cathedral Cove, where a cathedral-like tunnel separates two tranquil, pristine beaches lapped by calm, turquoise waters). Those seeking an unusual and relaxing experience can dig themselves a private spa bath on Hot Water Beach. Travellers visiting in September can look forward to the Whitianga Scallop Festival, a fun-filled weekend tradition with an emphasis on seafood cuisine and cooking demos.

Auckland with its suburbs has over 1 million inhabitants. It is the largest city in the country and spreads generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Over 60 extinct volcanic cones and craters characterize the landscape, while an endless procession of sails in the harbor is typical of the relaxed way of life here. Auckland was the state capital until 1865 and is today the economic center of New Zealand.