From ocean-dwelling marine life to soaring mountain peaks, New Zealand is filled from sea to sky with fascinating natural wonders. Explore the best of both islands on this comprehensive tour as you journey from Auckland to Christchurch over the course of 5 days.
Day One Auckland – Waitomo– Rotorua
Depart Auckland for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, tour cave formations, stalactites, stalagmites by boat through a Glowworm Cavern lit up with thousands of tiny glowworm lights. From Waitomo travel through the Central North Island to Rotorua arriving early afternoon.
Evening accommodation Princes Gate Hotel Rotorua or similar
Day Two Rotorua
This morning collected from your accommodation and transferred to Wharewarewa Thermal Reserve and home of a Maori Living Village. The thermal valley surrounded by boiling mud pools, and the famous Pohutu geyser. Here a guided tour and cultural performance has been arranged for your enjoyment. Returned to your accommodation early afternoon
Afternoon at leisure in Rotorua, to explore the Rotorua township, the lake front and beautiful Government Gardens or take in some of the other attractions, such as Skyline Gondola, or the Mitai Maori Village for an evening Performance
Evening accommodation Princes Gate Hotel Rotorua or similar
Day Three Rotorua – Wellington
Rotorua by coach travelling south to the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington, via the shores of Lake Taupo, through the dry arid central plateau, the home of several active volcanoes. Prior to arriving in Wellington travel down the Kapiti Coast with great views of Cooks Strait and the South Island.
Evening accommodation James Cook Hotel Wellington or similar.
Day Four Wellington – Picton – Kaikoura
Depart Wellington by the Inter-Islander Cook Strait Ferry for the 3 hour ferry crossing to Picton in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. On your arrival you will board the TransCoastal train and travel to Kaikoura via some spectacular scenic coast line.
Evening Accommodation White Morph Inn Kaikoura or similar
Day Five Kaikoura – Christchurch
On this the final day you will go Whale Watching where you will see the Giant Sperm Whale and a host of marine life.
This afternoon continue onto Christchurch where your tour concludes.
Note: This tour can be operated in reverse starting in Christchurch (LT43A).
