New Zealand Uncovered

West Coast to Bay of Islands

This morning is all about flexibility. If we didn’t visit Waipoua yesterday, you’ll explore the forest today - either en route or via a complimentary local shuttle.

We’ll then cross the Far North toward the east coast, stopping at a winery after lunch for a relaxed wine tasting before arriving in Paihia later in the afternoon. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day and evening are completely free.

Take time to unwind by the waterfront, choose from a range of optional activities, or simply explore this vibrant Bay of Islands town at your own pace.

Free Day in the Bay of Islands

Today is yours to design.

Spend the day exactly how you like - cruise the Bay of Islands, go dolphin spotting, kayak to secluded beaches, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, or simply enjoy a relaxed day by the water with great food and ocean views.

Your included Waitangi Treaty Grounds combo pass allows you to explore the grounds at your own pace. Your guide will be on hand throughout the day to help arrange optional activities or share local tips.

In the evening, you’ll come together for an included Hāngī dinner at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds - a traditional Māori feast and cultural experience.

We journey south today with a few unforgettable stops along the way.

First stop is the charming Matakana Village. Enjoy some free time to relax over lunch, browse the boutique shops and local galleries, or sample the region’s renowned wines at The Vintry, which offers tastings from a selection of local vineyards. It’s the perfect laid-back way to wrap up your North Island experience.

Later, we’ll travel back to Auckland, where you will be dropped off at the airport to embark on your journey to the South Island to continue your adventure.

To kick off your South Island adventure, we drive one of three scenic passes across the Southern Alps to the west coast. The Lewis Pass takes us through unmodified beech forests, alpine wetland and along the Lewis River. We have plenty of distance to cover but we will have stunning landscapes & stops on our way to the picturesque town of Punakaiki.

The ultimate beachside destination for adventure and exploration, this picturesque coastal village is full of exciting things to do but is best known for the Pancake Rock where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of hotcakes. Spend the afternoon experiencing luxuriant coastal forest, fantastic limestone cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves, pristine rivers, and an absolutely spectacular coastline.

Drive the wild west coast with stops that include lighthouse views and seal colonies. As we head inland we drive through the scenic Nelson Lakes towards arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful National Park, Abel Tasman. Spend the afternoon exploring the tiny town or go on an adventure to collect fresh green lipped mussels.

Today we head to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand's longest sandspit along with stunning beaches and wildlife. Be ready for an adventure today, as we stop to explore the Ngārua Caves followed by a walk around Te Waikoropupū Springs, some of the clearest water you will see. Finally, follow the track to the most northern point on the South Island at Wharariki Beach.

Kick back on the beach or, if you’re feeling adventurous, discover the raw natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park by hiking parts of the track or grab a kayak and spend the day along the coastal track. If you’re lucky, you might spot native wildlife such as the Tui or Tuatara.

After a few epic adventures on our way out of town we head to the famed Marlborough Wine Region. Have a sip or two of its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and snap some Insta-worthy shots in the vineyards. Our drive continues on to Kaikoura, there are very few places in the world that can boast such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in this small community. As we come into town you'll notice the dramatic, rugged cliffs on the edge of town, which are as impressive as the whale watching and dolphin swimming.

Spend the morning ticking off the rest of your bucket list, whether it's spotting seals, searching for whales, or swimming with dolphins. After a morning of adventure, we will hop on the road to drive back to Christchurch. Spend the afternoon exploring the funky neighbourhoods of Christchurch.

Prepare for an incredible first day as we head for the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo at one of New Zealand’s most insta-worthy spots. Explore the local bike trails before you relax in the lakeside hot springs for some stargazing at the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Today we’ll head to the adrenaline capital of New Zealand – Queenstown! Before we head off you’ll have time to do a few activities or fit in any walks you didn’t do yesterday. Once we arrive, we’ll head to your accommodation for the next three days and get you settled in then it’s off exploring! Queenstown is the perfect place to tick off a number of items off your bucket list, with everything on offer from skydiving, and bungy jumping to canyoning and ziplining.

Larger-than-life waterfalls, ancient forests, awe-inspiring mountainscapes and leaping dolphins, welcome to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound. After taking in the spectacular scenery cruising the fiord, kick back with a beer, drop into a party or devour NZ’s famous burger - the Fergburger.

Bungy jumps, canyon swings, or horse riding; whatever your adventure threshold, there’s something in Queenstown for you to choose from! Try one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives, hit the trails for a bike ride, go luging or jet boat up the canyon.

After a break in picturesque Wanaka, prepare to be dazzled as we travel along rugged coastline beside ancient rainforests, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls as we head over Haast Pass, before we arrive at the gateway to glacier country – Franz Josef.

Crampons at the ready, Franz Josef could be the most beautiful place you'll ever set your eyes on. Explore the stunning formations made over thousands of years, where you can hike, helicopter - or both! Want something at a lower altitude? Quad bike, kayak, or relax in glacier hot pools, before kicking back with a cold drink to soak it all in.

After a quick stop off at beautiful Hokitika, experience a spectacular journey through Arthur’s Pass amongst the stunning snow-capped Southern Alps. Then it's back to Christchurch where our epic journey comes to an end. Fear not, we’ll say our goodbyes, hug it out and leave with stacks of great memories.