7. New Zealand North & South Island: 14-Day Tour
Day 1 - Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Depart Auckland and head south-east to the pristine beaches of the Coromandel and the world-famous Cathedral Cove. Kayak around this stunning coastline (optional activity) and have the opportunity to visit Hot Water Beach; a unique surf beach where if you catch the tide right, you can dig a hole in the sand to create your own personal spa pool.
Day 2 - Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
Venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. Next, head over to Waitomo for a magical tour of the world-famous glow-worm caves. You will also have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip.
Day 3 - Waitomo to Rotorua
Start the day with a walk through the Ruakuri Reserve. Pass through The Shire of Hobbiton where you’ll have the opportunity to discover the Hobbiton Movie Set (optional activity) before rolling on through to Rotorua; a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers, and natural hot springs. Optional activities are luging down the SkyLine, White Water Rafting, Hells Gate, Mountain biking through the Redwoods, Zorb, Wai-o-tapu, Polynesian Spa, or National Kiwi Hatchery.
Day 4 - Rotorua free day and Tamaki Maori Village
Explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, with New Zealand’s largest geyser, and a chance to see a real live Kiwi bird. Visit the Tamaki Māori Village and be immersed in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people. Participate in a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua-area from a local Māori guide before feasting on some top kai food from the hāngi pit. Gather around a blazing bonfire and enjoy listening to Māori myths and legends before relaxing in a private forest spa pool and retiring for the night in a traditional carved whare moe (sleeping house).
Day 5 - Tamaki Maori Village to Taupo
Day 6 - Taupo free day
Day 7 - Taupo to Wellington
Day 8 - Wellington to Kaikoura
Day 9 - Kaikoura to Christchurch
Day 10 - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Day 11 - Lake Tekapo to Wanaka via Mount Cook
Day 12 - Wanaka to Queenstown
Day 13 - Queenstown free day
Day 14 - Queenstown to Glenorchy day trip