19 Day Exclusive North and South Island Luxury Tour

Day 1 – Auckland arrival

You will be welcomed to NZ and met by your private driver guide and for the next 19 days and The Road Trip Begins. The rest of the afternoon is free for leisure/ relaxation.

Your 5 star accommodation for the next 2 nights is set in the heart of downtown Auckland and combines classic luxury and European Heritage.

Overnight: Cordis Hotel or similar

No meals included today

 

Day 2 – Auckland

Sights on your private city tour today could include a visit to one of Auckland’s inner city beaches; Mission Bay, where it is possible to see stunning Pohutukawa trees. The trip could also take in sights such as Mt Eden, a stunning viewpoint and one of Auckland’s most famous volcanic craters, and perhaps a gander at one of The Road Trip’s favourite look out spots that boasts great views of both Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. This evening we will take a trip to the top of the Auckland Skytower and view the City of Sails from 300m above. You will enjoy a three-course dinner in the exclusive Sky Tower Sugar Club Restaurant.

Overnight: Cordis Hotel or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 3 – Auckland to Whitianga via Coromandel – 210km (4 hour drive)

South you go. Leaving New Zealand’s largest city you head for the Coromandel, one of the key locations for the New Zealand gold rush in the 1800s. En route depending how you feel there may be time for a walk through one the region’s many Kauri Tree forests, where you will encounter the flora and fauna of New Zealand’s North Island at its best. You follow the coast road to the town of Coromandel, where you will take a trip on ‘The Driving Creek Railway’- New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway, with a working pottery and wild life sanctuary (included activity). From there you will take the stunning inland route to the coastal town of Whitianga, known for the famous Buffalo Beach and its palm trees that line the shore.

Your luxury boutique accommodation for the next 2 nights is set amongst native forest and boasts stunning views of the ocean and bush. 

Overnight: 970 Lonely Bay Lodge or similar

Breakfast included today

 

Day 4 – Whitianga

This morning you will visit the world famous Hot Water Beach. This is one of the only places in the world where one can discover thermal water underneath a beach! Water in places can be as hot as 70 degrees Celsius though, so approach with caution. Bring your swimming gear, as you will have the opportunity to dig your very own thermal pool and bathe in its waters (35-40 degrees Celsius in the right areas). You can also take a walk to one of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches; Cathedral Cove. This afternoon upon return to Whitianga, the evening is free for leisure activities. Options include; a boat trip to a marine reserve, walking along Buffalo Beach and Horse-riding at a local farm. Spend a further night in the stunning Lonely Bay Lodge.

Overnight: 970 Lonely Bay Lodge or similar

Breakfast included today

 

Day 5 – Whitianga to Rotorua via Hobbiton – 353km (4.5 hour drive)

Today your first stop is the only remaining film set from the trilogy of the Lord of the Rings; the picturesque village of Hobbiton! You will take a 2 hour guided tour through Hobbiton and its many hobbit holes, beautiful green rolling hills, vegetable gardens (real and fake) and even stop for a Southfarthing Ale at the Green Dragon! (included activity). You will arrive in Rotorua late afternoon where you could have a walk through the wonderful redwood forest or take a tour through a thermal mud pool reserve and view Rotorua’s stunning Government Gardens and lakefront. Tonight perhaps visit Polynesian Spa and relax in its thermal waters (optional – extra cost).

Your luxury remote accommodation for the next 2 nights is set on the shores of picturesque Lake Tarawera and feature panoramic views of the lake and magnificent volcanoes. Tonight enjoy a spectacular New Zealand cuisine accompanied by fine wines in an elegant setting.

Overnight: Solitaire Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 6 – Rotorua

This morning you will take a guided walk around Te Puia and experience mud pools and geysers and visit the Maori Weaving School and Kiwi House (included activity). This is a chance to see our national bird up close. This afternoon is free for leisure activities. Options include: Rotorua Gondola and Luge, a trip to Rotorua Agrodome to experience zorbing, a self-guided walk through the stunning Waimangu Volcanic Valley + boat ride on Lake Rotomahana, a visit to a kiwifruit farm, a trip to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, or a visit to the spectacular Redwoods Treewalk! (all activities listed are optional – extra cost). Tonight you will enjoy a Hangi and cultural performance with our native Maori people (included activity).

Overnight: Solitaire Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 7 – Rotorua to Tongariro National Park – 195km (2.5 hour drive)

You leave Rotorua today and head south towards one of New Zealand’s three Unesco World Heritage sites; Tongariro National Park. Your first stop for the day is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. You will see New Zealand’s largest thermal mud pool, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours (included activity). Heading south and stopping at the mind-blowingly powerful Huka Falls en route, you will reach Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Arriving in Tongariro National Park, you are surrounded not only by active volcanoes and the beautiful Mangawhero Falls but several LOTR filming locations, including areas used to portray Mordor, the rocky wasteland of Emyn Muil and the stunning volcano of Mount Ngaurauhoe, known by LOTR fans as the one and only Mount Doom!

This evening you will enjoy a nice meal and a good rest at the picturesque Chateau Tongariro. The Chateau is situated in the heart of the national park and boasts stunning views of the volcanoes.

Overnight: Chateau Tongariro or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 8 – Tongariro National Park to Wellington – 331km (5 hour drive)

If you are feeling active this morning there is a possibility of doing one of the many stunning short walks in the Tongariro National Park. One of The Road Trip’s favourites is 2 hours long featuring native bush, volcanic views and stunning waterfalls. Heading south you arrive in Wellington in the afternoon to discover New Zealand’s capital city. You can take a city tour taking in sights such as Mt Victoria – Wellington’s most spectacular viewpoint with 360 degrees of the city, harbour and mountain ranges in the background, Te Papa – our national museum, or Zealandia – A huge wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of the city.  In the evening perhaps have a wander through the bustling streets of Wellington where you can enjoy a meal on the waterfront (optional – extra cost).

Your luxury 5 star inner city accommodation for the evening is a stone’s throw from The Beehive – New Zealand’s Parliament.

Overnight: Bolton Hotel or similar

Breakfast included today

Day 9 – Wellington to Hanmer Springs – 420km (3 hour ferry + 5 hour drive)

Today you say farewell to the North Island and take a 3 hour ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island of New Zealand, also known as New Zealand’s mainland. After disembarking, driving south you will head through the Marlborough wine growing region, the largest and premier wine growing region of New Zealand, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. You have the opportunity today to visit one of or several of these fantastic wineries. From here you will head through the Spectacular Nelson Lakes area where you will get the opportunity to stop and take one of the many nature walks in the area. From there, head through the Lewis Pass to the Thermal Resort town of Hanmer Springs where tonight perhaps relax and unwind in the thermal waters.

Your accommodation for evening is spectacular Breamar Lodge, situated in an elegant setting with views across the valley and boasting its own luxury spa. Tonight enjoy fine dining in the altitude restaurant and admire views of the Hanmer Basin.

Overnight: Select Braemar Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

Day 10 – Hanmer Springs to Christchurch – 135km (1.5 hour drive)

This morning after departing Hanmer Springs you will take the drive south to Christchurch where there will be time to explore the inner city and visit sights such as: New Regent Street, Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch Cathedral, The International Antarctic Centre and The Tannery. Your hotel night is Christchurch City’s finest 5 star hotel boasting views of the Avon River and spectacular Hagley Park. You will enjoy dinner in the exclusive Pescatori Restaurant.

Your hotel tonight is Christchurch City’s finest 5 star hotel boasting views of the Avon River and spectacular Hagley Park. You will enjoy dinner in the exclusive Pescatore Restaurant.

Overnight: The George Hotel or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 11 – Christchurch to Arthurs Pass via Tranz Alpine Train + drive to Franz Josef Glacier – 390km (2.5 hour train journey + 3.5 hour drive)

Today you will take a journey across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass. This was voted one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Keep a look out for the Bealey River and lakes Pearson and Lyndon with the towering Alps above. You will disembark in Arthurs Pass where there is the opportunity of taking one of the many short nature walks in the national park. You will have the chance to look for the Kea (New Zealand’s native alpine parrot). Our favourite spot features a stunning 150 metre waterfall and spectacular views of the mountains as you peek through native beech forest. Driving further you can stop in Hokitika to have a look at the greenstone factory, where you can view up close how the local people carve necklaces and sculptures from the precious stone. This afternoon or early tomorrow morning you will have the option of a flight over or heli-hike on the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world to be flanked by rainforest on both sides (optional – extra cost).

Your luxury 5 star accommodation for this evening features exclusive rooms with a rainforest setting and 5 course degustation meal.

Overnight: Te Waonui Rainforest Retreat or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 12 – Franz Josef Glacier – Wanaka – 250km (4 hour drive)

One of the prettiest and most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on this tour over the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. En route we visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and we can do one of or several walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite hidden spots at The Road Trip is an isolated beach featuring native Totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Keep a look-out for dolphins bobbing up and down on the shoreline. Tonight we stay in Wanaka, one of the most popular kiwi vacation hot spots situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka. (Helicopter transfer included to Minaret Station.

Tonight you will be flown to one of New Zealand’s ultimate luxury properties by helicopter and enjoy a spectacular night and top class cuisine in a remote alpine location.

Overnight: Minaret Station or similar (includes helicopter transfers)

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 13 – Aspiring National Park Private Jet Boating Experience

Today is a day to experience the ultimate private jet boating experience on an iconic glacial fed river. You will be flown by helicopter and take a thrilling boat ride down the braided river. This expedition also includes a short guided hike with a private guide. Spend a further night at the luxury remote lodge.

Overnight: Minaret Station or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 14 – Wanaka to Te Anau – 260km (3 hour drive)

This morning you will be flown back to Wanaka to be met by your private driver. For those feeling adventurous you can take a walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River. After further exploring Wanaka, your South Island tour takes you over The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway to Arrowtown, an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer. Your next stop is Amisfield Winery where you will enjoy a 3 course ‘trust the chef’ lunch with 4 matching wines, including the trademark Pinot Noir which this region is famous for (lunch and wine tasting included). This afternoon you will drive a further 2.5 hours to Te Anau. This evening in Te Anau you will take a tour by boat across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to view the shimmering light of thousands of luminous glow-worms in a 12,000 year old grotto (included).

Your accommodation is set on a superb site commanding spectacular views of Lake Te Anau. Enjoy spectacular seasonal fare and a connection to the land with fantastic cuisine in the lodge restaurant.

Overnight: Fiordland Lodge or similar

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today

 

Day 15 – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau – 240km (4 hour drive)

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot). This morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea (included activity). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to take some short walks in the Fiordland National Park.

Overnight: Fiordland Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 16 – Doubtful Sound Day Trip + Return to Te Anau – (40 minutes drive + Day cruise)

Today take the 20 minute drive to Manapouri Harbour for your day cruise through Doubtful Sound (or we can arrange bus transfers). This spectacular journey starts with a cruise to the other side of Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over a pass to the fjords followed by a magical afternoon cruising through the towering peaks and stunning waterfalls of Doubtful Sound. The trip also passes by Manapouri power station. The boat returns to Manapouri at 4:45. In the afternoon, take the 20 minute drive back to Te Anau and enjoy a further night at the lodge.

Overnight: Fiordland Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 17 – Te Anau to Queenstown 175km (2 hour drive)

This morning you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings. Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Canyon Swings, White Water Rafting, Flyboarding and Paragliding. If you feel like taking a more relaxed approach to the day, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw 100 year old steam ship or a walk through Queenstown’s Botanic Gardens are not to be missed.

Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is the spectacular luxury Matakauri Lodge boasting spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding peaks.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 18 – Queenstown Activities + Sightseeing

Today is a further day to explore Queenstown with your private guide at leisure. There are also several hiking opportunities that will be recommended and lead by your guide. Perhaps take a drive with your guide to Glenorchy and the head of Lake Wakatipu to hike a section of the Routeburn or Greenstone Tracks. There is also the opportunity to visit some fantastic scenic look out spots around Coronet Peak. Enjoy a further night in Queenstown. Spend a further night at the luxury Matakauri Lodge.

Overnight: Matakauri Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

 

Day 19 – Departure day

This morning after further exploring Queenstown, you will be transferred to Queenstown International Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have had a memorable exclusive tour with us.

Breakfast included today