North & South Islands - Highlights (10 nights)

North & South Islands - Highlights (10 nights)

Auckland (2 ) - Rotorua (2) - Christchurch (2) - Mt.Cook (1) - Queenstown (3)

AUCKLAND:

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and sits at between two harbours. Geographically blessed the city is surrounded by wonderful beaches, native forrests and a series of volcanic cones.

With a warm temperate climate, outdoor activities are enjoyable most of the year round. Culturally diverse the city offers an array of colourful festivals and concerts over the summer months, and has a thriving arts scence to explore.

About Auckland

Walking, hiking and biking options are in close proximity and cater for all levels of experience

Visit vastly different coast lines in a day from the wild black sand beaches on the West Coast then on to the gentle white sand beaches on the East Coast

Known as the 'City Of Sails' there are opportunities to get out on the harbour and try your hand at sailing an America's Cup yacht

Thanks to a culturally diverse population dinning options are endless offering the best from all cultures in both a casual or fine dinning setting.
Waiheke Island is a 35 min ferry ride from the city and offers wonderful beaches, great wineries and eateries plus a relaxed laid back atmosphere loved by all who visit

ROTORUA :

The first thing you'll notice as you arrive into Rotorua is the strong smell of sulpha that permeates the air! Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is renowned for its fascinating Maori culture, hot springs, boiling mud pools, spouting geysers, warm geothermal springs and native forests.

Rotorua is an area rich in Maori history and is home to the Te Arawa people who settled here some 600 years ago. Today they offer you the opportunity to experience authentic traditional Maori culture in it's many forms from a 'Kapa Haka' concert to watching local craftsmen carving and weaving just as their ancestors have done for hundreds of years.

About Rotorua

Visit the geothermal wonders that have captivated tourists for hundreds of years. Watch the giant geysers erupt and bubbling mud pools blip away as you pass by
Spend an entertaining evening at a traditional 'Hangi' (underground bbq cooked with hot rocks) and 'Kapa Haka' show, which is the traditional chants, choral singing and skillful use of 'Poi' and sticks. No night out at these shows is complete with out a 'Haka' or war dance to complete your cultural experience.
Soak in a naturally heated outdoor hot pool, smother yourself with the healing mud before washing off and feeling like you've just stepped out of a very expensive spa!
If the great outdoors is what you're after then Rotorua has it all, from epic bike trails, zip lining, treetop canopy walks, and options to get out on the crystal clear lakes that abound
Take in a farm tour for an upclose look at how a typical New Zealand farm operates
Helicopter out to White Island where you will land on this living steaming volcano

Recommended Sightseeing:   Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve  |   Mitai Maori Village Cultural Evening Hangi  |
Te Puia Thermal and Maori Cultural Centre  |    Waimangu  Volcanic Valley walk and Boat Cruise  |

Rotorua Canopy Tours  |  Redwoods Treewalk | Wingspan Falconry  |    Volcanic Air Tour White Island

Recommended Accommodation 5*  Luxury Lodges   -   Treetops Lodge  |   Solitaire Lodge

Recommended Accommodation   Superior 4* Hotel -    Lodge The Black Swan

CHRISTCHURCH:

Described by Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively,” Christchurch's energy is evident wherever you go. The city has bounced back after the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 with innovative new attractions, as well as some old favourites.

Visit the Re Start container mall, the transitional Cardboard Cathedral, and some of the many pop up restaurants and bars. Contemporary art galleries, boutique shops and open-air markets add to Christchurch’s creative vibe.

About Christchurch

Traditionally known as the Garden City, Christchurch’s award winning Botanic Gardens are over 150 years old and boast an enviable collection of exotic and native plants.
The Avon River flows through the city centre so why not take an Edwardian punt ride while you're there
Vintage trams make their way around the city making it an great way to see the city sights. The tram car restaurant is also a popular way to enjoy a meal onboard the lovingly restored carriages
The city is nice and flat making a leisurely bike ride a great option in the summer months. Biking through the Botanic Gardens and stopping off for an ice cream is the perfect way to spend an afternoon
Banks Peninsula offers sightseeing day trips out to the French township of Akaroa with many interesting stops along the way

Daily flights from Rotorua to Christchurch - flight time 1 hr 50 mins

Recommended Sightseeing:   Punting on the Avon River  | Tram Car City Tour & Restaurant |

French Akaroa Day Tour   |   4WD High Country Tour     |   Guided City Bike Tour  |   Botanic Gardens

Recommended Accommodation   5* Luxury Lodge -    Otahuna Lodge | Annadale Lodges

Recommended Accommodation   5* Hotels -   The George |  Heritage Hotel

TEKAPO:

Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps.

Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water. Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing.

About Lake Tekapo

Best seen between April and September, Lake Tekapo is known for it's clear nights and lack of light pollution, making it a great viewing destination.
Head to Mount John Observatory - perched high in the mountains and south-facing - for your best chance of experiencing this spectacular natural light show.

Distance from Christchurch to Tekapo - 228 kms / (3hrs)

Recommended Sightseeing: Church of the Good Shepherd | Mt John Observatory (Night Sky) |

Mt Cook & Surrounds Scenic Flight

Recommended Accommodation: Lake Tekapo Lodge | Peppers Blue Water Resort

QUEENSTOWN:

Welcome to Queenstown - the 'Adventure Capital of New Zealand'

Located in the south-western alpine region of the South Island, Queenstown is the most iconic tourist destination in the country
sitting snugly around a pristine inlet on the sparkling Lake Wakatipu. The region around Queenstown is characterised by jagged mountain ranges, deep canyons, wild cascading rivers, crystal-clear lakes, rain forest, tussock grassland and fresh mountain air – in short this region one of nature’s finest marvels.

About Queenstown

Queenstown offers a dizzying array of activities from those that involve throwing yourself off a bridge, airplane or mountain top, to the more gentle excursions that are guaranteed to keep your feet on the ground at all times!
This resort town is a great place to visit throughout the seasons, with spring and autumn becoming more popular as it's a good way to avoid the summer crowds
Be sure to get out in to the regions where the gold mining past remains part of the current landscape.
Wine making is a booming part of the area with Pinot Noir being a favourite drop both locally and internationally. Wine tours are well worth your time as the locations of the vineyards are nothing less than spectacular
Local produce features highly in your culinary experience in and around Queenstown with venison, stone fruits and wild thyme honey being a few of the ingredients you can expect to enjoy

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