South Island, the larger of New Zealand’s two main landmasses, is home to The Southern Alps, including New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook. On its coast, you will find it’s largest city, Christchurch, known both as ‘the Cambridge of the southern hemisphere’ and the “Garden City”. In the south-west, there is the ‘adventure capital of the world’, Queenstown, where skiing, jet boating, bungee-jumping, mountain biking and ‘tramping’(hiking) can be enjoyed. North Island is less mountainous and best known for its geothermal wonders. It’s also home to New Zealand's largest city and sailing port, Auckland, as well as the capital, Wellington.
Regions
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North Island
North Island is home to New Zealand’s cosmopolitan northern capital, Wellington, and also to Auckland, a smaller but charming city at the south tip.
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South Island
According to Maori legend, the tip of a canoe formed the peaks of South Island's Nelson and its prow was transformed into the river valleys of the region's Marlborough Sounds.
Choose a sample itinerary
Signature New Zealand
DAY 1 - 5 Auckland & Northland
Fly into Auckland. Explore the vibrant City of Sails; galleries, designer boutiques & acclaimed restaurants abound.View the harbour aboard an America's Cup yacht. Spend a day on Waiheke Island with its vineyards, olive groves & white sand beaches. Fly up to the Bay of Islands. Explore its many islands by boat, swim with dolphin, visit the Waitangi Treaty and immerse in Maori culture.
DAY 6 - 10 The Central Plateau
Travel to the Central Plateau. Explore Rotorua & Taupo with their alien landscape, geothermal wonders & rich culture.Visit White Island, one of the most fascinating & accessible volcanoes on earth with its lush beds of sulphur crystals & steaming, bubbling fumaroles. Fish for trout in one of the rivers feeding Lake Taupo or walk the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand's best one day walk.
DAY 11 - 15 Wellington, Marlborough & Kaikoura
Fly to Wellington.Visit the Te Papa museum before taking the inter islander ferry to Picton on the South Island. Drive to Blenheim in the heart of the Marlborough wine country, indulge in world class Sauvignon Blancs over lunch at one of the boutique wineries.Travel on to Kaikoura, New Zealand's world famous whale watching destination.
DAY 16 - 20 Southern Alps & West Coast
On to Christchurch to explore the Cambridge of the southern hemisphere, perhaps take a punt on the River Avon before boarding the TranzAlpine train over the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass. Drive on to the west coast & Fox Glacier.Take a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers or enjoy a guided glacier walk.
DAY 21 - 25 Southern Lakes & Fiordland
Travel down the west coast to the picturesque lakeside town of Wanaka. Spend a night in a remote alpine chalet, only accessible by helicopter. Drive on to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.Take a helicopter flight over the Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound. Fly over rugged mountains, hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls & explore the wonder of Te Wahi Pounamu.Take a trip to Arrowtown, rich with gold mining history & home to wineries producing world class Pinot Noir before departing Queenstown for Auckland & home.
Prices start from £7,140 including flights.
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