Arrival in Auckland

Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland City extends over a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, and the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.4 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation easy access to the coast and outdoor activities consistently earn it a place in the top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys.

A melting pot of 190 different ethnicities, Auckland is the world’s biggest Polynesian city. This diversity is reflected in the lively arts and culture scene, a wide range of food and craft markets, vineyards, a
hip cafe culture and outstanding restaurants. The dozens of islands of the Hauraki Gulf form a distinctive aspect of the Auckland landscape and provide a magnet for boaties, fishing enthusiasts and hikers.

Auckland

During your free time in Auckland, you may like to consider some of the following activities: Explore the City of Sails from the water – there are a variety of options available, from sightseeing cruises to a hands-on experience sailing on a former America’s Cup yacht. Take a day trip out to Rangitoto or Waiheke Islands. Rangitoto Island is an extinct volcano and iconic Auckland landmark. Walk over lava crops and through native bush to the summit for panoramic views of the city and out to the Hauraki Gulf. Alternatively, visit Waiheke Island with its beautiful beaches, vineyards, olive groves and laid-back villages. Regular passenger ferries each depart from central Auckland and guided tours are also available.

The Auckland Art Gallery has a wide-ranging permanent collection of national and international art, both historical and contemporary and hosts a programme of touring exhibitions. Auckland War Memorial Museum introduces you to the people of the Pacific and New Zealand, the natural history of our country, and tells the stories of wars which have helped shape the New Zealand national identity. There are also galleries devoted to New Zealand design and decorative arts and special exhibitions.

Today collect your rental vehicle

Auckland – Paihia

Leaving the City of Sails, travel North over the Auckland Harbour Bridge overlooking the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. Take the toll road to bypass the small towns, or you may like to take the free route that takes you on a beautiful coastal route overlooking the Hibiscus Coast town of Orewa. You will then pass through farmlands to the towns of Warkworth & Wellsford where you will leave the wider Auckland region and crossover into Northland - New Zealand's northernmost sub-tropical region. As you continue, you will reach a small town called Waipu, situated near the very popular surf beach and seaside resort of Waipu Cove, Bream Bay. Waipu has an intriguing history with a strong Scottish heritage and spectacular natural surroundings.

You may like to take a lunch stop at the various cafes and restaurants along the waterfront in Whangarei - the only city in the far North. If time allows you may be interested in visiting one of the most unusual museums in the world - the Claphams Clock Museum.

As you come to the end of your drive to Paihia, you will pass alongside Opua Forest and Northland Forest Park before heading down into the gateway town to the Bay of Island's sandy beaches, Paihia.

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands on the east coast of Northland is an idyllic section of irregular rock and golden sanded coastline that circles a sea encompassing 150 islands. The Bay was the site of some of New
Zealand’s earliest settlements, both Maori and European and New Zealand’s founding document, The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in the township of Waitangi in 1840. Today a mild climate, good fishing,
beautiful beaches and islands and the laid-back nature of the picturesque small townships make the Bay of Islands a popular holiday destination.

Bay of Islands

Today are free to explore the Bay of Islands at your leisure. Its natural beauty and its 144 islands make for an idyllic aquatic playground.
The Bay of Island’s main centre is Paihia, a buzzing town with a vibrant café and restaurant culture. Across the harbour from Paihia, lies Russell. An elegant town with over 200 years of stories to discover; it’s full of history, cafés, restaurants, galleries and colonial architecture. Take a passenger ferry from the end of the Paihia Wharf, or a car ferry from Opua, and visit New Zealand’s oldest licensed
pub and oldest existing church, which is still scarred with musket ball holes from the war in 1845.

A place of vast historical significance is Waitangi, just a short stroll or drive across the bridge from Paihia. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s premier historic site where in 1840 New Zealand’s
most significant document was signed; The Treaty of Waitangi. You can visit the Treaty House, take a guided tour of the grounds, take part in a cultural performance or visit one of two museums. You haven’t seen the Bay of Islands unless you’ve gone out onto the water. Take the helm on a tall ship, charter a yacht, paddle out to sea on a kayak or book a scuba dive trip. Find a sheltered anchorage for safe swimming in pristine waters on an uninhabited island away from the
crowds. Numerous operators are heading out to the islands on a scheduled basis from both Paihia and Russell with one of the most popular options being the cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse to
the famous Hole in the Rock. (Please note that swimming with dolphins is no longer allowed. Dolphin-viewing cruises are available with restrictions. Therefore, pre-booking these is recommended.)
If you’re seeking an adrenaline adventure, take a skydive or parasail high above the turquoise waters.

Paihia – Whangamata via Auckland

Depart Paihia, set in the beautiful Bay of Islands for your journey South to Auckland. If time permits, you may like to take a quick stop in the only city in the far North - Whangarei, for some lunch along
the waterfront. Pass through the market gardening and dairy lands of Northland until you reach the beautiful coastline at Bream Bay. If you have time to take a short detour, head over to Waipu Cove where a popular surf beach and seaside resort reside. Before you reach the city of Auckland, you will pass through Wellsford and adventure through Dome Valley where some stunning viewpoints are worth the 5-minute stop off. As you continue, take the Hibiscus Coast to the Waitemata Harbour before arriving at the Queen City of New Zealand, Auckland.

Auckland to Whangamata

A series of small, friendly coastal towns and white sand beaches are dotted around the Coromandel Peninsula, linked by the Pacific Coast Highway. Rising behind them is the jagged Coromandel Range,
which runs down the interior of the Peninsula and is cloaked in regenerating native bush. Once exploited for timber, gold and kauri gum, one-third of the land in the region is now administered by the Department of Conservation, ensuring the natural beauty of the Coromandel is preserved.

Coromandel Peninsula

Today is free for you to spend at leisure in the Coromandel. The area is home to a large number of talented artists and craftspeople whose studios are often open to the passing visitor. Numerous walking
tracks throughout the area provide great opportunities to explore the native bush and coastline and admire the scenery. Other attractions include golf, game fishing, swimming, kayaking or just relaxing
on the beach. Nearby, at the aptly named Hot Water Beach, hot springs seep through the sands which can be scooped out for an individual thermal pool.

Whangamata – Rotorua

Rotorua is the centre of an extensive thermal region. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's fascinating power. Rotorua and the surrounding lakes
provide some of the world's best trout fishing. The Maori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday city. Here you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of our native Maori people.

Rotorua

Today are free to explore Rotorua at your leisure. Rotorua, in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is an adventure playground, a geothermal wonderland and a hot spot for experiencing traditional Maori culture. To find your bearings, take a walk along the lakeshore, through government gardens and the casual dining hot spot that is Eat Streat.

For the adventurous, Rotorua isn’t short of adrenaline activities and superlatives. River rafts down the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Or roll down grassy tracks inside a big, inflatable plastic ball (and proud New Zealand invention). Take a journey through prehistoric native forest exploring the canopy as you fly on a network of ziplines (the highest, the longest and the scariest...), swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree-top platforms and more. To find out why Rotorua was declared one of only six gold-level mountain bike ride centres in the world, head out on the mountain bike trails in the Redwoods Forest or the Gravity Skyline Park. Whether you are a novice or an experienced biker, there are suitable options, including family-friendly trails.

For another fantastic family activity, jump on board Skyline Gondola and enjoy a few luge (part go-kart, part toboggan) rides. A visit to the Jelly Bean Store at the top of the gondola is a must!

Maori culture can be experienced in many ways in Rotorua. One of the most popular ways is a visit to an authentic traditional Maori village for an interactive cultural performance and traditional
hangi meal. Rotorua’s geothermal features range from volcanic crater lakes, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and colourful sinter terraces. These can be seen in several geothermal parks in the wider Rotorua region, including Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Orakei Korako Hidden

To round off a busy day, visit the Polynesian Spa for a relaxing geothermal bathing experience or head to Redwoods Forest for an enchanting, magical, mesmerising tree walk and lights display.

Taupo

The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. You'll also drive through large tracts of plantation pine forest, Kaingaroa State Forest. You may like to take a side road
to the geothermal park of Wai-o-Tapu, where you'll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. Towards the end of the drive to Taupo, you'll encounter the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, where steam is harnessed to provide electricity from forty deep bores. If time permits, you may also like to take a short stop off at Huka Falls - here you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per second barreling over an 11-metre high waterfall. As you come over the hill into town, you will see the amazing view of Great Lake Taupo - New Zealand's largest lake.

Before European settlement, Taupo was a closely settled area called Tapuaeharuru. In the upland heart of the North Island, Taupo is a place that owes its popularity as a holiday resort and residential area to the big lake stretching 40 kilometres south from the borough of Taupo to the town of Turangi. Some 40 rivers and streams, from bush country, forest and farmland, come tumbling into the lake. Lake Taupo offers some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand and is an ideal location for all kinds of water sports for the thousands of holidaymakers who visit here each year.

During your free time in Taupo, you may like to consider some of the following activities: scenic flights, bungy jumping, cycling, white water rafting, tandem skydiving or would you prefer to unwind in the
thermal pools, take a walk beside the lake or play a few holes of golf.

Taupo

Today are free to explore Taupo at your leisure. At the heart of New Zealand’s central volcanic plateau sits the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo. The clear waters are the ideal backdrop for a lakeside stroll. Walk between Little Acacia Bay and Rangatira Point or stop for a lakeside picnic along the Great Lake Walkway between Two Mile Bay and Five Mile Bay. The all-season Great Lake Trail is 71km (44m) and wraps around the forested shores of the lake.

Lake Taupo is one of New Zealand's premier freshwater fishing destinations and is an internationally renowned trout fishery. Taupo offers superb fishing for large brown and rainbow trout all year: mainly
boat fishing in summer and fly fishing in winter. The valley of Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park is a real hidden gem. Accessible only by a short ferry trip across Lake Ohakuri, admire the power and energy of Mother Nature in the geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pools.

One of New Zealand's greatest day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, travels through volcanic alpine terrain, hikes around an active volcano and descends into the water-filled explosion craters
known as the Emerald Lakes. Enjoy views of Mount Ngauruhoe - also known as 'Mount Doom' in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Get up close to the mind-blowing roar and rumble of the Huka Falls where nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second erupts from a natural gorge and thunders into the Waikato River below. View
the falls from above via the footbridge, or get up close with a thrilling Huka Jet boat ride.

Nestled off the cliff face high over the Waikato River is Taupo Bungy and Swing. The site is an awe-inspiring haven for thrill-seekers and spectators alike. Located 47 metres (154 feet) above the Waikato
River, check out the stunning views before taking the plunge into or towards the crystal clear waters below.

There are few things more relaxing than spending an afternoon soaking away aches and pains in one of the many mineral-rich thermal baths around Taupo and Turangi.

Napier

Today, depart the resort town of Taupo and head over to the east coast to the Art Deco Capital of the World, Napier. The scenery on the way to Napier from Taupo is stunning with rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas. Descend into the fertile Hawke's Bay Province and make your way into the city of Napier. Beautifully preserved 1930's architecture is Napier's special point of
difference.

Highlight of this Drive: Take a short stop off at Tarawera where you can walk to the hot springs above the Waipunga River.

Napier and its neighbour Hastings, are rich farming lands supporting vast orchards, vineyards and sheep farming. Wool and fruit growing are the backbone of the region's economy and Napier is fast
gaining an international reputation for winemaking. After 1931’s violent earthquake and subsequent fires, most of Napier’s commercial heart was destroyed. Napier’s harbour sustained a massive upheaval
and 4000 hectares of new land was formed. The people of Napier rebuilt their city which has lent an Art Deco flavour to the downtown area. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the
styles of the 1930s; Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and above all Art Deco. Napier's Art Deco style is unique with its Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay.

Napier

Today are free to explore Napier and Hawke’s Bay at your leisure.
One of the world’s most complete collections of Art Deco-styled buildings has made Napier an iconic visitor destination. The best way to explore the small city and learn about its history while marvelling
at the Art Deco structures is by a guided walking tour. These depart from the Art Deco Centre multiple times a day.

Along Marine Parade, you will find the National Aquarium of New Zealand and the MTG (Museum, Theatre, Gallery), Napier’s award-winning museum including an extensive exhibition on the city’s
devastating earthquake of 1931 as well as Maori taonga (treasures). While Napier’s beach is stunning to look at and is a fantastic spot to watch the sunrise, it is unsafe to swim. The Ocean Spa on Marine Parade offers seaside heated pools. Ahuriri, a former fishing village, today is Napier’s hip suburb and is located on the other side of Bluff
Hill. The settlement has its very own marine vibe and a growing number of cafes, restaurants, galleries and boutique stores.

Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region and has over 200 vineyards, close to 80 wineries and 40 cellar doors, so the toughest decision you will have to make is where to start. Half and full-day
guided tours are available. A fantastic way to explore the region and visit some of the wineries is by bicycle. The Hawke’s Bay offers a network of 200km of easy and mostly flat cycling trails. Bikes are
available for hire both in Napier and Ahuriri.

A little further afield, lies the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. It is situated on private land and can be visited by overland safari tours.

Napier – Wellington

Head south today climbing out of Hawkes Bay and into the rolling sheep and cattle farmland that characterises much of your journey today. Just south of Eketahuna is the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
at Mount Bruce, a worthwhile stop on your journey. The road eventually converges on the rugged Rimutaka Ranges before joining the motorway system into Wellington, New Zealand's Capital - a truly
energetic, cosmopolitan city set around the shores of a pretty harbour.
Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class café and restaurant culture and active outdoor lifestyle. This creative, cosmopolitan city is surrounded by the
rugged beauty of green hills and has an easily walkable downtown area set around an attractive waterfront. It offers a mixture of modern and older style buildings and the strong Victorian influence is
testimony to Wellington's early establishment as the country's centre of political life. Of particular note is the Government Building built in 1876, the second largest timber building in the world. Wellington
combines the sophistication of a capital with the warmth and personality of a village.

Wellington

Today are free to explore Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, at your leisure. Wellington is a compact city and best explored on foot. A good place to start is vibrant Cuba Street and down Wellington’s waterfront. Take a stroll to Oriental Bay or hire a bicycle if you wish to
venture further along the bays. The most prominent building on the waterfront and difficult to overlook is Te Papa Tongarewa Museum. The national museum is a must-do with six storeys of interactive exhibitions on Maori and Polynesian history, geology, flora and fauna, and much more in an architectural wonder of a building.

Take the iconic cable car ride up into the Kelburn Hills. On a beautiful day, the views from up there are stunning and a stroll through the botanic gardens is a great way to make your way back down the
city. A little-known fact is that Wellington is the heart of New Zealand’s film industry with Miramar, a seaside suburb, home to world-class movie-making talent and technologies. A must-do for film fans is
a visit to the Weta Studios and Weta Cave. A range of tours to various film locations around town are also on offer.

A magical place worth a visit at daytime and nighttime alike is ZEALANDIA, the world’s first fully-fenced eco-sanctuary, located just a few minutes’ drive outside the city centre. More than 140 rare
Little Spotted Kiwi live in the sanctuary and they can often be seen on night tours.

Wellington – Picton – Nelson

Check in at the Interislander ferry terminal and board your vessel for the journey across Cook Strait. Depart Wellington and arrive at Picton harbour. The 92-kilometre voyage takes approximately three
hours and is described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. 

Drive Picton to Nelson

Depart the picturesque seaside town of Picton and travel via the outskirts of sunny Blenheim - the chief town of the Marlborough wine-growing region. Continue on past Mount Cullen until you begin to
approach Havelock. The lookout viewpoints along this drive are plentiful, so give yourself time to stop at each of them and take in the beautiful scenery. Take a small detour to the Cullen Point Lookout and
breathe in the fresh air whilst overlooking Pelorus Sound. Continue, following the Pelorus River (another filming location from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) where you will meet the Pelorus
Bridge. In the Summer months, a great swim spot! And in the Winter, a nice spot to stretch your legs!

As you leave the Marlborough region and enter the Nelson region, the road becomes hilly and sweeps up and over the Rai Saddle and Whangamoa Hill before running down to Tasman Bay and the City of
Nelson.

The highlight of this drive: The 'Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World' - the historic town of Havelock, just a short detour off the main route to Nelson located at the meeting point of the Pelorus and Kaituna
Rivers. If time permits, take the Greenshell Mussel Cruise for lunch, or take a small walk around the many walking tracks in the area. Sunny Nelson lives up to its name with one of the highest sunshine hours in the country. The province has interesting topographical contrasts, from rugged mountains to extensive alluvial flats, from rough grazing land to intensive close-backed farming, and from desolation to virgin forest. Nelson is the commercial centre and seaport for a fertile, highly productive and extremely beautiful district noted for fruit and hops growing as well as general agriculture and vineyards. With three National Parks on its outer fringes, Nelson is a great base for those who enjoy the outdoors. The region is also home to around 350 artists so enjoys an enviable reputation for a vibrant arts scene.

Nelson

Today are free to explore Nelson at your leisure and there are many options available. The vibrant city of Nelson is alive with boutique art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Various regional markets are
held every week. Don't miss the Nelson Farmer's Market if your stay includes a Wednesday morning or the Motueka Sunday Market for fresh local produce and crafts.

The wider region boasts craft breweries and wineries as well as several scenic and adventure activities. Visit some of them on a guided tour or hire a bike and explore them at your leisure
while cycling along Tasman's Great Taste Trail.

Nelson is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand's most popular visitor destinations. Take a day trip out to the park with its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters and lush
New Zealand bush. Explore the park on foot, by kayak or opt for a leisurely cruise. Situated by the Waimea Estuary, just a short drive off the main coastal highway Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park, lies Mapua Wharf with a range of craft shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes. Mapua Wharf is also where the ferry departs from, connecting Rabbit Island with Tasman's Great Taste Trail.

For an extraordinary collection visit Classic Car Collection with some 140 veteran, vintage and classic cars near Nelson Airport.

Nelson – Kumara via Greymouth

Depart Nelson and cross the fertile and extensively cultivated Waimea Plains before climbing Spooner's Range to Motupiko in the raspberry-growing area of the Motueka Valley. From here you enter the upper valley of the Buller River, which is followed for the next 96 km to lnangahua. From lnangahua, you continue up a tributary of the same name to Reefton and follow the Grey River to Greymouth, passing en route the coal-mining districts of Ikamatua and Stillwater.

Greymouth to Kumara

Kumara town is rich in history and is the site of one of New Zealand's last great gold rushes. Soak up the history in a fully restored gold miners hotel and once, a world-renowned theatre. The hotel
features six themed ensuite rooms, each with a unique blend of Victorian decor, antique furnishings and modern amenities. Behind the theatre is six stand-alone miners cottages and opposite the hotel
are two Victorian-themed suites in the graciously restored old Bank of New Zealand building.

Kumara - Fox Glacier via Greymouth

Tucked in the rainforest-clad lower reaches of the Southern Alps, Fox Glacier is a tiny township (population 300) that services the local farming community and visitors to the Fox Glacier, 6 kilometres
from the town itself. The glacier, named after the former premier of New Zealand, Sir William Fox, descends the western side of the Southern Alps and is part of the Westland National Park. At 13 kilometres long, Fox Glacier begins high up in the Alps and ends amongst rainforests only 250 meters above sea level, making it one of the most unique glaciers in the world. Another noteworthy attraction in Fox Glacier is the glacially formed Lake Matheson, whose clear, still waters provide famously clear reflections of the Southern Alps and surrounding forest. Please note that the access road to Fox Glacier is currently closed and will remain closed for the indefinite future. This means that there is no road access to the Fox Glacier Valley and Fox Glacier is only accessible by helicopter at present.

Fox Glacier

During your time at Fox Glacier if time and good weather permit take a short side trip to Lake Matheson, one of New Zealand's great scenic icons, which lies just 6km from Fox Glacier. On a still, clear day, it
reflects the unforgettable image of New Zealand's highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. The surface is a perfect natural mirror. An easy 40-minute walk takes you to the first viewing
platform, and a complete circuit of the lake can be completed in one and a half hours.

There is also an excellent cafe at the car park for refreshments or time reflecting on your walk.

Fox Glacier – Queenstown

Depart Fox Glacier and travel through forests of red and white pines to Bruce Bay, an old gold mining settlement. Continue through attractive bush scenery, past Lake Paringa and Lake Moeraki, the haunt
of the fabulous white heron. Travel along the coast and turn inland at Haast River. Follow the river up through the mountains to Haast Pass, where the road follows the path of a trail originally used by Maori
travelling to the West Coast in search of pounamu (greenstone). Emerge into an open valley and descend to skirt the shores of Lake Wanaka. Pass over The Neck, a thin strip of land separating Lake
Wanaka from the vivid blue Lake Hawea. Continue down the western shoreline of Lake Hawea and drive over the gently undulating countryside past the manmade Lake Dunstan to Cromwell, a small
town at the centre of the Bannockburn Wine Region. Continue on State Highway 6 through the Kawarau Gorge past picturesque Lake Hayes into Queenstown.

Queenstown

Today are free to explore Queenstown at your leisure. Queenstown and its surroundings are a true outdoor playground with much to offer for adrenaline-seekers, the active, wine lovers, and families alike.
Known as the adventure capital of the world, thrill-seekers have an abundance of options to choose from. Queenstown is ground zero for commercial bungy jumping anywhere in the world. Choose
between Kawarau Bridge, where it all started, or head to the Nevis Bungy site for the most daring and highest bungy jump in the world (134m high!) – or go for a combination of the two and supplement it
with a canyon swing or catapult experience. Experience the excitement of a high-speed jet boat ride: skim across the water, whizz around corners and shoot through narrow rocky gorges!

A busy soft-adventure playground is located on top of Bob’s Peak, high above town. It can be reached by the iconic Skyline Gondola and offers activities like lugeing (part go-kart, part toboggan), zip lining
(flying fox), dining with a view and stargazing. There is no better way to appreciate Queenstown's location amid the Southern Alps than from a bird's eye perspective. Take a scenic helicopter flight, or paraglide flight or take to the skies with a tandem skydive.

If you feel more comfortable on the ground, activities are plentiful, too. Cycling tours and mountain biking trails in Queenstown are a great way to explore and discover remote parts of this beautiful
region! Or take to one of the many walking and hiking trails along the lakeshore or up the many hills and mountains.

For heritage lovers, a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on board the iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw is a must as is a visit to the historic town of Arrowtown, a gold-rush village.

A little further afield lies scenic Glenorchy which can be reached by a 45-minute drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The views are spectacular and Glenorchy itself offers a range of activities, including
walks, scenic jetboating, horse-riding and film locations from Lord of the Rings and Narnia. These are best visited by 4x4 tour. Wine devotees should not miss a trip out to nearby Gibbston Valley, home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, to explore cellar doors and restaurants to find your favourite vintage. This can be done independently by car or bicycle or as part of a guided tour.

Queenstown – Dunedin

Depart the alpine resort of Queenstown and make your way to the city known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand - Dunedin. Follow the Kawarau Gorge to the restored heart of Cromwell, located on the shores of Lake Dunstan and well known for its delicious stone-fruit growing. Continue through Alexandra, also known for its fruit growing and Pinot Noir vineyards of Central Otago. From here, follow the Clutha River through Roxburgh, where there is a large hydro dam. Continue down the hill before rising again to Raes Junction. Journey through the historic gold mining town of Lawrence to the Taieri Plains and pass Lake Waihola before arriving at one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Dunedin.

Dunedin is nestled in the hills that lie at the end of Otago Harbour. The city has a rich and diverse history, with Maori explorers the first to settle in the region, followed from the mid-1800s by whalers, Scottish immigrants and gold miners. As an early centre of European commerce and culture, the city features grand Edwardian and Victorian architecture, as well as New Zealand’s first university. The
The University of Otago remains a major seat of learning in New Zealand and provides the city with a vibrant youth culture that, in turn, adds to Dunedin’s strong arts and cultural influence. The city is also a gateway to the Otago Peninsula, whose rugged rocks and sandy beaches are home to a wide range of rare wildlife.

Dunedin

Today is free to take in Dunedin’s wide range of attractions and experiences. Among the best-known is Larnach Castle, a private mansion with an intriguing history built at a beautiful, isolated site on Otago Peninsula. Whilst out on the Peninsula, a wildlife tour or visit to the albatross and penguin colonies is recommended and you may like to include a stop at Glenfalloch Gardens, one of New Zealand’s finest woodland parks. Back in the city, head to the Octagon with its
many bars and cafes, or explore the boutique fashion stores for which the city is gaining a reputation. A short walk from the Octagon, The Speights Brewery, situated on the same site since 1876, offers behind-the-scenes tours giving a background to this famous New Zealand beer. Other heritage buildings worth a visit are Olveston House, an elegant Jacobean-style home, and the distinctive and grandiose Dunedin Railway Station. The Taieri Gorge train departs here daily for a scenic journey inland through the spectacular Taieri Gorge, a route originally planned to give the city access to the gold mines and rich farmland of Central Otago.

Dunedin – Christchurch

From Dunedin travel through Palmerston, former gateway to the goldfields, and on to Oamaru. Many of the handsome buildings found in this city are constructed from Oamaru stone which has led to its
nickname 'The White Stone City'. En route to Timaru, a very popular seaside town, pass the 45th Parallel - halfway between The Equator and the South Pole. Pass through Temuka, known for its
earthenware pottery and soon afterwards you will arrive in the town of Ashburton, the centre of a large sheep and wheat farming area.
Leaving Ashburton, head north and pass over the mighty Rakaia River, famous for its salmon fishing.

Continue across the farmland of the Canterbury Plains and past the military township of Burnham to Christchurch, known as ‘The Garden City.’ Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch features many majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, the most notable of which is the expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. Bordering
the park you will find the botanical gardens and the Gothic revival building which houses the Canterbury Museum. The Avon River gently winds its way around these inner city landmarks and out through
sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean.

Visitors to Christchurch today will witness a virtual rebirth of the city rebuilding that occurred following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The urban city centre is full of new secrets to discover. Prepare for new
architecture and immense street art, cocktail bars and bustling restaurants, laneways and green public spaces.

In contrast to the flat cityscape and the surrounding Canterbury Plains, the skyline to the south is dominated by the tussock and rocky outcrops of the Port Hills. The hills separate the city from the
volcanic Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour, where English settlers arrived by ship in 1850 to establish New Zealand’s first city.

Christchurch

Relax and enjoy a day at leisure in the Garden City. With the rebuilding of Christchurch following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the urban city centre today is full of new secrets to discover. Prepare for new architecture, bustling restaurants, laneways, large, green public spaces and immense street art. 

The flat cityscape makes it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Alternatively, the hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses or the city tour tram are great options for exploring Christchurch. Hagley Park is
home to some of the city's attractions, including the large Botanical Gardens, the fascinating Canterbury Museum and the tranquil Avon River. Punting is an iconic activity and a popular way to discover the park in a relaxed way. The inner city retail precinct with a wide range of boutiques and contemporary shops is found down Cashel, High and Colombo Streets.

Foodies will find an array of restaurants along Victoria Street and New Regent Street, trendy bars on The Terrace and casual eateries at Little High off High Street or Riverside Market. Great family attractions around the city also include the interactive Turanga Central Library, the
International Antarctic Centre (near the airport), Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and the Air Force Museum. For adrenaline-seekers, a visit to the Christchurch Adventure Park offers great mountain biking and ziplining (with New Zealand's longest-flying fox). Further afield, you can take a scenic drive out over the Banks Peninsula to the quaint French settlement of Akaroa.

Christchurch

Today marks the end of your holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand. We trust you have made lasting memories and hope to welcome you back in the future.