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14-Day Relaxing with the Best Scenery in New Zealand

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Overview

Balance out exploration with relaxation on this 14-day tour that takes you from the tip to the tail of both the North and South islands.

Starting off the in the stunning Bay of Islands, where over 100 islands become a slalom course for diving and snorkelling opportunities. Your weeks in New Zealand will take you high and low as you go from beaches to mountainous national parks and glaciers that truly show you the power of nature - it's all here in New Zealand.

While there are many tours to strike a balance between relaxation and adventure, there are also numerous optional tours that will show you a little more of what our thrilling country has to offer.
Sightseeing
Outdoors & Nature
Cycling
Cruising
Adventure
Wellness
Culture & Arts

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Auckland and Paihia, Bay of Islands

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Arrive in Auckland and Paihia, Bay of Islands

Arrive in Auckland and hop in a private car The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region known for its stunning beauty and history. For those that love beaches and water activities, it's paradise. The Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Paihia Beach Resort & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Bay of IslandsOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Auckland to Pahia

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paihia

    New Zealand

Day 2

Cape Reinga Fly and Drive Tour

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Cape Reinga Fly and Drive Tour

Take off on a 45-minute flight up to Cape Reinga via Northlands’ spectacular harbours, such as the Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour. Pass some beautiful spots like Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and the famous Ninety Mile Beach. An air-conditioned mini-bus will meet you and take you on a 2 and a half hour tour around the top of New Zealand.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Paihia Beach Resort & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Salt Air Tours - Cape Reinga Fly/Drive Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paihia

    Cape Reinga

Day 3

Paihia, Bay of Islands to Auckland

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Paihia, Bay of Islands to Auckland

Leave the Bay of Islands behind and return to Auckland. Explore the Hokianga Harbour, a hidden gem of the North Island. You will be surrounded by panoramic views of the coast including an impressive network of sand dunes. Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than Waipoua Forest on the west coast. As the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds. After exploring the harbour, return to the city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sofitel Auckland5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Hokianga Harbour

    AucklandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Paihia to Auckland

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Paihia

    Panguru

    Auckland

Day 4

Travel to Taupo via the Volcanic Rotorua

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Travel to Taupo via the Volcanic Rotorua

Leaving Auckland behind you'll find Hamilton in the Waikato region; it's easy to see why these rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton and The Shire. Then, you'll move onto Rotorua, known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, and Maori culture which you'll get to explore at Wai-o-Tapu and Te Puia. With some of the North Island’s most impressive landscapes right on its doorstep, the Great Lake Taupo region is perfect for outdoor adventures.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chalet Eiger5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Te Puia

    Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Auckland to Taupo

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Rotorua

    Waiotapu

    Taupo

Day 5

Explore the Natural Wonders of Taupo

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Explore the Natural Wonders of Taupo

The Waikato River moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Just before the Huka Falls, it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The effect is a large-scale equivalent of a fire hose feeding into a very fine nozzle - it's spectacular! You can then visit the Tongariro National Park, home to Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu volcanoes, it features some of New Zealand's most contrasting landscapes. Finish the day in style with dinner on a luxury yacht.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chalet Eiger5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Huka Falls

    Tongariro National Park

    Chris Jolly Exclusive Luxury Yacht Tour with a Meal

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Taupo

    Wairakei

    Tongariro National Park

Day 6

Travel to Nelson

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Travel to Nelson

Rise early to fly to Nelson in the north of New Zealand's South Island. Nelson is a lifestyle; that's the best way to describe it; it is the sunniest region in New Zealand. You'll have a bicycle today and be advised on the best trails to follow, suited your abilities including any little ones that might be with you!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Waters5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Explore Nelson with The Gentle Cycling Company

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Taupo to Nelson

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Taupo

    Nelson

    Tasman

Day 7

A Day in Abel Tasman

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A Day in Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park- but it's perfectly formed for relaxation and adventure. Join the iconic Golden Future Tour and spend the day cruising on a charter boat, visiting numerous beaches, islands and forests. Explore the coastal wonders and hidden waterways where marine and birdlife are in their natural habitat. Your expert guides will enthral you as the story unfolds around you. You'll have the option to do a kayaking tour of the Marine Reserve too.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Waters5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Abel Tasman National Park - Golden Future Boat Tour

    Kahu Kayaks Abel Tasman Classic Marine ReserveOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park

    Self-Driving from Abel Tasman National Park to Nelson

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tasman

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Marahau

Day 8

From Nelson to the West Coast

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From Nelson to the West Coast

Today has an interesting flavour of mountains and native flora and fauna as you travel through the rugged terrain that divides the east from the west. From Westport, your journey winds its way through the western slopes of the West Coast which displays a series of magnificent mountain ranges, and native New Zealand vegetation. Your journey will be interrupted with two of Punakaiki's key attractions, Pancake Rocks and the glowworm caves before you arrive in the town.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Punakaiki Resort4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Charleston Glowworm Cave Eco-TourOptional Activity

    Punakaiki

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Nelson to Punakaiki

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tasman

    Charleston

    Punakaiki

Day 9

Punakaiki to Franz Josef

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Punakaiki to Franz Josef

You'll leave the West Coast early morning to come to enter the glacial region. Along the way, you'll stop to stretch your legs at the historical gold mining town of Hokitika. Hear about the shipwrecks, gold miners and pounamu hunters. Nearby, take a walk over a swing bridge to the Hokitika Gorge - one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand! Take a leisurely and scenic drive to the famous glacier region. Your day’s itinerary will end in the tiny settlement of Franz Josef.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Westwood Lodge4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Hokitika

    Franz Josef Helicopter Ride - Mountain Scenic Spectacular

    The Helicopter Line - Mount Cook Glaciers FlightOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Punakaiki

    Hokitika

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Mount Cook

Day 10

Travel to Wanaka

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Travel to Wanaka

Your first stop will be Mount Aspiring National Park, where you can stretch your legs and feed your soul in this beautiful wilderness of native forests and towering mountains. As you exit the national park, you will travel through what is known as “The Neck” a formation of land that separates two of our great South Island lakes, Hawea and Wanaka. Wanaka is also a lively town known for its outdoor activities and many water sports that take place on the lake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Edgewater Hotel Lake Wanaka4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lake WanakaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Wanaka

    Otago

Day 11

Jet Boating before Queenstown

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Jet Boating before Queenstown

Go on a half-day jet boating trip beneath the spectacular scenery of glaciers, Lord of the Rings film locations, and into Mount Aspiring National Park. Beyond stunning, the Matukituki is the most spectacular jet boating river in New Zealand. You'll also have the option of a boat cruise to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve, predator-free and home to the rare flightless Buff Weka which has been extinct on the mainland since 1920. In the afternoon, take a private car to Queenstown.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery by Sofitel5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Wanaka River Journeys - Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk

    Eco Wanaka Adventures Lake Cruise and Island Nature WalkOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Wanaka to Queenstown

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wanaka

    Queenstown

Day 12

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise

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Milford Sound Flight and Cruise

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. Your 35-minute flight finishes with an overflight of Milford Sound, then board your Milford Sound Cruise and traverse the full 12km of the fiord. Scenic highlights include the famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region, and the Donne glacier. Your return flight takes in the alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for. If this flight isn't for you, there are many others in the area covering Queenstown and Fiordland.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery by Sofitel5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Air Milford Flight and Cruise

    Milford Sound Overhead - Helicopter TourOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    New Zealand

Day 13

Relax in Queenstown

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Relax in Queenstown

Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu amidst dramatic mountain ranges; this stunning location will blow you away. Activities like paragliding, zip-lining, 4WD driving, and kayaking are the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown’s beautiful outdoors. If adventure isn’t your thing and you need time to kick back and relax, there are many rejuvenating experiences or treat yourself to some excellent local food and wine. Queenstown is one of the world’s top holiday destinations - enjoy!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery by Sofitel5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    ArrowtownOptional Activity

    QueenstownOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Arrowtown

Day 14

Transfer to Queenstown

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Transfer to Queenstown

Relax in the morning and when the time is right, you'll take a private car to the airport.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Queenstown to Queenstown Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

Included in Price

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 13 activities
  • 13 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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