15-Day Discover New Zealand

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Leave for Coromandel and the largest town there, Whitianga. Along the way, stop at the water gardens, where you'll learn about New Zealand's unique flora before you arrive in the town. Once in your hotel, you'll discover the volcanic rock formations either by boat or kayaking by exploring the iconic Cathedral Cove and many other essential locations in Whitianga.

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One of the sunniest places in the country, the Bay of Plenty got its name when Captain James Cook anchored in the great bay in 1969, noting a ‘land of plenty’. The region is famous for its golden-hued coastline and active marine volcano island. Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest-growing populations in the country. You'll arrive in time for a glowworm kayaking experience!

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Leave Tauranga behind and head to Lake Taupo via Rotorua, known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers & natural hot springs. The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia's largest lake, known as Lake Taupo. Visit a Maori village that still holds traditions that are centuries old. Then, marvel at the distinctive landscapes & volcanic activity within a geothermal park before enjoying a soak in the natural hot stream or indulge in a getaway at a luxurious spa & finish the day at Huka Falls.

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Tongariro National Park is home to some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes, as you leave Lake Taupo today, you'll have a chance to walk amongst it. Drive deeper into farming country to the remote Mokai Valley, where the picturesque Rangitikei River meets the rugged Ruahine Ranges. The location is set at the edges of the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River amongst the beautiful native flora and fauna, which provides a stunning and picturesque backdrop for your rafting experience.

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Come back to civilisation as you make your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. In the morning pass the Kapiti Coast formerly known as the Golden Coast, with views to the Kapiti Island nature and marine reserves. Situated at the southern end of the North Island, filled with museums, galleries, nature reserves and with vibrant street culture, Wellington is an easily navigated and affordable destination.

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Hop onboard your ferry to the South Island, one of the most beautiful journeys in the world. Picton is the gateway to the famous Marlborough region. Marlborough put New Zealand on the international wine stage with its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s. Over 20,000ha of vines are under the care of local wine producers, making it the country's largest wine region. Tonight, you'll stay in the heart of it.

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Leaving the wine area you travel along the East Coast of New Zealand. We pass over the arid rolling foothills of South Marlborough, we drop down to the dramatic Pacific coastline. Kaikoura's environment is truly spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean where whales and dolphins are always close by - you'll have a chance to encounter them today! In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.

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Travel through Canterbury where fertile soils, warm summers and cold winters produce wines that are renowned for their intense flavours, richness and complex fruitiness. You'll stop in Christchurch, a city promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you charmed with its historic buildings and passion for fine food. You'll arrive in time of a nature cruise and an evening penguin tour.

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Continue through Canterbury where there are warm summers and cold, clear winters, the regions can deliver a taste experience that's every bit as memorable as the fantastic scenery. Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. You'll arrive to a host of scenic flight options and hikes to make the most of this beautiful location.

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Passing through Mount Cook, this alpine area of tall, tussock-covered mountains is beautiful in every season, but with a dusting of snow, it's particularly enchanting. There are several optional tours you can choose to explore this magical national park. Then arrive at Lake Wanaka, perfect for jet boaters, sailors and kayakers to explore. With the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park on its doorstep, Wanaka is an awe-inspiring natural playground.

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Wake up to beautiful scenery and explore with adventures like jet boating and a wilderness walk before you jump in the car to go to Te Anau. You may want to stop at the Bannockburn winery before you arrive. Late afternoon, we reach Te Anau with the largest of the southern glacial lakes, covering an area of 344 square kilometres. The main body of the lake runs north-south and three large fiords reach out from its western side - these arms are called North Fiord, Middle Fiord and South Fiord.

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One of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand; the power of Fiordland's scenery never fails to enthral travellers. This remarkable natural environment features stunning fiords, spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Today, you'll have the day to explore the fiords and sounds, with Milford Sound (which is actually a fiord) at top of the list as one of the essential New Zealand experiences.

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Today, you'll make one last journey to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. You'll have the option to make some photo stops on the way. Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors - captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers - gave this now cosmopolitan town its name. As the town comes into view, so do The Remarkables mountains.