This is merely a suggested itinerary and we would be happy to work with any customer to create their dream trip of New Zealand. The trip can easily be extended and combined with bespoke elements, should you wish to do so. Our driver/guides are flexible and considerate and will co-operate fully to make your trip a very special memory. Arrive in Auckland and stay at the beautiful Sofitel Hotel , situated right on the waterfront , for 2 nights. Take a boat trip to Waiheke Island for some wine tasting , and to get a feel for the island lifestyle , before returning to Auckland. Meet your driver/guide and make your way to the beautiful Bay Of Islands. Stay 3 nights at the sumptuous Moon Gate Villa. Learn about New Zealand’s culture and history at Waitangi Treaty Grounds before visiting some of New Zealand’s oldest buildings. Take a cruise in “The Bay” to visit the famous Hole In The Rock. Then take a look at some of the “locals” ………… dolphins, seals and whales ! Your driver/guide will take you on the spectacular scenic route along the coast and into Waikato. This is New Zealand’s dairy farming hub. Stay 2 nights at the Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel which overlooks the Waikato River Today , make a visit to Waitomo for an exciting educational tour in the Waitomo Caves. Visit the Kiwi House to check out some of the native birds including Kiwi’s of course , before returning to your hotel. Rotorua awaits ! Drive through the Fitzgerald Glade where the road is lined with native trees creating a natural flora canopy which provides a unique experience. Stay 2 nights at the wonderful Rotorua Koura Lodge right on the lakefront. Take a tour of the many lakes and streams before exploring the Buried Village for a look into the regions past. On to Whakarewarewa to view the geothermal wonders of the area, including boiling mud pools, steam vents and geysers. Finish the day with a cultural performance and Hangi-a meal prepared the traditional way in an earth oven Move on to Napier via Taupo , home to New Zealand’s largest volcanic lake and gorgeous mountains. Stay 2 nights at Breckenridge Lodge overlooking the vineyards Spend some time visiting the local arts in this Art Decor region inspired by Spanish architecture. Then explore the vineyards and learn about the local wines , with some tasting of course Your driver/guide will take you through the ranges to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Take a stroll on the waterfront and perhaps eat at one of the many cafes. Stay 2 nights at the Intercontinental Hotel Enjoy a scenic tour of the local hills and some famous movie sets before visiting Weta Workshop (one of the worlds leading special effects and prop studios) Ferry across the Cook Straight through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and the on to Nelson , New Zealand’s sunniest city. Stay at Parautane Lodge overlooking the Tasman Bay for 2 nights. Your driver/guide will take you through the local vineyards to Golden Bay , a remote area with golden sand beaches , alpine valleys , and tranquil rivers. Make your way down the coast to Christchurch stopping in Kaikoura. Then you will visit a seal colony. Stay 2 nights at the George Hotel. Take a trip to Akaroa , New Zealand’s first French settlement. Akaroa is renowned for its French architecture and great cuisine , all nestled around the gorgeous harbour. After visiting the International Antarctic Centre for some adventure and education your driver/guide will take you to Mount Cook/Aoraki , Australasia’s tallest mountain. Stay 2 night at the Hermitage Hotel with superb mountain views. Cruise Tasman Lake to the terminal face of Tasman Glacier where you will see icebergs of all shapes and sizes. You can even touch and taste some of the centuries old ice. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary museum at the Hermitage to learn the history of this unique area and the legend of Sir Edmund himself. He was the first person to conquer Mount Everest. Make your way to Wanaka via Lake Tekapo , taking in some of New Zealand’s best scenery. Stay 2 nights at Wanaka Alpine Lodge Enjoy a Jeep Tour into the backcountry to some remote spots including scenes from the Lord Of The Rings trilogy and enjoy a picnic lunch. When the sun goes down Wanaka boasts some of the darkest sky’s in the world providing a magnificent look at our solar system. Your driver/guide will move onwards to Queenstown , the adventure capital of New Zealand. Stay 2 nights at The Rees Hotel. Visit Glenorchy , a rustic town nestled between Lake Wakatipu and a Beech Forest covered mountain range. Time to see the “8th wonder of the world” as a helicopter tour awaits for your flight over Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park with views of jagged peaks, glaciers and cascading waterfalls.