Kakapo

Day 1 Auckland Arrival in Auckland and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Hokianga – Bay of Islands In the morning you explore Hokianga Harbour on a boat trip. You then drive on to the historic village of Kerikeri on the east coast. Today’s destination is Paihia in the Bay of Islands.

Day 3 Bay of Islands Today you explore the bay by catamaran. The famous Bay of Islands is fringed by deep blue water, and with a little luck and patience you will spot dolphins. You also visit Russell, New Zealand’s former capital.

Day 4 Bay of Islands – Auckland On the way back to Auckland you enjoy glorious views over the bay. Along the way you stop at the Kawiti Glow-worm Caves.

Day 5 Auckland – Rotorua Today’s stage takes you south-east into the heart of the North Island. On the way you visit the Karangahake Gorge and take a boat trip on Lake Rotoiti.

Day 6 Rotorua The day is at your leisure to explore Rotorua and the surrounding area.

Day 7 Rotorua – Tongariro National Park Before continuing your journey south, you visit Wai-O-Tapu with its geysers and bubbling mud pools. On the way to Tongariro National Park you stop at the thundering Huka Falls and at Lake Taupo. In the afternoon, after arriving in the national park, you set off on a walk.

Days 8 - 9 Tongariro National Park – Napier Onward journey to Hawke's Bay and Napier, a holiday resort popular with New Zealanders.

Day 10 Wellington – Picton – Nelson Today the ferry takes you across to Picton on the South Island. Passing through the Marlborough wine region, you reach Nelson, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 11 Nelson / Abel Tasman National Park Today you spend the whole day in beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, perfect for kayaking and hiking. Turquoise water, fine sandy beaches and lush rainforests will delight you.

Day 12 Nelson – Kaikoura Via Blenheim you travel to Kaikoura, the starting point for whale-watching tours. The afternoon is free. Please note: depending on road conditions, the overnight location may change.

Day 13 Kaikoura – Mt Cook Through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains, past grasslands and high mountains, you reach Lake Tekapo. Today’s destination will thrill you with its breathtaking alpine panorama.

Day 14 Mt Cook – Queenstown In the morning you explore the area at the foot of Mount Cook. You then drive to Queenstown, where the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Day 15 Queenstown / Milford Sound The road follows Lake Wakatipu all the way to Milford Sound. On the boat trip, the fjord with its magnificent mountain panorama and waterfalls will leave a lasting impression. Return to Queenstown by plane (weather permitting).

Day 16 Queenstown The day is at your leisure to discover the surroundings through one of the many activities on offer.

Day 17 Queenstown – Wanaka In the small town of Arrowtown you learn more about the region’s gold-mining history. You then drive along the Crown Range and past Lake Hawea to Wanaka.

Day 18 Wanaka – Franz Josef Glacier Today you cross the Haast Pass. On a short walk you discover a landscape of forests, waterfalls and rock pools. You then continue to a viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama. Franz Josef is your destination for today.

Days 19 - 20 Punakaiki The day is at your leisure to explore Paparoa National Park and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’ as you please.

Day 21 Christchurch Transfer to the airport and end of the programme.