Kiwi Experience

Kiwi Experience

See the very best that New Zealand has to offer with this 21-day comprehensive introduction to the country's 'must see' iconic locations.

Your holidays starts in Auckland, the City of Sails, where you can dine on world-class cuisine, sample fine wines, explore Maori culture and sail on a sparkling harbour. Showcasing golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters and spectacular forest, the marine wonderland of the Bay of Islands provides a breathtaking region to explore.

The next stop is the geothermal city of Rotorua with its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture and plenty of options for adventure. Enjoying an idyllic location between a stunning harbour and rolling hills, Wellington has been dubbed the 'coolest little capital in the world' and offers its visitors a wealth of activities, art and culture.

Over on the South Island visit Nelson, gateway to the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park, drive down the lesser known west coast and take in the diverse lakeside resorts of Wanaka and Queenstown. Before driving to Christchurch, your final destination there's time to enjoy the extraordinary scenic beauty of Fjordland.

Our New Zealand itineraries are completely flexible – so if you decide you would like to spend a little longer somewhere or, perhaps, upgrade your accommodation, we can easily adapt the itinerary to suit your needs. Just pop into your local shop and one of our Kiwi specialists will be able to tailor-make your perfect holiday.

What's Included:

• Return flights
• 17 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar).
• 18 days' compact car hire.
• Unlimited mileage and extra driver fees.
• Travel Kit, including maps.

Day 1 - 2: London - Auckland

Day 3: Auckland

On arrival into Auckland, make your way to your hotel. Spend the day relaxing and exploring the City of Sails.
Overnight: Auckland City Hotel Hobson Street

Day 4: Auckland - Hokianga (160 miles)

Collect your hire car and head north to Northland and the Bay of Islands. Your journey takes you through the Waipoua Forest, home to the largest kauri tree in New Zealand, Tane Mahuta or 'Lord of the Forest'. The harbour of Hokianga is steeped in Maori history and many of its inhabitants can trace their ancestry back to the discovery and settlement of this area.
Overnight: Opononi Hotel

Day 5 - 7: Hokianga - Paihia (50 miles)

Paihia is a well developed resort with a wide choice of hotels, restaurants and shops. A number of scenic cruises and water-based activities operate from the harbour including swimming with dolphins, big game fishing, sea kayaking, diving and a day's sailing aboard an ocean-racing sloop. A 'must do' is a visit to Waitangi, where the founding treaty that established New Zealand as a nation was signed.
Overnight - Tanoa Paihia Hotel

Day 7: Paihia - Rotorua (270 miles)

Head south towards Rotorua today (to break up the drive you may prefer to spend another night in Auckland). Entertaining at any time of year, Rotorua promises to keep you captivated with its unique geography and wealth of attractions. You can become a Maori chief for the evening or take to the skies to see this volcanic wonderland at its most dramatic. Discover lakes and mountains and explore some of the stunning film locations that have provided such great inspiration over the decades.
Overnight - Ibis Rotorua

Day 8: Rotorua - Taupo (50 miles)

Taupo is Rotorua's more sedate neighbour and its magnificent lake provides opportunities for trout fishing, kayaking and jet boat rides. Alternatively carry on to Tongariro National Park and complete the Alpine Crossing, a day walk past steaming craters, old lava flows and thermal lakes.
Overnight - Lakeland Resort Taupo

Day 9 - 11: Taupo - Wellington (232 miles)

Compact and friendly, Wellington is easy to explore on foot as you sample some of the relaxed cafe culture and world renowned cuisine. Allow some time to visit Te Papa, the National Museum, and to ride the cable car from Lambton Quay. Leave the car behind for the day and indulge in a day of wine tasting in the stunning Wairarapa region.
Overnight - Comfort Hotel Wellington

Day 11 - 13: Wellington - Nelson (130 miles)

Drop off your rental car at the Wellington Ferry Terminal this morning and board the Interislander Ferry to Picton. The voyage across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most scenic in the world. During your second day in Nelson why not visit the Abel Tasman National Park with its evergreen beech forests and golden sandy beaches.
Overnight - Quality Hotel Nelson

Day 13: Nelson - Punakaiki (164 miles)

Head south today to Punakaiki. The route takes you past pristine lakes and through spectacular gorges before you arrive at the wild and rugged west shores.
Overnight - Westport Hotel

Day 14: Punakaiki - Franz Joesf (125 miles)

It's worth getting up early this morning to take a walk around the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole. If the tide is on your side you will see the stunning spectacle as the sea is forced up through the rocks and explodes through the hole at the top.

En route to glacier country stop at Greymouth for lunch, the heart of the New Zealand mining industry. The best way to enjoy the spectacular glaciers of Franz and Fox is by helicopter, with options that include heli-hiking and snow landings.
Overnight - Punga Grove

Day 15: Franz Josef - Wanaka - Queenstown (200 miles)

Head towards to the Southern Lakes region and the beautiful lakefront town of Wanaka. En route stop at the small town of Fox, home to the picture perfect Lake Matheson.

Quieter than its neighbour Queenstown, Wanaka is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the scenery. It's also home to a host of airborne activities including the unique experience of taken to the skies in one of a collection of vintage planes, including a Tiger Moth. As you fly over the spectacular lake you have the opportunity to take control of the aircraft yourself - only if you want to of course! New to Wanaka is Warbirds and Wheels, the southern hemisphere's finest collection of vintage cars, fighter planes, military aircraft and hot rods. You can stop off here for the night or carry on to Queenstown.
Overnight - Tanoa Aspen Hotel

Day 16: Queenstown

Queenstown is awash with a host of activities from river rafting to magical film tours. There are plenty of guided tours on offer that allow you to discover instantly recognisable film locations and stunning scenery.
Overnight - Tanoa Aspen Hotel

Day 17 - 19: Queenstown - Te Anau (110 miles)

Today head to Fjordland, a significant walking ands sightseeing area. Te Anau is the hub and is situated on the shores of New Zealand's second largest lake. With the spectacular backdrop of Mount Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains, the town is the nearest gateway to the spectacular Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Whilst here why not take a cruise and get up close to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Overnight - Anchorage Motel

Day 19: Te Anau - Twizel (190 miles)

Twizel provides the perfect base from which to explore the Mount Cook National Park. Film buffs will instantly recognise the surrounding landscape - pick up a location guidebook and take a tour of the key sites.
Overnight - Mountain Chalet

Day 20: Twizel - Christchurch - London

Make your way to Christchurch and drop off your hire car at the airport for your flight home.