Kaka

Day 1 Auckland to Rotorua                                      
Travel southeast through lush farmlands and stop for a stroll along the Ohinemuri River. Pass through Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world and visit a working orchard before enjoying a scenic cruise on serene Lake Rotoiti.

Day 2 Rotorua              
With a free morning, explore the lakeside of the town or perhaps book onto an optional activity to explore the region further. This afternoon, visit the famous Buried Village of Te Wairoa for a hosted lunch whilst listening to stories of New Zealand’s Maori past from your local kiwi hosts.

Day 3 Rotorua to Tongariro NP              
Visit the surreal geothermal reserve of Wai-O-Tapu for its bubbling mud pools and colourful silica terraces. Continue to Tongariro National Park and stop off at Taupo to see the thundering Huka Falls and views of the three active volcanoes.

Day 4 Tongariro NP to Wellington    
Enjoy a short walk through the volcanic plateau this morning, before heading to the nation’s capital, Wellington. Tour the city sights and head up to the peak of Mount Victoria for stunning views over the harbour upon arrival.  

Day 5 Wellington              
Explore Wellington at leisure. Opt to walk to the waterfront, visit Te Papa National Museum and enjoy many of the eateries and boutique breweries. Perhaps visit Weta Workshop, famous for producing the mesmerising props used in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.                                

Day 6 Wellington to Nelson          
Cruise the Cook Strait to South Island. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough’s premium sauvignon blanc region before heading to Nelson.              

Day 7 Nelson          
Enjoy Abel Tasman National Park, characterised by its offshore islands, sheltered waters and golden beaches. Explore New Zealand’s smallest national park on a scenic cruise or perhaps walk part of the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track.

Day 8 Nelson to Kaikoura          
Head over the hills to Blenheim and along the coastal road to Kaikoura. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, perhaps take a whale watching cruise or flight or perhaps walk the Kaikoura Peninsula headland to visit the local seal colony.  

Day 9 Kaikoura to Mount Cook    
Travel down the coast before venturing inland to a beautiful century old homestead for a private lunch, hosted with local kiwi hospitality. Continue onto Mount Cook, stopping off at the Church of Good Shepherd and Lake Tekapo.    

Day 10 Mount Cook to Queenstown              
This morning, take your pick from the many of the easy walks on Mount Cook or perhaps take an unforgettable heli hike on the Tasman Glacier. After lunch, continue to beautiful Queenstown.      

Day 11 Milford Sound    
A real highlight today as you cruise magnificent Milford Sound. Return back to Queenstown with a scenic flight over the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.    

Day 12 Queenstown            
Spend a full day exploring the highlights of the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Perhaps enjoy a jet boat ride on Dart River or cruise Lake Wakatipu on the 1912 steamship the Earnslaw.    

Day 13 Queenstown to Wanaka            
Visit the charming gold mining village of Arrowtown, before a private lunch at a quiet homestead with lovely views of Wanaka Lake. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to discover the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka.    

Day 14 Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier        
Today, pass the pristine mountain scenery of the Haast Pass in Mount Aspiring National Park, before getting a first glimpse of Fox Glacier. Later, arrive into the village of Franz Josef.    

Day 15 Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki            
Enjoy a relaxing morning to explore Franz Josef at your leisure, perhaps opt to embark on a thrilling heli hike or a glacier landing. This afternoon, travel up the coast and through the Southern Alps to Punakaiki.                            

Day 16 Punakaiki            
Visit the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, a stunning coastal landscape of sculpted limestone sea stacks and towering cliffs. Tonight, why not relax on the beach with a drink at the resort and celebrate a wonderful journey as you watch the sunset.                                  
Day 17 Punakaiki to Christchurch          
Travel through towering mountains and beech forests in Arthur’s Pass National Park for spectacular views. Descend through Porter’s Pass with sweeping views of the Canterbury Plains, before reaching Christchurch.