National Parks of New Zealand

Days 1-4  Auckland & Coromandel Peninsula  
Enjoy a few days in cosmopolitan Auckland then drive to the Coromandel Peninsula for an immersive stay in a forest lodge and a chance to see beautiful Cathedral Cove by kayak and a relaxing soak at  Hot Water Beach.  

Days 5-8  Rotorua & Hawke’s Bay  
Have your first volcanic encounter in Rotorua as well as getting a glimpse of your first kiwi in the National Kiwi Hatchery. Then in the wine capital of Hawke’s Bay, enjoy the views atop Te Mata Peak and sample some delicious Pinot Noir.  

Days 9-12  Tongariro National Park & New Plymouth  
Trek through awe-inspiring volcanic scenery on the famous Tongariro Crossing in Tongariro National Park then drive the Forgotten Highway to New Plymouth for a walk around the base of Mount Taranaki in Egmont National Park.  

Days 13-15  Kapiti Coast & Wellington  
Drive down the Surf Highway to the Kapiti Coast. Enjoy a wildlife tour on Kapiti Island Nature Reserve before  a day in the nation’s capital.  

Days 16-19  Nelson & Blenheim  
Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. Use Nelson as your base to explore Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in Kahurangi National Park. The next day head to the beautiful Marlborough Plains to sample a Sauvignon Blanc in Blenheim.  

Days 20-23  Kaikoura & Christchurch  
Spot resident sperm whales or migrating orcas on a cruise in Kaikoura. Then enjoy a couple of days in vibrant Christchurch with a day trip to see the rare Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa harbour.  

Days 24-26  Lake Tekapo and Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park  
Admire the unbelievable aquamarine waters of Lake Tekapo and at night enjoy a stargazing tour in this dark sky reserve. Drive along Lake Pukaki for a stunning helicopter flight over Mount Cook. The next day walk the famous Hooker Valley Track to encounter giant glacial icebergs on Hooker Lake.    

Days 27-31  Dunedin & Stewart Island  
From Dunedin visit the Royal Albatross colony on Otago Peninsula. Then spot birdlife in Catlins Forest Park en route to Invercargill. Take the ferry to Stewart Island for a rare chance to watch wild kiwis wander by on the beaches of Rakiura National Park.  

Days 32-33  Fiordland National Park  
Journey up to the gateway of Fiordland National Park – Te Anau. Spend a night in the heart of the breathtaking Doubtful Sound on an overnight expedition cruise.

Days 34-36  Queenstown  
Enjoy a tour of Queenstown then choose from a host of outdoor experiences available in South Island’s scenic playground. Perhaps take the day trip up the scenic Crown Range Road to Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Days 37-38  Franz Josef  
Go from rugged mountain to prehistoric rainforest as you drive to Franz Josef in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Take to the skies once more in a helicopter, soar over the majestic glacier and trek across the vast, icy expanse.

Day 39  Arthur’s Pass National Park  
Take a last drive to Greymouth before taking the famous TranzAlpine train through Arthur’s Pass National Park back to Christchurch.

Day 40  Christchurch  
Depart for your onward journey.