The Big Tiki (Summer)

Day 1  Auckland to Paihia  
Welcome to New Zealand! Meet up with your group and cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge to start your journey north towards Paihia.  

Day 2  Paihia  
Spend the day at leisure in this area of natural beauty. Perhaps parasail over the Bay of Islands or explore New Zealand’s most northern point, Cape Reinga.  

Day 3  Paihia to Auckland  
After breakfast, head back to Auckland and enjoy some free time to explore the city. Adrenaline junkies might want to climb the Sky Tower, which offers awesome views across the city.    

Day 4  Auckland to Rotorua  
Today, drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato en route to Rotorua, a natural wonderland with spurting geysers, boiling mud pools and hot springs. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and dance performance.  

Day 5  Rotorua  
The day is yours to explore this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or experience the real Middle Earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set –the options are limitless, and the choice is yours.

Day 6  Rotorua to Lake Taupo  
Visit the Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see the cute kiwi birds, before stopping off at the powerful Huka Falls on your way to the next stop, Lake Taupo. This evening, perhaps head out on a cruise around the lake to watch the sunset.  

Day 7  Lake Taupo to Mount Ruapehu
Head to Tongariro National Park, where you will have the option to mountain bike along the picturesque tracks. Tonight, stay in a heritage building with incredible views, located at the base of a volcano, Mount Ruapehu.  

Days 8-9  Mount Ruapehu to Wellington  
Today, travel to Wellington to take in the city sights. On day 9, you will visit a local eco-sanctuary that protects over 40 rare and native species – including the tuatara, a prehistoric reptile which can only be found in New Zealand!  

Day 10  Wellington to Kaikoura  
Take the inter-island ferry to Picton, for a ride through Marlborough’s picturesque wine country. Later, as you arrive in Kaikoura, keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins.

Day 11  Kaikoura  
Enjoy a free day today in beautiful Kaikoura! Perhaps take the opportunity to spot giant sperm whales at sea or grab a paddle and explore this stunning landscape by kayak!

Day 12  Kaikoura to Christchurch  
On arrival into Christchurch, take an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the devastating 2011 earthquake.

Day 13  Christchurch to Franz Josef  
Leave Christchurch this morning, taking in the beautiful scenery as you wind your way across Arthur’s Pass and the spectacular mountain scenery of this area, before arriving in Franz Josef.  

Day 14  Franz Josef  
Today offers a chance to tick off another bucket list experience. Choose to witness the glacier from above on an epic helicopter ride or alternatively carve your own jade pendant.  

Days 15-18  Franz Josef to Queenstown  
Welcome to the adventure capital of the world! Spend the next couple of days getting acquainted with all that Queenstown has to offer. Adrenaline junkies, be sure to head to the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge for a heart pounding experience!  

Day 19  Queenstown to Te Anau  
Head to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound and enjoy a cruise of this pristine destination.

Day 20  Te Anau to Lake Ohau  
Enjoy your last day in this beautiful country visiting the spectacular Lake Ohau, offering vast views across to Mount Cook.  

Day 21  Lake Ohau to Christchurch  
Kick off your final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, known for its crystal clear water, before heading to Christchurch where your adventure comes to an end.