Spirit of New Zealand

Day 1  Christchurch  
Arrive in Christchurch and join your fellow travellers for a welcome meeting.    

Day 2  Christchurch to Omarama  
Explore Christchurch on a city tour before heading to Lake Tekapo. Delve into Maori astronomy at the Dark Sky Experience and soak up the alpine scenery en route to Omarama.    

Days 3-4  Omarama to Invercargill  
Drive through the Waitaki Valley towards Dunedin, where the afternoon is free to explore. On day 4 soak in the panoramic views of green pastures on the way to Invercargill.

Day 5  Stewart Island  
This morning board a ferry to the unspoilt Stewart Island. Learn about the history and environment of the island on a Village and Bays tour. Discover the avian heaven at Ulva Island, before returning to Invercargill.  

Days 6-7  Invercargill to Queenstown
Drive to the adventure capital of the country, Queenstown, where the next two days are free to explore. You can choose to take an epic journey through Fiordland National Park for a Milford Sound tour or sip your way through nearby vineyards.

Day 8  Queenstown to Franz Josef  
Visit the gold mining village of Arrowtown and see a trio of beautiful lakes, Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Travel over the Haast Past and see the amazing Thunder Creek Falls en route to Franz Josef.  

Day 9  Franz Josef to Punakaiki  
Drive onwards to Hokitika and view the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.  

Days 10-11  Punakaiki to Nelson  
Journey along South Island’s scenic west coast on the Heritage Highway to Nelson. Enjoy day 11 at leisure.  

Day 12  Nelson to Wellington  
Cross the Cook Strait to Wellington and take a city tour on arrival.  

Days 13-14  Wellington to Napier  
Head to Napier on a scenic drive through verdant scenery. On day 14 enjoy a walking tour of this architectural Art Deco gem. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish.  

Day 15  Napier to Rotorua  
Travel past Lake Taupo and visit the Huka Falls en route to Rotorua, North Island’s geothermal capital. An orientation tour takes in views of lovely Lake Rotorua before enjoying a traditional Maori hangi feast this evening at Te Puia.

Day 16  Rotorua  
Today is yours to explore the wonders of Rotorua. Perhaps take the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, or visit Rainbow Springs to learn of the Kiwi conservation projects.  

Day 17  Rotorua to Auckland  
Follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River to Auckland. Visit The All Blacks Experience to celebrate New Zealand’s rugby heritage and achievements through the ages.  

Days 18-19  Auckland to Bay of Islands  
Drive the scenic Hibiscus Coast to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn of the country’s history in the Bay of Islands. Spend day 19 exploring the beautiful area at leisure – perhaps head to Cape Reinga or tour historic Russell.

Day 20  Bay of Islands to Auckland  
After a relaxing morning, travel through lush farmland back to Auckland. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers this evening.  

Day 21  Auckland  
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast.