New Zealand Discovery

Days 1 - 4: UK – Christchurch

Fly from London to Christchurch and arrive in New Zealand on the morning of Day 3. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. Take some time to explore the vibrant city at your own pace, and on the evening of Day 4, gather with your fellow travellers for a delightful welcome dinner to kick off your adventure.

Days 5 - 6: Mount Cook National Park

Distance: 274km / 170 miles

Once you have collected your motorhome, head south across the Rakai River on the longest bridge in New Zealand. Travel across the Canterbury Plains towards Lake Tekapo where you’ll find a photographer’s favourite, the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd.

Continue onto Lake Pukaki in the Mount Cook National Park, where you will spend two nights. Covering over 70,000 hectares of breath-taking alpine scenery, the World Heritage listed National Park is home to glacial lakes and New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Mount Tasman and, of course, Mount Cook.

Day 7 - 8 : Dunedin

Distance: 266 km / 165 miles

Travel south through the scenic Waitaki Valley and along the coastline, making sure to stop at the enigmatic Moeraki Boulders, which seem to rise mysteriously from the sand at low tide.

Next, arrive in Dunedin, often affectionately called ‘the Edinburgh of the South.’ This charming city boasts classical Victorian and Edwardian architecture and serves as the gateway to the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Explore the peninsula on guided tours that showcase its stunning scenery, fascinating wildlife, and historic landmarks, including Larnach Castle, the Royal Albatross Centre, and Penguin Place. In Dunedin itself, you can also enjoy visits to Cadbury Chocolate World or the Speight’s Brewery, home of New Zealand’s most beloved beer.

Day 9: Invercargill

Distance: 204km / 128 miles

At first glance, the drive from Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins may look short on the map, but with its winding roads, breathtaking coastal scenery, and countless photo opportunities, it’s a journey that often takes longer than expected.

The Catlins are an ecologically unique region, featuring native coastal bush and forests, waterways, pristine beaches, and a rich variety of birds and marine life. Combined with the area’s changeable weather, a drive through the Catlins promises an unforgettable experience. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in the laid-back city of Invercargill.

Day 10 - 11: Te Anau 

Distance: 155km / 97 miles

From Invercargill, your journey takes you through a patchwork of farmland, sweeping plains, dramatic coastal vistas, and rolling hills before turning inland toward Te Anau. Once in Te Anau, you can choose from a range of exciting activities: enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride, visit three iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, or explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where a magical underground world of waterfalls and stunning rock formations awaits.

On Day 11, embark on a full-day excursion to the breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise along the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea, taking in the awe-inspiring scenery. Marvel at the sheer peaks rising almost vertically from the water, spectacular waterfalls cascading into the fiord, lush rainforests, and towering mountains that make Milford Sound one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.

Days 12 – 13:  Arrowtown

Distance: 179km / 112 miles

Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu as you make your way to Queenstown, nestled against the striking backdrop of the Southern Alps. Take time to explore this vibrant town before continuing to Arrowtown for a two-night stay. Situated in the Otago region, Arrowtown is a charming historic gold mining town, rich in character and well worth discovering.

Days 14 – 15: Franz Josef

Distance: 353km / 221 miles

Take in breathtaking scenery as you journey past untouched native forests and pristine lakes within the World Heritage-listed Westland National Park on the South Island’s west coast. For a closer look at the glaciers, consider a guided walk onto the Fox or Franz Josef glaciers to fully appreciate their immense scale.

Afterwards, you can stroll along the rainforest trail around Lake Matheson near Fox, offering stunning mirror-like reflections of the Southern Alps, or unwind in the Franz Josef Glacier hot pools, tucked beneath towering 30-meter trees in a lush rainforest setting.

Day 16: Westport

Distance: 273 km / 170 miles

With the Tasman Sea on one side and the Southern Alps mountain range rising up on the other, take it slowly and enjoy this scenic drive. Be sure to stop at Punakaiki and marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes and powerful vents of ‘Pancake Rocks’, formed millions of years ago. Then make your way to Westport for an overnight stay.

Days 17 - 18: Abel Tasman National Park

Distance: 222 km / 138 miles

Continue onto the Kaiteriteri region, an area of diverse beauty that enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate. The stunning coastal forest and shoreline of nearby Abel Tasman National Park can be explored on foot, by kayak or on a leisurely cruise by boat. A popular option is the Kaiteriteri kayak excursion to Split Apple Rock, ideal for beginners and departing right from the beach.

Days 19 - 20: Picton

Distance: 115 km / 72 miles

The journey to Picton is as scenic as it is captivating. Follow the coastal road around Nelson, where shimmering seascapes and drifting yachts create a picture-perfect setting, before winding through forested hills and twisting mountain passes.

Along the way, stop in the historic town of Havelock to savour the famous local Greenshell Mussels paired with a chilled glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, or explore the town’s charming boutique galleries.

Days 21 - 22: Wellington

Distance: 28 km / 18 miles

Board the scenic Interislander ferry for a memorable journey from the charming fishing village of Picton across the Cook Strait to the North Island. As you depart Picton, sail through the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, making the crossing an unforgettable experience.

In Wellington, the nation’s vibrant capital, you can explore the Te Papa Museum to discover New Zealand’s history and rich Māori heritage or take a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car to the summit of Mt Victoria for sweeping panoramic views of the city and harbour.

Days 23 - 24: Napier

Distance: 322 km / 200 miles

Travel north through the scenic rural heart of the Wairarapa region en route to Napier, located on the east coast of the North Island and often celebrated as the world’s Art Deco capital. Nestled in the Hawke’s Bay region, Napier is renowned for its vineyards, where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine paired with award-winning wines. Alternatively, you might like to visit Cape Kidnappers to witness the world’s largest mainland gannet colony.

Days 25 - 26: Rotorua

Distance: 222 km / 138 miles

As you head north today, be sure to stop at the popular lakeside resort of Taupō, located in the heart of the North Island. Nearby, witness the awe-inspiring Huka Falls, where the mighty Waikato River surges from the lake and is funnelled through a narrow canyon.

Continue to the geothermal city of Rotorua, where you can experience a traditional Māori hangi feast accompanied by a captivating cultural performance. The region is a geothermal wonderland, featuring volcanoes, geysers, vividly coloured mineral lakes and hot springs. Explore Wai-o-Tapu, home to the striking ‘Champagne Pool’ and the erupting Lady Knox Geyser or visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve in the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, where boiling mud pools, silica terraces and the impressive Pohutu Geyser await.

For film fans, a visit to nearby Hobbiton, the iconic film set from the award-winning Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, is a must.

Days 27 - 28: Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula

Distance: 243 km / 151 miles

Drive across the volcanic plateau and along the Bay of Plenty coastline to the popular beachside towns of Mount Maunganui & Tauranga. You might like to stretch your legs and climb ‘The Mount’ for picturesque views along the coastline. Head to your next destination, the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of attractive beaches.

You can dig out your very own hot pool metres from the Pacific Ocean at world-famous Hot Water Beach, or head for Cathedral Cove where a huge arched cavern passes through the headland, joining up two secluded coves. Relax in the cafes and enjoy the art galleries or just taking in the wonderful scenery.

Days 29: Red Beach

Distance: 225 km / 140 miles

Travelling northwards today, head for the Hibiscus coast to Red Beach with its beautiful stretch of sand and sea for an overnight stop. Located on the east coast, this is a perfect spot to rise early and watch the sunrise.

Days 30 - 32: Russell, Bay of Islands

Distance: 229 km / 142 miles

Journey north to Russell in the beautiful Bay of Islands, a protected National Maritime Park, travelling via the ferry from Opua to Okiato. This charming town provides the perfect setting to relax and take in the stunning scenery during your three-night stay.

While in the area, you might visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, enjoy a sailing excursion among the islands, or venture to New Zealand’s northernmost point at Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.

Days 33 - 34: Auckland

Distance: 258 km / 160 miles

Auckland is a harbour city and the locals love nothing more than getting out on the water. You have the opportunity to explore the city at your leisure be it on land or water. A visit to Waiheke Island is a recommended and enjoyable experience that offers spectacular views of the city across the water. The Sky Tower is unmistakeable and offers an alternative view of the city.

Days 35 - 36: Auckland – UK

It’s time to say goodbye to newfound friends and depart New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime.