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: Lake Tekapo

Distance 225 km / 140 miles

Your New Zealand road-trip begins today! This morning, you’ll be transferred to the depot to collect your motorhome before heading south from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

On arrival, admire the lake’s turquoise waters and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. You could also enjoy a relaxing soak at Tekapo Springs or, after dark, experience some of the world’s best stargazing under the clear southern skies.

You will have the opportunity to make a scenic drive to Mount Cook National Park and xxplore one of the walking trails, including the popular Hooker Valley Track. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or take a boat trip to see icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.

Days 7 - 8 : Dunedin

Distance: 292 km / 181 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.

Days 9 - 10: Te Anau 

Distance: 288 km / 179 miles

Today, travel west through the rolling countryside of Otago towards Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive through rural landscapes and charming Southland towns before arriving in Te Anau, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Take time to explore the lakeside town and enjoy the mountain views. You could visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to spot native wildlife or discover the fascinating underground glowworm caves on a guided boat tour.

On day 10, enjoy an included excursion to spectacular Milford Sound, travelling along the scenic Milford Road through the heart of Fiordland National Park. On arrival, board a cruise to admire cascading waterfalls and the dramatic peaks rising from the fjord. Lunch is included, giving you time to sit back and take in this unforgettable natural wonder before returning to Te Anau for your second night.

Days 11 – 12:  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.

Day 13: Wanaka

Distance 100 km / 60 miles

Today, leave historic Arrowtown behind and follow State Highway 6 through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge towards Wanaka. The scenic drive winds past vineyards and the Kawarau River. Stop at the famous Kawarau Bridge, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump, to watch the thrill-seekers take the plunge.

Continue through the Gibbston Valley, renowned for its Central Otago wines, before heading through Cromwell, where you can browse local fruit stalls and enjoy a break by Lake Dunstan. From here, travel north through the picturesque countryside to Wanaka, a beautiful lakeside town framed by the Southern Alps. On arrival, take a stroll along the lakefront, explore shops or visit the famous Wanaka Tree, a popular landmark to photograph.

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: Kaiteriteri (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.

Day 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.