Days 1 – 4: UK – Auckland
Your journey begins with an overnight flight to New Zealand, arriving on Day 3. For your free day in Auckland, explore the vibrant Viaduct Harbour by boat, or escape to one of the idyllic Hauraki Gulf Islands.
Take a short ferry ride from the city to Rangitoto Island, a volcanic icon of Auckland, or Waiheke island renowned for its food, wine and art. Alternatively, enjoy an 80-minute cruise to the wildlife reserve on the Tikapa Moana Island for a wander through native flora and fauna.
On day 4, meet your fellow travellers and learn more about the exciting trip ahead from your Tour Hosts with an included Welcome Dinner.
Days 5 – 6: Hot Water Beach
Distance: 124 km / 78 miles
Head southeast to Thames, the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, and visit the charming historical museum in Thames which showcases its gold-mining past. Continue onto Hot Water Beach for a two-night stay. The Coromandel is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, native rainforests and laid-back vibe. On a clear night, enjoy the galaxies of stars which can be clearly seen due to the low population and minimal light pollution.
On day 6, join an included full day tour where experienced local guides will provide an insight into local history, geology and wildlife. Visit an historic gold mine cave which is now a home to glowworms. After your included lunch, you will see an old Maori Pa (village), Cathedral Cove and (tide permitting) the infamous Hot Water Beach.
Days 7 – 8: Rotorua
Distance: 203 km / 126 miles
Continue southwards towards Tauranga and Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Penty. Along the way, stop at Waihī which is home to the richest gold mine in New Zealand and is a working mine today. The Goldfields vintage railway runs between Waihī and Waikino, where you will see relics from the early gold-rush days. Mount Maunganui’s waterfront is the ideal stop for lunch or an ice-cream whilst enjoying a coastal view. Heading inland to Rotorua, it is an hour’s drive to the town known for its geothermal attractions.
Days 9 -10: Napier
Distance: 219km / 136 miles
Travel to Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region taking in scenic countryside and vineyards as you drive. Take time to stop at the mesmerising Huka Falls near Lake Taupō where the white water of the Waikato River surges through a narrow gorge. Once in Napier, you will see iconic Art deco architecture which arose after the city’s devastating earthquake during 1931.
On day 10, an included 4WD guided safari will take you to the picturesque Cape Kidnappers – an extraordinary sandstone headland home to the largest and most accessible gannet colony in the world. This 13-hectare reserve includes the Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies.
Day 11: Martinborough
Distance: 269 km (168 miles)
Travel southwards to the charming rural village of Martinborough in the Wairarapa region. On the way, visit the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre which is a breeding sanctuary for native wildlife and has aviaries to hatch kiwi, kākā and kākāriki for release across New Zealand.
At the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Martinborough offers the perfect opportunity to sample the regions world-class pinot noir.
Days 12 – 13: Wellington
Distance: 70 km (44 miles)
It is a short drive to the country’s capital, Wellington, situated at the southern tip of the North Island. Discover the city on foot, taking in the national museum of Te Papa and Hannahs Laneway, a gourmet heaven. Alternatively, take a behind-the-scenes tour at the Weta Workshop for a glimpse of the film industry’s innovations, costumes and movie effects.
On day 12, embark on a night tour at the Zealandia Eco-sanctuary will provide an opportunity to hear and see the sounds of the native forest’s birdlife, such as a tuatara, kākā (parrots), and if you’re lucky, a Kiwi!
Day 14: Picton
Ferry time: 3.5 hours
Depart Wellington for a scenic crossing to the South Island. Enjoy comfortable seating in the lounge with inclusive food and beverages, and if there’s a dolphin sighting the captain will make an announcement!
Sail into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds arriving into the small harbour town of Picton. You will have the afternoon to do a short walk or relax at a café on the waterfront.
Day 15: Kaikoura
Distance: 156km / 97 miles
Only a short drive from Picton is Blenheim and the well-known Marlborough wine region. There are plenty of cellar doors to visit and collect a bottle or two of Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy around a campsite fire one evening.
As the road hugs the coast southbound, you’ll be treated to beautiful sea views. There’ll be places to pull over for photographs and watch for marine wildlife close to the shoreline, including sea lions sunbathing on the rocks.
Before you check into your campsite, board a modern catamaran tour for the opportunity to see the Giant Sperm Whale on this included half-day tour. You may also encounter fur seals, dolphins and other birdlife during the sailing.
Days 16 - 17: Akaroa
Distance: 263 km (164 miles)
Continue south past Christchurch to the French-influenced town of Akaroa nestled in an ancient volcano on the Banks peninsula. Learn about the conservation efforts of white-flippered penguins during your first evening in this region with an included tour. A 4WD scenic drive and a walk to Pohatu Bay will take you closer to a penguin colony to watch any coming ashore.
On day 17, embark on a two-hour nature cruise with commentary from the skipper to learn about Akaroa’s wildlife, sea-caves and majestic volcanic cliffs.
Day 18: Geraldine
Distance: 188 km (116 miles)
Drive inland to rural Geraldine set in the heart of the Waitaha / Canterbury region, and the start of the Starlight Highway. Nestled between the Four Peaks (Devils, Firey, Waihi and Trip) Mountain Range, Geraldine offers plenty of outdoor activities.
Visit nearby Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve to join one of the short walking tracks and observe a fantastic variety of ferns and fungi.
Days 19-20: Lake Tekapo
Distance: 90 km (56 miles)
Continue inland towards the Mackenzie region and spend the next two nights in the pretty town of Lake Tekapo with its picture-perfect views. Located in the heart of the South Island, the lake’s turquoise waters surrounded by the majestic mountains offers the perfect photo opportunity.
Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this area has some of the world’s clearest, darkest skies for stargazing. On day 19, join an included 75-minute guided night tour to explore the brilliance of the Milky Way.
Days 21-22: Dunedin
Distance: 314 km (195 miles)
Today’s journey to Dunedin takes you via the village of Moeraki, famous for its mysterious spherical boulders formed 60 million years ago. Arriving in the city of Dunedin, check into your campsite for a relaxing evening ahead of next day’s tour.
On day 22, visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the magnificent Royal Albatross located on the Otago Peninsula. An included one hour guided tour and a visit to the viewing observatory will provide an amazing opportunity to witness the social and family life of the colony.
Day 23: Timaru
Distance: 203 km (126 miles)
Heading northwards, there is the option to take State Highway 88 to visit the Orokonui Eco Sanctuary. This biodiverse sanctuary has over 300 hectares with self-guided walking tracks allowing visitors to explore and learn more about threatened habitats and species.
In the relaxed port city of Timaru, head to Caroline Bay for a stroll along the boardwalk or New Zealand’s most significant collection of Māori rock drawings at the Te Anau Māori Rock Art Centre.
Days 24-25: Christchurch
Distance: 164 km (102 miles)
Your last leg on the road passes through Ashburton which has six museums including a museum for aviation, cars and vintage railways.
After returning your motorhome to the depot, transfer to your hotel in Christchurch’s city centre. There are plenty of activities to show off the city’s old-English charm, stroll through the botanical gardens or relax on a traditional punt on the River Avon.
On day 25, share all the wonderful times of your road trip together during a farewell dinner with your tour hosts.
Days 26 – 27: Christchurch – UK
Your tour concludes with a comfortable transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, carrying memorable thoughts of your holiday.
The holidays to New Zealand are provided by Alan Rogers Travel Ltd, a subsidiary of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. ATOL No.11309
We are ABTA protected. Find out more about our ABTA membership.
