Days 1 - 4: Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch on day 3, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city, known for its beautiful gardens, heritage architecture and charming, walkable city centre. Today, it combines old-world character with a vibrant, contemporary feel, with restored heritage buildings alongside striking new architecture, independent boutiques, lively shopping areas, galleries, museums and a wealth of restaurants and cafés.
The beautiful Botanic Gardens remain a highlight, while the iconic trams offer a great way to explore Christchurch, with dinner-on-board tours also available in the evenings.
Day 5: Lake Tekapo
Distance: 225 km / 140 miles
Your first day on the open road starts with the wide-open Canterbury Plains. Spend the night at the picturesque Lake Tekapo where you can visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the views from Mt John Observatory within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Days 6 – 7: Wanaka
Distance: 201km / 125 miles
Take a momentous drive along the edge of the Southern Alps to delightful Lake Wanaka. Lord of the Rings fans will recognise some areas as the Misty Mountains. Stay here two nights, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the laid back town and its fabulous views.
Hike and bike in the surrounding hills, take a canoe or stroll along the lakeside at sunset and look out for the famous 'Wanaka tree' protruding from the water.
Days 8 – 9: Queenstown
Distance: 67km / 42 miles
Queenstown is billed as the Adventure Capital of the World, with all manner of bungee jumps, zip wires and jet boats on offer. The Shotover jet boat rides are fantastic.
Take the cable car gondola up to Bob’s Peak for a really enjoyable dinner with amazing views across the lake to the Remarkables mountain range. Stroll in the Queenstown Gardens by the Bowls Club, take a trip on the elegant 1912 steam ship TSS Earnslaw or visit the picturesque old gold mining town of Arrowtown.
Whilst in Queenstown a day trip to Milford Sound is always possible. Set in Fjordland National Park, Milford Sound offers some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery, and a chance to see dolphins, penguins and seals up close.
Days 10 - 11: Fox Glacier
Distance: 368km / 228miles
It’s a scenic drive west through the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park, where lush forests, rivers and rugged mountains create a dramatic backdrop. Take a break in Haast, a remote settlement with a distinctly wild feel, or visit peaceful Lake Moeraki, where a forest trail leads to Monro Beach and its penguin colony.
Continue north to Fox Glacier, your base for the next two nights. Visit nearby Lake Matheson, renowned for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki Mt Cook or explore the walking trails around Fox Glacier. You can also take a guided glacier tour or helicopter flight for a closer look at this spectacular landscape.
Franz Josef Glacier is around 45 minutes away and makes an excellent day trip, with walking trails offering views of the glacier or the option to take a heli-hike onto the ice. The area also featured in The Lord of the Rings, including the Lighting of the Beacons scene.
Day 12: Greymouth
Distance: 196 km / 122 miles
From Fox, make your way up the rugged West Coast, through the old gold mining settlement of Hokitika. Stop here for supplies, a wander through town, and the highly recommended short and easy walk into the Hokitika Gorge for photo opportunities of this beautiful forest and the bright blue waters of the river.
Days 13 - 15: Kaiteriteri (Abel Tasman National Park)
Distance: 372 km / 231 miles
Continue to Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal paradise of golden beaches, turquoise waters and lush native forest. Named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who became the first European to sight New Zealand, the park is perfect for exploring at your own pace, with easy walking trails, boat trips and beautiful beaches to discover.
Days 16 - 17: Picton
Distance: 266 km / 166 miles
Take your time exploring the beautiful bays between Anakiwa and Picton, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery of the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise the sheltered waterways, walk part of the Queen Charlotte Track or simply find a peaceful bay for a picnic.
It’s a short drive from Picton to Blenheim, at the heart of Marlborough’s renowned wine region. Spend time exploring the vineyards and sampling award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, or enjoy one of the region’s many walking trails, scenic cruises and fishing spots.
Day 18: Whanganui
Distance: 193km / 120 miles
Take the scenic ferry from Picton across Cook Strait to New Zealand’s North Island. As you leave Picton, sail through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound, making the journey between the islands an experience in itself.
Once ashore, there are plenty of opportunities to explore along the coast towards Whanganui. Take a boat trip to Kapiti Island, a protected nature reserve renowned for its rare birdlife, walk the spectacular Paekākāriki Escarpment Track or explore the Mangaone Walkway at Waikanae.
Continue to Whanganui, a charming riverside city steeped in history and creativity. Discover its heritage architecture, vibrant arts scene and the iconic paddle steamer that cruises the Whanganui River, once an important route for transporting people and goods.
Days 19 - 20: New Plymouth
Distance: 159 km / 98 miles
Travel north through farmland, country towns and take in the views of Mt Taranaki. At Hawera, choose between two routes: follow the coastal ‘Surf Highway’ around Cape Egmont, stopping in the seaside town of Oakura, or take the quieter inland route via Stratford through the rolling green countryside.
For closer views of Mt Taranaki, explore one of the walking trails on its lower slopes. Continue to New Plymouth, a vibrant coastal city with plenty of cafés, restaurants and cultural attractions to discover. Don’t miss the award-winning Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, home to the remarkable kinetic sculptures of renowned New Zealand artist Len Lye.
Days 21 - 22: Waitomo Caves
Distance: 180 km / 112 miles
Follow the coast north, with sparkling Tasman Sea views and plenty of opportunities to stop in the seaside villages along the way. Awakino is a particularly lovely spot to stretch your legs with scenic walks and picnic areas.
Continue to Waitomo, renowned for its spectacular limestone caves and glow worms. Explore this fascinating underground world at your own pace, from leisurely walks and boat trips to more adventurous caving and black-water rafting. Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites before drifting beneath thousands of tiny glow worms illuminating the caves above.
Days 23 – 24: Auckland
Distance: 195 km / 121 miles
Travel north through New Zealand’s dairy heartland, with a stop in Hamilton to explore its beautiful gardens, riverside setting, museums and galleries.
Auckland offers plenty to discover, from fascinating museums, galleries and historic Māori sites to parks, gardens and volcanic viewpoints. With a vibrant arts and cultural scene, excellent restaurants, lively nightlife and vineyards on its doorstep, there will be plenty of choice for your free day here.
Days 25 - 26: Rotorua
Distance: 286 km / 177 miles
Head south from Auckland for a taste of real Middle-earth™. In Matamata, visit Hobbiton, the enchanting film set created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Pre-booking is recommended for the guided tour, which brings the Shire to life with an optional lunch afterwards.
Continue to Rotorua, where New Zealand’s geothermal wonders await. Explore Wai-O-Tapu, home to the colourful Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser, or visit Te Puia to see bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and the mighty Pohutu Geyser.
Days 27 - 28: Napier
Distance: 218 km / 135 miles
Napier is renowned for its remarkable collection of Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture, earning it the title of New Zealand’s Art Deco Capital. Following the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, the city was rebuilt in the architectural styles of the era, creating the distinctive character it is celebrated for today.
Discover Napier’s heritage on a vintage car tour or head to nearby Cape Kidnappers to see one of the world’s largest accessible gannet colonies. With its beautiful coastal setting, renowned wineries and vibrant food scene, Hawke’s Bay is a wonderful place to explore.
Days 29 - 30: Wellington
Distance: 324 km / 200 miles
The journey south takes you through the spectacular landscapes of Tongariro National Park, home to the three volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Follow the Desert Road through some of the North Island’s most dramatic landscapes, where fans of The Lord of the Rings may recognise the scenery as the backdrop to Mordor.
Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital set around a beautiful harbour. This lively, walkable city combines heritage, culture and creativity, with excellent restaurants and shopping. Spend your free day at Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum and the Wētā Workshop, where film fans can discover the artistry behind The Lord of the Rings. For nature lovers, head to Zealandia for a day or night visit to a 225-hectare sanctuary of Aotearoa New Zealand’s native birds.
Days 31 - 32: Kaikoura
Distance: 156 km / 97 miles
Catch the ferry from Wellington back to Picton and head south to Kaikoura. The town's name translates into English as a good place to eat kai (crayfish) koura, and indeed it is! Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the freshest shellfish and crustaceans around. Venture onto the Coastal Walkway and you could see sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals, and albatross play in the waters off shore. Alternatively, join them in their own environment and take one of the many boat tours on offer.
Day 33: Christchurch
Distance: 181 km / 112 miles
Continue south to Christchurch, drop off your caravan and car, and then transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.
Day 34 - 35: Christchurch to UK
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
The holidays to New Zealand are provided by Alan Rogers Travel Ltd, a subsidiary of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. ATOL No.11309
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