The Kiwi Way Tour

New Zealand Tour Highlights:

North Island

• Narrow-gauge railway journey through native Coromandel bush
• Hot Water Beach, Hahei beach and Cooks Beach
• Cooks Beach to Whitianga passenger ferry ride
• Waihi Beach and Mount Maunganui
• Bush walk at Okere Falls
• Explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley with geysers, mud pools and hot springs
• Tamaki Māori Village with a powerful cultural performance and feast, Te Pā Tū
• Huka Falls, Taupo
• Discover Napier’s history and Art Deco architecture
• Enjoy an evening meal at Mission Estate Winery in Napier
• Visit historic Greytown, known for its boutique shops, cafes and Victorian buildings
• Travel on Wellington’s famous little Cable Car
• Te Papa, The Museum of New Zealand
• Scenic Interislander Ferry journey across the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton

South Island

• Wine tasting at one of Marlborough’s premier wineries
• Cruise Abel Tasman National Park, with a picnic lunch
• Travel along Christchurch’s Avon River on an authentic Edwardian punt
• A heritage tram pass for self-exploring Christchurch
• Scenic TranzAlpine rail journey
• Lake Matheson
• Explore the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown
• Jet boat adventures on Lake Te Anau and the Waiau River
• Visit a working Southland farm with sheep-shearing and dog-mustering demonstrations
• Fiordland National Park
• Milford Sound scenic cruise, with picnic lunch
• Mt Cook Village
• Enjoy true kiwi hospitality with morning tea at a home on the shores of Lake Tekapo

Sample Tour Itinerary (Subject to Change)

Day 1: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand

Haere mai – welcome to New Zealand. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  The rest of your day is spent at your leisure to explore the ‘City of Sails’.

Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel

Travel across the fertile Hauraki Plains to Thames then up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula.  This coastal drive is quite spectacular. Ride the Driving Creek Railway climbing 120m on a narrow-gauge line to the ‘EyeFull’ Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and across the Hauraki Gulf. Drive east to the seaside town of Whitianga on Mercury Bay. 

Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula

White cliffs, golden beaches, inviting turquoise waters and green forests are the colours of the Coromandel, with scarlet highlights courtesy of the flowers of Pōhutukawa trees in summer. At Hot Water Beach warm springs bubble up through the sand, and when the tide is right you can dig out your very own ‘spa’ pool.  Take a walk along the beautiful Hahei beach and visit Cooks Beach – named after Captain James Cook who sailed on the HMS Endeavour into Mercury Bay in 1769.  This area is a popular retreat for Kiwis during summer months.   

Day 4: Coromandel to Rotorua

Travel south along the Pacific Coast Highway through beachside towns of Whangamatā and Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty before heading inland to stop at Okere Falls for a bush walk and scenic lookouts. Rotorua is the centre of New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Māori heritage. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without including Te Puia, not only an active geothermal site, but the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts and a Kiwi conservation project.

Day 5: Rotorua

Today you have a choice of sightseeing excursions: visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, site of the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 or Hobbiton Movie Set, the delightful setting for The Shire that featured in Peter Jackson’s films, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit film series.

Tonight visit Tamaki Māori Village for for Te Pā Tū, an evening experience including Māori song, tradition and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) amidst towering trees blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Hākari (feasting) begins with forest horotai (canapes) and culminates in a lavish four-course fusion feast. Hāngī is featured in varied seasonal menus designed by Māori chefs. During summer months, Tū Te Rā celebrates harvest and concepts concerning ancient Māori warfare and peace. Over winter months, Tū Te Ihi celebrates the Matariki star cluster with mystical ritual, energy, and passion. Return hotel transfers included – other travellers will be on board.

Day 6: Rotorua to Napier

Visit the powerful Huka Falls then view the vast Lake Taupō – more inland sea than lake, though its fresh waters teem with trout. Across the lake stands the mighty volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe, and Tongariro within the Tongariro National Park. Continue to Napier, one of the world’s most complete examples of Art Deco architecture, second (arguably) only to Miami Beach. This afternoon a local guide brings history and architecture alive with entertaining stories as you discover Napier on foot. This evening enjoy dinner at New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate in restored seminary buildings with views of Napier.

Day 7: Napier to Wellington

Travel through the vineyards and orchards of Hawke’s Bay and the bush-clad ranges of the Wairarapa into New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. On arrival, view New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings including the iconic ‘Beehive’ building. From the Kelburn lookout take the Wellington Cable Car down into the central city precinct before visiting Te Papa – the museum of New Zealand.

Day 8: Wellington to Nelson

Your day commences with one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world. Travelling through the waters of Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound, the ferry is often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow waves. Disembarking in Picton, travel the short distance to Blenheim in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. Enjoy a wine tasting at one of Marlborough’s premier wineries – what better way to enjoy this region famous for its Sauvignon Blanc? From Marlborough, cross to Nelson – a corner of the South Island blessed with a sunny microclimate.

Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is a mosaic of golden coves and turquoise lagoons, sheltered by forested ranges to the south. With few roads in this pristine wilderness, most journeys are made by boat. Enjoy a morning cruise exploration to see Split Apple Rock, New Zealand Fur Seals, golden sands and the turquoise waters of Anchorage, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Awaroa, and Tōtaranui Beach. After the cruise, transfer back to Nelson for an orientation of the charming city.  This afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace.

Day 10: Nelson to Kaikoura

Depart Nelson and drive through farmlands and pine plantations, then the Rai Valley to the vineyards surrounding Blenheim in the Marlborough Wine Country. From here travel south down the stunning eastern coastline, along the thin ledge of land pinned between the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged ranges, to Kaikōura – where the mountains meet the sea. Here you have a choice of two excursions: a 2-hour whale watching cruise or short scenic flight.

Day 11: Kaikoura to Christchurch

The road south follows the wild coastline, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean before turning inland and climbing the Hundalee Ranges and travelling into the farmland of North Canterbury before entering the city of Christchurch.

This afternoon you join punting boatmen, for a relaxing cruise in flat-bottomed punts along the River Avon through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.  Then ride a beautifully restored heritage tram through the Christchurch’s city centre.

Day 12: Christchurch to Fox Glacier

Travel scross the Southern Alps today onboard the famous TranzAlpine train to Arthurs Pass.  Then travel from Arthurs Pass by coach to the West Coast, passing through historic towns to Hokitika. This town has many galleries specialising in pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and art works.   Continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps and the Tasman Sea to the small remote village of Fox.  The huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level.

Day 13: Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Visit Lake Matheson for a morning walk– when conditions are right the lake perfectly mirrors Mt. Cook. Travel over Haast Pass along the river road into Mt. Aspiring National Park to the pretty resort town of Wānaka.

Day 14: Wanaka

Today you have a choice of two excursions in Wanaka: a Lake cruise and nature walk or an offroad adventure.  This afternoon is at your leisure to explore the area.

Day 15: Wanaka to Te Anau

Depart Wānaka, stopping at the much photographed Cardrona Pub before travelling to historic Arrowtown, a delightful gold rush village and on to Lake Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Te Anau, discover the wild beauty of Fiordland by jet boat. Journey from the glistening lakefront in Te Anau to the quiet banks of the Waiau River, travelling the waters as far as the deserted shores of Lake Manapouri. Experience a hidden world framed by solemn mountains and wild forest, steeped in natural beauty and rich in history. Visit a 220-acre working support farm, featuring a fully restored 100-year-old woolshed, for an authentic Southland experience.

Day 16: Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown

The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by glaciers. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cruise past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. After the cruise travel through to Queenstown.

Day 17: Queenstown

Queenstown is surrounded by mountains and set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, the perfect backdrop for a visit full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. Today is spent at your leisure.

Day 18: Queenstown to Twizel

Continue north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past Lake Dunstan and across the Central Otago countryside to Lindis Pass. Drive along Lake Pukaki to Mt. Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki (Mt. Cook) and stay overnight in the tiny town of Twizel.

Day 19: Twizel to Christchurch

Visit a local home on the shores of Lake Tekapo and learn the secrets of making the kiwi dessert ‘Pavlova’. See the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd set against a majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots. Travel across the high country through small rural towns and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. The most English of New Zealand cities had a succession of earthquakes in 2010 & 2011, the city combines urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and creativity.  Tonight enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 20: Depart Christchurch, New Zealand

Haere rā – farewell from New Zealand. Today you will farewell New Zealand. After breakfast you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward journey.