Day 1 - Sunday, November 15: Arrival in Christchurch
Your New Zealand adventure begins in Christchurch, a city that has reinvented itself with creativity and resilience. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a gentle stroll through the Botanic Gardens or along the Avon River, where willows dip into the water and locals glide by in traditional punts. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers over a welcome dinner — the perfect introduction to Kiwi warmth and hospitality. Included: Airport transfer Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner
Day 2 - Monday, November 16: Christchurch City Discovery
This morning’s tour reveals how Christchurch has transformed since the 2011 earthquake. The striking cardboard cathedral is a symbol of ingenuity, while the Art Centre and surrounding cultural precinct showcase the city’s artistic spirit. Wander through leafy parks and riverside paths, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore museums, cafés, or the fascinating Antarctic Centre. Included: Christchurch City Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Tuesday, November 17: Lake Tekapo & Mount John
Travel inland through rolling farmland and wide open plains until the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo come into view — a scene framed by snow dusted peaks and fields of lupins in season. Visit the charming stone Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on the lakeshore, before choosing how to spend your afternoon: perhaps a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, a walk to Mount John Observatory, or a soak in the hot pools overlooking the lake.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional: Scenic flight
Day 4 - Wednesday, November 18: Mount Cook Valley, Oamaru & Moeraki ? Dunedin
A morning drive through the Mackenzie Basin brings you into the dramatic landscapes of Mount Cook National Park, where glaciers carve their way down rugged valleys. After a short walk in this alpine wonderland, continue to the Victorian town of Oamaru, known for its limestone architecture and quirky artisan shops. Later, pause at the Moeraki Boulders — perfectly spherical stones scattered along the beach — before arriving in Dunedin, a city with strong Scottish heritage and elegant architecture.
Included: Moeraki Boulders
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Thursday, November 19: Otago Peninsula Wildlife & Larnach Castle
Today’s excursion explores the wild beauty of the Otago Peninsula. Begin at Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle, where restored interiors and colourful gardens offer sweeping views over the harbour. Continue to Taiaroa Head, home to the world’s only mainland colony of Northern Royal Albatross. A guided walk through a private eco reserve introduces you to fur seals, sea lions, and — with luck — the rare yellow eyed penguin, one of the world’s most endangered seabirds.
Included: Larnach Castle, Wildlife & Penguin Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Friday, November 20: Arrowtown & Queenstown with Steamship Cruise
Travel through Central Otago, a region of orchards, vineyards, and golden hills. Stop in Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved gold rush settlement with tree lined streets and heritage cottages. Continue to Queenstown, nestled beside Lake Wakatipu and ringed by dramatic peaks. This evening, board a historic steamship for a serene cruise across the lake to a high country station, where you’ll enjoy a hearty BBQ dinner and learn about rural life in the Southern Alps. Included: Steamship Cruise & Farm Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Day 7 - Saturday, November 21: Milford Sound Excursion
A day of unforgettable scenery awaits. Travel through Fiordland National Park, where mirror like lakes reflect towering mountains and dense rainforest clings to steep slopes. Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a vessel to glide beneath sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Keep watch for dolphins, seals, and the occasional penguin. The stillness of the fiord, broken only by the sound of waterfalls, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences.
Included: Milford Sound Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Day 8 - Sunday, November 22: Free Day in Queenstown
Queenstown offers something for every traveller. Thrill seekers may opt for jet boating or gondola rides, while wine lovers can explore the vineyards of Gibbston Valley. Prefer a gentler pace? Enjoy lakeside walks, boutique shops, or a leisurely lunch overlooking the water. The day is yours to savour.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional: Gondola & Luge, Jet Boat, Wine Tour
Day 9 - Monday, November 23: Wanaka & West Coast Wildlife Centre
Travel over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road, to the alpine town of Wanaka. After a lakeside stroll, continue through dramatic mountain passes and lush rainforest to Franz Josef. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre for a behind the scenes look at kiwi conservation efforts — a rare chance to learn about New Zealand’s beloved national bird.
Included: Wildlife Centre Backstage Tour Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Tuesday, November 24: Hokitika & TranzAlpine Train
Journey north along the rugged West Coast, stopping in Hokitika, known for its jade carving and artisan galleries. Then board the legendary TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s great rail journeys. Cross the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, passing braided rivers, deep gorges, and vast beech forests before arriving in Christchurch.
Included: TranzAlpine Train
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Wednesday, November 25: Kaikoura Whale Watching
Follow the coastline to Kaikoura, where mountains rise sharply from the sea. The nutrient rich waters support an extraordinary variety of marine life. A whale watching cruise offers the chance to see sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas, and playful dolphins. Back on shore, enjoy sweeping views from the peninsula walkway.
Included: Whale Watching Cruise
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Thursday, November 26: Marlborough Wine Country ? Picton
Travel north along a dramatic stretch of coastline, stopping at a lively fur seal colony. Continue into Marlborough, New Zealand’s premier wine region, renowned for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy tastings at local wineries before arriving in the harbour town of Picton.
Meals: Breakfast Optional: Additional wine tasting
Day 13 - Friday, November 27: Ferry to Wellington & City Tour
Cruise through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds, where forested hills rise above sheltered bays. Crossing Cook Strait, arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital. A visit to Mt Victoria provides panoramic views of the city, harbour, and surrounding coastline.
Included: Ferry & Wellington City Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 - Saturday, November 28: Free Day in Wellington
Explore Wellington at your own pace. Visit Te Papa, the national museum, stroll the waterfront, ride the historic cable car, or tour the famous Weta Workshop. Wellington’s cafés and restaurants are among the country’s best — a perfect day for culinary discovery.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional: Te Papa, Zealandia, Weta Workshop
Day 15 - Sunday, November 29: Hawke’s Bay Wine Region & Napier
Travel north through rolling countryside to Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine region. Sample elegant Chardonnays and bold Syrahs before arriving in Napier, a city rebuilt in striking Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake. Its pastel buildings, geometric motifs, and seaside promenade create a unique atmosphere.
Included: Wine Tasting
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 - Monday, November 30: Lake Taupo, Huka Falls & Rotorua
Visit Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, then continue to Huka Falls, where the Waikato River surges through a narrow gorge in a powerful cascade. Explore the colourful geothermal landscapes of Wai O Tapu before arriving in Rotorua. This evening, enjoy a Maori cultural performance and traditional hangi feast — a highlight of the journey.
Included: Wai O Tapu, Maori Cultural Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Hangi Dinner
Day 17 - Tuesday, December 01: Hobbiton & Free Afternoon in Rotorua
Step into Middle earth with a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, wandering past hobbit holes and lush green hills. Return to Rotorua for a relaxing afternoon — perhaps a soak in geothermal hot pools or a walk through the towering redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest. Included: Hobbiton Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 - Wednesday, December 02: Waitomo Glowworm Caves ? Auckland & Sky Tower Dinner
Travel to Waitomo, where thousands of glowworms illuminate underground caverns like a star filled sky. Glide silently through the caves before continuing north to Auckland. This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at the Sky Tower’s revolving restaurant, enjoying panoramic views of the “City of Sails.”
Included: Glowworm Caves, Sky Tower Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 19 - Thursday, December 03: Airport Transfer
Free Day in Auckland
Spend a leisurely day exploring Auckland’s waterfront, museums, and parks, or take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting among olive groves and beaches. For those of you not taking th Bay Islands extension and airport transfer is included in the early evening.
Included: Airport Transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Optional: Waiheke Island Wine Tour
