Grand Tour of New Zealand with Australia

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Overnight flight to Auckland

  Begin our journey to New Zealand on an overnight flight to Auckland.

• Day 2 • In Flight

  Spend the day in the air as we continue our journey to New Zealand.

• Day 3 • Arrive in Auckland

  Welcome - or "Kia Ora" (KEE-ə OR-ə) as the locals say - to New Zealand! Today, we'll arrive in Auckland and transfer to the hotel. Those who like to fly and flop are welcome to spend the rest of the day at leisure in our four-star hotel, the Grand Millennium, taking advantage of the hotel's luxurious facilities. But those who'd like to begin exploring could not be better placed. Albert Park is a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the sunshine after a long flight. Close by is the Sky Tower - its dizzying 328m height offers the best view of the city, the surrounding ancient volcanoes, sparkling sunlit harbours and beyond. You could also enjoy sea views with two feet on solid ground in Viaduct Harbour, especially enjoyable from one of the world-class restaurants that line the front.

• Day 4 • Bay of Islands

  We'll head north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast to Parry Kauri Park, home to two of the largest living kauri trees on the East Coast. These giant trees can live for more than 2,000 years, growing to more than 50 metres tall. Continuing our journey over the gentle green landscapes of North Island, we'll reach the Bay of Islands by the afternoon. For those who love beaches and the water, the Bay of Islands is paradise. Encompassing 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, the region is known for its beauty and history. As we arrive in Piahai, we'll explore its history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House, where in 1840, Maori chiefs and the original European settlers signed the Treaty of Waitangi, the basis of the future governance of New Zealand. The house has been restored to look as it did in 1834 when it was the first British Residency in New Zealand.

• Day 5 • Bay of Islands cruise

  This morning we’ll see the Bay of Islands in the best way possible via a boat cruise meandering around the idyllic beaches that make this area so popular. If you’re lucky, there’s a chance you may see wild dolphins which are common in the Bay of Islands. We’ll continue on to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, through which the boat will sail slowly, conditions permitting. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy many of the activities the Bay of Islands has to offer.

• Day 6 • Auckland

  Travelling south, we’ll leave the Bay of Islands on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, a coastal route along winding roads that pass secluded beaches. We'll travel through Whangarei and back across Harbour Bridge arriving in Auckland for a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’, so-called for the popularity of sailing in this area. We'll drive along the waterfront to view a local volcano and the scenic waterfront route around Auckland's eastern bays. We'll visit the trendy Parnell Village Auckland's first suburb and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area.

• Day 7 • Waitomo Caves & Rotorua

  Gaze in awe at the extensive underground cave system in Waitomo, visit Rotorua and tuck into a traditional Hangi buffet.

• Day 8 • Middle Earth

  Adventure to Middle Earth on a visit to the Hobbiton movie set or enjoy free time in Rotorua.

• Day 9 • Napier

  Hear the water rush over Huka Falls and see the Art Deco architecture of Napier on a tour.

• Day 10 • Wellington

  Today we’ll continue south through Hastings and the Hawkes Bay sheep and cattle farming country to Woodville, before driving onto Wellington. On arrival we will enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing passing Parliament Buildings, Old St Paul’s Cathedral, the lovely Botanical Gardens, Victoria University and a visit to Te Papa – the National Museum of New Zealand.

• Day 11 • Nelson

  Sail across Cook Strait and head to Marlborough for a tasting in the world-famous wine region before arriving in Nelson.

• Day 12 • Abel Tasman cruise

  We'll join a catamaran cruise along the shoreline of Abel Tasman, passing beaches, coves and islands. We’ll discover the sights of Split Apple Rock, Medlands Beach, Torrent Bay and other spots. En route, our expert guide will tell us more about the history of Abel Tasman National Park, named after the first European to discover Tasmania and confirm Australia as an island continent. For the more adventurous, there is the option of landing ashore at Kaiteriteri and walk from Apple Tree Bay to Anchorage (approx. two hours) where our boat will be waiting for us. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure exploring Nelson. You could spend time exploring the thriving art scene or find even more nature - beaches, rivers, lakes and mountains are just a stone's throw away. With a diverse selection of restaurants, wine bars, and craft breweries, dinner will be easy to find this evening. A packed lunch is included today.

• Day 13 • Christchurch

  Travel through the Maruia Forest, over Lewis Pass we stop off at Hanmer Springs, before arriving in Christchurch.

• Day 14 • TranzAlpine train & helicopter flight

  Enjoy a scenic journey to Arthur's Pass on the TranzAlpine train and birds-eye views of Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter.

• Day 15 • Queenstown

  Continuing south, we’ll travel past deserted beaches, through vibrant rainforests and settlements. This wilderness forms part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest, mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. We’ll travel over the scenic Haast Pass to the popular Lake Wanaka, and then on to the beautiful year-round resort of Queenstown where our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Copthorne Lakefront Resort, with breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city - the centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away.

• Day 16 • Free day in Queenstown

  Take the opportunity to soak in the dramatic views of the rugged Remarkable Mountains and the majestic beauty of the lake and rivers with a day at leisure in Queenstown. The centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away or you may choose to join one of our additional optional excursion.

• Day 17 • Milford Sound cruise

  Leaving Queenstown, we’ll skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu and travel via Te Anau through the Homer Tunnel into the spectacular Cleddau Valley. Then it’s on to the famous Milford Sound, arguably the most spectacular fjord in the country within the Fiordland National Park part of the UNESCO South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. A boat trip on the deep fjord waters between sheer granite cliffs rising thousands of feet, affords wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and the 500-foot Stirling Falls. There is a good chance of seeing dolphins, fur seals or penguins during our trip before we return to the charming small lakeside resort of Te Anau.

• Day 18 • Omarama

  Travel through New Zealand’s most epic landscapes and visit charming Arrowtown.

• Day 19 • Mount Cook

  See the spectacular sights of Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.

• Day 20 • Melbourne

  Say Haere rā (goodbye) to The Land of the Long White Cloud and G'day to Australia as we take a flight to the Land Down Under. On arrival, we'll take an introductory tour of the sophisticated, stylish and free-spirited city of Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. With world-class art and architecture and vibrant music and food scenes, there's plenty to see. The rectangular city centre is full of high-rises, stately buildings and boutique-filled alleyways. But you don't have to venture too far from the centre of the city to find wide open parks and gardens and classic architecture, like the Old Treasury Building and the Exhibition buildings, built for the Great Exhibition in 1880.

• Day 21 • Puffing Billy and Phillip Island

  Escape the city on a classic steam train through The Dandenong Ranges, then witness the famous Penguin Parade.

• Day 22 • Fly to Sydney

  Arrive back in the UK after an incredible once-in-a-lifetime tour.

• Day 23 • Sydney

  Learn about Sydney’s history and visit its iconic sites - The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and Sydney Opera House.

• Day 24 • Free day in Sydney

  See Sydney with a free day and enjoy an evening cruise in Sydney Harbour with dinner on board.

• Day 25 • Return home

  Bid a fond farewell to Australia and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

• Day 26 • Arrive home

  Arrive back in the UK after an incredible once-in-a-life-time tour.