Land of the Long White Cloud

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Check out Auckland's space-age Sky Tower, numerous volcanoes and Pacific Island flavour.

Day 2 Coromandel Peninsula

If the tide's right, dig a personal pool on Hot Water Beach. Then venture to Cathedral Cove's remote white sands, accessible only by foot or boat.

Day 3 Lake Rotoiti/Rotorua

Enjoy a traditional 'hangi' meal and warm hospitality on a 'marae', a Maori meeting place, on the lake's shores.

Days 4-5 Tongariro National Park

Discover the inspiration for Mt Doom in the 'Lord of the Rings' films. Follow the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing or one of the park's many walking trails.

Days 6-7 Napier

Navigate New Zealand's Hawkes Bay wine country by bicycle. In Napier, there are many galleries, heritage trails, gardens and art deco buildings to explore.

Days 8-9 Wellington

Head to Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a cable car up to the Botanic Gardens.

Day 10 Marlborough Sounds

Spy hidden coves and lush forests on the Queen Charlotte walking track.

Days 11-12 Kaikoura

Travel down the coast to the sleepy seaside village of Kaikoura. An abundance of whales, sea lions and dolphins make this spot a nature-lover's paradise.

Days 13-14 Christchurch

Stroll around this garden city or take a local tram past its heritage buildings and parks. Cultured Christchurch boasts great restaurants and a vibrant arts scene.

Days 15-16 Mt Cook

With numerous alpine trails, Mt Cook is the ideal base for exploring the Southern Alps. Spend time at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and be inspired by his adventures.

Days 17-19 Queenstown

Ride up in the Skyline Gondola for a breathtaking view of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountains, then choose to bungee jump or paraglide down in this thrillseekers' mecca.

Days 20-21 Te Anau/Milford Sound

Escape the crowds by kayaking across the tranquil waters of Milford Sound, surrounded by spectacular waterfalls.

Days 22-23 Wanaka

After a day of high-adventure watersports, enjoy a local beer or wine with a Kiwi barbecue, or take in a movie at the Cinema Paradiso, where sofas have replaced the more conventional seating.

Days 24-25 Franz Josef Glacier

Step into a world of rock and ice on the glistening, gargantuan Franz Josef Glacier sandwiched between the sea and the Southern Alps.

Day 26 West Coast Pub

Mingle with locals and enjoy home-style cooking.

Days 27-28 Christchurch

Unwind with a live music performance or some of Christchurch's delicious cuisine.