Secret New Zealand: Glaciers, Abel Tasman and Fiordland

Your New Zealand tour begins at Auckland, where you will be met at the airport by our representative and escorted to your accommodation.

Enjoy a scenic drive in your rental car from the city of Auckland to Paihia. This laid-back seaside town is the perfect destination to explore the Bay of Islands. The town itself boasts vibrant farmers markets, fresh produce and seafood, and cozy cafes and restaurants. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in town host the Treaty House, a Maori museum.

On day two of your stay in Paihia, embark on a group cruise to the Bay of Islands aboard a catamaran, and enjoy island-hopping and visiting attractions such as Marsden Cross and Motukōkako’s ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Drive from Paihia to the Coromandel Peninsula, located across the gulf from Auckland. This beautiful landscape offers lush green forests enclosed by over 400 kilometres of sandy beaches. This is also a walker’s paradise with trails such as the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, and there are also plenty of relics from New Zealand’s gold mining days. Visitors can enjoy soaking in a bubbling, warm pool at Hot Water Beach, and see the spectacular Cathedral Cove located in a marine reserve.

On your second day, you will embark on a nature and coast tour with our expert local guide. The slow-paced tour is ideal for discovering this natural paradise as you head down trails, relax on beaches, and visit old towns.

Leave the Coromandel Peninsula behind and make your way to Taupo, a photographer’s paradise. Located within the caldera of a volcano, the massive Lake Taupo is framed by the majestic peaks of Tongariro in the distance. Visitors can enjoy sailing on the lake, and a host of watersport and other activities. A highlight of this destination is the mineral-rich geothermal pools, where you can enjoy a rejuvenating soak.

On the second day of your stay, set out for a fly fishing expedition with an expert guide. Sailing on the pristine waters of the lake, try your hand at fishing for trouts and other species of fish, with angling tips from your guide.

A short 1.5-hour drive from Taupo takes you to UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park, home to three active volcanoes, ski slopes, and numerous hiking trails such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is also a birder’s paradise, with bird species including the Kea (parrot), Tūī, Fantail, and the New Zealand Falcon.

Embark on an alpine adventure at Tongariro, armed with a local expert. Trek along the famous tramping trail for a journey from Mount Ngauruhoe to Mount Tongariro and then go over it. Passing by mysterious volcanic craters, gushing springs and volcanic rock, travel away from the crowds with your guide as you take in the natural beauty of the region.

Drive yourself from Tongariro to Wellington over the day, and then enjoy your evening at leisure. This cosmopolitan harbour city is brimming with vibrant art and culture, which you can explore at your own pace.

On your second day, also enjoy a Lord of the Rings tour where you visit several filming locations of this epic trilogy, located in the film-making capital of New Zealand!

From Wellington, take the Interislander ferry to Picton and then drive to the agricultural town of Blenheim. Located in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, it is renowned for its vineyards and wine production, particularly Sauvignon Blanc.

On your second day, explore the Marlborough region and its many wineries and meet the people behind these fine wines. Curated wine experiences await you at each estate as well as lunch at a local restaurant.

Embark on a three-hour drive from Blenheim to the coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park. This region is celebrated for its stunning coastal scenery, golden beaches, and lush native forests, offering a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Nearby, Tonga Island Marine Reserve is rich in marine life with a vibrant underwater world, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Spend your second day here exploring Abel Tasman and Tonga Island with plenty of kayaking, swimming, bush walks and outdoor adventure. You will also embark on a cruise to spot penguins and seal colonies, apart from dolphins and other marine life.

Leave Abel Tasman behind and make your way to Punakaiki, a 5.5-hour drive away. Located on the West Coast of South Island, this area encompasses Greymouth, Punakaiki and Westport and offer diverse landscapes, from mountains to forests and beaches.

During your time at Punakaiki, venture out on your own to explore Pancake Rocks – naturally stacked limestone rocks that resemble pancakes. As you walk around the area, you can spot blowholes spurting seawater at high tides. Nearby, the Truman track offers another charming walk through a forest, which you can explore at leisure.

From Punakaiki, make your way to Franz Josef, or Waiau, which serves as the gateway to the majestic Franz Josef Glacier. This region is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from forests to waterfalls. Visitors can make the most of these abundant outdoor opportunities through adventure sports such as heli hikes, scenic flights, glacier walks, kayaking tours and more.

On your second day, enjoy a scenic flight over the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. With inflight commentary from your pilot and guide to inform you about local legends and facts about the region, get a bird’s eye view of the icy landscape with snow-covered peaks of Mount Cook and Tasman, and the coast nearby.

A 5-hour drive from Franz Josef takes you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Featuring pristine lakes, and mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps, this dramatic landscape is ideal for outdoor activities. No matter the season, there is plenty to do – from skydiving and bungee jumping to cruising in Milford Sound, kayaking, jet-boating and skiing. The city offers easy access to  charming vineyards nearby and mining towns around Wanaka and Glenorchy.

At the upper Shotover River, don your life jackets and embark on a jet-boat ride, unique to this part of the world. Afterward, enjoy a 4×4 safari to an abandoned gold mining region near Arrow River with a local guide.

Take a short 3-hour drive to Te Anau, nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau in New Zealand. This town serves as the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park. Known for its serene lake views and proximity to iconic natural wonders like Milford Sound, Te Anau offers a tranquil base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes nearby. The region is also famous for its wild food, especially venison, lobster and seafood.

During your time at Te Anau, embark on a wilderness cruise to the remote Doubtful Sound. Navigating through the pristine fjord aboard a catamaran is an awe-inspiring experience, as you glide past towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery in an untouched, natural paradise.

The university town of Dunedin is known for its Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture and cultural scene. Often labeled the ‘Edinburgh of New Zealand’, it combines historic charm with a youthful energy, offering a lively arts community apart from wildlife experiences in the Otago Peninsula.

Enjoy a wildlife cruise and castle tour from Dunedin, as your ride along the Otago Peninsula. Places of interest include the Larnach Castle from the 1800s, Wellers Rock with its aquatic birds and Penguin Place, home to the yellow-eyed penguin.

Just 3.5-hours from Dunedin, Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie Basin is renowned for its turquoise waters and iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this is an ideal destination for stargazing with the region being designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.

At the Mount John Observatory, enjoy an evening stargazing tour with an astrologist guide, learning more about celestial objects and getting a closer look at distant galaxies.

Drive yourself from Tekapo to your final destination in New Zealand, the quaint harbourside town of Akaroa. As the country’s first French settlement, the town has preserved its Gallic vibe. Visitors can explore its fine colonial architecture, galleries and buzzing cafes and restaurants. Surrounded by volcanoes and wilderness, outdoor excursions in the region can be particularly rewarding. A sea kayaking safari takes you to the Pohatu Marine Reserve where you can spot dwarf penguins, New Zealand fur seals and more.

After a few days of downtime in Akaroa, you will board your flight back home.

Drive your rental car from Akaroa to Christchurch, which is a two-hour journey.

Christchurch, set between the Waimakariri River and Pegasus Bay, is a city where English heritage meets bold modern design. See the 185 Chairs, explore Quake City, and view fine Māori greenstone at local galleries here. The Antarctic Centre offers hands-on exhibits and tells you about Polar exploration, while Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens provide beautiful green spaces. You could also punt along the Avon or take the gondola for panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Do not miss riding the hop-on-hop-off tram, which will give you the perfect introduction to this lovely city.

Return your rental car at Christchurch Airport and fly out to your next destination.