19 Days Wellington to Auckland
Price: NZ1550 AU1380 £700 €850 C$1320 US$1290
Day 1: Wellington to Kaikoura. Accommodation: 
Our tour starts in New Zealand’s Capital City ‘Wellington’. We take the short journey to the Inter Islander Ferry where we cross the Cook Strait and enter the South Island through the scenic Marlborough Sounds, often dubbed New Zealand’s ‘little slice of Norway’. We arrive at Picton, the gateway to the Sounds, and make our way to Kaikoura via Marlborough which is New Zealand’s top producing wine region. Here we have the chance to sample some of New Zealand's fine wines.
Day 2: Kaikoura to Christchurch. Accommodation:
This morning before we depart Kaikoura we have the chance to go in search for the mighty Sperm Whale (weather permitting) - or maybe a swim with dolphins/seals in their natural environment. A drive along the Kaikoura coast and the ‘Alpine Pacific Triangle’ brings us to the very English looking city of Christchurch. The ‘Garden City’ has plenty to offer and you will have time to explore. Don’t miss the Cathedral Square and the chance to meet the famous wizard! Take time out with a walk through tree lined Hagley Park which borders the city centre, and end your afternoon with a relaxed punt down the Avon River. Tonight we head into town for a bit of local culture.
Day 3: Christchurch to Omarama. Accommodation: 
We depart Christchurch and head South through the Canterbury Plains towards McKenzie Country. We stop for views along the way at Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. We have the option of a flight over New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook, which is 3764m and produces fantastic aerial views of the mountains and surrounding areas. Tonight we spend the night at one of McKenzie Countries remote farm stations.
Day 4: Omarama to Dunedin. Accommodation:
Today as we make our way to Dunedin, New Zealand’s Scottish and Victorian City, we stop along route to see Moreraki Boulders. Formed some 60 million years ago, these boulders have long been a subject of legend and curiosity. Dunedin is at the heart of one of New Zealand’s most renowned eco tourism areas. Not only can one see the world’s rarest penguin’s, the Royal Albatross, New Zealand’s Oldest University, but the world’s steepest street, and a 19th Century Castle. And let’s not forget an optional tour of the Speight’s Brewery, ‘The Southern Man’s beer’. Tonight we can enjoy a night out in this Scottish City.
Day 5: Dunedin to Te Anau. Accommodation:
We head into Southland on the ‘Southern Scenic Route’ towards the famous Milford Sound. We make the ascent up to the Homer Tunnel, which is 1200m long and an experience on its own. As we drive into Milford Sound you will soon understand why we have travelled so far off the beaten track to get here. Come rain or shine this is truly New Zealand at its unparalleled and glorious best. Tonight we will relax before we take in the spectacular scenery.
Day 6: Milford Sound to Te Anau. Accommodation:
Today we hop aboard the ‘Milford Wonderer’ for a breathtaking cruise in the heart of the sounds. You will see Mitre Peak, which has a dominate presence on the skyline. Milford Sound is 15km long and about 290m at its deepest. You also have the chance to visit the 160m Bowen falls. The fiords are home to a number of different wildlife, with Fur seals commonly being seen lying about on the rocks. Here you have the option of a Helicopter Flight over Milford Sound. We head back to Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. This lovely little lake side town will allow you to appreciate the spacious open areas, beautiful lake views and the amazing contrasts that the South Island has on offer.
Day 7: Te Anau to Queenstown. Accommodation:
Today we head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, where it will be time for your adrenaline to get pumping.
You now have a few options available to you as we arrive into Queenstown. First, you can take time to relax and get your breath back, or you can fasten your seatbelt and indulge in the adrenaline capital of New Zealand!
With the variety of activities on offer in and around Queenstown, you will be spoilt for choice. Jump off the bungee bridge, go white water rafting and follow that by a jet boat ride. When you think you have had enough, there's always more! It's out of the wet cloths and on with the dry, as we paint the town red by night. (Winter trips have the option of hitting the slopes, to catch up on some skiing).
Day 8 & 9: Queenstown. Accommodation:
You have the next couple of days to explore this adventure town or just relax in the array of coffee shops on and around the lakes edge; the surrounding view will see your day pass very easily.
Day 10: Queenstown to Fox Glacier. Accommodation:
Today we make our way to the wild and wet West Coast but first we will stop at Arrowtown, one of the first gold mining settlements in New Zealand. Its tree lined streets and historic buildings lie beautifully nestled at the foothills of the Crown Range. We will then make one more stop before arriving at Fox Glacier, and that is at Wanaka, one of the most desirable places to live in New Zealand. With Lake Wanaka lapping at the shores, the picture postcard Southern Alps as its background and bordering Aspiring National Park, you will soon feel the same way as many others. We now head through the remote area of Haast and the dense rain forests, as we make our way to the foot of Fox Glacier.
Day 11: Fox Glacier to Greymouth. Accommodation:
Covering 13 kilometres and descending 1200 metres, these glaciers are only 6 km from the Tasman Sea and are amongst the fastest moving in the world. Here you have the chance to partake in some optional excursions such as a guided walk on ice, or maybe you would like to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over this amazing mass of frozen water. We now head up the West Coast to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, where you can browse the souvenir shops for the sacred Pounamu, (Greenstone that the Maori people used for tools and weapons that was found in the West Coast Rivers).
Day 12: Greymouth Via Punakaiki to Abel Tasman. Accommodation:
We drive further North today towards Abel Tasman National Park stopping along the way at Paporoa National Park where you can view the stunning Pancake Rocks and blow holes of the small coastal settlement of Punakaiki. For the next two nights we camp at Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 13: Abel Tasman. Accommodation:
Today you have the option of visiting Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest National Park, but one of the most beautiful. 23,000 ha of rolling hills, native bush, hidden golden sand beaches and over 91km of coastal scenery - your day will be filled with images that will last a lifetime. This National Park can be enjoyed by walking the coastal track one way and with the return trip by launch or water taxi , or by sea kayaking the Coast and drifting slowly taking in the spectacular sights and watching dolphins, seals and the wildlife.
Day 14: Abel Tasman via Nelson to Wellington. Accommodation:
We make our way north today but before we leave the South Island behind us we will visit Nelson which is known as the sunniest place in the country. Nelson is a very lively and modern town and is renowned as a vibrant arts, crafts and festival centre. Once again we board our ferry to enjoy the scenery as we leave the South Island and head for Wellington. You will have time now to enjoy New Zealand’s Capital city one more time.
Day 15: Wellington to New Plymouth. Accommodation:
An early start today as we make our way up the West Coast of the North Island to New Plymouth and the solitary dormant volcano, Mount Taranaki, standing 2518m high. Ice and snow permanently cover the peak of this majestic mountain. We will follow the ‘Surf Highway 45’ to reach New Plymouth. This is 105km of road, hugging the rugged coastline that sweeps around the feet of Mt Taranaki that produce’s some of New Zealand’s most legendary surf breaks. Tonight we can have a night out on the town local style on New Plymouth’s Devon Street where there is a range of bar’s and entertainment to suit everyone tastes.
Day 16: New Plymouth. Accommodation:
The day is yours to do as you wish. Perhaps take the day to explore Egmont National Park and the spectacular Mount Taranaki, or walk the award winning 7km Coastal walkway and view Sugar Loaf Islands. Or spend the day wandering the city visiting magnificent Pukekura Park, Govett-Brewster Modern Art Gallery and Puke-Ariki Contemporary Museum. Finally a visit to New Plymouth is not complete with out seeing Len Lye’s famous sculpture the Wind Wand.
Day 17: New Plymouth to Waitomo. Accommodation:
We leave Mount Taranaki behind us today and continue our journey north to the famous Waitomo Caves, home of the Glow Worms. The caves were first extensively explored in 1887 and were opened to tourists in 1889. We take a 45min tour through the main cave network, which ends with a boat trip. This is where the silence and darkness, reveals the galaxy of light around us emanating from the Glow Worms. You also have a number of optional activities to choose from; do a Tandem Abseil into the lost world, try Black Water Rafting in a rubber tube or take a relaxing horse ride. Tonight we can relax at our camp for the evening.
Day 18: Waitomo to Raglan. Accommodation:
We are now back in the Waikato region, one of New Zealand’s richest agricultural areas, with its green rolling hills and the largest river in the country snaking its way north. We make our way west to what is called the ‘rugged coast’ and to one of New Zealand's small rustic beach towns – Raglan. Internationally renowned for its surfing, this black sand beach town with its palm lined streets will suck you into the relaxed mode of Kiwi beach life. You can spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, learning to surf or walk in the native bush. This evening is our last evening together; we can enjoy a night on the town, local style, reminiscing the last 30 days touring around New Zealand.
Day 19: Raglan to Auckland
We head North over the Bombay Hills before arriving in Auckland where this tour comes to an end.
NOTE:
All Overland NZ tours are flexible and we do our utmost to take you to the best places we possibly can. Our expeditions can sometimes be effected by local climatic conditions and anything else unexpected so please treat this information as a guideline only. When you come to New Zealand be prepared to take things as they come and above all don’t forget your sense of humour!