Is New Zealand far ?

Day 1 : Auckland

Exhausted or not, depending where do you arrive from… We have a good plan for you if you are not too excited to drive right away, I mean on the left, to your accommodation. Take our shuttle and get over gently from your jetlag.

Day 2 : Auckland

Auckland is a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences. Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys.

Day 3 : Auckland - Coromandel (150km - 1h50)

Drive to Coromandel Peninsula, one of the favorite Kiwis’ destination. Fabulous golden and white sand beaches with magnificent coastal scenery, a rugged forest cloaked interior waiting to be explored, are just some of the natural attractions that have people returning to The Coromandel time after time.

Days 4-5 : Coromandel

Go for a swim, take a launch trip, sea kayak, be fascinated by the amazing seascapes of our marine reserves, visit an artist’s studio or reflect in one of our museums on the heritage of a region first discovered by the two great navigators, Kupe and Cook. Don’t forget to experience a sand bath at Hot Water Beach.

Day 6 : Coromandel - Rotorua (210km - 2h40)

Drive south to experience Maori culture, geothermal forces, spa treatments, thrills and adventure, or any of the other natural assets such as 16 lakes, some of the world's best mountain biking trails, fantastic trout fishing and myriad forest walking.

Day 7 : Rotorua

A full day in south of Rotorua to discover the two most amazing sites of geothermic activity: Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Valley. Why not diving in Wakiti Valley Thermal pools at the end of your day. We also highly recommend you to take the guided tour at the Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua, you will learn so much about the kiwi bird.

Day 8 : Rotorua -Tongariro National Park (180km - 2h15)

Drive south to Tongariro National Park and take some advices at the “I site” about the forecast for the following day: clean your shoes, iron your shorts and get yourself ready for a big walk.

Day 9 : Tongariro National Park

You have plenty of time for walking around the area, there are hundred different walks from 10 min to several hours in the area. Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano and a must see.

Day 10 : Tongariro National Park - Wellington (350km - 4h20)

Drive south on SH1 to the capital. Wellington is set on a busy harbour surrounded by hills, visit the Te Papa National Museum, the Parliament House and the Beehive buildings or take a look at the different cosmopolitan quarters. If you are more interested by nature take the Cable car and come back trough botanical gardens.

Day 11 : Wellington - Picton (3h10 sailing) - Abel Tasman National Park (220km - 2h45)

Take the very first ferry to Picton then drive to the Abel Tasman National Park. It is a nice cruise, especially the second part in Queen Charlotte sound. You have on board a kids’ corner (beds, playing area) and self service restaurant.

Days 12-13 : Abel Tasman National Park

Two days to enjoy the beach, walking along the coast in the park or kayaking in the sea.

Day 14 : Abel Tasman National Park - Punakaiki (300km - 3h45)

The Tasman Sea is getting a bit chilly while you discover the very unusual scenery of Pancakes Rocks. The famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are just a 20 minute loop walk from where you park your vehicle on the main highway. Looking like giant pancakes the curious limestone formations are especially spectacular at high tide in a westerly sea.

Day 15 : Punakaiki - Glaciers (240km - 3h)

Along the west coast, you go south to the glaciers country. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are cut through dramatic glacial valleys to flow into temperate rainforest. While many glaciers world-wide have been retreating, these glaciers still flow almost to sea level, making them unique relics of the last Ice Age.

Day 16 : Glaciers

Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier are about 25 minutes drive apart and both offer visitors their own unique West Coast flavor.  A full day to organize a guided walk on the glaciers, have a scenic flight over the ice area or take a walk in the rainforest. While visiting Fox Glacier, a side trip to Lake Matheson is worthwhile, especially if you have budding photographers in your family. The lake is famous for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, New Zealand's highest peaks. You can also walk along a bush track that follows the lake edge. Whether you are travelling in summer or winter, you can view seal colonies at Gillespies Beach. 

Day 17 : Glaciers - Wanaka (260km - 3h15)

Through Haast Pass, drive south to the Mount Aspiring National Park, the third largest park in New Zealand. It stretches from the dense rainforests of Fiordland, across braided river valleys and alpine meadows, to the heavily glaciated Southern Alps and Wanaka township provides some of the easiest access to the entire park.

Day 18 : Wanaka

The name Wanaka translates from Maori as “renewal of the soul”. The town is set on the southern shore of the lake across from Mount Aspiring, the centerpiece of Mount Aspiring National Park. The park features a multitude of different landforms: hanging valleys, lake basins and some 100 glaciers of different shapes and sizes. It offers innumerable possibilities for nature lovers and pioneers. We also recommend you the Puzzle World to enjoy the whole family.

Day 19 : Wanaka - Tekapo (200km - 2h30)

From a lake to another, enjoy the drive to the turquoise blue lake. On the shores of Lake Tekapo - the country’s highest large lake (710m above sea level) - is the Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. The Church offers awe inspiring views of Lake Tekapo and mountains through the alter window and has been host to thousands of weddings since its dedication. 

Day 20 : Tekapo

In Lake Tekapo you can fly fish the lakes and rivers, ski and snowboard the pristine snow slopes in winter, enjoy a boat cruise, play a round of golf, ice skate in the winter months, relax in the hot pools and indulge in the health spa, take a horse trek around Mt John, enjoy off-road mountainbiking, take a scenic flight over the Mackenzie basin and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and gaze at the skies above on a star watching tour at the world famous Mt John Observatory - there's something for everyone.

Day 21: Tekapo - Christchurch (230km - 2h50)

It is time to go back to Christchurch to have a look at the most British city of the country. Christchurch has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, gorgeous parks and gardens and good shopping. Among the 'must sees' are the weekend Arts Centre market, Christchurch Cathedral, Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre.

Day 22: Christchurch

Depending on your flight schedule, have a look at the International Antarctic Center before you drop off your car at the airport.