100% Pure Hidden New Zealand

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 - Bay of Islands (230km - 3h)

Drive north to the Bay of Islands: rich in culture and history and blessed with a pristine natural environment, no visit to New Zealand is complete without a visit to Northland. Learn about the arrival of the first Maori canoes to New Zealand and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Days 4-5 : Bay of Islands

The townships of this historic bay are infused with both Maori and European history. You'll find out why the Bay of Islands is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural nation. You'll also see how Maori culture and lifestyle have adapted to modern times. Wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, there are plenty of recreational activities in the blue-green world of island and beach: charter a yacht or launch, dive or snorkel, paddle a sea kayak in and out of the islands' nooks and crannies or swim with the dolphins.

Day 6 : Bay of Islands - Auckland (230km - 3h)

Drive back to The Big little city and enjoy a different point of view from Devonport. Stroll around the many beaches and admire the colonial architecture. Devonport Village has wonderful range of unique specialty shops, cafes and restaurants, and can be easily reached - the ferry trip takes only ten minutes from Downtown Auckland direct to Devonport Village and the car trip twenty minutes over the harbour bridge.

Day 7 : Auckland - Waikato Country (150km - 1h50)

Drive south on SH1 to the Waikato Country. Here you will discover that what is below the ground level is more exciting that what is above: vast cave systems, huge sink holes and underground streams provide huge scope for adventure. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto! For the most adventurous, Black Water Rafting gives a little bit of thrills.

Day 8 : Waikato Country - New Plymouth (240km - 3h)

Further south on the west coast, you will arrive to the only place in the world where you can snow-ski in the morning and sea-surf in the afternoon. The seaside city of New Plymouth is centered around its bustling port and cultural core, ensuring it is fast becoming a destination of lifestyle for big-city dwellers keen to escape urban grind but retain all the best things in life.

Day 9 : New Plymouth

Stretching from Mokau in the north to Waitotara in the south and Whangamomona in the east, the Taranaki coastline takes in more than 200km of swimming, walking, surfing, diving, kayaking, fishing and exploring opportunities…offering everything from ancient Maori cave carvings at Tongaporutu, the Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve off New Plymouth and popular Opunake Beach with its annual carnival, to Patea’s clash of river and sea, the majestic White Cliffs at Pukearuhe, and desolate foam-edged swimming beaches than seem to stretch forever.

Day 10 : New Plymouth - Waikanae (290km - 3h40)

Today you will drive all along the west coast of the North Island. Take your time in Wanganui. The city area has many historic buildings, along with many beautiful parks and gardens. To keep you away from the busy Wellington, Waikanae is a pretty quiet town half an hour from the capital.

Day 11 : Waikanae - Nelson (sailing 3h10 + 270km - 3h20)

Take an early ferry to Picton then drive to Nelson. Nelson and Richmond are a paradise for lovers of coffee and fine art with its numerous galleries and street cafes. Enjoy the year-round sunshine, fine local wines, abundant seafood, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.

Day 12 : Nelson

You have a full day to discover the creative paradise that is Nelson - an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island. From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, our place is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours. Discover the diverse landscapes in each of these areas.

Day 13 : Nelson - Golden Bay (120km - 1h30)

You have quite a short drive to reach Takaka, the gate of Golden Bay and make a plan for the following days to know what you want to see as there are so many different things to do.

Days 14-15-16 : Golden Bay & Abel Tasman National Park

In this hidden corner of New Zealand are the world class Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks and the famous Farewell Spit and Waikoropupu (Pupu) springs. On your journey you will experience many scenic contrasts; from smooth shifting sand dunes to rugged glaciated mountain valleys; from placid seaside beaches to bubbling fresh water springs; from luscious green lowland pastures to untouched high alpine meadows and forests; from water-worn limestone caves, crags and canyons to wind-shorn coastal cliffs.

Tip: you will experience the northern part of Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 17 : Golden Bay - Nelson Lake National Park (200km - 2h30)

From beaches to mountain lakes, you would better be an outdoor activities addict than an indoor exhibitions visitor! Here you are in the northern end of the Southern Alps.

Day 18 : Nelson Lake National Park

Featuring two lakes, Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa, Nelson Lakes National Park is an accessible outdoor adventure playground. For water sports, pretty Lake Rotoiti has a water ski lane and a swimming raft as well as several boat jetties. Lake Rotoroa has been designated a wilderness lake, providing a wonderfully peaceful experience for those wanting to get away from it all.

Day 19 : Nelson Lake National Park - Hanmer Springs (240km - 3h)

What a nice drive from Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs. Have a Japanese break in Maruia Springs, by the time you reach Hanmer Springs you will get dry, ready to get wet again ! Whether you like walking, swimming, pampering or entertaining yourself, you will have a great time.

Day 20: Hanmer Springs

Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from soothing indulgence to exciting family fun. The Thermal Pools & Spa has a range of pools - nine open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and four private thermal pools, as well as a sauna/steam room. A freshwater, heated pool and a popular family activity area - complete with water slides, water toys and picnic area - ensure the Thermal Pools & Spa offer something for everyone.

Day 21 : Hanmer Springs - Christchurch (140km - 1h45)

Christchurch has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, gorgeous parks and gardens and good shopping. Depending on your international schedule flight, among the 'must sees' are the weekend Arts Centre market, Christchurch Cathedral, Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre at the airport before you drop off your car.

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.