Wild Wild West East

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. Hooked on wildlife, beyond the wine-growing area of Kumeu and Huapai is the vast black sand beach of Muriwai, home to one of New Zealand's largest onshore gannet (sea bird) colonies.

Day 3 : Auckland - Rotorua (250km - 3h10)

Drive to Rotorua 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.

Days 4-5 : Rotorua

Two days in Rotorua to discover the 2 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 highly recommend those who would learn more about our endemic bird to go to the Kiwi Encounter.

Day 6 : Rotorua - Napier (220km - 2h45)

Drive east to Napier via Taupo. On your way, stop at Hidden Valley called Orakei Korako, it is off the beaten track and it is worth it or relax in a bath in hot natural water on SH5.

Day 7 : Napier

Napier, the city by the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, events such as the Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend in February, stately Norfolk pines, surrounding wineries, local fresh produce and national tourist attractions. On Cape Kidnapper is the second largest gannet colony of the country, it is a beautiful half-day excursion.

Day 8 : Napier - Wellington (320km - 4h)

It is long way down to the capital but on the main road you can stretch your legs at Mt Bruce Wildlife Center and see Kakas feeding at 3pm. 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 9 : Wellington - Picton (3h10 sailing)- Kaikoura ( 226km - 2h45)

Take one of the earliest ferry to Picton, have lunch whether in Picton or Blenheim and head south to Kaikoura, the capital of sea mammals watching. Once you have organized the timing for the day after, have a chat with the fur seals at the end of the peninsula.

Day 10 : Kaikoura

Kaikoura township is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the Mountains.  In the waters off the peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds making it an ideal place for getting 'close to nature'. Don’t forget the seal colony at the end of the peninsula, you can get very close to them.

Day 11 : Kaikoura - Christchurch (190km - 2h25)

Drive south to the most British town of the country. We highly recommend you to stop at the International Antarctic Center situated at the airport before you get settled in your accommodation in town.

Day 12 : Christchurch

You have a full day to enjoy the most British town 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 13 : Christchurch - Oamaru (250km - 3h10)

Drive south to Oamaru for your first meeting with both blue and yellow-eyed penguins. Nestled on the South Island's east coast, Oamaru is an ideal destination for anyone keen to experience the real New Zealand. With friendly locals, a compact town centre and a variety of attractions, Oamaru offers unique experiences for even the most seasoned traveler.

Day 14 : Oamaru

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, New Zealands largest scientifically monitored blue penguin colony, sits on the Waitaki Coast beach front, only two minutes from the centre of Oamaru.

Yellow-eyed penguins are shy and easily disturbed. For that reason it is recommended that they be viewed from hides or with a guided tour.

Day 15 : Oamaru - Dunedin (115km - 1h25)

Drive south to the most Scottish town of the country, Dunedin! Stop on your way to see a curious geological phenomenon on the beaches. The Moeraki Boulders are huge spherical stones that are scattered over the sandy beaches, but they are not like ordinary round boulders that have been shaped by rivers and pounding seas. These boulders are classed as septarian concretions, and were formed in ancient sea floor sediments. They were created by a process similar to the formation of oyster pearls, where layers of material cover a central nucleus or core.

Days 16-17 : Dunedin - Otago Peninsula - Dunedin

Two days to enjoy Dunedin, the foundations of New Zealand's richest architectural heritage (were built on the gold rushes f the 1860s) and today Victorian and Edwardian buildings can still be seen at every turn. Experience the grandeur of our historic homes and take in the richness of our heritage, some of which dates back centuries but is still very much a living part of Dunedin today. The Otago Peninsula is renowned for hosting the world's only mainland breeding colony of the northern royal albatross, and being home to the world's rarest penguin, the yellow-eyed, and various species of seals, sea lions and pelagic birds.

Day 18 : Dunedin - Catlins Coast (115km - 1h25)

Wilder and wilder, you are entering a fascinating scenery designed the roaring forties. It is the most isolated region of the country which explains why wildlife chose it as a hangout. You need to be accommodated near the viewing spot to enjoy them late in the day, be ready to experience something different.

Day 19 : Catlins Coast

You can drive along the Catlins coast in 2 hours time or take several days. Situated off the beaten track on the southern-most coast of South Island, New Zealand, The Catlins is a major highlight of the Southern Scenic Route. Winding between Fortrose and Kaka Point, you will travel through our beloved farmland, forest and seascape. There are so many choices of walking tracks and byways - take some, and discover the sometimes peaceful, sometimes savage treasures of The Catlins…

Day 20 : Catlins Coast - Invercargill

Go back to the civilization and discover New Zealand's southernmost city, Invercargill. It is still arguably one of the country's most intact from our early development period. While in more recent times a number of fine old buildings have bowed to new structures, Invercargill is still very much the city of consequence it became in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Day 21 : Invercargill - Queenstown (190km - 2h25)

You now drive north to more inhabited areas. From the mild to the wild you'll find your adventure threshold here.  The expansive natural physical environment offers air, water and land based activities.  Go walking, sailing, hiking, climbing, fishing, cycling, golfing, off-roading, skiing or mountain biking.

Day 22 : Queenstown - Christchurch (1h flight)

Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have more time in the city before you drop off your car at the airport and fly back to Christchurch.