New Zealand Getaway

Holiday overview

Highlights include a dolphin cruise in the Bay of Islands, visiting the thermal parks and enjoying a Hangi feast in Rotorua, the South Island's spectacular West Coast, the Milford Sound, Dunedin and Mount Cook.

Holiday itinerary

Days 1-2: Depart UK

Overnight flight from the UK to Auckland.

Day 3: Auckland

On arrival you are met by a Travelmarvel representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Stay: Rydges Auckland

Day 4: Auckland, Bay of Islands

Today, head north to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where you'll view the giant Kauri tree Tane Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest'. Continue to the Bay of Islands, the birthplace of the nation where the Maori and British Crown signed New Zealand's famous Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Tonight, you'll met your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. 

Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort

Day 5: Bay of Islands, Day at Leisure

The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands and known as a playground for lovers of anything aquatic. Today, enjoy a full day at leisure or perhaps upgrade to an overnight cruise.

Stay: Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort

Day 6: Bay of Islands, Auckland

Explore New Zealand's finest national maritime park on a dolphin-watching cruise to Cape Brett and cruise through the Hole in the Rock. Cruise through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett lighthouse. Return this afternoon to the picturesque harbour city of Auckland.

Stay: Rydges Auckland

Day 7: Waitomo, Rotorua

The Waitomo region is home to the world-renowned Glowworm Caves, where thousands of these tiny luminescent creatures create a magical light show. Discover this natural wonder, before continuing to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia and enjoy a guided tour of the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, and witness the phenomenal natural spectacle of erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools of Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Immerse yourself in traditional Maori culture tonight as you enjoy a traditional hangi feast and an entertaining performance of song and dance.

Stay: Sudima Rotorua

Day 8: Rotorua

Rotorua on the Pacific Rim of Fire captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers and rich Maori culture. Visit one of New Zealand's most loved attractions; the Agrodome, with its entertaining dog trials, sheep shearing demonstration and animal nursery. This afternoon, you may like to enjoy some optional excursions such as a helicopter flight over the active White Island volcano or experience a Country Homestay (own expense).

Stay: Sudima Rotorua

Day 9: Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington

Departing Rotorua, you'll head to Lake Taupo and the thundering Huka Falls with its striking blue water, before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park en route to Wellington, the national capital.

Stay: Travelodge Wellington

Day 10: Wellington, Cook Strait, Kaikoura, Christchurch

Named after Captain James Cook, who became the first European to sail through the narrow body of water in 1770, Cook Strait separates the North and South Islands. Enjoy one of the most picturesque cruises in the world as the Interislander ferry takes you through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Admire the coastline en route to Kaikoura, dotted with tiny coves, before continuing on to Christchurch.

Stay: Christchurch, Quality Elms Hotel

Day 11: Christchurch, Fox Glacier

This morning, cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main Divide. Stunning scenery awaits as you journey across the magnificent Southern Alps. Continue along the dramatic coastline through dense rainforest to Westland Tai Poutini National Park, before travelling along the West Coast, viewing Franz Josef Glacier.

Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Day 12: Fox Glacier, Queenstown

Today, cross the snow-capped Southern Alps and travel through Haast Pass. Trace the shorelines of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Delicious food and a great night out are always on the menu in Queenstown - tonight enjoy one of the many choices on offer.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Day 13: Queenstown, Day at Leisure

Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike with endless attractions and activities on offer. You may wish to join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise and tour of Walter Peak Station or perhaps take a gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak for an amazing view over Queenstown (own expense).

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Day 14: Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau

Today, you'll follow the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. The journey follows Milford Road, renowned as one of the world's best alpine drives, to Milford Sound, where you'll cruise the full length of this beautiful fjord. View...