New Zealand Grand Tour

A tour to experience the taha Maori or Maori side of Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland). You’ll discover a landscape rich with Maori myths and legends and steeped in the history, both ancient and modern, of the tangata whenua (the people of the land). Visit the region’s important Maori landmarks and monuments. Practise some Maori kawa (protocols) and tikanga (culture). Learn about some of the rangatira Maori (Maori leaders) who have shaped our nation’s history.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver guide will provide a transfer between Auckland and Coromandel.  The approximate travel time is 2.5 hours.

A photographer's dream! A delightful sample of Coromandel Peninsula's natural heritage and scenic beauty. Enjoy the flora & fauna of the semi-tropical rainforest with giant ferns, kauri trees and crystal clear streams. Visit the old historic gold caves sparkling with glowworms and hear the fascinating history of this magic area. Visit stunning coastal scenery with white sand beaches, magnificent cliffs decorated with ancient Pohutukawa trees, old Maori pa sites and offshore islands. A visit to Hot Water Beach [tide permitting]. Lunch will be a delightful picnic or a visit to our favourite café.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver guide will provide a transfer between Coromandel and Rotorua.  The approximate travel time is 3 hours.

This leisure day is perfect for those seeking a mild day of adventure. Ideal for those with children younger than 13, this multi-adventure day incorporates a taste of some fantastic, picturesque mountain biking followed by some equally beautiful kayaking across to the lake to the hot pools.  This tour includes return transport from Rotorua, GT Bike hire, Kayaking equipment, Lunch, Forest Concession fees and Hot Pool entry.

Set out today on an explorative tour of the renowned Te Puia Thermal Valley accompanied by an experience and informative guide.  Begin with a visit to the New Zealand National Carving and Weaving School to witness the ancient techniques of carving and weaving by the regions most experienced and talented artists.  Next, you’ll visit the award winning interactive galleries featuring an impressive Kiwi bird exhibit whilst hearing the about the ancient myths and fables depicted by the local descendants of this spectacular valley area.  Shortly after, you’ll travel to the popular mud-pools and geyser for some viewing and exploration which is followed by a period of relaxation in preparation for the evening’s festivities.  For local descendants the “Te Po” is an intimate, cultural time for sharing knowledge and enjoying life whilst feasting on local delicacies with friends and family.  This nightly tradition begins at the Te-Heketanga-a-Rangi (the Heavenly Origins) which is an area comprising of twelve monumental carvings with represent the Maori Deities.  According to local Maori tradition, it is an honour to the tribes Mana (or communal standing) to provide guests with a sumptuous banquet of food during the evening hours.  The banquet combines both contemporary cooking techniques with traditional Hangi (or Earth-cooked Oven Cooked) methods.  The Kai (or Food) is placed amongst hot rocks to steam, created an aromatic, smoky flavouring. Following dessert, head out towards the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley to marvel at this illuminated natural attraction.

Make your way to theTongariro National Park ; a region well-recognised for its natural and cultural significance, being awarded the prestigious Dual Heritage Status for its outstanding volcanic terrain and extensive Maori history. While experiencing this unique region, you will have the opportunity to join a professional outdoor guide in hiking the Mt. Ruapehu Crater Lake climb, an amazing 10km adventure traversing through a mix of active volcanic and glacial terrain. At the top of Mt. Ruapehu Crater you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the geothermal waters in Crater Lake and spectacular sights of the surrounding region before returning to our point of origin, approximately 7 hours hiking in total. Please note that Mt. Ruapehu is an active volcano at higher elevations, and this hike may be subject to Volcanic and Snow warnings. There is option for a shorter hike, riding the Whakapapa Chairlifts to Knoll Ridge, and then completing the remaining 7kms in approximately 5 hours hiking time. Both hikes will require a reasonable level of fitness. If snow or volcanic warnings should prevent this hike from being accessible, we will have the choice of many other beautiful tracks to choose from in this stunning region.

A privately driven vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel today.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

Sit back and relax during this short transfer travelling between the airport and hotel, or vice versa.

Scenic Gondola ride and Taste of New Zealand buffet of legendary proportions in the Skyline Restaurant. The Skyline complex has fantastic views over Queenstown and towards the Remarkables Mountain range.

Today you will explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Upon landing in Milford, join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot dolphins, seals and penguins. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Popular TV series... Now you can experience a little of what it's like to survive off the land, with nothing but a knife and the few things you have on hand, or items that may have been discarded by people before you. Surviving is all about being in control; Control of your environment; Control of the situation; But most importantly control of your emotions when in a stressful situation.

On this half day walk you will be introduced to the wilderness of Aotearoa, you'll learn how to make a fire, how to build a bivouac shelter, what plants to eat, how to make a pain relief drink, how to find north the celestial way & how to filter water so that it's safe to drink. These are a few of the skills that you will need to stay alive, in the back country of New Zealand - Aotearoa.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Enjoy a very relaxed day in wine country enjoying local cuisine, sampling local cheese and tasting a selection of fine wines. During this day tour, taste wines at 5 different vineyards, and sample some delightful cheese whilst in a vineyard setting. A delicious gourmet platter style lunch at Northburn Station’s The Shed is also included today.

Private transfer and Guide for 2nights and three days from Queenstown, stopping over in Franz Josef and ending in Kaikoura. Meals and accommodation included for the guide.

Please report to the base of Franz Josef Glacier Guides at 7.45am, located next to the Mobil Petrol Station on the main road in Franz Josef.  Upon arrival to the base, the days necessary equipment is provided which includes a raincoat and over-trousers, boots, crampons, woollen socks, gloves and a hat.  Please bring 3 or 4 warm layers to keep the upper body warm during the hike (ideally woollen or polypro, not cotton) and a pair of lightweight trousers. NO JEANS (as they get cold when wet) – over-trousers can be provided in this case. Please also pack a lunch and a drink, along with a small backpack with two shoulder straps. A reasonable amount of physical fitness is required for those taking part in this tour.

Transfer from Franz Josef to Arthurs Pass. With Stops along the way.

Visit Hokitika, once the capital of Westland and a roaring gold mining town, now a bustling centre of art and craft shops where greenstone and gold feature. As you journey north you will see the West Coast forests and further evidence of the last Ice Age in the kettle lakes created by the melting ice sheets.

In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. They range from eastern beech clad hills and tussock valleys to the luxuriant rain forest in the west. The highest mountains have glaciers and surrounding them are tussock basins, flowering herbs and alpine grasses. Stop at Castle Hill Rocks for a fascinating walk amongst these limestone outcrops - a sacred Maori site.

Transfer from Franz Josef to Arthurs Pass. With Stops along the way.

Visit Hokitika, once the capital of Westland and a roaring gold mining town, now a bustling centre of art and craft shops where greenstone and gold feature. As you journey north you will see the West Coast forests and further evidence of the last Ice Age in the kettle lakes created by the melting ice sheets.

In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. They range from eastern beech clad hills and tussock valleys to the luxuriant rain forest in the west. The highest mountains have glaciers and surrounding them are tussock basins, flowering herbs and alpine grasses. Stop at Castle Hill Rocks for a fascinating walk amongst these limestone outcrops - a sacred Maori site.

During this whale watching tour you may encounter some of New Zealand's most dynamic sealife including fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales and southern right whales.  Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin—the orca—and is home to the world's smallest and rarest—the hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of albatross, 14 varieties of petrels and seven types of shearwater. Designed for New Zealand whale watching tours, their modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities.

Coastal Pacific is a memorable train journey between Kaikoura and Blenheim. Travel along kilometres of ruggedly beautiful coastline you’ll get astonishingly close to the surging Pacific Ocean and steeply rising Kaikoura Ranges. You’ll also travel through beautiful wine growing regions, across broad, braided rivers and the rich farming landscape.

 Private car transfer to Blenheim Airport.

Enjoy a day of cycling around the beautiful Marlborough region, visiting on the way some of the top Marlborough wineries, whilst enjoying samples on the way. Breathe in the fresh country air along the quiet back roads which pass through the Wairau River valley. A return transfer to the origin point is included.

Private car transfer Blenheim accommodation to Picton.

Enjoy this scenic ferry transfer travelling between Picton and Wellington, New Zealand.  This 92km trip takes approximately 3 hours, and has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the port and hotel.

During this entertaining journey of discovery through the Wellington region, explore all the sites of Middle Earth during the filming of ``The Lord of the Rings`` epic movies. Visit the Wellington film locations used for the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirth, and the location where the hobbits raced to the ferry whilst hiding from the Nazgul.  Be spellbound at the site of Lothlorien, the majestic Fernside Lodge, where Fernside’s lake was transformed into part of Lothlorien, and then to the Gladden fields.  Fernside’s white bridge remains as a reminder of the bridge of Lothlorien.  Explore Rivendell and the riverside spot where Aragon was washed ashore, before visiting Miramar, home to the production studios and to many of the stars while they were filming. This is also where the new Weta Cave with souvenirs and a virtual tour of Weta Workshop is located.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel.