From the vibrant capital, to rolling vineyards, deep forests, geothermal pools, glaciers, mountains, fjords and stunning beaches New Zealand can claim to have it all. The flora and fauna is as diverse as the land such as the kiwi, endemic penguins and the whales and dolphins found off the coast.
New Zealand
Islands of Discovery Self-Drive
21 Days
Traverse both North and South Islands and visit the remarkable destinations of Kapiti Island & Stewart Island, renowned for their birdlife, flora and fauna.
This holiday can be re-designed and tailor-made for your own unique experience
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Exploring North & South Islands |
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Unspoilt landscapes |
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Rare native birdlife |
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Stewart Island |
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Walk with Maori guide |
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Boat excursions including whales from Kaikoura |
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Hike the Tongariro Crossing |
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Kapiti Island experience |
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Ulva Island kiwi spotting |
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Arrive Auckland, at leisure to rest from flight. |
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Half day Waitakere Ranges excursion |
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Drive to Coromandel. Miranda Shorebird Centre |
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Guided nature experience |
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Drive to Rotorua. Mokoia Island excursion |
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A day at leisure |
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Drive to Mt Ruapehu via Lake Taupo |
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One day Tongariro Alpine Crossing |
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Drive to the Kapiti Coast |
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Full day Kapiti Island experience |
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Drive to Wellington then fly to Nelson |
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A day at leisure |
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Drive to Blenheim via the Marlborough Sounds |
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Drive to Kaikoura |
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Water based pelagic excursion |
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Drive to Christchurch. Fly to Stewart Island via Invercargill |
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Ulva Island guided experience. Kiwi spotting tour at dusk |
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Guided experiences in the Rakiura National Park |
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Return flight to Invercargill. Drive to Queenstown |
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A day at leisure |
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Fly from Queenstown to Auckland for international flight. Depart New Zealand |
Starting in the waterfront city of Auckland, your North Island journey encompasses one of New Zealand's true wonders, the Coromandel, long revered by the locals as their 'secret'; the cultural and geothermal heartland of Rotorua and the awe-inspiring Tongariro National Park where an epic adventure awaits as you tackle the one day Tongariro Crossing. Your final days in the North Island are spent exploring the nature reserve of Kapiti Island, a haven for native rare birdlife including the little spotted kiwi.
After a short but scenic flight across the Cook Strait, your South Island sojourn starts with the sunny climate and spectacular scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park. Revel in the idyllic Marlborough Sounds and taste your way through the gentle rolling vineyards of Blenheim before moving down the east coast to Kaikoura for some truly magical pelagic experiences. The wildlife of the Otago Peninsula is showcased in spectacular fashion with a guided tour which includes the rare yellow-eyed penguins, New Zealand fur seals and royal albatross. After a few days exploring the remote, wild beauty of the Catlins, it's on to Stewart Island for the ultimate birding and walking experiences before spending your last days in New Zealand amidst the rugged alpine splendour of Queenstown.
New Zealand is renowned for its hospitality and throughout this itinerary, we have included some of our favourite places to stay. From charming bed and breakfasts, wilderness lodges through to a couple of stylish retreats, thrown in for good measure.
October - April
Highlight species
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Whales |
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Kiwi |
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Yellow-eyed penguins |
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New Zealand fur seals |
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Royal albatross |
Additional Details - Cost, Dates, Rating etc.
Cost from £
This suggested itinerary is just an example of possibilities available for trips to New Zealand. Price is dependant on season, standard of accommodation and length of stay. Please contact us for a tailor made itinerary.
Departure Dates
Year round, the best time to travel is October to April
Difficulty
Generally easy walks with the exception of the Tongario Crossing which is strenuous and a long day suitable for regular hill walkers, this can be removed from the itinerary for alternatives. Steps will be encountered and potentially some steep terrain.
Flights
No direct flights from the UK. International flights via Asian or Australian hubs.
Time
GMT +13 hours
The fiordlands from Queenstown for a cruise, or cruise the sub-Antarctic islands which are great for albatross.
Alternatively, we can offer stopovers in Asian destinations and holidays in Australia.
More Holiday Ideas
Tailor-made - Our holidays to New Zealand are unique to you
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