Grand Tour of New Zealand

Departing from London Heathrow, we fly via Singapore to Auckland, arriving mid-morning on Day 3. The rest of your day is at leisure.

Today we travel northwards through scenic farmland to Paihia for 2 nights, stopping en route at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves; a series of underground caverns illuminated by these otherworldly creatures. We continue to the Waitangi Treaty House for a tour, where in 1840 the Maori and the British came to an historic agreement which effectively marked the birth of New Zealand as we know it. On Day 5, we enjoy a cruise around the Bay of Islands to rugged Cape Brett, sailing by the Cape Brett Lighthouse, Motukokako Island, and the famous Hole in the Rock. We drop anchor on Russell Island, known ominously in the 1800s as the 'Hell Hole of the Pacific' when it was a bustling base for whalers and seamen. Here we have free time before making the return journey by local ferry.

This morning we drive back to Auckland, the country's largest city which dates back to around 1350 when it was inhabited by the Maori people. We head out on a sightseeing tour, taking in the views from Bastion Point, before stopping off at Parnell Village, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. We take a ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway on Day 7.

Originally opened in 1922, today the line transports us through the Bombay Hills and the Waikato Valley to Rotorua, the spiritual home of the Maoris and our base for the next 2 nights. We visit the internationally recognised and award-winning Hamilton Gardens in the afternoon, a peaceful oasis on the banks of the Waikato River. Day 8 begins with a guided tour that includes the incredible redwood forest, Lake Tarawera, the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. After some time to relax at our hotel, we head out on an evening excursion to the Tamaki Maori Village where we are welcomed in true Maori style, enjoying the chance to see, and even participate in, a real-life haka performance.

Transferring to Hamilton across the Mamaku Mountain Ranges, we board the Northern Explorer for a rail journey through King Country. We view spectacular scenery from the panoramic windows, including the peaks of Tongariro National Park, the famous Raurimu Spiral, and the Kapiti Coast. On Day 10 we tour Wellington, which includes visits to the city's chocolate factory for a tasting, as well as the Wellington Botanical Gardens. After time at leisure, use your included cable car ticket to make the return journey back to our hotel.

Today we take the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait, a stretch of ocean that serves as a passageway between New Zealand's North and South Islands. We arrive in Picton where we have a little free time to explore and grab lunch in one of the many waterfront cafés. We continue to Blenheim, where we spend the night. Blenheim is nestled in the verdant Marlborough wine-growing region, and is known as one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. We're introduced to the region's most famous export this afternoon as we visit one of the excellent local wine estates for a wine tasting and a tour.

Enjoy a free morning in pretty Blenheim on Day 12 before we join the Coastal Pacific Train for a journey to Christchurch. Our rail journey affords us incredible views of the Marlborough region and the farmlands of the North Canterbury Plains, as we travel along a stretch of track where the ocean stretches out on one side and mountains rise towards the sky on the other. We arrive in Christchurch, where we spend the night. Christchurch is known as the newest city in the world, and there's a distinctly English atmosphere here.

Leaving Christchurch, we continue by coach for a beautifully scenic journey to Twizle, seeing many of the highlights of the area. We journey through Fairlie, an attractive rural town, before crossing the mountainous Burkes Pass. We arrive in the lakeside town of Tekapo, where we pause to visit the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, a pretty church set against a striking mountain backdrop on the shores of the lake. We also see Lake Pukaki, an endlessly beautiful alpine lake with striking, icy blue waters.

We arrive in Mount Cook National Park, a land of ice and rock that's home to immense glaciers and soaring mountains, including the highest alpine peak in Australasia. We spend tonight here in Twizel, a charming town nestled among the stunning surroundings.

We leave Twizel and travel to Te Anau on Day 14. Known as the gateway to New Zealand's Fiordland, Te Anau is a gorgeous destination, home to a host of splendid natural wonders.

Our full-day excursion today starts with a drive through Fiordland National Park, where we make a scenic stop at the Mirror Lakes, traversing the Hollyford Valley, crossing the Homer Tunnel, before descending via the Cleddau Valley to Milford Sound. From here, we enjoy a peaceful cruise ahead of our journey by road to Queenstown, a popular destination dominated by magnificent scenery.

On Day 16, after a free morning, we embark on a sightseeing tour of the area, which includes historic Arrowtown, the site of a major gold rush in the 1860s and a 'Lord of the Rings' filming location, and the Gibbston Valley Winery. After a look around the cellars and a wine tasting, we cruise nearby Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship, TSS Earnshaw. We moor up at the Colonel's Homestead for a BBQ dinner and sheep shearing demonstration, ahead of our night-time return sailing. Day 17 is at leisure in Queenstown.

We travel by coach to the Franz Josef Glacier, making a number of scenic stops along the way. An overnight stay and dinner at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, allows us to view the glacier up close or take a helicopter flight to the snowfield (payable locally). On Day 19, we visit Hokitika, the centre for New Zealand jade, before boarding the TranzAlpine for our scenic rail journey back to Christchurch. The route takes us through New Zealand's Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains.

On our final day in New Zealand, we visit the International Antarctic Centre for a snow and ice experience, learning how explorers have survived in such harsh environs over the centuries. We also get to meet some indigenous, and adorable, blue penguins, as well as seeing for ourselves the vital role husky dogs have played in scientific research here. Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight to London Heathrow, via Singapore, where we touch down on Day 21.