13D North & South Islands

Pick up your car and enjoy a pleasant drive around the city. Visit the Sky Tower for a panoramic view of the city. Adrenaline junkies can try the SkyWalk - Walking around a 1.2m wide platform located a dizzying 192m from street level.

This morning, take on the mythical world of Middle Earth - Golden plains, towering mountains and enchanting valleys form the lands of Lothlorien, Hobbiton, Rivendell and more. Continue to Rotorua, the heart of Maori Culture. Enjoy a tour of Te Puia - A geothermal wonder and home to the world famous Pohutu Geyser. Next, visit the New Zealand national carving and weaving schools before setting off for a Te Pô indigenous evening experience.

In Rotorua, visit bubbling orange hot pools, marvel at geysers erupting 30m into the air, or take a scenic flight to New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, White Island. A must-do is to soak in geothermal mud baths and natural hot springs.

Visit Lake Taupo, where swimmers can enjoy warm, geothermal water currents at some of the beaches. Just north, you'll find New Zealand's most visited attraction, the magnificent Huka Falls. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. Continue to Napier, which has the most comprehensive collection of inner-city art deco buildings in the world.

Discover the essence of Wellington – New Zealand’s capital city that is also home to many of the nation’s historic, cultural and artistic treasures. Fuel your visit with some of the best coffee in the world, feast on a variety of culinary delights, and enjoy Wellington’s vibrant night scene.

Return your car and hop onboard the Interisland Ferry to journey across Cook Strait to Picton. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent Marlborough Sounds with its sparkling clear waters and lush surrounding forests.

Pick up another car and head off for the city of Nelson. Then journey from Nelson to the region of the Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park. Kick off your exploration there with a choice of guided walks, kayaking or cruising.

From penguins to seals, dolphins and native birds, observe a variety of wildlife amidst lush native forests and beautiful beaches.

Travel to Punakaiki – famous for its Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

Then move on towards the West Coast Glacier Region – home to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, New Zealand’s most spectacular glaciers.

Visit the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, followed by the dramatic twists and turns of Haast Pass. Take in the view of waterfalls and rivers as you approach Rainforest County.

Discover Lake Hawea - your gateway to Queenstown. At Monro Beach, see the penguin colony up close on a 40min walk. End your day in Queenstown and enjoy your night with more than 150 restaurants, bars and cafés to choose from including Fergburger, the most popular burger joint in town.

From Queenstown head towards Milford Sound. Along the way look out for Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. Hop on a scenic Milford Sound Cruise and travel along the amazing 22km long fjord, dominated by Mitre Peak. Lunch will be served onboard.

Continue on to Te Anau where you'll spend the night.

Travel back to Queenstown. Spend a day at leisure with optional activities including bungy jumping, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing.

The road to Mt. Cook takes you through beautiful Lake Pukaki. Try heli skiing, heli hiking or aerial sightseeing. A variety of walking trails begin in or near Mt. Cook Village – most taking only a couple

of hours to complete.

Drive along the scenic route from Canterbury Plains through fields and farms to beautiful Lake Tekapo.

At Lake Tekapo, you can find the famous sheep dog statue and the Church of the Good Shepherd - offering magnificent views of the lake and mountains through its altar windows.

If time permits, visit the International Antarctic Centre prior to your departure. The centre is only a 5min drive from the airport.