Option 1: VR/360 Immersive Tours
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The 16 day itinerary package includes some of the best hikes in New Zealand. You will enjoy an authentic coverage of New Zealand's key scenic spots - plus you'll stay in boutique accommodation with a high degree of comfort. If you're a keen walker, there is a wonderful adventure waiting for you in both the North and South island of New Zealand. If you love wine, food tours, we can also include these in this itinerary.
What you'll get with this comprehensive 16 days top NZ itinerary:
The next planning steps for this 16 day trip with the best day hikes in New Zealand:
Day 1Auckland
Meet your private driver at the Auckland Airport arrival gate for transfer to your hotel. Explore the America's Cup village. Visit the Sky Tower and get fabulous views of the city and harbour. Take a boat trip to beautiful Waiheke Island or go across to Devonport. Visit the shops and cafes of Parnell Village. If you're arriving early, try to stay awake as long as possible to beat jet lag.
Check in to Hotel Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Optional - The Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
Optional - Explore America's Cup Sailing Auckland
Day 2Whangamata
Collect your rental car and drive to the eastern coast on the Coromandel Peninsula (2.5 hours). The Coromandel has beautiful golden beaches plus great swimming and bush walks. Visit the famous hot water beach at Hahei and have a relaxing soak in a natural thermal spring - remember to go at low tide! See the marine wildlife at the Hahei Marine Reserve. Adventure options include scenic boat trips, sea kayaking, scuba diving and surfing.
Check in to Brenton Lodge
Information - The Coromandel
Day 3Whangamata
Join a small group guided nature tour. Explore the local rainforest and beaches - this is a great introduction to New Zealand's natural wonders! Alternatively you can take a guided kayaking tour from Hahei Beach or a scenic boat tour along the stunning Coromandel coastline.
Check in to Brenton Lodge
Included - Kiwi Dundee Adventures 1 Day Coromandel Circuit
Optional - Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours
Optional - Hahei Explorer
Day 4Rotorua
Travel to the famous Waitomo caves (3 hours) to view the beauty of stalactites. Go on the 'Ruakuri Cave' tour, which takes you on a 2-hour walk through a dry cave. Go ‘Black Water Rafting’ or do the 'Black Labyrinth' tour and float through the caves on a rubber tube. Alternatively, abseil through the darkness! (takes about 3 hours). Afterwards, drive to Rotorua through the rolling farm country of the Central North Island (2.5 hours).
Check in to Peppers on the Point
Included - Ruakuri Cave Tour
Information - Waitomo
Day 5Rotorua
The North Island of New Zealand is a tectonic centre of bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs and volcanoes. In the morning, take a helicopter flight over Rotorua. In this remote place, you'll get a firsthand experience of mother nature's immerse powers. Spend the afternoon being pampered in a luxurious spa. In the evening, take a spiritual journey into Maori culture to enjoy village and performances.
Check in to Peppers on the Point
Included - Rotorua Canopy Tours
Optional - Volcanic Air
Recommended - Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Recommended - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Recommended - Polynesian Spa
Optional - Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours
Day 6Otago Peninsula
Take a domestic flight to Dunedin and collect another rental car at the airport. Dunedin City is surrounded by dramatic hills and a natural harbour. It was originally settled by whalers, gold miners and migrants from Scotland and China. Dunedin is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Check in to Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Optional - Larnach Castle
Optional - Olveston Historic Home
Recommended - Otago Museum
Information - Dunedin
Recommended - Tunnel Beach
Day 7Otago Peninsula
Spend the morning, exploring more of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. In the afternoon join a wildlife tour to see the Royal Albatross and Yellow-Eyed Penguins. This tour is one of the prime nature attractions in New Zealand. As you will not be returning to your accommodation until that evening, we recommend that you have a substantial lunch.
Check in to Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Included - Elm Wildlife Peninsula Encounters Tour
Day 8Te Anau
Travel through the Southland region to the Fiordland area. Take the 'Southern Scenic Route' between Invercargill, Riverton and Tuatapere to Te Anau. If you don't mind extra driving time, we recommend a detour through the Catlins - you'll see Nugget Point Lighthouse and the Cathedral Caves. Please note, that if you're visiting the caves, do remember to check the tides beforehand.
Check in to High Leys Lodge
Information - Catlins
Information - Invercargill
Information - Riverton
Information - Tuatapere
Information - Manapouri
Information - Fiordland
Day 9Te Anau
Milford Sound is a spectacular area and perfect for hikers. Do the Milford Guided Walk in the morning and the Milford Scenic fjord cruise in the afternoon. Shorter walks can be arranged with a local operator. Choose a series of short walks with your nature guide or a 2.5 hour walk on the Routeburn Track to Key Summit. Return back to Te Anau around 5.30pm.
Check in to High Leys Lodge
Included - Milford Track Guided Walk
Included - Real Journeys Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Day 10Wanaka
Leave the lush rainforest and drive to the tussock grasslands of Central Otago. As it is only a 2 hours drive from Te Anau to Queenstown, visit Queenstown or head to a nearby winery for lunch. Continue in the afternoon to the village of Wanaka. Stay in the surrounding countryside for a couple of nights.
Check in to Wanaka Haven
Information - Queenstown
Recommended - Arrowtown
Recommended - Cromwell Heritage Precinct
Optional - Gibbston Valley Wines
Optional - Mt Difficulty Wines
Day 11Wanaka
Wanaka is an extremely scenic spot. Smaller than Queenstown, it has a far more relaxed vibe. This morning, take a cruise on Lake Wanaka and head out to a beautiful remote island for a guided walk. In the afternoon, travel up the Matukituki Valley with a local jet-boating operator. Learn more about the regions history, natural wonders and activities.
Check in to Wanaka Haven
Included - Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Nature Walk
Included - Wanaka River Journeys
Optional - Eco Wanaka Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk
Optional - Wanaka Highlights Safari
Day 12Fox Glacier
Travel through Haast Pass to Fox Glacier (4 hours). There are plenty of stops along the way, so check out the many waterfalls, scenic walks and remote beaches. In the afternoon, take an inspirational helicopter flight with a snow landing on the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Alternatively, join a heli-hiking tour - this involves two short heli flights and a 2 hour guided walk on the ice.
Check in to Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel
Optional - Flying Fox Helihike
Included - The Helicopter Line Fox Glacier
Day 13Hokitika
There are hardly any towns on the 600 kms of coastal road between Karamea and Jackson Bay, so take plenty of refreshments. On this road trip you'll see the absolute unbridled beauty of native forests, beaches and lagoons. An early morning walk around Lake Matheson is a great start to the day. Explore the goldfield walkway at Ross and stop by the shores of Lake Ianthe. Consider a visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa. The town of Hokitika is famous for New Zealand Pounamu (Jade) and gold.
Check in to Beachfront Hotel Hokitika
Recommended - Lake Matheson
Optional - White Heron Sanctuary Tour
Information - Hokitika
Day 14Bronte
Today you'll be travel along 'The Great Coast Road', one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world. Drive along the ancient limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park, home to the world's smallest penguins. Stop at Charleston and go underground rafting. See the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Visit the seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Stop at Westport for refreshments. Continue via the Buller Gorge to the Abel Tasman region.
Check in to Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte
Information - Paparoa National Park
Recommended - Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Recommended - Cape Foulwind
Day 15Bronte
When it comes to lush greenery and sea views, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is unsurpassed! This great New Zealand walk passes through golden beaches and coastal forests. Take a day trip with Abel Tasman Charters, a very personalised trip. Or you can use a water taxi to do the coastal walk. Another option is a guided sea kayaking tour for a half or full day.
Check in to Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte
Included - Abel Tasman Charters Taranui
Optional - R&R Kayaks
Optional - Abel Tasman Golden Future Tour
Optional - Wheelie Fantastic Cycle Tours
Information - Abel Tasman National Park
Day 16Rotorua
Drop off your rental car at Nelson airport and take a domestic flight to Auckland. Connect to your international flight or continue with your travels to other parts of the North Island.
16 Days - Standard
per person,
FROM
NZ$5785
( Not including intern. flights )
16 Days - Superior
per person,
FROM
NZ$9980
( Not including intern. flights )
16 Days - Premium
per person,
FROM
NZ$17780
( Not including intern. flights )
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