Explore Auckland’s city sights before travelling south towards Rotorua, stopping en route at the glow-worm caves at Waitomo for a guided tour and boat ride through the grotto. Continue on to Rotorua and stay 2 nights at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua.

Choose from a selection of included tours such as a visit to Te Puia, offering Maori cultural experiences and an impressive display of geysers and boiling mud pools, explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park and the Kiwi Encounter or relax in a thermal pool.

This morning travel to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, passing Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park en route. Stay 1 night at Copthorne Hotel Wellington. We recommend visiting the National Museum Te Papa during your time in the city.

Drive to the airport for the short flight to Queenstown*. Upon arrival collect your car hire. Stay 3 nights at The Rees Hotel, which offers superb views of Lake Wakatipu.

During your stay we recommend a visit to the old gold-mining town of Arrowtown and a trip to the Fiordland region for a cruise on Doubtful or Milford Sound.

Drive west along the rugged West Coast Road and over the Haast Pass, following the dramatic coastal road north to the small town of Franz Josef. The following day we recommend a helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers or a valley walk with a local glacier guide. Stay at Te Waonui Forest Retreat for 2 nights. (B)

This morning journey north up the rugged west coast to Greymouth where you will return your car hire and board the TranzAlpine train for a journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. On arrival, transfer to The George Hotel for 2 nights with the following day at leisure to explore the city.

Transfer to the airport and fly to Rarotonga then transfer to the Manuia Beach Resort for 3 nights, where you will receive a warm welcome.

Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour by 4x4 vehicle into the green rugged interior of the island for an insight into its history and culture. The following day is at leisure with the opportunity to relax or explore the island further.

Fly to the island of Aitutaki. On arrival, transfer to the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa for 3 nights.

Join a cruise on the island’s lagoon and perhaps snorkel amid the array of fish, coral and giant clams. The cruise will stop at the uninhabited One Foot Island for lunch before returning. (L)

Join a 4x4 tour of Aitutaki, visiting sacred Polynesian sites (marae) and learn about the traditions of the cannibal Polynesians who inhabited the island.

Return by air to Rarotonga. Transfer to the Aquarius Hotel for the afternoon before a late evening transfer to the airport for a flight to your next destinaitn. (B)