Tailor-Made Holiday New Zealand

A day of leisure to explore the Far North – drive to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand. Highlights can include giant Kauri trees, 90 Mile Beach where you can Boogie board down or quad bike through huge sand dunes with a stop at the famous Mangonui Fish & Chip Shop on your return to Huntaway Lodge. If you don't feel like driving, join a 4WD guided tour to Cape Reinga via 90 Mile beach! (Breakfast)

From Huntaway Lodge drive through to the Bay of Islands and spend the day exploring Paihia, the Waitangi Treaty House and the Whare Runanga - the birthplace of New Zealand, through to historic Russell. From Paihia you can explore the islands by kayak, yacht, launch or an historic sailing ship; search out and swim with dolphins; go big game fishing for marlin. (Breakfast)

After breakfast strike south to Auckland – City of Sails. You have a choice of driving routes, either the more direct East Coast route via Whangarei or the longer West Coast route via 'The Hokianga' with her massive sand dunes and The Waipoua Forest, home to the giant Kauri trees including Tane Mahuta. Arriving into Auckland cross the Harbour Bridge and stay 2 nights at Aachen House in the leafy suburb of Remuera, Deluxe Room. (Breakfast)

A day to explore Auckland – from Remuera visit the excellent Auckland Museum for all things Kiwi. Have lunch atop the Sky Tower for 360 degree views out to the Waitakere Ranges in the west and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf in the east. If you are brave enough, bungee the 192 metres off the tower! Spend the afternoon either taking a cruise across the Waitemata Harbour to historic Devonport, walk up to the top of Rangitototo Island or a wine tour of Waiheke Island. Staying on land, head out west to the bush and rugged west coast surf beaches of Karekare, Piha or Bethell's with their black sand. (Breakfast)

Today head East along the Pacific Coast scenic drive to The Coromandel Peninsula for a 1 night stay at Vida nestled in the Rangihau Valley near Whitianga. Mercury Bay has much to offer the visitor including the short walk to Cathedral Cove and the unique Hot Water Beach, check the tides and hire a spade! (Breakfast)

Destination Rotorua – from Mercury Bay you have two routes to Rotorua, either along the coast to Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty and then south to Rotorua via Lake Rotoiti or cross the Coromandel Ranges again and drive inland via Te Aroha (home to the hot soda pools with it's silky waters) and Matamata (aka Hobbiton!). In Rotorua you will stay at Nicara Lakeside Lodge in a lakeside suite for 2 nights. (Breakfast).

A day at leisure to explore the Rotorua area - Rotorua is famous for its diversity of scenic beauty, Maori culture, thermal wonders and adventure activities. Enjoy a hot soak in the pools, take in a Farm Show at the Agrodome, try the luge (maybe Zorbing too!). A great half day tour is a 4WD guided tour to the top of Mt Tarawera, then climb board a helicopter for an ariel tour of the many volcanies in the region as you fly back down to Rotorua. This evening you will take in a Maori Concert, which is combined with a traditional dinner – The Hangi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving between Rotorua and Taupo on the State Highway 5 you will pass the Waimangu Vocanic Valley and a little further on the Wai-o-tapu geothermal park, home to the champagne pool. Having explored along the way, arrive into Taupo for lunch before continuing on to Hawkes Bay and, in particular, the region's wine country for a 2 night stay in the Tom's Cottages near Havelock North. (Breakfast)

Spend the morning exploring the Art Deco architecture of Napier, maybe the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers or take in the views from Te Mata Peak above Havelock North – on a clear day you may choose to Paraglide back down! After lunch explore the wineries of Havelock North & the Ngatarawa Triangle either under your own steam or on a guided tour using conventional transport or for some fun by bike! (Breakfast)

From Hawkes Bay to New Zealand's cosmopolitan capital – Wellington. Your driving route may take you through the Wairarapa and the wine region of Martinborough for a late lunch before climbing over the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington. Alternatively you may drive through the Manawatu Groge and down along the Kapiti Coast. In Wellington you will overnight at Ruby House up on Kelburn Parade amidst Victoria University, a short ride on the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens or down to Lambton Quay in the heart of the City. If you have time stroll along the waterfront to Te Papa Musuem – 'Our Place'. (Breakfast)

This morning drop your rental car at the Wellington Ferry Terminal and board the InterIslander for your ferry crossing of the Cook Strait to the South Island, cruising through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Picton. At Picton Ferry terminal collect a new rental car and drive the Queen Charlotte Scenic Drive to Nelson, from Nelson continue round the Tasman Bay to Mapua and Bronte Lodge for a 2 night stay in a suite. (Breakfast)

A day to explore the Nelson Bays area – The Abel Tasman NP is home to stunning beaches easily accessible by water taxi, allowing tramping and/or sea kayaking options with varying durations. Another possibility is snorkelling and swimming with seals. Then there is Golden Bay, Farewell Spit, the Kahurangi NP and Nelson itself! (Breakfast)

After breakfast retrace your steps as far as Havelock and then travel through the renowned wine region of Marlborough and Blenheim, an ideal break for a long lunch! From Blenheim hug the rugged coastline through to Kaikoura - this journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. At Kaikoura drive up to the Peninsula for an overnight stay at Miharotia House in the Main Suite which enjoys amazing views back along the coast. (Breakfast)

This morning an early start will offer amazing experiences - first your Dolphin Encounter, either by viewing or swimming with Dusky Dolphins. Later this morning chose from Whale Watching by boat or air (fixed wing plane). Other activities in Kaikoura included snorkelling with Seals and even diving with sharks. This afternoon drive through to Christchurch. An alternative route inland via Hanmer Springs is a worthwhile sidetrip for a soak in the hot pools. In Christchurch you will be staying at The Charlotte Jane for a 2 nights in the Honeymoon Suite. (Breakfast)

A day to explore the Garden City – Early bird's could take to the skies in a hot air balloon and drift over the Canterbury Plains with sweeping views of the Southern Alps. Later enjoy punting on the river Avon, visit the newly completed Centre for Contemporary Art along with the Arts Centre, Cathedral Square and beautiful Hagley Park. Other attractions include the Antarctic Centre and the Nga Hau E Wha Marae. Further afield is the beachside village of Sumner, the Port Hills Gondola and the stunning Banks Peninsula & Akaroa. This evening board the Tramway Restaurant and enjoy a 4 course dinner aboard a colonial style dining tram as you travel the streets of Christhchurch. (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Christchurch Railway Station in a private sedan. In a remarkably short journey - little more than 4 hours - The World famous TranzAlpine train leaves Christchurch on the east coast, crosses the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, winds its way through the stunning Waimakariri Gorge, passes over massive viaducts, crosses New Zealand's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps, and travels through lush beech forests and past serene lakes, before arriving in Greymouth on the beautiful West Coast. On arrival at Greymouth Railway Station collect a new rental car and follow the West Coast south for Glacier Country, passing Hokitika - the jade capital of New Zealand, for an overnight stay at Misty Peaks in a suite. (Breakfast)

Today an early start is required if you wish to visit one of the Glaciers this morning – options include guided walks and Heli Hikes up onto the Glaciers itself, scenic flights are also available. Late morning it is time to head for Wanaka, first your drive hugs the West Coast to Haast and then you traverse, for a second time, the Southern Alps via the scenic Haast Pass. To break the driving, short bush walks and a jet boat excursion up the Haast River are possible options. Having crossed the Alps, Lake Wanaka and the Mt Aspiring National Park will be your companions for some time before you reach Wanaka where you will overnight at Riverrun in a Clutha Room. (Breakfast)

From Wanaka drive up and over the crown range to Queenstown Airport, stopping to take in the stunning views down the valley to Lake Wakatipu. From Queenstown Airport fly to Milford Sound - Hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits hidden from the road are just some of the reasons why flying between Queenstown and Milford is an excursion of a lifetime! From the Milford Marina you will embark on the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise on Milford Sound. On board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. With the resident nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private ensuite cabin. The vessel has spacious viewing decks, dining saloon and observation lounge. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast you will disembark at Milford Marina and fly back to the Queenstown Airport. Upon arrival, collect your car and drive the short distance to the White Shadows Country Inn for a 2 night stay in a suite. (Breakfast)

A day in the Queenstown area, visit historic Arrowtown or the Glenorchy region, get out on Lake Waikatipu on the TSS Earnslaw or up in the air by just about any means, not to mention jetboating, kayaking, bungy jumping, hot air ballooning, 4x4 'Lord of Rings' Safari tours... The hardest part here will be deciding. (Breakfast)

After a leisurely breakfast drive out to Queenstown Airport and return your rental car. As you walk out to your plane from the Terminal framed on one side by The Remarkables and Coronet Peak on the other you may well be thinking of your next visit to Aotearoa – 'Land of the Long White Cloud'.