This 28 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

Itinerary summary for: The Essential New Zealand

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland, transfer to your accommodation and rest of day at leisure
Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Day 2: Enjoy a full day exploring Auckland's wild side
Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Day 3: Collect your rental car then head north to the 'big trees'. This evening enjoy a twilight tour
Accommodation: Waipoua Lodge

Day 4: Cross to the east coast and the wonderful Bay of Islands
Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge, Russell

Day 5: Explore the bays today
Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge, Russell

Day 6: Enjoy a scenic drive from Bay of Islands to Auckland
Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Day 7: Today head south to the limestone caves of Waitomo
Accommodation: Abseil Inn

Day 8: Cross the central Plateau to the cultural centre of Rotorua
Accommodation: On the Point

Day 9: Enjoy a full day exploring Rotorua's geothermal attractions. This evening visit Tamaki Maori Village
Accommodation: On the Point

Day 10: Continue your journey south through Lake Taupo and onto the art deco city of Napier
Accommodation: McHardy Lodge

Day 11: Explore the city this morning and then sit back and enjoy a tour of some local wineries
Accommodation: McHardy Lodge

Day 12: Explore the Wairarapa as you head towards the capital city of Wellington
Accommodation: Naumi Hotel Wellington

Day 13: Spend the morning strolling the capitals streets. This afternoon venture out on a Lord of the Rings tour
Accommodation: Naumi Hotel Wellington

Day 14: Take the Interislander ferry to the South Island
Accommodation: Sennen House, Picton

Day 15: Travel the Pacific Coast Highway to Kaikoura
Accommodation: Bendamere House B&B

Day 16: Take a whale watch tour and explore Kaikoura
Accommodation: Bendamere House B&B

Day 17: Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs for some hot pool relaxation
Accommodation: Cheltenham House Hanmer Springs

Day 18: Its a short drive through Canterbury countryside to Christchurch
Accommodation: Merivale Manor House

Day 19: Explore Christchurch City, experience unique farm life, and enjoy wine tasting
Accommodation: Merivale Manor House

Day 20: Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park via the turquoise waters of the alpine lakes
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium

Day 21: Explore the park including a flight with Mt. Cook Ski Planes
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium

Day 22: Mt Cook to Queenstown, this evening visit Walter Peak Station for dinner
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 23: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 24: Sit back and enjoy a full day trip to the remote untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 25: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 26: Experience the glacier with an exhilarating heli-hike
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 27: Head north to Greymouth and board the Tranz Alpine scenic train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Merivale Manor House

Day 28: Depart Christchurch today