KAURI Small Group Tour of New Zealand 23 days (North and South Island)

KAURI Small Group Tour of New Zealand 23 days (North and South Island)

Our small group escorted tours are very special. We proudly offer flexible, comfortable, good-humoured and unforgettable journeys with no more than 16 guests per tour. Our unique itineraries and hand-selected accommodation offer opportunities for personalised experiences and wonderful service.

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

Pass By: Auckland Domain, Park Road, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand
Haere mai – welcome! Arrive into Auckland and take some time to orientate yourself and explore the ‘City of Sails’.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: M Social Hotel, Auckland

Day 2: Auckland to Bay of Islands

Stop At: AH Reed Kauri Park, Whareora Road, Whangarei New Zealand
Heading north we first visit the Reed Memorial Park to marvel at a remnant of the ancient kauri forest from an elevated walkway.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Whangarei Falls, Whangarei New Zealand
After taking in the picturesque Whangarei Falls we continue to the Bay of Islands.

Stop At: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 1 Tau Henare Dr, Paihia New Zealand
We are welcomed to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Here we learn the fascinating story of the birthplace of the nation, see the magnificent meeting house, the interactive and contemporary museum and the war canoe (waka)
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: The Happy Ferry - Paihia to Russell, Paihia Wharf, Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
We arrive in historic Russell, our base for the next two nights, by ferry.
Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell

Day 3: Bay of Islands

Stop At: Ninety Mile Beach, Kaitaia New Zealand
Today you have the choice of two excursions:
a) Discover the Far North of New Zealand – Travel by special coach along 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, the very tip of New Zealand. This full-day tour includes a visit to the ancient Puketi Kauri forest and lunch.
Duration: 11 hours

Stop At: Cape Brett Walkway, Rawhiti Road, Rawhiti 0184 New Zealand
Today you have the choice of two excursions:
b) Enjoy a Hole in the Rock cruise. On the way to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, now hold your breath as the skipper skilfully navigates through the famous Hole in the Rock and into Grand Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting). Return to Russell to meet a local guide for an insight into this historic town’s rip-roaring past!
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell

Day 4: Bay of Island to Auckland

Stop At: Auckland Museum, The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
We return to Auckland to discover its vibrant harbourside, panoramic views, waterfront drives and charming villages before a guided tour of the Auckland Museum.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: M Social Hotel, Auckland

Day 5: Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula

Stop At: Whangaparaoa Narrow Gauge Railway, 400 Whangaparaoa Road, Whangaparaoa, Auckland 0932 New Zealand
We take to the water for a cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to the Coromandel Peninsula. At Driving Creek we enjoy a narrow-gauge railway trip before our coach drives us to the beautiful Mercury Bay.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Oceans Resort, Whitianga

Day 6: Coromandel Peninsula

Stop At: Cathedral Cove Walk, 65 Grange Rd S, Hahei 3591 New Zealand
At Hot Water Beach, where warm springs bubble up through the sand, you can dig your very own ‘spa’ pool when the tide is right. Walk down into photogenic Cathedral Cove and depart by water taxi back to Hahei where your driver will be waiting to take you to Cooks Beach where the HMS Endeavour arrived in 1769.
From Cooks Beach, you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to your accommodation – OR - travel back with your driver.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Oceans Resort, Whitianga

Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua

Stop At: Te Puia, Hemo Road, Rotorua New Zealand
We travel through several beachside towns before turning inland. A short bushwalk provides scenic lookouts and a chance to stretch your legs before arriving in Rotorua; the epicentre not only of New Zealand’s geothermal activity but of Maori heritage. Our private tour of Te Puia takes in its active geothermal sites, kiwi conservation and a range of indigenous arts and crafts.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Prince’s Gate Hotel, Rotorua

Day 8: Rotorua

Stop At: Waimangu Volcanic Valley, 587 Waimangu Road Off State Highway 5, Rotorua 3043 New Zealand
Today you have the choice of two excursions:
a) Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Site of the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886. Explore this ever-changing landscape on foot and by boat.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Hobbiton Movie Set, 501 Buckland Road Matamata, Hinuera 3472 New Zealand
Today you have the choice of two excursions:
b) Experience the real Middle Earth
Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour of The Shire that featured in Peter Jackson’s films, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit film series.
Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Tamaki Maori Village, 1220 Hinemaru St, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand
This evening we travel to a traditional Maori village and experience an amazing welcome, a cultural performance, and a Hangi feast.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Prince’s Gate Hotel, Rotorua

Day 9: Rotorua to Napier

Stop At: Huka Falls tracks, Huka Falls Road, Taupo New Zealand
Visit the powerful Huka Falls and the vast Lake Taupo before heading east to Hawke’s Bay.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mission Estate Winery, 198 Church Road, Napier 4112 New Zealand
A guided walking tour of Napier explores one of the world’s most complete examples of Art Deco architecture. Today’s journey has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening’s treat is dinner at New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier

Day 10: Napier to Wellington

Stop At: Wellington Cable Car, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
We travel through the vineyards and orchards of Hawke’s Bay onto rural Wairarapa and then into New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. From the Kelburn lookout take the Wellington Cable Car down into the central city.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable St, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
Visit Te Papa –New Zealand’s innovative and interactive national museum.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Wellington

Day 11: Wellington to Napier

Stop At: Interislander Wellington, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Today starts with one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world; travelling through the Cook Strait to the South Island.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Wither Hills Cellar Door, 211 New Renwick Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand
In Marlborough, we pause for wine tasting at one of the area’s premier wineries before crossing to sunny Nelson, our base for the next two nights.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Heritage Rutherford Hotel, Nelson

Day 12: Abel Tasman National Park

Stop At: Abel Tasman Coast Track, Harvey Road, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park 7010 New Zealand
This morning from Kaiteriteri, your tour includes a choice of one activity from these three options:
a) 3-4 hour Scenic Cruise (no walking)
A morning cruise reveals the golden sands and turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy time at leisure in Kaiteriteri and return to Nelson on the late afternoon transfer.
b) Walking Option 1: Astrolabe Beaches and Bays (7km, 2.5 hour walk)
After the scenic cruise, disembark at Apple Tree Bay for a self-guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach. Late afternoon transfer back to Nelson.
c) Walking Option 2: Forest and Swing-Bridge (10.5km, 4 hour walk)
After the scenic cruise, disembark at Medlands Beach for a self-guided walk that includes the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool. Late afternoon transfer back to Nelson.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Heritage Rutherford Hotel, Nelson

Day 13: Nelson to Punakaiki

Stop At: Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, State Highway 6, Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki 7873 New Zealand
We travel through enchanting Nelson Lakes National Park and follow the Buller River Gorge - one of the world’s best but least-known scenic drives. Emerging from the forest at Punakaiki - renowned for its wild, rugged coastline and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’.
Duration: 15 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki

Day 14: Punakaiki to Fox Glacier

Stop At: Hokitika Gorge, Kokatahi 7881, New Zealand
Journeying south along the Great Coast Road we pause in Hokitika township, where the galleries specialise in pounamu (greenstone). Stretch your legs at the dramatic Hokitika Gorge before continuing south to glacier country.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Fox Glacier South Side Walk, State Highway 6 Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Fox Glacier, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level.

Stop At: The Helicopter Line Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier Main South Road SH6 Fox Glacier, West Coast 7859, New Zealand
Weather permitting, an optional helicopter ride is a terrific way to experience the sheer grandeur of the glaciers (extra cost).
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Distinction Hotel Fox Glacier

Day 15: Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Stop At: Lake Matheson Walk, Lake Matheson Road, Fox Glacier, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
After a photo opportunity at mirror-like Lake Matheson, we head over the Haast Pass deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park to the pretty lakeside resort town of Wanaka.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Edgewater Resort, Wanaka

Day 16: Wanaka

Stop At: Eco Wanaka Adventures, Lakeside Rd, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand
This morning you have the choice of two excursions:
a) Take a lake cruise to a conservation island
Join a local eco-guide to discover rare native birds, island walks and stunning landscape views.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Lake Wanaka, Wanaka 9343 New Zealand
This morning you have the choice of two excursions:
b) Experience a scenic 4WD adventure
Explore remote High Country farmland.
This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or enjoy your own choice of activities.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Edgewater Resort, Wanaka

Day 17: Wanaka to Te Anau

Stop At: The Arrowtown Jade & Opal Factory, 30 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302 New Zealand
Our first stop today is the much photographed Cardrona Pub, we then visit historic Arrowtown – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. We continue our journey along the shores of spectacular Lake Wakatipu through glacial formed valleys to Lake Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Distinction Hotel Luxmore, Te Anau

Day 18: Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown

Stop At: Real Journeys - Milford Sound, Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Southland 9679, New Zealand
The journey to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels! Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is breath-taking in any weather. We board a comfortable vessel for a cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Enjoy your picnic lunch while watching for seals and dolphins which are often seen in the waters of the fiord. We end our day in Queenstown.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 19: Queenstown

Pass By: Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown 9300 New Zealand
Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of Queenstown create the perfect backdrop for a visit full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. Today is free for you to do your own thing and the options are endless!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 20: Queenstown to Mt. Cook to Twizel

Pass By: Mount Cook Alpine Memorial, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 7999 New Zealand
We pass pretty Lake Dunstan before we cross Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Descending into the Mackenzie Basin the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. We drive along Lake Pukaki to Mt. Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook, then overnight in the small town of Twizel.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel

Day 21: Twizel to Rural Canterbury

Stop At: Lake Tekapo 7945 New Zealand
Visit a friendly lakeside home to learn the secrets of making a Pavlova - a truly Kiwi dessert! View the Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Tekapo before travelling to Ashburton.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation options:
a) Rural homestay:
b) Local hotel:

Day 22: Ashburton to Christchurch

Stop At: Punting On The Avon, 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
We cross the fertile Canterbury Plains to our last destination, Christchurch. Post-earthquake the city mixes colonial charm with modern architecture, re-inventing itself in typical Kiwi style. Edwardian styled boatmen take you for a relaxing cruise along the River Avon before we enjoy a journey onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch

Day 23: Christchurch

Pass By: i-SITE Christchurch Airport, 30 Durey Road Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053 New Zealand
Haere ra – farewell from New Zealand. You are transferred to the Christchurch Airport for your return home. Alternatively, should you wish to extend your stay, we can assist you with additional travel arrangements.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.