5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Trip

5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Trip

Journey through the North Island of New Zealand and explore Waitomo, Rotorua and Lake Taupo, and discover the natural beauty of Kaikoura and Christchurch on this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch or vice versa. See the glow worms at Waitomo Caves, relax at Rotorua's geothermal wonderland, see giant sperm whales at play and be mesmerized by the natural beauty of New Zealand. This 5-day tour will have you travelling by coach, train and ferry with plenty of time at leisure to make this holiday truly magical.

Day 1 - Auckland to Waitomo, Rotorua

Today you will depart from Auckland and drive to the magical Waitomo Caves. Here you will have a guided tour of the caves, before taking a short boat ride along the river to the grotto. Be enchanted by the thousands of glow worms emitting tiny lights that twinkle in the darkness. Later, you drive to Rotorua, passing through the Fitzgerald Glade, a section of highway where native bush forms a canopy overhead.

Overnight in Rotorua - Sudima Rotorua or Similar

Day 2 - Rotorua

This morning explore Rotorua's geothermal wonderland and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Enjoy a guided tour of Te Puia, see Rainbow Springs and watch the Agrodome Sheep Show. The rest of the day is at leisure and in the evening you might like to experience a Maori hangi (a traditional barbecue) and concert (at own expense).

Overnight in Rotorua - Sudima Rotorua or Similar

Day 3 - Rotorua to Wellington

There is more stunning scenery on offer today as you travel by coach to Wellington, passing Lake Taupo, Palmerston North and the Kapiti Coast.

Overnight in Wellington - James Cook Grand Chancellor or similar

Day 4 - Wellington via Picton to Kaikoura

This morning, travel by Inter Islander Ferry, via Cook Strait to Picton. Then it’s all aboard the TranzCoastal train to Kaikoura. This is a spectacular train journey that passes through stunning coastal scenery and rugged mountain ranges.

Overnight in Kaikoura - White Morph or similar

Day 5 - Kaikoura to Christchurch

The highlight this morning is a whale watching tour by boat or light aircraft. See the gentle giants of the sea and be thrilled as the giant sperm whales breach, and watch the dolphins and seals at play. Later in the afternoon you will drive to Christchurch where your tour concludes.

Tour can also be operated in reverse, Christchurch to Auckland