City to City 9 Days, Auckland to Christchurch

From Auckland, we head south sound for the heartbeat of Maori culture, Rotorua. Firstly though, a visit to the incredible Waitomo Caves where under the rolling green hills lie a labyrinth of underground caves, sinkholes and river systems. Tonight, you have one night in a sacred Maori meeting house, so pay attention. After learning the tongue-thrusting Haka dance moves of the All Blacks and the finesse of the ladies’ Poi dance, you’ll polish off a traditional maori dinner and end the night feeling like a local. You lucky thing, you.

Note: Pack down to an overnight bag to stay at the Marae.

Included today:
-Maori Marae cultural talks
-Haka & Poi class

Meals:
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Waitomo Caves

After breakfast, it’s farewell to the Marae and the day is all yours to do as you wish! There are a whole heap of optional activities to pick from. Feeling lazy? Visit the famous thermal spa pools or have a relaxing massage. Alternatively, there’s whitewater rafting, zorbing or if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. You’ll venture through Middle Earth, get lost among the Hobbit holes and see the scenery from the film in what you could call super HD! Tonight, settle in to Rotorua’s largest hotel, set right on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rotorua.

Meals:
-Breakfast

Optional activities:
Optional activities:
-Hobbiton tour
-Whitewater rafting
-Te Puia Maori Thermal Grounds
-Hells Gate Mud Baths
-Canopy tours
-Zorbing

Today we travel through the Taupo Volcanic Zone, with a detour to see (and hear) the gurgling Mud Pool and the raging waters of Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo. What better way to see the lake than leaping out over it at Taupo Bungy ? (It’s optional, so don’t worry if you don’t have a head for heights)! After a bit of time in Taupo to see the sights/still any wobbly legs, it’s on to the vast volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. This evening, fell free to relax with a sauna and spa or head straight to the terrace bar for a drink by the fire. We’ll have a hearty country-style meal – just leave room for dessert – it’s a Kiwi favourite, pavlova.

Included today:
-Huka Falls
-Lake Taupo

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Bungy jump
-Extreme swing

Two active volcanoes, old lava flows, an active vent, emerald lakes and amazing views. The optional Tongariro Crossing is one of the best full day hikes you can do in NZ. It’s a free day, so you’ve got the time. There are some shorter walks too or simply unwind and relax in the warm mountain lodge atmospherere of our accommodation. However you spend the day, we’re certain you’ll love this truly unique part of the world.

Meals:
-Breakfast

Optional activities:
-Tongariro Crossing hikes
-Skiing (winter, weather dependent)

Swap tranquil Tongariro for Wellington. It’s New Zealand’s capital and has a whole heap of cool shops and galleries to check out by day. As night falls, get a taster of the craft beer scene and take your pick of award-winning restaurants. But before all that, we’ll get a great view of the city from the lookout at the top of Mount Victoria and visit Te Papa, the NZ National Museum.

Included today:
-Wellington City tour including Mt Victoria

Meals:
-Breakfast

Time to jump on the ferry to cross the Cook Strait and sail into the blue waters of the Marlborough Sound. It’s like entering a different world. We’ll hop off in Picton and you’ll see why this region has become so famous for its wine (and scenery). Worry not, we’re heading for our secret Marlborough Winery for a wine tasting. It’s a passionate bunch behind the vineyard, so get ready to learn a heap load. Be sure to raise a glass of something local for tonight.

Included today:
-Marlborough Winery & tastings
-Cook Strait ferry crossing

Meals:
-Breakfast

You’ll definitely need your camera for today’s free day, Nelson is stunning. One option is to explore Abel Tasman National Park by boat, another is to take to the walking tracks, or you could paddle along the shoreline in ocean kayaks. For an aerial view, there’s always a tandem skydive on offer. Feeling artsy? Have a look around the galleries and studios in the area. Just get back in time for tonight’s traditional Kiwi BBQ.

Meals:
-Breakfast

Optional activities:
-Abel Tasman National Park day tour
-Kayaking
-Skydiving
-Quad biking
-HorseTrek