CLASSIC NEW ZEALAND

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

When you arrive in Auckland, collect your rental vehicle and make your own way to the Sofitel in the magnificent centre of Auckland overlooking the harbour. Enjoy time relaxing after your long journey and explore the charming shops and restaurants at your leisure.

Overnight: Sofitel Auckland

Day 2 At Leisure

A day for you to unwind and do as much or as little as you please. Auckland is home to more than half of the country's population, but never feels crowded and is a delight to explore. We recommend a stroll around the harbour and a delicious snack at one of the wonderful cafes. Around one hours' drive east of Auckland is the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful, rugged area of forest trails, old gold mines and deserted beaches. Pack a picnic lunch and set off on your own adventure for the day.

Overnight: Sofitel Auckland

Day 3 Geothermal Wonderland

After a leisurely breakfast, make your own way to Rotorua, a journey of around three hours. Rotorua is known for its volcanic activity, evidenced by spouting geysers, bubbling mud and a rather distinctive smell! Enjoy two nights in this fascinating region exploring traditional Maori villages, thermal reserves and local arts and crafts.

Overnight: The Black Swan

Day 4 Rotorua

Enjoy a full day at your leisure. There are several epic trails for cycling, walking or riding, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundance of Maori culture to explore. Spend the day unwinding, discovering and immersing yourself in this fascinating region.

Overnight: The Black Swan

Day 5 Drive to Napier

After breakfast, leave Rotorua behind and head to the wonderful Hawkes Bay where you will spend two nights at award-winning Breckenridge Lodge. Your journey will take around three hours. Owned and run by renowned Chef Malcom Redmond, who will be your wonderful host, Breckenbridge lies in the most idyllic location. Enjoy delicious cuisine produced with fresh ingredients from the organic garden and local markets as well as excellent wines from New Zealand's second largest wine growing region.

Overnight: Breckenridge Lodge

Day 6 At Leisure

A full day to experience majestic mountains, premier wineries and stunning coastlines in an area steeped in Maori history and tradition. At the end of the day, make your way back to Breckenbridge for another evening of relaxation, fine wines and a sumptuous feast.

Overnight: Breckenridge Lodge

Day 7 Drive to Wellington

Enjoy a final morning at the lodge before heading south to Wellington with a journey time of around four hours where you will arrive in good time to enjoy dinner at one of the wonderful local haunts. A local guide can be arranged if you would like the inside scoop.

Overnight: The QT Wellington

Day 8 Explore Wellington

With its café culture, green hills, waterfront promenades and Victorian timber architecture, New Zealand's small capital has big appeal. Located near the North Island's southernmost point, Wellington is renowned for its award-winning restaurants and its creative energy. Much loved by locals it has various nicknames including Windy Welly, alluding to the high winds that can blow here, and Wellywood, reflecting its role as the production base for the Lord of the Rings films. Visit its lively harbour, enjoy its sandy beaches, take in its funky boutiques, and for panoramic views ride its cable car from Lambton Quay shopping area to the glorious botanic garden.

Overnight: The QT Wellington

Day 9 Sail to the South

Rise early for a short drive to drop off your rental vehicle and enjoy the wonderful three hour crossing to the South Island; the journey across the Cook Strait, Marlborough Sounds and Tory Chanel is often referred to as one of the most spectacular in the world. On arrival at Picton, collect your rental car and make your own way to Kaikoura. Your home for the night is a spectacular treehouse at Hapuku Lodge, with views over the ocean and mountains.

Overnight: Hapuku Lodge

Day 10 Whale and Seal Watching

Today make your way to Kaikoura for an exhilarating whale watching experience. From your boat you might see dolphins, seals and other marine life whilst waiting for the magnificent sperm whales to surface. With a few precious photos, return to the mainland and collect your vehicle before making your way towards Christchurch. On arrival at Annandale farm, the lodge owners will meet you and take you to Shepherds Cottage, a blissfully private cottage surrounded by stunning scenery, where you can explore from the door or simply put your feet up and enjoy the views over the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped peaks.

Overnight: The Shepherds Cottage, Annandale

Day 11 At Leisure

You may wish to explore on foot as there are several easily accessible walking trails. The 14km Pigeon Bay Walkway is particularly lovely, and your hosts will provide a delicious picnic lunch and a map for you to take with you. There are bicycles to ride, kayaks to paddle, fishing charters and cooking classes; staying put at the cottage with a good book is equally enjoyable.

Overnight: The Shepherds Cottage, Annandale

Day 12 Franz Joseph

Rise early and make your way back to Christchurch, where you can drop off your vehicle at the train station before boarding the transalpine for one of the world's most famous train journeys. As the train traverses the South Alps you can enjoy spectacular views across the Canterbury Plains before arriving into Greymouth at around lunch time. On arrival, collect your car and drive on to Franz Joseph for a night at Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Spend the rest of the day exploring and enjoy a delicious dinner in the Canopy Restaurant surrounded by native bush and wildlife.

Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 13 Travel to Queenstown

After breakfast, there are a myriad of activities to consider before you leave for Queenstown. Enjoy an exhilarating helicopter ride to Fox Glacier or Franz Joseph, or combine a scenic-flight followed by a glacier hike with an experienced guide; visit the local wildlife centre to look at the rarest breed of Kiwis; or drive to Lake Mapourika for a magnificent view of the highest mountains in New Zealand. In the afternoon, make your way to Queenstown, a journey of around four and a half hours, and check-in to The Dairy boutique hotel for a three-night stay.

Overnight: The Dairy

Day 14 - 15 Queenstown

Enjoy two full days at leisure in New Zealand's adrenalin capital. Queenstown is packed to the rafters with exhilarating experiences, from jet boating to skiing and white-water rafting. Less sensational but equally appealing are the gentler pursuits of lake cruising on an old steamboat, hiking, riding and fishing. For those who just prefer to meander, there are museums, beautifully manicured parks and gardens, and an excellent choice of cafes and restaurants.

Overnight: The Dairy

Day 16 Head home

Check-out of The Dairy and make your own way to the airport for your journey home.