Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand & the South Island’s largest city. Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. Bounded by the Southern Alps to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, this beautiful garden city is the gateway to the diverse region of the South Island, and a great base from which to explore Canterbury.

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Christchurch

Depart Auckland and travel north through beautiful coastal scenery to Whangarei and north to the Bay of Islands. At the beginning of your journey, you’ll drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland.

Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.

The resort town of Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is at the Casa Bella Motel, an ideal base for exploring the Bay of Islands, and within walking distance to Pahia’s major visitor attractions.

Travelling Time: approx 4 hours (240 kms / 149 miles)

Accommodation: Casa Bella Motel, Paihia.

Depart Christchurch this morning, travelling through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains before heading inland to the small farming township of Geraldine.

The views are breathtaking as you head towards the stunning, glacial fed Lake Tekapo, & you may want to visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd standing in picturesque solitude on the foreshores of the lake.

From Tekapo, travel along the western side of Lake Pukaki at the foot of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mount Cook. Set in 5 acres of park like grounds with magnificent views of Mt Cook, the Mountain Chalets in Twizel are an ideal base to explore the Mount Cook National Park.

Travelling Time: approx 4 hours (330kms / 205 miles)

Accommodation: Mountain Chalets, Twizel

At 3754 metres, New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook is dazzling, yet there are 27 other mountains in this alpine backbone which peak at over 3050 metres, and hundreds of others not far short of that – all making up the famous Southern Alps.

Today is free for you to explore the area – you may want to enjoy a 4WD safari, take a boat journey on the glacier lakes, go horse trekking, fishing, or enjoy a scenic flight with a snow landing. There are also numerous walks in the area catering to all levels of ability.

Accommodation: Mountain Chalets, Twizel

After passing through Omarama your drive south to Queenstown passes over the beautiful Lindis Pass – after which you may wish to stop at Lake Dunstan for a picnic before exploring the restored heart of Cromwell.

The vineyards of the Gibbston area and a stop to watch the bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are also enroute before arriving at the alpine resort of Queenstown.

Exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic, Queenstown is the place to take part in almost any kind of adventure, including bungy jumping, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing. If luxury experiences are more to your taste - gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf abound.

Travelling Time: approx 4hours (320 kms / 198 miles)

Accommodation: Goldridge Resort, Queenstown

Today is free to you to explore Queenstown at your leisure. From crystal clear Lake Wakatipu across to The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown’s environment is majestic, awe inspiring and almost unbelievable. Queenstown’s wildly exciting environment is irresistible to adventure seekers. In the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ you’ll find adrenalin-stirring, sanity-reducing exploits of the most extreme kind.

Accommodation: Goldridge Resort, Queenstown

The road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives and a cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Milford Sound itself is an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the highlights of your trip. We have a choice of cruises available on Milford Sound to ensure you enjoy the best experience during your time on the fiord.

The road to Milford also has many interesting stopping points – don’t miss the Mirror lakes (58 kms from Te Anau) and The Chasm with its curiously shaped rocks (109 kms from Te Anau).

Travelling Time: approx 5 hours (580 kms / 360 miles)

Accommodation: Goldridge Resort, Queenstown

Today is free for you to enjoy the wide range of activities on offer.
You may like to take a drive to Arrowtown, a pretty historical mining town only 20 mins drive from Queenstown, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the wineries, or an exhilirating jet boat ride on the Shotover or Dart River (all options can be pre-booked by ANZCRO).

Accommodation: Goldridge Resort, Queenstown

The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road which although challenging will reward you with stunning views. You may instead choose to take the road running beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River.

The lakeside resort town of Wanaka has an appealing mix of fine living, family fun and adventure. Cafes, restaurants and interesting shops abound, all located beside the stunning vista across Lake Wanaka towards the Mt Aspiring National Park.

Travelling Time: approx 1 hours (110 kms / 68 miles)

Accommodation: The Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka

Today is free to enjoy the many activities available in this alpine resort.

Accommodation: The Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka

Lake Hawea is the first scenic highlight of your journey, followed closely by the northern end of Lake Wanaka. At the wilderness town of Makarora you can fuel up and refresh before you take on the dramatic twists and turns of the Haast Pass. Enjoy waterfalls and river scenery as you arrive in rainforest country.

The terminal face of Fox Glacier is just five kilometres from the township that serves it. The road to the walking track crosses ancient moraine from earlier advances and retreats.

Accommodation: Lake Matheson Motel, Fox Glacier

Today is a free day to enjoy to beauty of this stunning region at your leisure. While glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers still flow almost to sea level. The temperate climate at this low altitude means these glaciers are among the most convenient to visit in the world. Easy walks to the foot of the glaciers pass along ancient river valleys with steep sides bearing gigantic horizontal scars from when the glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia.

You may like to discover the glaciers up close by combining an awesome helicopter flight over Franz Josef with a unique guided walk, hiking amongst ice caves & pinnacles in this pristine alpine environment.

Travelling Time: approx 4 hours (260 kms / 161 miles)

Accommodation: Bella Vista Motel, Franz Josef.

After a short drive north, you'll arrive at Franz Josef Glacier. You can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes. The township of Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a ‘frontier town’, and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town's treasure & there are several places where you can watch it being carved.

The road between Hokitika and Greymouth provides great views of the wild west coast. Greymouth also has a long gold mining history. It's the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes.

Located on the edge of Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki is best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes - both of which are spectacular and a must-see when visiting the West Coast.

Travelling Time: approx 3 hours (275 kms / 170 miles)

Accommodation: Paparoa Park Motel, Punakaiki

Driving north from Punakaiki you may like to take a short detour just south of Westport, out to Cape Foulwind and the award winning Bayhouse Cafe for stunning views and fantastic food. From here you continue north up the stunning Buller River & Gorge towards Motueka, passing through rich rainforests & farmland before arriving on the coast at the entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. Your accommodation this evening is at Kaiteri Lodge, beach-style accommodation right on the beach front of beautiful Kaiteriteri Beach.

Travelling Time: approx 3 hours 30 minutes (280 kms / 173 miles)

Accommodation: Kaiteri Lodge, Kaiteriteri

This is New Zealand's smallest national park, protecting 23,000 hectares of the most natural stretch of easily accessible coastline in New Zealand. Today we have included a cruise into the park followed by a gentle walk through this lush paradise where native forests give way to golden sands and azure water. With the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand, sea breezes in summer and calm, crisp days in winter makes walking a pleasure, year-round. Your cruise will collect you later in the day to return to Kaiteriteri.

Accommodation: Kaiteri Lodge, Kaiteriteri

Motueka to Picton (via Nelson) is approximately a 3 hour drive, but you will want to allow time to stop in Nelson for a couple of hours to explore this picturesque city.

Driving towards Havelock, you have the option of either taking the very scenic Queen Charlotte drive taking in stunning views over the Queen Charlotte Sound, or heading towards the wine growing region of Marleborough perhaps stopping at a couple of boutique vineyards along the way.

Travelling Time: approx 3 hours (153 kms / 95 miles)

Accommodation: Aldan Lodge Motel, Picton

This morning is free to relax & enjoy the tranquil setting of Picton, before boarding your 1.10pm ferry to Wellington. This 3 hour journey is one of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences, and is often described as one of the most spectacular ferry crossings in the world.

As New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington has so much to explore, set on the edge of a stunning harbour surrounded by rolling hills. Your ferry arrives at 4.20pm so you will have the evening free to explore Wellington’s historic central city suburb of Thorndon, a short walking distance to all the main attractions.

Travelling Time: approx 4 hours (102 kms / 63 miles)

Accommodation: Mercure Willis Street, Wellington

Stunning natural scenery, a wealth of arts and culture, a vibrant downtown area, a chance to learn about New Zealand’s history and heritage – all this awaits you in Wellington. The Cable Car is a great way to enjoy stunning veiws over the city & is easy to access from Lambton Quarter.

Wellington is an incredibly compact city and the best way to discover it is on foot. While you can walk from one end of town to the other within half an hour, you will no doubt be enthralled by the variety of the stores within this compact space.

Restaurants and bars provide an eating experience unmatched in New Zealand. From silver service to cheap meals and counter snacks, Wellington will serve you well. The cuisine is a melting pot reflecting Wellington’s cultural diversity.

Other things to check out include:

• Parliment Tours which run on the hour, every hour, free of charge.
• Take a stroll along Wellington’s stunning waterfront.
• A drive along Wellington’s South Coast to spot New Zealand fur seals.
• DON’T MISS Te Papa - New Zealand's national museum and recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences. Entry is free.

Accommodation: Mercure Willis Street, Wellington

Only an hour & a half from Wellington, the Wairarapa region is one of New Zealand’s top food and wine destinations offering some of the country’s premium wines and everything from country cooking to fine cuisine in the many cafes, vineyards and restaurants.

Situated on the edge of Martinborough Village, The Claremont is the ideal base for you to enjoy everything the region has to offer. Vineyard tours offer the chance of sampling Martinborough’s medal winning wines, explore the untamed coastline or experience the Palliser Vineyard walk.

Travelling Time: approx 1 hour (85 kms / 52 miles)

Accommodation: The Claremont, Martinborough

Today we drive north to Hastings, which was devastated by the 1931 earthquake, so has plenty of Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style architecture to see. Fabulous parks, pipfruit and delicious ice cream are other great reasons to visit Hastings.

The city of Napier is only 20 km’s to the north of Hastings. Also levelled by the 1931 earthquake, and rebuilt in the style of the times, Napier is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world. The vineyards of Hawke’s Bay are all within easy reach of Napier and you may also want to visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

Travelling Time: approx 4 hours (285 kms / 177 miles)

Accommodation: Albatross Motel, Napier

Fantastic scenery will inspire you on the journey from Napier to Lake Taupo today, travelling through rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains & huge vista’s. Stopping off at Tarawera you can walk to the hot springs & you may also want to stop at the Waiarua Falls lookout, for great views of the twin waterfalls.

The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand's largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout. On the road from Lake Taupo to Rotorua you’ll encounter Huka Falls (well worth a visit) before arriving at the city of Rotorua.

Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, there is evidence everywhere of volcanic activity, including bubbling mudpools & geothermal geysers. Rotorua is also a great place to discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people.

Travelling Time: approx 3 hours (215 kms / 133 miles)

Accommodation: SilverOaks Hotel Geyserland, Rotorua

Today is free to enjoy the area. Geyser displays, in particular the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve which shoots boiling water 31m into the air regularly, are not to be missed.

Rotorua is the heartland of Maori culture in New Zealand and a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the stories of these vibrant people. Maori people comprise more than one third of Rotorua’s population and their culture is one of Rotorua's biggest draw cards. They delight in sharing their legends, music and arts with visitors.

Sample indigenous flavours cooked using traditional methods or watch master carvers and weavers at work, telling the stories of the ancestors through their crafts.

Accommodation: SilverOaks Hotel Geyserland, Rotorua

Travelling to Waitomo Caves today will take you through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. There are no major towns along the way, so stock up on picnic supplies in preparation for the drive.

The hydro power station at Atiamuri is an interesting stop, and the beautiful Pureora Forest Park, is home to several rare bird species, and has a number of well marked walking tracks.

The area around Waitomo Caves is an ancient limestone region & beneath the surface lies a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glowworms. There are plenty of opportunities to explore this underground labyrinth of ancient caverns & limestone formations on either a guided tour, blackwater rafting or cave abseiling adventures. Please pre-book to avoid disappointment.

Travelling Time: approx 2 hours 30 minutes (180 kms / 111 miles)

Accommodation: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park, Waitomo

The road trip towards Hamilton boasts picturesque rural views of the lush, prime farmland of the Waikato region, while a detour towards the West Coast will lead you to Kawhia. At Kawhia you can witness the natural phenomenon of hot water bubbling up through sand. If you are travelling during the summer season a stop in Te Awamtu is a must to view the beautiful rose displays.

Travelling north on State Highway 1 you will arrive in Auckland late afternoon.

Travelling Time: approx 3 hours (200 kms / 124 miles)

Accommodation: All Seasons, Auckland

Auckland enjoys a warm, humid climate and a unique combination of ultra modern city life and exceptional outdoor lifestyle. Famous for it’s stunning aqua surrounds and volcanic cones, one of the best ways to get out and about is to escape to one of the many islands of the Hauraki. Travelling no more than 40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, visitors can escape to an island experience - Waiheke, Motuihe, Rangitoto - or journey a little further to Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau or Great Barrier.

Located across Auckland harbour, historic Devonport is a wonderful way to experience local charm and character. Pretty wooden colonial villa's line the streets, mixing surprising well with the cafes and boutique shops selling crafts, antiques and collectibles.