18 days +

Start: Auckland
Finish: Christchurch

Day 1, from Auckland travel north and explore the beaches and harbours of the Bay of Islands. Day 2, visit the historic settlement of Kaitaia and take a day trip to Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga. Day 3, head south and return to city life in Auckland. Day 4, travel south through Waikato countryside to the magical Waitomo Caves. Day 5, explore the lakeside adventure capital of Taupo. Day 6, drive the remarkable Desert Road in the shadow of volcanoes and unwind in the pretty gardens of Palmerston North. Day 7, head for Wellington and indulge in the rich culture of the capital city. Day 8, cross to the South Island and go whale watching at Kaikoura. Day 9, visit Christchurch city for a little retail therapy. Day 10, head south to Dunedin and sample the rich heritage. Day 11, drive through the wilderness of Southland and stop at New Zealand’s southern-most city, Invercargill. Day 12, turn north, heading for Te Anau and its famous glow worm caves. Day 13, take a round trip to majestic Milford Sound. Day 14, head for Queenstown and dare yourself to sample the adventure activities. Day 15, stop by beautiful Wanaka on the way to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier in West Coast glacier country. Day 16, head up the coast until you reach Punakaiki and its stunning rock formations. Day 17, make your way over the Lewis Pass and relax in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs. Day 18, finish your journey in picturesque Christchurch.