Maoris, Mother Nature and Magnificent New Zealand

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
In the executive lounge, your Tour Manager will put you at ease and introduce you to your fellow travellers.

Day 2 Hong Kong
You’ll arrive later this afternoon and transfer for a 2 night stay at the Park Land Hotel, in the heart of Hong Kong Island’s Causeway Bay, with stunning views over Victoria Park to the harbour beyond. In the evening you’ll join your Tour Manager for welcome drinks in the ambient hotel bar.

Day 3 Hong Kong
On this morning’s tour you’ll head to The Peak to take in impressive views overlooking Victoria Harbour and the beautiful mountain backdrop. You’ll stop at Aberdeen Harbour, where hundreds of people live on fishing junks, before heading to Stanley Market to browse the local wares.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 4 Hong Kong
You have a free morning to shop, sightsee and explore before transferring to the airport this afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 5 Arrive Christchurch
Your flight arrives via Auckland into Christchurch this morning and you will have chance to see the city as well as relax in your hotel, the Copthorne Commodore where you’ll stay for 1 night
Day 6 Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
A 3 hour scenic drive takes you to stunning Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps, the region is a popular star gazing spot. The unforgettable night sky reveals why Tekapo has an international reputation for clear air. You’ll stay at the Peppers Bluewater Resort for the night.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 Lake Tekapo to Dunedin
Journeying through the roaming pastures of the Canterbury Plains, you’ll arrive in the laid-back city of Dunedin on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. En route, you’ll see Lake Pukaki and visit the mystical Koekohe Beach to see the unusual Moeraki Boulders. Your home for the next 2 nights is the Scenic Southern Cross Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 8 Dunedin
Learn of Dunedin’s Scottish heritage as you explore the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ on an illuminating tour, before a relaxing cruise around the Otago Peninsula, and if lucky you’ll spot albatross, sea lions and whales in their natural habitat. Later in the afternoon, you may choose our optional excursion on board Dunedin’s Taieri River Gorge Railway which climbs through breathtaking scenery.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Dunedin to Milford Sound
On your beautiful journey through Fiordland, you’ll pause at Lake Te Anau on your way to the natural wonder of Milford Sound. You’ll have a little time to explore, before boarding the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise. The eerily calm waters and majestic rock faces hold many magical sights, from wildlife to the mighty Mitre Peak. The boat anchors at Harrison Cove where you can choose to venture out on a canoe ride or board the vessel’s tender craft for a guided nature tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 10 Milford Sound to Queenstown
Travelling through the historic gold rush region, you’ll stop at Arrowtown to wander pretty, treelined streets, past speciality stores and quirky boutiques. You’ll arrive in Queenstown surrounded by its towering mountain tops and check in to the Millennium Queenstown Hotel for 2 nights. This evening you’ll cross tranquil Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamer, TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 11 Queenstown
On your free day, take a relaxed stroll around the city’s gardens in the fresh Alpine air or soar above the landscape on the Skyline Gondola cable car ride for views over the mountains and lake.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 Queenstown to Franz Josef
Through the sprawling mountain terrain of Wanaka, past snow-capped peaks, you’ll travel to the forests and glaciers of the World Heritage Westland National Park. For 2 nights you’ll stay at the stunning Te Waonui Forest Retreat, nestled within lush rainforest.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 13 Franz Josef
On this free day, your Tour Manager can recommend some wonderful walks, including the dynamic glacier face route, or arrange optional excursions such as an exhilarating helicopter ride over the Southern Alps. We recommend a relaxing evening visit to the neighbouring Glacier Hot Pools for an open air soak.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 14 Franz Josef to Nelson
Your journey takes you up to the northern tip of the South Island. Along this leisurely route we will visit Hokitika and Punakaiki Beach best known for its spectacular Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. We then drive through Buller Gorge to the Rutherford Hotel for 2 nights in the lovely city of Nelson on Tasman Bay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 15 Nelson
You have a free day to explore at your own pace. Nelson has many fascinating art galleries and exhibitions. Engage in the region’s surrounding beauty on Botanical Hill, one of Nelson’s most popular walks. There is also an optional excursion to the Abel Tasman National Park with its stunning coastal scenery including tranquil Awaroa Bay. Tonight, you’ll head to a local vineyard for a wine tasting and dinner in the heart of Nelson’s wine region.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 16 Nelson to Wellington
Our scenic route this morning passes by vineyards to Picton, situated at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. With luck you may even spot a rare Hector’s dolphin on our ferry ride to Wellington! When you reach the North Island your first stop is Copthorne Oriental Bay where you’ll stay for 2 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 17 Wellington
On your free day exploring the fascinating sights and sounds of Wellington, find some time to see the artefacts and exhibits at Te Papa Museum, the shops and cafes on the vibrant waterfront, and the glorious Botanical Gardens. With views over the city and wonderful displays, they’re classified as a Garden of National Significance.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 18 Wellington to Wairakei
A stunning drive takes you north, along the Kapiti Coast and the Desert Road. In the background you’ll see the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park, dominated by Mt.Ruapehu (2,797m). Continuing past beautiful Lake Taupo and Taupo Town, you’ll arrive at Bayview Wairakei Resort where you’ll stay for 2 nights in this historical and natural setting.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 19 Wairakei
This area is of great significance to the Maori people and this morning you have the privilege of visiting a Maori village at Wairakei Terraces, meeting Maori elders and catching a glimpse of their heritage, customs and lifestyle.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 20 Wairakei to Rotorua to Auckland
A drive brings you to Rotorua, a centre of geothermal activity. You’ll visit hot springs and mud pools at Te Puia Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and experience the inner force of planet earth as you see how the most active geyser, Pohutu, or Big Splash, gets its name. At the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, you’ll learn more about this fascinating culture, before continuing to Auckland where you’ll take a brief sightseeing tour before checking into the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the next 2 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 21 Auckland
Explore the City of Sails on your free day; you’ll find plenty of fantastic shops, as well as architectural and cultural highlights. Tonight you’ll make the few minutes’ walk to the Orbit Restaurant. 328 metres up in the Auckland Sky Tower, this revolving restaurant will give you memorable views over the city.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 22 Auckland to Bay of Islands
Travelling northwards through the charming village of Matakohe you’ll reach the Waipora Forest and stop at the Kauri Museum to uncover stories of New Zealand’s heritage and pioneering days and learn about the native giant kauri trees. On arrival soak up the serenity of your waterfront hotel, the Copthorne Bay of Islands, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 23 Bay of Islands
Get ready for a thrilling adventure through pristine, turquoise waters, on the lookout for dolphins and other sea mammals. Sailing towards Cape Brett, the scenery is astounding, including the unmissable Hole in the Rock. In the afternoon, an exclusive experience awaits. You’ll be one of the few travellers welcomed into the Ngaphui Tribe, whose chief, Hone, is pictured, with his grandson Tani. After a heart-stirring Waka canoe ride on the Waitangi River to the thunderous Haruru Falls, you’ll be spellbound by the tribe’s storytelling, chants and rituals.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 24 Bay of Islands
If you need any ideas for this free day, ask your Tour Manager. One of our popular excursions is the full day to the northern tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, to see the solitary landmark of Cape Reinga Lighthouse. This evening you’ll join your group for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 25 Bay of Islands to Auckland
Returning south past Whangarei, you’ll arrive at Auckland airport in time to connect with your flight home to Heathrow via LA. You’ll have the option to break your journey in LA itself, or extend with a Fijian beach stay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 26 Arrive London Heathrow
Your flight arrives today. As well as lifelong memories, we hope you’ve also made some lifelong friendships.

Tour includes

Maximum group size: 25
JOD Tour Manager
Local expert guides in resort
All flights specified
London airport executive lounge
Welcome drinks party
Inspirational sightseeing programme
Hotel luggage porterage service
22 breakfasts and 8 dinners

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”