This tour of New Zealand visits unique geothermal Rotorua, the mighty Southern Alps, stunning Queenstown, Milford Sound, the Tongariro National Park, Capital city of Wellington and breathtaking Mount Cook.
The iconic Sky Tower has stood tall at 328 metres, owning Auckland’s skyline for over 20 years. It’s an exciting hub of adrenaline activities, sky-high events, superb dining and breath-taking views.
Three fabulous viewing platforms offer the opportunity to admire Auckland from atop the tower. And a fantastic selection of bars, award-winning restaurants and cafes, two first-class hotels and the world-class SkyCity Casino are also available to visitors.
A visit to the Sky Tower is a great way to see the layout of New Zealand’s largest city. See the central city from above and take in the beautiful views up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Spot the key landmarks a number of volcanoes & historical locations within the greater Auckland area.
Experience the real Middle-Earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Step into the lush pastures of the Shire™ — as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies — in NZ’s Waikato region.
Follow acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson’s lead and fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, a.k.a. the Shire. You’ll find it hidden in the unequivocal beauty of Waikato’s farmland, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance.
Your guide will escort you around the 12 acre set. You’ll see the intricate detailing, the most famous locations and learn how the movie magic was made.
Your walking tour will take you through the set past Hobbit Holes™ and the Mill. And your tour ends at Hobbiton’s world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn for a drink.
In traditional hāngī cooking, food such as fish and kumara (sweet potato), were cooked in a pit dug in the ground. Today, pork, lamb, potato, pumpkin and cabbage are also included. Hāngī was traditionally wrapped in flax leaves, but a modern Hāngī is more likely to use mutton cloth, aluminium foil and wire baskets. Traditionally the baskets were placed on hot stones at the bottom of a hole dug into the ground. The food is covered with a wet cloth and a mound of dirt that traps the heat from the stones. The Hāngī was left in the ground for about three to four hours, depending on the amount of food. The result of this process is tender meat and delicious vegetables, infused with smoky, earthy flavours. Today a process is used in above ground steaming facilities, giving a similar taste. Good food is central to the spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality). There are few experiences that rival sharing a feast cooked in a traditional Maori hāngī (earth oven), a centuries-old cooking method perfect for feeding a crowd and bringing a community together.
Conveniently located just minutes from Rotorua’s City centre, high on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, the Gondola will carry you to 487 metres above sea level to a stunning environment providing panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding area. There’s also Skyline Luge, which is a fun-filled adventure activity suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels. The tracks are all designed with twists, turns and tunnels to ride with your friends and family for a thrilling outdoor experience. Climb aboard your Luge cart and let gravity and your sense of adventure do the rest!
Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands near Rotorua at Te Puia. See dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush.
Enjoy the opportunity to come face to face with the biggest, active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pōhutu Geyser. There are also jumping mud pools and live kiwi in the Kiwi Conservation Centre.
And watch master carvers and weavers at work at the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and hear guides share stories passed down from their ancestors.
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of geothermal activity. Featuring some amazing colours and thermal wonders such as the Lady Knox Geyser which is presented daily at 10.15am. This unique geyser can reach up to heights of 10-20 metres. See and learn about the magnificent workings of the Lady Knox geyser from the wonderful team. There is also the geothermal park, sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape – the key to what you see lies below the surface – one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand, extending over 18-sq. km. The Mud Pool is the largest mud pool in New Zealand, it was originally the site of a large mud volcano which was destroyed through erosion in the 1920’s.
The world-renowned Agrodome farm show is a must on any visit to Rotorua. It is set in 350-acres of lush farmland, only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre. Be entertained by a cast of talented animals.
For over 40 years, visitors have come to the the famous Farm Show at the Agrodome. You can also visit the Farmyard Nursery. It is home to the cutest baby animals who are available for cuddles and photos all year round.
There is a guided farm tour of the 350-acre working farm. You’ll get to hand-feed loads of friendly animals and sample delicious kiwifruit juice and honey from the land. And there is also the Woollen Mill and Shearing Museum to visit. Here you’ll learn the remarkable story of, NZ shearing pioneers, the Bowen brothers and discover the full process of wool from the sheep’s back to yours.
This is a superb way of experiencing the Tongariro National Park and enjoying this stunning time of day. This fantastic evening option is ideally suited to maximise a travel day to or from Tongariro National Park. This walk is also great for those who would like to experience the volcanic terrain but have limited time or fitness for the more strenuous full day treks. The sunset tour is an easy 2 hours in amongst the Tongariro Volcanoes.
We pick and choose the exact route to suit the level of ability for the group for example, if walking on a pathless track is too difficult, we can change the route to something easier.
The route is selected from one of the following:
We walk for approximately 60 – 80 minutes before selecting the ideal spot to enjoy a glass of New Zealand bubbles as we watch the sunset. The preferred route is the Taranaki Falls loop track, other route options are a return trip starting on the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing track; return route out to sunset ridge or Meads Wall. Your guide will talk about the area with their local knowledge of geology, volcanology and New Zealand cultural history. A memorable way to see the National Park with sunset lighting up a majestic Alpine setting.
The iconic Skyline Gondola gives you the opportunity to take in stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll be carried 480 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak.
Enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama. There are breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peaks and, of course, Queenstown.
The short ride on the gondola offers views of the beauty of the Wakatipu basin. When you get to the top there’s a lot to do. Have a drink from the bar and enjoy the view. Take a few rides on the thrilling Luge (once is never enough). Or refuel with a sumptuous buffet lunch or dinner at the restaurant.
The Dart River Safari jetboat experience is an exhilarating and spectacular journey through iconic landscapes. The landscapes in the Dart River Valley are nothing short of awe-inspiring. And you’ll learn about the area as you travel past snow-capped mountains, crystal clear waterways and lush ancient native beech forests.
The braided Dart River (or Te Awa Whakatipu) flows for 60km to the northern tip of Lake Whakatipu near Glenorchy. It’ll take you from the Southern Alps and the Dart Glacier in the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park to the lake. You’ll be towered over by mountain ranges on either side. And the Dart River Valley offers stunning panoramic views to enjoy at every turn.
Your passionate and knowledgeable driver will make help make your adventure unforgettable. Learn the culture and history of Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area as you travel.
Arrowtown’s Lakes District Museum was established in 1948 as a Centennial of Otago project. Appropriately set in the former gold mining town, the museum started life in the billiard rooms of the Ballarat Hotel. It then shifted to the current home, the former Bank of New Zealand building, in 1955.
Over the last 60 years, innovative direction has seen the museum recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading small museums. It has a strong hands-on focus. Working displays cover two floors and incorporate three historic buildings. They offer a window into the past — an authentic picture of early Maori life and the harsh lives of European settlers and goldminers.
A short distance from Queenstown, the museum also houses an art gallery, bookshop, archives and research facility and a busy education programme.
The TSS Earnslaw offers one of the best ways to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship taking in the views at a leisurely pace.
An iconic piece of Queenstown’s history, The Earsnlaw has been lovingly maintained since 1912. Take time to explore the vessel, view the engine room, and study the historic displays of the steamship’s former life.
Your trip will take you across the lake, past the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak to Walter Peak for a high country farm experience. Then you’ll cruise back to Queenstown Bay with plenty of time to take in that world-famous alpine scenery.
A boutique winery tour is a wonderful way to explore the vineyards of Gibbston Valley, near Queenstown. Famous for their world-class pinot noir, the vineyards you will visit are set in the truly breathtaking scenery of an alpine valley.
Raising grapes this far south is hard work. But one sip of Gibbston Valley pinot noir tells you the effort is absolutely worthwhile. This area, outside Queenstown, is fondly known as the “Valley of the Vines”. And it is one of the most scenic wine growing areas in New Zealand. The vineyards are sandwiched between rugged mountains and the rocky Kawarau River gorge.
This high altitude area is subject to cold winters, hot dry summers and a huge night-to-day temperature range. But these challenging conditions have produced consistently superb wines. And worldwide recognition and an avalanche of international awards followed. More than 70% of the grapes grown here are pinot noir. Other varieties include chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc.
The Queenstown region features prominently in the incredibly popular Lord of the Rings trilogy. And Nomad Safaris’ “The Safari of the Scenes Tour” combines a true 4WD adventure with film locations from the LOTR trilogy.
Your guides rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth and bring it to life with rare facts and thrilling tales. Discover the magical side of New Zealand. And find out why this magnificent country was chosen to portray Middle-earth.
This Queenstown adventure safari is packed with breath-taking Lord Of The Rings filming locations and thrilling 4WD action.
This thrilling jetboat ride takes you through the spectacular shotover canyons near Queenstown. See the canyons’ beauty and feel their power on the world’s most exciting jet boat ride. A unique combination of beauty and power, the Shotover Jet is an experience like no other.
This iconic Queenstown attraction is proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, the Māori people of this land, and their connection to the Kimiākau (Shotover River) goes back centuries. As the home of their tīpuna (ancestors), this place is part of them.
Only Shotover Jet have access to the spectacular Shotover Canyons and no one knows this area like they do. The world-famous trip combines pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish!
Cruise Milford Sound, the most well-known and accessible of all the fiords in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area. Its 16 kilometre (14 nautical miles) length is lined by sheer rock faces that soar 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) or more from the water.
Milford Sound is in the heart of a rainforest (annual rainfall is 6,813mm or 268 inches). This creates walls of temporary waterfalls on a wet day. In drier conditions this recedes to just two permanent waterfalls (Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls). Glorious on a fine day, Milford Sound’s ethereal, moody beauty in the rain is equally spectacular.
On your leisurely and informative nature cruise, you’ll see towering cliffs and peaks. The spectacular 1692 metre Mitre Peak — NZ’s most photographed mountain — rises more than a kilometre straight out of the sea. Waterfalls cascade into the fiord. And luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock faces in this breath taking place.
Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, a short distance from Dunedin, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell. Then master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior.
William Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world. Allowed to decay, it has been lovingly restored over decades by the Barker family who purchased it in 1967.
The family has restored the empty buildings from ruin and have assembled a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques. A living collection that showcases the craftsmanship and spirt of New Zealand.
Visit Larnach Castle to discover its rich history, dating back to 1871. Its interiors are a fascinating insight into Victorian decor. And you’ll enjoy exploring the exquisite gardens, which have attained a Garden of International Significance award from the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
We can customise any of our Self guided drive tours to your needs
Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. But Christchurch is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces.
The Avon River runs through the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. Cruise along the picturesque river on a flat bottomed punt. Take a ride on a historic tram through the city. With wonderful parks and botanic gardens to explore Christchurch is a great place to visit.
Aoraki / Mount Cook, standing at 3,724 metres, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is located within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
The park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense — with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky. It is part of the Southern Alps, the mountain range running the length of the South Island.
A popular tourist destination, Aoraki /Mount Cook is also a favourite challenge for mountain climbers. Mt Cook, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of becoming the first person to climb Mt Everest.
Although the National Park encompasses 23 peaks over 3000 metres high, it is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village beside scenic Lake Pukaki, which provides a comfortable base for alpine activities.
Far from city lights, the stargazing here is magnificent. Indeed, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve.
Queenstown is a stunning resort town, renowned for its beauty and wealth of adventure activities, it sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps mountains, Queenstown is also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.
Iconic adventure activities include bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and jet-boating on the Shotover and Dart rivers. And in winter, there’s skiing on the slopes of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona ski resorts.
Queenstown is a hub of adventure, thrumming with adrenaline and an buzzing with a carefree sense of fun. But extreme activities aren’t the only options here. This world-famous resort town and its surrounding area boast many things to see, do, eat, drink and explore. Something for everyone at any time of year.
Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world”, Milford Sound is a stunning fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island.
The “sound” was carved out by glaciers during the ice age like all modern fiords. But it’s majesty and the drama of its surrounding mountains is hard to match. It is known for the towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides.
When it rains in Milford Sound — and it often does — those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect. Whatever the weather it really is a breath-taking sight.
Boat tours are a popular way to explore the inky waters of this pristine natural wonder. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life.
A two hour drive from Queenstown, Te Anau is a Southland town. A pretty lakeside town, it’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Te Anau offers great views of the lake and mountains beyond and a good range of cafes and restaurants. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of the park’s wilderness, including Milford and Doubtful Sounds is within easy reach.
The region is home to many of NZ’s Great Walks, endangered flightless takahē birds and abundant trout in Lake Te Anau. Te Anau Caves feature a limestone grotto of glowworms and an underground waterfall. To the southwest, the Kepler Track winds through beech forests, glacial valleys and mountains.
Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin is a city that wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The small city boasts some eye-catching architecture and is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
A gaelic language namesake of ‘Edinburgh’, Dunedin sits at the end of a long picturesque harbour surrounded by dramatic hills. There is so much to see and do here. Stroll through the city and its heritage buildings. Visit intriguing museums and historic homes like Olveston. Experience the rare wildlife found in the spectacular landscapes that surround the city.
The nearby Otago Peninsula offers endless views and beautifully rugged beaches. Nestled at the foot of Taiaroa Head is the Royal Albatross Centre — the only place in the world on the mainland where you can view Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat.
You will also find other wildlife including colonies of the world’s rarest penguin on the Peninsula. On the beaches, you will find fur seals and sea lions just lazing around and enjoying their natural habitat.
Dunedin’s heritage even extends to a real castle, high on the hills of the Otago Peninsula. Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle and a much-loved piece of Dunedin history.
South Island town, Oamaru is North Otago’s largest town. It is well known for remarkable geological formations, local stone, wildlife, and its unique history and historical buildings.
The service centre for the Waitaki District, Oamaru has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by the passionate and perhaps quirky locals.
Explore the town’s heritage in the Victorian Precinct. You’ll experience some of the Southern Hemispheres most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th century architecture. And you will find, shops, galleries and traditional crafts in well-preserved buildings.
The town proudly celebrates local heritage and history in Victorian Heritage Celebrations held every November.
Oamaru is also home to a blue penguin colony. These little penguins live around the harbour. And for a unique experience you can take up a seat in the viewing stands to witness these little creatures returning from sea to their nests at night.
Blenheim sits in the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough region. It is known as one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Mountains frame the area and trap the summer heat (temperatures over 30°C are quite normal in February and March).
Rows of vines thrive in this environment and produce the majority of New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blanc.
In and around Blenheim you’ll find an array of cafes, restaurants, wineries, bars, shops, artisan food outlets and golf courses along with popular walkways along the Taylor River Reserve.
Aircraft enthusiast are in for a treat. A 10 minute drive from the railway station and you will be outside enormous airport hangers, about to enter a world of flight and excitement. Omaka Aviation Heritage is home to Peter Jackson’s personal collection of WW1 planes and memorabilia.
Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest city. It is based around 2 large and picturesque harbours. ‘The City of Sails’ is known as such because of the many yachts often seen on those harbours.
Tāmaki Makaurau is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two major bodies of water. The central part of the urban area occupies a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and the Waitematā Harbour on the Pacific Ocean.
The Auckland landscape is also dotted with 53 volcanic centres that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field. And the many volcanic cones are a feature of the city.
In the centre of the city, the iconic Sky Tower dominates the skyline and has views across the city and harbours.
There is lots to see and do close to the CBD. Bustling precincts include Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour, full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, covers an extinct volcano and is home to the formal Wintergardens. A short harbour-side drive takes you to Mission Bay Beach, which offers a relaxed beachside vibe and a seaside promenade — a wonderful place for a stroll.
A slightly longer drive will take you to the Waitakere Ranges, which surrounding the city to the west, and pristine sub-tropical rainforest.
Rotorua is an inland city that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture experiences, 18 lakes, and three major rivers in a beautiful natural environment.
Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists. Its geothermal activity, featuring geysers and hot mud pools, are world renowned. This thermal activity is created by the Rotorua Caldera, over which the town is built.
In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. Its also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools.
Rotorua was one of the first places in the country to host tourists who came to experience the healing properties of the geothermal waters.
Tongariro National Park is situated in the middle of the North Island, just south of Lake Taupō. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers almost 80,000 hectares of awe-inspiring landscapes.
The mountains of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate the area. Access its diverse terrain from a variety of neighbouring towns including Ohakune, Turangi or Taumarunui. Or base yourself, right in the heart of the National Park, at Whakapapa and National Park Villages.
The Tongariro National Park is most famous for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the large ski fields of Whakapapa and Tūroa on Mount Ruapehu. But there is a huge variety of activities to enjoy in and around the park year round.
This stunning location offers you the opportunity to spend some time exploring the great outdoors. Walks, hikes and bike rides for every age and ability are easy to access. They’re perfect for day trips or multi-day adventures.
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the location of our parliament. Located at the bottom of the North Island it sits on the Cook Strait, which divides the North and South Islands. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname “Windy Wellington”.
It is a vibrant and compact city, with a beautiful waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and some lovely turn of the century, timber houses on the steep hills it features. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
Wellington is home to New Zealand’s National Museum, Te Papa, and bespoke art and creative pursuits thrive in this city. Couple this with a strong café and restaurant culture and you have an interesting and unique little city to explore.
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