22 Day New Zealand Explorer Southbound (Auckland to Christchurch)

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 - Auckland

Arrive early to make the most of the distinctive Pacific flavour of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Enjoy a cosmopolitan vibe and a wide variety of well positioned cafes that bask in the lively atmosphere.

Day 2 and 3 - Bay of Islands

Travel north to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Take an overnight cruise through this amazing region. The boat is equipped with kayaks, snorkelling gear and other equipment for all the planned stops at the islands on this 22 hour tour. Sit back, soak up the stunning scenery and enjoy one of your tour highlights!

Day 4 - Waitomo

Discover Waitomo, which is famous for its limestone caves, glow worms and blackwater rafting - an unforgettable trip involving hiking and descending an underground river floating on an inner tube (own expense).

Day 5 - Rotorua

Geysers, bubbling mud pools and volcanic cliffs shaped by seismic forces make Rotorua a must-see while travelling in New Zealand. This popular resort town also boasts a fine selection of restaurants and cafes.

Day 6 and 7 - Taupo to Mt Ruapehu

Visit the beautiful Huka Falls on the way to Taupo. While in Taupo, take the opportunity to bungee jump or jet boat (optional and own expense) - this is the extreme sports capital of the North Island after all! Be inspired and captivated by the majesty of Mt Ruapehu. For the energetic, a hike along the Tongariro Crossing is recommended.

Day 8 - Wellington

Spend time exploring Te Papa Tongarewa Museum. In free time perhaps jump in the cable car to the Botanic Gardens for spectacular views of Wellington city and harbour.

Day 9 and 10 - Nelson

Cruise the Marlborough Sounds while aboard a scenic ferry from the North to the South Island, on the way to Nelson. Be sure to make time to visit Abel Tasman National Park or perhaps indulge in a local winery tour.

Day 11 - Kaikoura

Leaving Nelson we head to the beautiful coastline of Kaikoura where many adventures await us. Take a boat trip out to see the whales (optional and own expnse). Experience being close to some of the largest creatures in the world. For those who wish there are plane or helicopter flights to view the whales. Kaikoura is famous for its seafood and marine life with much to see and do.

Day 12 - Christchurch

Arrive early and discover Christchurch, the south islands remerging city. Explore pop up bars, cafes and restaurants in the exciting new development dubbed RE:start. Relax with a coffee in a converted shipping container and see what’s happening in funky Christchurch.

Day 13 - Punakaiki

Leave the dry East Coast and cross the dividing range on the way to the lush, green West Coast. Watch as the countryside changes radically to reveal deep blue rivers springing from the steep mountainsides.

Day 14 and 15 - Franz Josef Glacier

Sit back and relax on a breathtaking drive along the coast, passing forests, lakes and hidden beaches. Arrive in Franz Josef and choose from an array of optional activities here. Join a guided hike across the glacier, go for a kayak, take a spin on a quad bike or enjoy unrivalled views of the region on a scenic flight (all activities optional and own expense).

Days 16 to 19 - Queenstown 

Soak up mountain vistas, meandering rivers and glassy lakes while travelling to Queenstown. Be sure to have camera batteries charged as there'll be countless photo opportunities along the way. Then be spoilt for choice in the undisputed adventure capital of New Zealand. Jet boat, bungee jump, paraglide and kayak around Queenstown before taking time out on the Skyline Gondola (all activities apart from the Gondola trip are at own expense).

Day 20 - Te Anau

Explore Milford Sound on a cruise (seasonal May – September) and search out bottlenose dolphins, seals and crested penguins. This area dishes up scenery that is nothing short of breathtaking, with tall mountain peaks, waterfalls and crystal clear water.

Day 21 - Mount Cook

Be dwarfed by spectacular Aoraki (Mt Cook) which, at an impressive 3,754 m (12,316 ft), is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Explore meadows, lakes, streams and glaciers which shelter the world's only alpine parrot, the kea.

Day 22 - Christchurch

Travel back to Christchurch where it will be time to say farewell to new friends. Perhaps choose to celebrate the end of this epic South Island adventure with a group dinner!