Northern Highlights (Reverse Start Christchurch)

Northern New Zealand, including Christchurch, Wellington, Waitomo and Auckland

Map & Sightseeing List

11 days

Total Price From* $77 per day: $850 per person

*Based on twin share.

Meals: 7 2
Transportation: n/a
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Lodge

Daily Itinerary Northern Highlights (Reverse Start Christchurch)

Depart for New Zealand Days 1 and 2

Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.
Arrive Christchurch Day 3
Check into the Bealeys Hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Christchurch.
- Hotel
Christchurch to Wellington Day 4
Heading north, make sure your camera is handy for the spectacular views along the Kaikoura Coastline. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot one of the many Seal colonies in this area. Boarding the Inter-Island ferry we’ll do the South to North Island hop through Marlborough Sound and the Cook Strait. Back on terra firma it’s a drive along the scenic waterfront and up to Mt Victoria, before arriving in Wellington, a cosmopolitan city famed for its cafes, restaurants and trendy bars.
- Hotel
Wellington Day 5
A full day to explore the city and its surrounding area. Take your time to enjoy the amazing Museum of New Zealand, known as Te Papa ‘Our House’. Maybe do some shopping or see the sights of the Lord of the Rings trilogy or just relax in one of the city’s many cafes. Later this evening join us for a walkabout dinner.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Wellington to Taupo Day 6
Today we travel the Kapiti coast northwards towards the Tongariro National park, past the spectacular central volcanoes of the North Island to our resort beside New Zealand’s largest lake - Taupo. This afternoon you’re free to wonder the shops, enjoy a parasail high over the lake or challenge gravity on the Rock n’ Ropes. Tonight maybe try fishing and later enjoy the famous local nightlife.
- Resort
- Breakfast
Taupo to Rotorua Day 7
We continue via forest and farmland to Rotorua, the heart of Maori culture. Here we’ll learn more about their history which dates back to the 10th century. Maybe try the Zorb or end the day by relaxing in a Polynesian thermal pool, before taking in an optional Maori Hangi style meal and Cultural concert.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Rotorua to Waitomo Day 8
We start the day with a visit to the Agrodome farm show, on our way to our special overnight stay at Waitomo, home of the world famous limestone formations and sparkling Glow worms. There will be time today, if you wish, to visit the Glow worm grotto or try underground cave rafting. Tonight there’s the chance to meet the local characters.
- Lodge
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Waitomo to Bay of Islands Day 9
We begin today with a drive through lush Waikato countryside, on our way to Auckland, for a lunch stop before heading across the Auckland Harbour Bridge to the semitropical region of Northland. After a visit to parry Kauri Park we travel to our resort in Pahia.
- Resort
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Bay of Islands Day 10
A day of adventure and fun. The day is yours to enjoy the overwhelming beauty of the Bay of Islands. How about a Catamaran cruise through the “Hole-in-the-Rock”, maybe sail to a deserted island for lunch, perhaps travel along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga at “lands end”.
- Resort
- Breakfast
Bay of Islands to Auckland Day 11
This morning we head south, past the rolling Northland countryside, arriving back in to Auckland where it’s time to say a final farewell as your tour ends around lunchtime.
- Breakfast