Highlights
- Explore the best of New Zealand's natural beauty in 5 days
- Boat ride through the glow worm grotto at Waitomo Caves
- Relax at Rotorua's geothermal parks
- Cross Cook Straight by ferry between Wellington and Picton
- Take in the spectacular coastal scenery on the train journey between Picton and Kaikoura (only from 01 October, 2013 to 30 April, 2014)
- Spot giant sperm whales in Kaikoura
Useful Information
5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Trip
Today you will depart from Auckland and drive to the magical Waitomo Caves. Here you will have a guided tour of the caves, before taking a short boat ride along the river to the grotto. Be enchanted by the thousands of glow worms emitting tiny lights that twinkle in the darkness. Later, you drive to Rotorua, passing through the Fitzgerald Glade, a section of highway where native bush forms a canopy overhead. Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 2 - Rotorua
This morning explore Rotorua's geothermal wonderland and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Enjoy a guided tour of Te Puia, see Rainbow Springs and watch the Agrodome Sheep Show. The rest of the day is at leisure and in the evening you might like to experience a Maori hangi (a traditional barbecue) and concert (at own expense). Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 3 - Rotorua to Wellington
There is more stunning scenery on offer today as you travel by coach to Wellington, passing Lake Taupo, Palmerston North and the Kapiti Coast. Overnight in Wellington.
Day 4 - Wellington via Picton to Kaikoura
This morning, travel by Inter Islander Ferry, via Cook Strait to Picton. Then it’s all aboard the TranzCoastal train to Kaikoura. This is a spectacular train journey that passes through stunning coastal scenery and rugged mountain ranges. Overnight in Kaikoura.
Day 5 - Kaikoura to Christchurch
The highlight this morning is a whale watching tour by boat or light aircraft. See the gentle giants of the sea and be thrilled as the giant sperm whales breach, and watch the dolphins and seals at play. Later in the afternoon you will drive to Christchurch where your tour concludes.
Tour can also be operated in reverse, Christchurch to Auckland
Reviewed by Caroline D, February 2013
Great tour with a well timed itinerary and wonderful local staff. Would have been useful to know of the names of the local places of accommodation or at least what type of rooms we were booked into as we could have made better use of the kitchenettes if we had known. It would also be helpful to have it stated clearly and upfront, that this is a self-guided tour with the occasional input from local operators. It was not a draw back for us, but certainly not expected when booking a "tour".
Reviewed by Joel F, December 2011
very nice trip
would book again!
