New Zealand Discovery

Days 1 - 4: London to Christchurch 

Board your flight from London to Christchurch. On arrival in New Zealand on the morning of day 3, due to the international time zones, you will be met and transferred to your Christchurch hotel for a 2 night stay. You have the opportunity to explore the city at your leisure and meet your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner on the evening of day 4. You'll also have an introduction and orientation of your motorhome at the hotel.

Days 5 - 6: Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook National Park

Distance: 274km / 170 miles

Your motorhome adventure starts today! Once you’re ready you’ll head south out of Christchurch across the Rakai River on the longest bridge in New Zealand. Drive across the Canterbury Plains towards Lake Tekapo. Be sure to stop and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, a photographer’s favourite. Head towards Lake Pukaki in the Mount Cook National Park, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Take the opportunity to explore World Heritage listed Mount Cook National Park. Covering over 70,000 hectares of breath-taking alpine scenery, the park is home to glacial lakes and New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Mount Tasman and, of course, Mount Cook.

Day 7 - 8 : Dunedin

Distance: 266 km / 165 miles

Heading south through the Waitaki Valley and along the coast, be sure to stop at the mysterious Moeraki Boulders appearing to emerge from the sands at low tide.

Affectionately known as ‘the Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin is your next stop. It is an endearing city of classical Victorian & Edwardian architecture and is the gateway to diverse wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Tours of the Otago Peninsula are available, taking in the region’s wildlife, scenery and historic buildings including Lanarch Castle, the Royal Albatross Centre and Penguin Place. Other options in Dunedin include tours of Cadbury Chocolate World and Speights Brewery, home of New Zealand’s most popular beer.

Day 9: Invercargill

Distance: 204km / 128 miles

Looking on a map, the drive from Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlin’s may seem a short distance, but with its winding roads, its stunning coastal landscapes and numerous photo opportunities, it may take you a little longer than you first expected.

The Catlin’s are ecologically unique and are made up of native coastal bush and forest, waterways, beaches, birds, and sea life and combined with the coast’s temperamental weather, a journey through the Caitlin’s will no doubt be a memorable one. Spend an overnight stop in the laid-back city of Invercargill.

Day 10 - 11: Te Anau 

Distance: 155km / 97 miles

From Invercargill you will drive through a patchwork of farmland and plains, dramatic coastal scenery and rolling hills before heading inland once more to Te Anau. Once in Te Anau, options here include an exhilarating jetboat ride, stopping at 3 of the actual film locations featured in the Lord of the Rings films or you can visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves where a mystical underground world of waterfalls and incredible rock formations awaits.

On day 11 we’ll take you on a full day excursion to Milford Sound where you get to take an extended nature cruise along the entire length of the Sound out to the Tasman Sea. Milford Sound is famous for the towering peaks that rise up almost vertically from the water as well as spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, and towering mountains.

Days 12 – 13:  Arrowtown

Distance: 179km / 112 miles

Skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu and head to Queenstown, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Explore this beautiful town before heading to Arrowtown for two nights. Located in the Otago region of the South Island, Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town and well worth exploring.

Days 14 – 15: Franz Josef Glacier

Distance: 353km / 221 miles

View incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park to the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. We recommend a guided walk onto the Fox & Franz Josef glaciers to appreciate the scale of it close up. After, take a walk through the rain forest trail around Lake Matheson, near Fox, for fantastic mirror lake views of the Southern Alps or you might prefer to relax in the Franz Josef Glacier hot pools, nestled in lush rainforest beneath mature 30m tall trees. 

Day 16: Westport

Distance: 273 km / 170 miles

With the Tasman Sea on one side and the Southern Alps mountain range rising up on the other, take it slowly and enjoy this scenic drive. Be sure to stop at Punakaiki and marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes and powerful vents of ‘Pancake Rocks’, formed millions of years ago. Then make your way to Westport for an overnight stay.

Days 17 - 18: Abel Tasman National Park

Distance: 222 km / 138 miles

Continue onto the Kaiteriteri region, an area of diverse beauty that enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate. The stunning coastal forest and shoreline of nearby Abel Tasman National Park can be explored on foot, by kayak or on a leisurely cruise by boat. A popular option is the Kaiteriteri kayak excursion to Split Apple Rock, ideal for beginners and departing right from the beach.

Days 19 - 20: Picton

Distance: 115 km / 72 miles

From Kaiteriteri it’s a short drive to Picton, situated in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Marlborough has a range of activities on offer including bush walks, scenic cruises and fishing and of course you can visit one or two of the local wineries which produce award winning Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

Days 27 - 28: Bay of Plenty & Coromandel Peninsula

Distance: 243 km / 151 miles

Drive across the volcanic plateau and along the Bay of Plenty coastline to the popular beachside towns of Mount Maunganui & Tauranga. You might like to stretch your legs and climb ‘The Mount’ for picturesque views along the coastline. Head to your next destination, the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of attractive beaches.

You can dig out your very own hot pool metres from the Pacific Ocean at world-famous Hot Water Beach, or head for Cathedral Cove where a huge arched cavern passes through the headland, joining up two secluded coves. Relax in the cafes and enjoy the art galleries or just taking in the wonderful scenery.

Days 29: Red Beach

Distance: 225 km / 140 miles

Travelling northwards today, head for the Hibiscus coast to Red Beach with its beautiful stretch of sand and sea for an overnight stop. Located on the east coast, this is a perfect spot to rise early and watch the sunrise.

Days 30 - 32: Bay of Islands

Distance: 229 km / 142 miles

Head north to Russell in the Bay of Islands, a National Maritime Park. The scenic Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views with a 3 night stay. Alternatively you might enjoy a boat trip out into the bay, or how about heading to the most northerly point of New Zealand and Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea converge.

Days 33 - 34: Auckland

Distance: 258 km / 160 miles

Auckland is a harbour city and the locals love nothing more than getting out on the water. You have the opportunity to explore the city at your leisure be it on land or water. A visit to Waiheke Island is a recommended and enjoyable experience that offers spectacular views of the city across the water. The Sky Tower is unmistakeable and offers an alternative view of the city.

Days 35 - 36: Return flight to the UK

Time to bid farewell to new found friends, leaving New Zealand with treasured memories that will last a lifetime.