New Zealand North & South, Just Us

Fly to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city- set between two large harbours, where you will spend two nights at your chosen hotel. Discover the surrounding beaches, walk up Mount Eden or the Sky Tower for some impressive views and take a boat trip to Goat Island, New Zealand's first Marine Reserve-perfect for snorkelling.

Time to get on the road! Collect your hire car and set off for central North Island for 3 nights (approx 3 hours) Enjoy visiting Taupo- an impressive lake surrounded by a triad of volcanoes with highlights including jetboating at the base of the mighty Huka Falls. Another must-see sight, is Rotorua- an active geothermal region where you can also explore a traditional hangi at a Maori village and visit a spa for a thermal mud bath. A popular and much recommended addition to your itinerary at this point is s stay at a luxury lodge such as Cape Kidnappers- a picturesque drive (2 - 3 hours) south of Lake Taupo. With activities including farm tours, mountain biking, hiking and visits to a Gannet Colony, it offers a pleasant mix of exhilarating outdoor fun and relaxation.

Following your farm stay, drive to Wellington (approx. 4 hours) for an optional overnight. Take the ferry to Picton on South Island, continuing your journey (approx. 2.5 hours) to Kaikoura, where you can swim with dolphins and go on whale watching trips. The following afternoon, drive to Arthur's Pass (approx. 3.5 hour drive) where you will spend 2 nights at Grasmere Lodge, tucked away in a dramatic location in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps. With fishing, clay pigeon shooting, skiing, and 4WD safaris into the back-country there is no shortage of things to do.

For the final part of your trip, set off early for the Fox Glacier (approx. 3 hours drive), where huge valleys of ice extend almost to the sea. After you’ve soaked up the impressive sights, head to Queenstown (a further 4 hour drive) where you will spend 4 nights. This alpine resort town set around a stunning lake, is renowned for its adventure activities. Reaching speeds of over 85kph through the narrow Shotover Canyons, Shotover Jet is New Zealand's most thrilling ride and not to be missed., hike or mountain-bike the many trails through beautiful lakes and mountains. Highly recommended is a day trip on the Great Sights South Pacific Tour to Milford Sound- a famous natural wonder, where mountains stand tall just out of the sea, rainforests cling to sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble to the sea below. For your last few days in New Zealand, indulge yourselves with a relaxing and romantic stay at the luxurious Fiordland Lodge in Te Anau, just south of Queenstown, from where you can catch your flight home.

recommended duration:

14-17 nights

pricing:

From £2,990 per adult sharing staying at 4 star hotels and 2 Luxury Lodges, travelling in late April on a room only basis including flights from the UK and car hire.

call:

0845 1244455

email:

info@bushbaby.travel

suggested extensions

If budget and time allows, in the summer you could also consider a few days in the subtropical Bay of Islands at Kauri Cliffs Lodge, north of Auckland, or at The Bay of Many Coves Resort, deep in the Marlborough Sounds, just a ferry ride from Picton. Another option is to combine New Zealand with California, stopping off for a few days in Los Angeles. For a taste of tropical island life, it’s worth noting that Fiji and the South Pacific are only a stone's throw away.