AUCKLAND OFFICE
+64 (0)9 3098 568
EMAIL
northislandbooking@arcgroups.co.nz; southislandbooking@arcgroups.co.nz
NORTH ISLAND TOURS
New Zealand's North Island offers island sanctuaries and lively cities with a large helping of culture and history for a truly diverse holiday experience.
DAY 1: Destination Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The area's name comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole). However you choose to explore Waitomo Caves, you're bound to agree they're a wonder of nature. Explore Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as “The Redwoods”. Stroll among the 117-year-old Redwood trees, feel the beauty and essence of the forest.
DAY 2: Destination Rotorua - Lake Taupo - Rotorua
Head to New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, passing by the perfect photo spot, Huka Falls, where you can feel the refreshing and crystal-clear mint-blue water and witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per sec barreling over 11 meter high waterfall. Return to Rotorua to experience New Zealand’s most unique geothermal wonders. Explore the most active geothermal reserve and the natural volcanic mud spa at ‘Hell’s Gate.’ Rotorua is also the center of Maori culture, where Maori villages offer a rich cultural experience. You can enjoy wonderful performances combining singing, dancing, and the haka war dance, and taste traditional cuisine.
DAY 3: Destination Rotorua – Matamata - Auckland
Join our Agrodome farm tour, you’ll get to hand-feed and take photos with all sorts of friendly animals, including Romney sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, ostrich, pigs, and alpaca during your ride. Then head to the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogy to start your own Middle-earth adventure.
DAY 1: Destination Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The area's name comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole). However you choose to explore Waitomo Caves, you're bound to agree they're a wonder of nature. Return to Rotorua to experience New Zealand’s most unique geothermal wonders. Explore the most active geothermal reserve and the natural volcanic mud spa.
DAY 2: Destination Rotorua - Lake Taupo - Napier
Head to New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, passing by the perfect photo spot, Huka Falls, where you can feel the refreshing and crystal-clear mint-blue water and witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per sec barreling over 11meter high waterfall. Then head to Napier, which beautifully preserved 1930s architecture. Visiting Napier feels like stepping onto a movie set from the 1930s. The meticulously restored Marine Parade, the Art Deco-style Soundshell, Tom Parker Fountain, and Pania of the Reef Statue all tell the story of the city’s past.
DAY 3: Destination Napier - Palmerston North - Wellington
Heritage collections, art galleries and urban street art are prominent in Palmerston North, and go hand in hand with the colourful array of cafes and dinning options that will take your taste buds on a tour of the world.
Surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy, Wellington is a compact city with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. The bright red Wellington Cable Car is a bit of a classic. Enjoy a ride up from the terminal in the heart of the Lambton Quay shopping district up to the lookout for panoramic views of the city.
DAY 4: Destination Wellington - New Plymouth
No trip to Wellington is complete without a visit to the incredible Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Discover great treasures and stories of this country, its unique natural environment, Māori culture, art, heritage, and fascinating history at this innovative museum. Head to New Plymouth, a vibrant and contemporary city known for its sunny climate, art galleries, and picturesque parks. Visit the iconic Art Gallery, stroll along the coastal walkway to explore various sculptures and modern art installations, creating wonderful memories.
DAY 5: Destination New Plymouth - Hamilton - Auckland
Leave New Plymouth and head to Hamilton. Hamilton is New Zealand’s fourth-largest city and the closest garden city to Auckland. Each year Hamilton Gardens attracts more than a million visitors.It explores the relationships between people and plants, telling the story of gardens through different civilisations, in five garden collections that are spread over 58 hectares. Return to Auckland at the end of the day.
SOUTH ISLAND TOURS
New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From wildlife to wineries, glacial valleys to star-filled skies, the South Island offers adventure in all its forms. No matter which destinations you choose to explore on this long, mountainous island, you'll be constantly open-mouthed before the incredible scenery.
DAY 1: Destination Queenstown - Wanaka - Queenstown
Meet in Queenstown and head to Wanaka. Nestled among the mountains, Wanaka is like a hidden paradise. Visit the famous “That Wanaka Tree,” stroll along the lake, and experience the locals’ relaxed lifestyle. Afterward, return to Queenstown and take the renowned Skyline Gondola to enjoy the most famous scenic views from above. Visit the picturesque Arrowtown and explore its preserved historical charm.
DAY 2: Destination Queenstown - Dunedin
Head to Dunedin to explore Victorian and Edwardian architecture, visit the University of Otago, Dunedin Railway Station, and the famous Baldwin Street, enjoy the unique city atmosphere.
DAY 3: Destination Dunedin-Oamaru-Mt Cook-Lake Tekapo
Head to Oamaru to experience New Zealand’s distinctive Victorian architecture. Explore this heritage in the Victorian Precint, where you will find, shops, galleries and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemispheres most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th century architecture. You simply can’t drive along the North Otago coast without stopping to stare at the Moeraki Boulders, the mysteriously spherical stones scattered across Koekohe Beach. Then, head to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and enjoy the spectacular scenery of land and glacier. In the evening, arrive at Lake Tekapo, where you can experience the romance of the night sky at one of the best stargazing spots on Earth.
DAY 4: Destination Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, stroll along the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, and then head to Christchurch, often referred to as the Garden City. Walk along the Avon River, explore the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and check out the famous Cardboard Cathedral, experiencing the city’s remarkable resilience and charm.
DAY 1: Destination Christchurch-Greymouth
Christchurch is known as the Garden City and a city full of charm and resilience. After being picked up from the airport, start with a city tour of Christchurch, visiting Cathedral Square, the Botanic Gardens, and the Avon River. Then head to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast of the South Island. Greymouth is a town with a history of jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. Sample the beer and listen to wild west coast stories.
DAY 2: Destination Greymouth-Fox Glacier
Departing from Greymouth travel south to Fox Glacier. Tucked into the forested foothills of the Southern Alps, the cosy township of Fox Glacier is geared up for glacier hikes, flights and scenic walks in the area.
DAY 3: Destination Fox Glacier-Wanaka-Mt Cook
Head to Wanaka. Nestled among the mountains, Wanaka is like a hidden paradise. Visit the famous “That Wanaka Tree,” stroll along the lake, and experience the locals’ relaxed lifestyle. Then, head to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and enjoy the spectacular scenery of land and glacier.
DAY 4: Destination Mt Cook- Lake Tekapo- Oamaru
Head to Lake Tekapo and visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, stroll along the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, and then head to Oamaru to experience New Zealand’s distinctive Victorian architecture. Explore this heritage in the Victorian Precint, where you will find, shops, galleries and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemispheres most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19 th century architecture. As night falls, visit the famous little blue penguin colony to witness the adorable and clumsy return to their nests up close.
DAY 5: Destination Oamaru-Queenstown
Set off for Queenstown, New Zealand’s most renowned and scenic destination. Board a century-old steamship to tour around the Lake Wakatipu, reliving the elegance of the early 20th century. Visit the picturesque Arrowtown, marveling at its preserved historical charm.
DAY 6: Destination Queenstown
Spend a full day in Queenstown at your leisure. Whether you would like to challenge yourself or enjoy a relaxing time, Queenstown offers activities for everyone. You can visit Glenorchy, known as the ‘Lord of the Rings’ town, and check out filming locations from the movie. If you enjoy thrills, you can try bungee jumping, the giant swing, skydiving, or paragliding, experiencing the beauty of the Southern Hemisphere from unique perspectives.
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AUCKLAND OFFICE
+64 (0)9 3098 568
EMAIL
northislandbooking@arcgroups.co.nz; southislandbooking@arcgroups.co.nz
