Your tour starts from Auckland, New Zealand’s "City of Sails" and one of the friendly MoaTrek team will meet you at the airport today (or whenever you arrive) and will drop you off at your hotel. Your home for the night is just a short stroll away from the cafes and restaurants of Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter, Princes Wharf and the downtown shopping district. Can’t wait to get out into that New Zealand fresh air? Ferries to Devonport or the Hauraki Gulf islands are right there too! There’s no better way to get your bearings than to take the stunning view from the Sky Tower, or a short ride to the Auckland Museum, watching over the city from the Auckland Domain. Read more

Auckland, 1 night

From Auckland our tour continues to Rotorua, via the lush pastures of the Waikato and fruit basket of the Bay of Plenty. Our first stop is the dramatic Karangahake Gorge for a stroll alongside the Ohinemuri River through native bush to the relics and ruins of this region's gold-mining past. We pass through Te Puke, the Kiwifruit capital of the world, where we'll visit a working Kiwifruit orchard before continuing on to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Along the way, at Okawa Bay, we board "Tiua", a 53ft catamaran for a relaxing sail on serene Lake Rotoiti to secluded coves and natural hot pools reached only by boat - a memorable end to an awesome day. Read more

Rotorua, 2 nights

We’ve got two nights in Rotorua, so take it easy this morning! Perhaps stroll down to the lakeside, just minutes from your hotel, or enjoy one of Rotorua's many guided tours and attractions. Don’t miss nearby Ohinemutu marae, one of only two living Maori villages left in New Zealand. We'll head to the famous 'Buried Village of Te Wairoa' for a hosted lunch with our friends David and Karen, you’ll love them and their stories from their Maori and European histories. After lunch let’s take a walk around the village itself before we learn all about our national icon (the Kiwi bird) and the amazing efforts that go into ensuring their survival at the Rotorua Kiwi Encounter. When you see a live Kiwi you'll be amazed at how big they are! Read more

Rotorua, 2 nights

No Kiwi holiday would be complete without a visit to the surreal, geothermal reserve of Wai-O-Tapu. The bubbling mud pools and incredibly colourful silica terraces are unforgettable. We continue on our adventure to "Great Lake" Taupo, for a stop at the famous Huka Falls. We’ll take our time and make plenty of stops around the lake to enjoy the magnificent views of our three volcanoes - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. The lunar landscape of the volcanic plateau is our next stop at Tongariro National Park. You’ll love the grandeur of our home for the night Chateau Tongariro at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, the perfect spot to stretch your legs on a short walk before dinner. Read more

Tongariro, 1 night

Our day starts in style, with breakfast at the historic Chateau Tongariro nestled at the base of the mountains. This is the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, from this volcanic plateau we make our way across the high country and down to the seaside holiday spot of Hawke’s Bay. There won’t be many Kiwis who don’t have awesome summer holiday memories from ‘the Bay’! You'll slip right into holiday mode as we pass through the idyllic Hawke's Bay patchwork of orchards, pasture, vineyards and of course the sweeping coastline. On to Napier, where the afternoon is yours to explore the town at your leisure. Renowned for its Art Deco architecture, Napier was rebuilt in this style after an earthquake in 1931 and nowadays the whole community embraces Art Deco, there’s definitely a ‘Great Gatsby’ feel to the place! On arrival, take your pick of a guided walking tour of the Napier's impressive Art Deco buildings, or you may prefer a cocktail overlooking the ocean, we’re in the best spot possible tonight! Read more

Napier, 1 night

With Napier firmly tucked within your heart, say goodbye as we travel through the countryside and vineyards, through the small towns of Norsewood and Dannevirke before heading down the Wairarapa Plains to historic, arty Greytown. Its picturesque main street is lined with antique, craft and gift shops, it’s also at the centre of the Wairarapa's premium wine-growing region, go on, grab a glass with lunch, you’re on holiday! Something different about our tour is the overnight stay in Wellington, we reckon you can’t miss ’the coolest little capital in the world'. We’ll check out the city's sights and head up Mt Victoria for the stunning views over the harbour before getting settled for the night. We’re right in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes. Looking for some local flavour? Ask for one of Wellington’s trendy craft beers with your dinner (Our pick – Tuatara). Read more

Wellington, 1 night

Loading up the car and heading across to "the mainland" is what we all used to do on holiday as kids, it’s a Kiwi rite of passage! We cruise on the Interislander ferry for three hours across Cook Strait and into beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton to plant our feet firmly on “Te Waka a Maui”, the South Island. Our first port of call is Forrest Wines for tasting and lunch, right in the heart of the world famous Marlborough sauvignon blanc region. From wine country we head through the heart of Marlborough toward Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Along the way we cross the Pelorus River bridge, scene of the Barrel Run from the Hobbit movies. In Nelson relax and unpack, this is home for two nights. Read more

Nelson, 2 nights

Today is a highlight of the tour for many people – everyone has seen stunning photos of Abel Tasman National Park and now you’re here. Take your pick from a full scenic cruise or a cruise/walk combo to hike a section of the coastal track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Find out how a recent crowd funded initiative increased the area our country's smallest national park to protect even more of this iconic landscape. The coast is dotted with islands just offshore, sheltered bays, estuaries and golden sand beaches. Lie on the beach, or go for a swim, keeping your eye out for dolphins who often make an appearance. The park is sheltered from ocean swells and enjoys fantastic weather all year round. After your magical day out we'll return to Nelson for another night. Read more

Nelson, 2 nights

We depart Nelson leaving the orchards and artisans behind for the foothills of the Southern Alps and Canterbury. The road travels through the picturesque countryside of the upper South Island before traversing the Southern Alps at the Lewis Pass and continuing on to Methven at the foot of the mountains. *Due to long term road closures we have amended our itinerary and will stay in Methven until the northern road to Kaikoura is open again. Read more

Methven, 1 night

Waking up at the foot of the Southern Alps in the distance, it's just a short hop to visit Akaunui Homestead, a working farm and Canterbury heritage building surrounded by huge gardens. They'll show us round their farm and home, as we enjoy great Kiwi company and fresh produce straight from the garden of our friends, Di and Ian Mackenzie. After lunch we continue on our journey through Burke's Pass to the spectacular Mackenzie Country for sweeping vistas of tussock lands and the Southern Alps. We’ll make plenty for stops en route, we can’t miss the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo and the unreal turquoise blue of Lake Pukaki. No, we don’t put dye in the lake, it’s that blue! Read more

Mount Cook, 1 night

Always a memorable time on tour, your day in Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain and ‘home ground’ of the most famous Kiwi of all, Sir Edmund Hillary. Take your pick from exploring the dramatic landscape on one of the many easy walking tracks around the village, or make it an experience you’ll never forget with a boat cruise on the glacial lake, a scenic flight or a heli hike high up on the Tasman Glacier! After lunch we’ll head south, over the Lindis Pass and through the rugged scenery of the Kawarau Gorge onto Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand. We’ll all head up the Gondola to Bob’s Peak for breathtaking views to give you a bird’s eye view of the stunning Wakatipu. Tonight take your pick from the best of Queenstown's restaurants and bars, all an easy walk from our home for the next three nights! Read more

Queenstown, 3 nights

Today is all about the one and only Milford Sound, from Queenstown we follow the shores of the great southern lakes before heading into the heart of Fiordland National Park on the spectacular Milford Road. On arrival at Milford cruise by launch out onto the sound, dominated by iconic Mitre Peak and home to birdlife, seal colonies and pods of dolphins. A magical flight over the Southern Alps returns us to Queenstown at the end of a fantastic day of touring by land, sea and air. The very best of Milford. Read more

Queenstown, 3 nights

Today is yours to make the most of the infinite choice of day tours and activities Queenstown has to offer, your "Kiwi Guide" will be right there to help. What do we love in Queenstown? A jet boat ride on the remote and beautiful Dart River in "The Lord of the Rings" scenery, walking along the lakeshore and the Botanic Gardens or take a thrilling raft ride on the Kawarau River. Other favourites are wine tasting in the celebrated boutique vineyards of Central Otago, golf on one of New Zealand’s best courses, a day walk on the famous Routeburn Track or cruising Lake Wakatipu on the 1912 Steamship, the TSS "Earnslaw". Read more

Queenstown, 3 nights

This morning relax over a leisurely breakfast before being picked up form your hotel for transfer to the airport for your flight home after your memorable tour. Thank you for choosing to travel with MoaTrek New Zealand Small Group Tours. Ka kite ano - "See you again".