The Length & Breadth North to South

This 31 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

This comprehensive New Zealand itinerary leaves virtually no stone unturned, offering an unparalleled exploration of both the North and South Islands' most captivating landscapes and cultural experiences. We've meticulously crafted this journey to highlight key locations and hidden gems, ensuring you discover the very best of Aotearoa. Your adventure delves into the heart of the North Island, immersing you in the geothermal wonders and vibrant Māori culture of Rotorua. You'll journey north to the historic and breathtaking Bay of Islands, renowned for its stunning maritime scenery and significant heritage. As you traverse to the South Island, the pristine beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park awaits, inviting you to explore its golden beaches and turquoise waters. The journey continues through diverse and dramatic landscapes, leading to a truly exclusive experience: an overnight escape to Waitai Lodge in Fiordland. This special highlight offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the untouched wilderness of one of New Zealand's most spectacular regions, far from the usual tourist trails. With 31 days at your disposal, this itinerary provides ample time to not just see, but truly experience New Zealand, ensuring a memorable and enriching journey.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

Included activity: Hawkes Bay Half Day Wine Tour with Grape Escape

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with Premium Plus Lounge

Included activity: Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura

Included activity: Christchurch Trams

Included activity: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum and Theatre Explorer Pass with Hermitage

Included activity: Glacier Explorers

Included activity: Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Experience with Monarch

Included activity: Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ

Included activity: Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape with Hollyford Wilderness Experience - Lunch and Dinner Included

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Included activity: Gondola Ride with Skyline Queenstown

Included activity: Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance

Included activity: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers GreatSights

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Twilight Waipoua Encounter

Included activity: Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruise

Included activity: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included

30 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: The Length & Breadth North to South

Day 1: Arrive into Auckland City
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland

Day 2: Head north to the tropical Bay of Islands
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, Paihia

Day 3: Take to the water to explore the island studded bay or discover New Zealand's history at Waitangi
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, Paihia

Day 4: Cross rural Northland countryside to the beautiful Waipoua Forest and get amongst these spectacular forest giants this evening
Accommodation: Waipoua Lodge

Day 5: Follow the Kauri Coast to Waipoua Forest and south back to Auckland
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland

Day 6: Cross the Hauraki Plains before the coastal climb to Coromandel, then down to Pauanui
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

Day 7: Explore the East Coast of the Coromandel or the inner rainforest
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

Day 8: Travel along the Bay of Plenty before turning inland towards the lakes of Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Day 9: Your day in Rotorua could be spent discovering Maori culture or thrilling adventure rides
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Day 10: First head to Lake Taupo before travelling east to the Hawke's Bay
Accommodation: Art Deco Masonic Hotel

Day 11: Discover the Art Deco architecture, vineyards and gannets of the Hawkes Bay
Accommodation: Art Deco Masonic Hotel

Day 12: Drive south through the Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa region to the boutique vineyards of Martinborough
Accommodation: The Martinborough Hotel

Day 13: Travel over the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Day 14: Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Day 15: Explore Abel Tasman National Park home to aqua blue waters and playful seals
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Day 16: Pass through the Nelson Lakes region and onto the seaside town of Kaikoura
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Kaikōura

Day 17: Explore Kaikoura home to an abundance of marine wildlife
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Kaikōura

Day 18: Head south through the Canterbury countryside to Christchurch
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 19: Explore the every changing city of Christchurch
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 20: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Wakefield Wing Superior Room

Day 21: Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Day 22: Explore Dunedin or visit Otago Peninsula for a magical wildlife encounter
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Day 23: Travel to Te Anau and explore Glowworm Caves
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Day 24: Begin your Fiordland Escape to Waitai Lodge
Accommodation: Waitai Lodge

Day 25: Return from Waitai Lodge and enjoy a cruise through Milford Sound
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Day 26: Travel through rolling Southland countryside to Lake Wakatipu which will lead you to Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 27: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 28: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 29: Explore the glacier of Westland National Park
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 30: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 31: Depart Christchurch today