Discover Aotearoa

Enjoy a wonderful drive today, via Lake Taupo, Australasia's largest freshwater lake. En route to Napier enjoy a visit to Orakei Korako geothermal area today (also known as "The Hidden Valley"), situated on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri. Even with two thirds of the original geothermal area covered by an artificial lake, Orakei Korako is still New Zealand's largest geyser field and one of the country's must-see natural attractions. Continue on to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital, set in the heart of Hawke's Bay Wine Country. With a feast of Art Deco architecture, the city was rebuilt in the early 1930's following a massive earthquake and by the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe and nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930's - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco - in such a concentrated area.

Enjoy a wonderful drive today, via Lake Taupo, Australasia's largest freshwater lake. En route to Napier enjoy a visit to Orakei Korako geothermal area today (also known as "The Hidden Valley"), situated on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri. Even with two thirds of the original geothermal area covered by an artificial lake, Orakei Korako is still New Zealand's largest geyser field and one of the country's must-see natural attractions. Continue on to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital, set in the heart of Hawke's Bay Wine Country. With a feast of Art Deco architecture, the city was rebuilt in the early 1930's following a massive earthquake and by the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe and nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930's - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco - in such a concentrated area.

In pictures

Drive south to New Zealand's vibrant capital city, Wellington. If you have time en route stop at Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre, home to 3 extraordinary white kiwi. As you near Wellington you will experience the wide diversity of vegetation visible on the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges. The neighbouring Wairarapa region is famous for its wine and numerous vineyards.

Today travel in the Premium Plus cabin on the interislander Ferry across the magnificent Cook Strait. On arrival in Picton make your way to the charming township of Motueka, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Today travel in the Premium Plus cabin on the interislander Ferry across the magnificent Cook Strait. On arrival in Picton make your way to the charming township of Motueka, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

In pictures

Days at your leisure to explore the bays and coves of this wonderful park. Accessible only by water taxi, here you can go sea kayaking and see seals, birdlife, dolphins and possibly visiting orca. Enjoy a walk during your time here on the stunning Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Days at your leisure to explore the bays and coves of this wonderful park. Accessible only by water taxi, here you can go sea kayaking and see seals, birdlife, dolphins and possibly visiting orca. Enjoy a walk during your time here on the stunning Abel Tasman Coast Track.

In pictures

From the tranquil golden sand beaches head out west to this rugged wild region, and its astonishing variety of landscapes, rich history and abundant wildlife. Be sure to view the fantastic blow holes and rock formations in Punakaiki.

Make your way to glacier country today and to the world's most accessible temperate-zone glaciers, nestled in valleys lined with rainforest. Optional activities here include guided glacier walks and scenic flights. This afternoon enjoy a guided Okarito Wetlands tour into the rainforest waterways where you will see birds, plants, trees and the incredible landscape that make Okarito one of the West Coast's most accessible, yet pristine and tranquil areas. The open-air boat moves slowly, allowing you to enjoy 360-degree views and a wealth of birdlife including the graceful Kotuku- Great White heron, Royal Spoonbills, the intrepid godwits from Siberia and Alaska, the leggy Pied Stilts, and many others.

Make your way to glacier country today and to the world's most accessible temperate-zone glaciers, nestled in valleys lined with rainforest. Optional activities here include guided glacier walks and scenic flights. This afternoon enjoy a guided Okarito Wetlands tour into the rainforest waterways where you will see birds, plants, trees and the incredible landscape that make Okarito one of the West Coast's most accessible, yet pristine and tranquil areas. The open-air boat moves slowly, allowing you to enjoy 360-degree views and a wealth of birdlife including the graceful Kotuku- Great White heron, Royal Spoonbills, the intrepid godwits from Siberia and Alaska, the leggy Pied Stilts, and many others.

In pictures

Drive through World Heritage rainforests and cross the Haast Pass to reach the stunning alpine resort town of Queenstown, which lies at the heart of the spectacular Southern Lakes region.

Enjoy mountain views and farm country on the drive to Te Anau. Situated beside a lake, this town is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Site.

Travel by coach today from Te Anau to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri. Here you will board your vessel and cruise across the lake to West Arm before travelling by coach through dense rainforest across Wilmot Pass. Once at Deep Cove board a catamaran for your 3 hour cruise of Doubtful Sound. Enjoy spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest and majestic mountains and watch out for fur seals or resident pods of bottlenose dolphins.

Travel by coach today from Te Anau to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri. Here you will board your vessel and cruise across the lake to West Arm before travelling by coach through dense rainforest across Wilmot Pass. Once at Deep Cove board a catamaran for your 3 hour cruise of Doubtful Sound. Enjoy spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest and majestic mountains and watch out for fur seals or resident pods of bottlenose dolphins.

In pictures

This beautiful lakeside town has an abundance of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting. It is a slightly quieter alternative to Queenstown and is in close proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park. The ideal location for keen hikers and those wanting to explore pristine landscapes.

Explore at your leisure today, perhaps join a half day Mou Waho Island Lake Cruise including a guided nature walk or alternatively enjoy time at leisure exploring the wilderness trails by bike, foot or on horseback. There are also more adventurous activities such as canyon swinging, boat cruises, kayaking and jeep safaris.

Explore at your leisure today, perhaps join a half day Mou Waho Island Lake Cruise including a guided nature walk or alternatively enjoy time at leisure exploring the wilderness trails by bike, foot or on horseback. There are also more adventurous activities such as canyon swinging, boat cruises, kayaking and jeep safaris.

In pictures

Head north through magnificent rural landscape to Twizel. The scenery here is literally breathtaking as you take in mesmerising blue glacier lakes and tussock-clad hills as well as clear skies, perfect for stargazing.

Spend today at leisure, perhaps enjoying one of the nearby hiking trails, or for those that wish to explore the area further perhaps opt for a guided hike in Mount Cook National Park. Glacier kayaking is also available in Mount Cook National Park or why not enjoy the impressive views on scenic flight, to really appreciate the grandeur of the area.

Spend today at leisure, perhaps enjoying one of the nearby hiking trails, or for those that wish to explore the area further perhaps opt for a guided hike in Mount Cook National Park. Glacier kayaking is also available in Mount Cook National Park or why not enjoy the impressive views on scenic flight, to really appreciate the grandeur of the area.

In pictures

Drive via scenic Lake Tekapo and the town of Geraldine across the Canterbury Plains to the city of Christchurch.

Drop off your rental vehicle at the airport today and depart.