Whale and Dolphin Explorer

Collect your rental vehicle and drive north to Russell in the beautiful Bay of Islands for a 2-night stay.

Join a full day sailing adventure and, conditions permitting, encounter wild dolphins. Relax as you set sail into the bay to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine wildlife, indulge in a delicious lunch, stop on beautiful remote islands and sink your toes into gorgeous sandy beaches. BBQ lunch included.

Join a full day sailing adventure and, conditions permitting, encounter wild dolphins. Relax as you set sail into the bay to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine wildlife, indulge in a delicious lunch, stop on beautiful remote islands and sink your toes into gorgeous sandy beaches. BBQ lunch included.

In pictures

Leave Northland and drive south via Auckland to Whitianga on the east coast of the Coromandel for a two-night stay.

Enjoy a day leisurely exploring the Coromandel Peninsula, a region filled with rainforest-clad gorges and pohutukawa-fringed beaches. Perhaps enjoying a soak in the thermal springs on Hot Water Beach, or a kayaking adventure at Cathedral Cove. Coromandel Town, at the northernmost part of the peninsula, is also worth a visit, with wonderful restaurants, bars and local craft shops on offer.

Enjoy a day leisurely exploring the Coromandel Peninsula, a region filled with rainforest-clad gorges and pohutukawa-fringed beaches. Perhaps enjoying a soak in the thermal springs on Hot Water Beach, or a kayaking adventure at Cathedral Cove. Coromandel Town, at the northernmost part of the peninsula, is also worth a visit, with wonderful restaurants, bars and local craft shops on offer.

In pictures

Make your way to Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring this laid-back town.

Enjoy up close encounters with marine mammals in the sub tropical waters surrounding the active White Island Marine Volcano and nearby Whale Island also known as Moutohora Island. Sightings often include large pods of dolphin as well as seals, seabirds and occasionally whales.

Enjoy up close encounters with marine mammals in the sub tropical waters surrounding the active White Island Marine Volcano and nearby Whale Island also known as Moutohora Island. Sightings often include large pods of dolphin as well as seals, seabirds and occasionally whales.

In pictures

Drive south to the city of Napier, completely rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1931, it features one of the densest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world.

Discover the magic of Cape Kidnappers with an experienced guide at the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring this fascinating city.

Discover the magic of Cape Kidnappers with an experienced guide at the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring this fascinating city.

In pictures

Drive to Wellington, through the Wairarapa region, best known for producing world-class Pinot Noir in its Martinborough vineyards as well as being home to the acclaimed Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre.

Enjoy a morning of leisure, possibly visiting New Zealand’s National Museum Te Papa or Mt Victoria lookout. In the afternoon take the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island. Enjoy a relaxing ferry journey in the premium plus cabin where comfortable seating, complimentary drinks, light refreshments and internet access are available. On arrival in Picton make your way down the east coast to Kaikoura for a two night stay.

Enjoy a morning of leisure, possibly visiting New Zealand’s National Museum Te Papa or Mt Victoria lookout. In the afternoon take the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island. Enjoy a relaxing ferry journey in the premium plus cabin where comfortable seating, complimentary drinks, light refreshments and internet access are available. On arrival in Picton make your way down the east coast to Kaikoura for a two night stay.

In pictures

Join a Whale Watch Cruise for a unique marine experience providing the opportunity to see sperm whales against the dramatic backdrop of the Kaikoura mountains. Other species of whale may also be seen, as may dusky dolphins, Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and a wide variety of sea birds.

Make your way to the ancient volcanic peninsula of Akaroa via the picturesque city of Christchurch. In the afternoon explore the beautiful bays and harbour or enjoy the opportunity to see playful Hector’s dolphins and other wildlife on a harbour cruise (additional cost).

Make your way to the ancient volcanic peninsula of Akaroa via the picturesque city of Christchurch. In the afternoon explore the beautiful bays and harbour or enjoy the opportunity to see playful Hector’s dolphins and other wildlife on a harbour cruise (additional cost).

In pictures

Drive south and follow the coastal route to Dunedin for a two-night stay, perhaps stopping at the Moeraki boulders en route.

Explore the nearby Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguins. Included is a penguin place conservation tour. Spend this afternoon at leisure in this very Scottish city, which boasts the country’s oldest university and some interesting architecture.

Explore the nearby Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguins. Included is a penguin place conservation tour. Spend this afternoon at leisure in this very Scottish city, which boasts the country’s oldest university and some interesting architecture.

In pictures

Drive to Te Anau, the natural gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Drive to Milford along an amazingly scenic route and board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise on Milford Sound. Optional activities include kayaking and exploring the shoreline. Note: the overnight cruise does not operate from mid May to mid September. During these months the itinerary takes you from Te Anau-Milford Sound-Queenstown and includes a nature day cruise in Milford Sound with picnic lunch and an extra night in Queenstown. (Breakfast and evening buffet dinner included on board).

Drive to Milford along an amazingly scenic route and board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise on Milford Sound. Optional activities include kayaking and exploring the shoreline.

Note: the overnight cruise does not operate from mid May to mid September. During these months the itinerary takes you from Te Anau-Milford Sound-Queenstown and includes a nature day cruise in Milford Sound with picnic lunch and an extra night in Queenstown. (Breakfast and evening buffet dinner included on board).

In pictures

Return to Milford wharf and drive to Wanaka. Stop en route in Queenstown, situated along the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Spend the morning at leisure in Wanaka before making your way to the alpine village of Mount Cook and New Zealand’s highest peak. A wide variety of walking tracks are available to see the mountains and glaciers at their best.

Spend the morning at leisure in Wanaka before making your way to the alpine village of Mount Cook and New Zealand’s highest peak. A wide variety of walking tracks are available to see the mountains and glaciers at their best.

In pictures

Drive to Christchurch for your final night before returning to the airport for departure the following day.