Wildlife Encounters

The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.

Days 1-2 Auckland

On arrival at Auckland Airport you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland's bustling shopping district, chic waterfront bars and restaurants combine with the city's sights, such as the Harbour Bridge and the distinctive Sky Tower, which offers inspiring views of the city and its stunning surrounds.
Overnight: Hotel Grand Windsor (2 nights).

The following day, enjoy a visit to the nature reserve of Tiritiri Matangi Island. Surrender your senses to the beauty and magic of this island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf and only a 75 minute ferry trip from Auckland (via Gulf Harbour). From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you will be entranced by the serenade of gentle birdsong and the lush native bush. Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the world's most successful conservation projects and features some of New Zealand's most endangered birds, such as the takahe, bellbird and kokako as well as other rare wildlife in their natural habitat. The guided walks provide expert commentary on both the animal life and the historical and archaeological features of the island. Please note: This full day tour operates every Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun and Public Holidays.

Day 3 Auckland - Whitianga, Coromandel

Collect your rental car from the city depot and drive to the seaside township of Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula, a region filled with rainforest-clad gorges and Pohutukawa-fringed beaches, such as Cathedral Cove.
Overnight: Mussel Bed Boutique B&B (2 nights). Breakfast included.

Day 4 Whitianga, Coromandel

Explore at your leisure today, 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.

Day 5 Whitianga, Coromandel - Napier

This morning continue your journey along the Pacific Coast to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital for a 2 night stay. Napier is set in the heart of Hawke's Bay Wine Country. With a feast of Art Deco Architecture, the city was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a major earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco - in such a concentrated area.
Overnight: Cobden Garden Homestay (2 nights). Breakfast included.

Day 6 Napier

Today enjoy a morning or afternoon Gannet Safaris Overland Tour including return transfers from Napier. This, the world's largest, most accessible gannet colony, can be found at Cape Kidnappers. Travel through the stunning scenery of Cape Kidnappers Station - traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke's Bay right across to the Mahia peninsula. The 36km, trip includes a commentary by your tour guide / driver on the farming operation on Cape Kidnappers Station and an introduction to the gannets. Please note during May-August when the gannets are overseas a scenic safari tour is included.

Day 7 Napier - Wellington

This morning make your way south to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, this compact city has great shopping, professional theatre, memorable arts, culture and heritage and great cafes and restaurants all close to untouched nature spots. Spend the afternoon enjoying this wonderful city and visit New Zealand's national museum - Te Papa.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay. Breakfast included.

Day 8 Wellington - Paraparaumu - Kapiti Island

Make your own way today to Paraparaumu Beach for an overnight stay on Kapiti Island including a guided Kiwi Spotting walk. Leave your car here and take the ferry across to this remarkable island. A stay here is a truly unique eco-friendly experience. As an internationally renowned sanctuary for New Zealand native birds, a genuine native forest and a reserve for New Zealand wildlife, it is also a marine reserve. Tonight enjoy a guided Kiwi spotting walk.
Overnight: Kapiti Island Lodge. Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 9 Kapiti Island - Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura

This morning return to Paraparaumu Beach by ferry and collect your car before driving to Wellington to connect with the Interislander ferry. Drop off your rental car at the ferry terminal and enjoy your journey in the premium plus cabin across the magnificent Cook Strait to Picton. Here collect your new vehicle and make your way to Kaikoura, New Zealand's whale watching capital.
Overnight: Manakau Lodge (2 nights). Breakfast included.

Day 10 Kaikoura

Today enjoy a whale watching excursion. Every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings.

Day 11 Kaikoura - Christchurch

Depart Kaikoura today for Christchurch. Enjoy time at leisure exploring this compact, yet vibrant city centered around the River Avon. Punt down the river and enjoy the delightful botanical gardens or visit the famous cardboard cathedral and novel container mall. Later this afternoon return your rental car to the depot in Christchurch.
Overnight: Chateau on the Park. Breakfast included.

Day 12 Christchurch - Lake Moeraki

This morning rise early and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel through spectacular gorges through Arthur’s Pass and on to Greymouth, located on the South Island's wild west coast. On arrival collect your rental car and continue the drive to Lake Moeraki. En route visit the delightful craft shops in Hokitika, the greenstone capital of the west coast. Few places on earth can match the unique natural setting of the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki in the heart of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, otherwise known as Te Waipounamu (Maori translation: the place of greenstone jade). The lodge is a paradise for nature lovers and for those wanting a relaxing retreat away from the pressures of the modern world.
Overnight: Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki (2 nights). Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 13 Lake Moeraki

Today enjoy a complimentary guided nature tour (twice daily, 1 to 1.5 hours duration). In addition to this tour the lodge offers a variety of optional guided excursions you may like to enjoy (payable locally). A minimum of 2-4 people is required for these to depart and they are booked directly with the lodge on arrival. Exclusive and privately guided day tours are also available on request and must be pre-booked.

Day 14 Lake Moeraki - Lake Wanaka

Continue south along the West Coast over Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka. This beautiful lakeside town has an abundance of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting. It is a slightly quieter alternative to Queenstown. It lies in close proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park and is the ideal location for keen hikers and those wanting to explore pristine landscapes.
Overnight: Wanaka Springs Lodge. Breakfast included.

Day 15 Lake Wanaka - Te Anau

Enjoy mountain views and fertile farm country on the wonderful drive to Te Anau. Situated beside a tranquil lake, this charming township is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, thus an ideal base for exploration.
Overnight: Fiordland Lodge (2 nights). Breakfast included.

Day 16 Doubtful Sound

This morning travel to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri from Te Anau. Here 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. On the return journey the engines are turned off and you are witness to the incredible "Sound of Silence".

Day 17 Te Anau - Bluff - Stewart Island

Follow the Waiau Valley to the south coast. Leaving your vehicle at the port of Bluff, take the ferry to Stewart Island, a must for naturalists. On the ferry look out for wildlife, including seals, dolphins and a variety of sea birds, in particular the huge mollymawks (albatross) which often follow the vessel. On arrival you will be met by your hosts and transferred to your accommodation. This evening join a guided walk to see Stewart Island's native brown kiwi in its wild environment.
Overnight: Stewart Island Lodge (2 nights). Breakfast included.

Day 18 Ulva Island

This morning rise early and continue your birding bonanza tour. Take the ferry to the predator-free island of Ulva. The island is covered in ancient rainforest with beaches of fine golden sand surrounded by crystal clear waters. Learn about the primeval rainforest, birds, plants and Maori and European cultural history while viewing ancient podocarp trees, lush tree ferns, delicate ground ferns, mosses and orchids. Hear Kaka, Bellbirds and Tuis while glimpsing rare Saddlebacks, Yellowheads and New Zealand's smallest bird, the Rifleman. After lunch cruise back to neighbouring Stewart Island and enjoy encounters with at least five species of albatross, not to mention penguins, shearwaters, petrels, terns and many more.

Day 19 Stewart Island – Bluff – Dunedin

Return to Bluff on the ferry this morning and drive to the delightful city of Dunedin. Be sure to spend some time in the Catlins Forest Park en route. Set amid rural heartland, native forest, hidden lakes, stunning waterfalls and remote golden beaches this area is a hidden gem. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Heritage Dunedin Leisure Lodge (2 nights).

Day 20 Dunedin

Explore Dunedin today, both the city with its wonderful historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture and the Otago Peninsula with its abundance of unique and rare wildlife, including the yellow-eyed penguin. Enjoy a guided tour through the penguin colony for some close-up viewings of the birds. Covered trenches and observation huts will hide you so the penguins will not be frightened and you can observe them going about their daily business unperturbed.

Day 21-22 Dunedin - Christchurch

Depart Dunedin today and make your way to Christchurch. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure before returning your rental vehicle. The following day make your own way to the airport and depart.
Overnight: The George Hotel.