This luxury tour is a delight for most discerning travellers. We tried to make sure driving distances are kept as short as possible, so you can enjoy your time on sightseeing, relaxing or some great adventures in stunning surroundings..
You stay in luxury boutique hotels, exclusive B&Bs and private lodges and find that each enjoys a certain style and charm that you will thoroughly enjoy. Several are situated in special locations close enough to but far enough away from the main tourist centres. Be sure to note some very special inclusions that really set this trip apart from many others.
All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours.
You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours Representative, and transferred to your accommodation in our luxurious vehicle. (Early flight). Alternatively, if you arrive in New Zealand prior to the tour start, your host will pick you up from your accommodation!
Day 1: Auckland arrival – Bay of Islands driving distance 3h
In approximately 3 hours we arrive in Paihia, the center of the beautiful Bay of Islands, and the first European settlement in New Zealand. We take you on a walk along a spectacular beach to the historic Waitangi site, the location of the signing of the peace treaty between the Maori people and the British Crown in 1840. We board the ferry to Russell, where you will experience New Zealand’s volatile colonial history. Take time out to have lunch in one of the historic buildings, enjoying glorious views out over the idyllic wharf Settle into your accommodation for the evening, and enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Russell town-ship. Accommodation: Pahia/Russell
Day 2: Bay of Islands (Fly/Drive Tour nach Cape Reinga)
Take a fly/drive tour to Cape reinga. The initial stage of the tour consists of a flight up to Cape Reinga via Northlands spectacular harbours, such as the Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour. We also pass across some beautiful beaches such as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and of course the famous Ninety Mile Beach. From Ninety Mile Beach we then fly inland where we land at our airfield, which is only 20km from the Cape Reinga lighthouse. Once on the ground a comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus will meet the aircraft. It will take you on a 2½ hour tour around the top of New Zealand. After a 20 minute drive, we reach the Cape Reinga Lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Our local guide will accompany you on your walk to the lighthouse, sharing the myths and legends or this very spiritual area. The return flight to the Bay of Islands includes some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Northland has to offer. In the afternoon, we can organise fast boat cruise around the many islands that make up the Bay of Islands, passing through the famous “Hole in the Rock” at Cape Brett, a fascinating natural geological attraction. (optional and extra charge) If you just want to relax you can spend the afternoon strolling the beach, and the shops for local arts and crafts, enjoy a game of golf or maybe take to the waters of one of the world's most renowned game fishing regains and lunch at one of the areas wonderful vineyards... there are many excursions available. Accommodation: Pahia/Russell
Day 3: Bay of Islands - Auckland (Giant Kauri Trees) driving distance 4h
We continue our journey through central Northland to the rural town of Kawakawa. Take a minute and visit the astonishing public toilet, an architectural work by the famous Viennese artist Friedrich Hundertwasser. Passing through rolling farmlands and some of the country’s oldest Maori settlements, we take you to the sinuous and beautiful Hokianga Harbour, on the West Coast of Northland. We stop at a spectacular lookout, to view the wild surf and the amazing sand-hills of the West Coast. On our journey back, we explore the ancient Waipoua Kauri Forest; which contains three quarters of the remaining kauri trees in New Zealand. Just a few minutes walk from the road you find the largest and tallest tree in the country, the kauri “Tane Mahuta” (51.2 meters high, with a girth of over 17.2 meters - and over 2,100 years old). On your way to Auckland we will give you the opportunity at your request to stop off and enjoy a taste of celebrated New Zealand wines that are grown and produced throughout the area. Auckland is known as the City of sails! Dine in the Americas cub village. Accommodation: City Center Auckland
Day 4: Auckland-Bay of Plenty/Tauranga (Walk with Native historian) driving distance 3h
As you depart the Auckland your tour will take you through the eastern North Island region of the Bay of Plenty, an area with a consistent mild climate level which is ideal for farming; the Bay of Plenty is also famous for its fruit crops and vineyards. Visit Mt Manganui which has become one of New Zealand’s biggest holiday destinations with its long white sand beaches. We take a rest at the Bay of Plenty's Maketu Beach, a unique spot off the beaten track in a classic little seaside village only 15 to 30 minutes to Rotorua and the Mount. Walk the Maketu beach or go swimming. Maketu is the landing place of the Arawa people one of the 1st 3 canoes to come to New Zealand. Take a walk through a truly authentic New Zealand village, listen to our entertaining local historian, and meet the locals. This remote area is known for the stunning estuary, river and coastal panoramic views. Highly recommended: In the afternoon we can arranged a helicopter flight and landing on an active volcano “White Island (optional and extra charge). Situated 50 kilometres offshore, this active island volcano constantly emits a cloud of steam and periodically erupts to a greater extent expelling volcanic ash several thousand metres into the atmosphere. (This is the most active volcano in New Zealand) The main vent is below sea level and protected by crater walls. You can walk right inside its main crater just above sea level with a minimum of physical effort and without undue risk. This allows you to experience at first hand nature's immense power as gas and steam burst up from far below the Earth's crust. An adventure tour you will not forget for a long time. We drive you to your resting point in Welcome bay. This quality accommodation is known for the stunning estuary and panoramic views over the valley. Relax in your private pool and enjoy a gourmet dinner at the lodge, prepared by a private chef. Accommodation: Tauranga
Day 5: Bay of Plenty–Rotorua –Taupo (Maori culture, and village geothermal areas, Huka Falls) driving distance 2h
Your tour arrives in the geothermal capital of Rotorua around midday. Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa situated in Rotorua, the heart of the North Island. Discover our unique lifestyle and traditions. Join a guided tour and see the wonders of Mother Nature and learn how we have come to live in harmony within this unique environment. Prepare your own Hangi Meal and making your own rourou (food basket) or place mat. After the cultural performance, lift your hangi meal from the steam vents and enjoy your meal. From here you will also see the world famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest such geyser in the Southern hemisphere. Following on from this you take another journey through a world of unique thermal formations at Waitapu Thermal Wonderland. View the fascinating 'Champagne Pool” and experience the panorama of vividly colourful hot and cold pools, steaming fumaroles and hot boiling mud pools. We continue through the Waikato region, one of New Zealand’s greenest places, and richest agricultural regions. You will pass land with lush grass for raising cattle, thoroughbred horses and vast stands of exotic timber. Today we stay at Lake Taupo, the largest Lake in this country on the way we stop at the Huka Falls - these spectacular falls roar through a 15-m wide chasm before plunging a further 11-m. Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Day 6: Taupo- (Day Trip to Volcanic National Park, world heritage area, diner/fishing on private yacht) driving distance 2h 1/1
Passing the lake shore we reach the park ranges, which include wildly differing landscape and scenery: from deserts to vast areas of tussock land, mountain beech forests and wetlands, all with a mix of native flora and fauna. You will see active volcanic craters, natural springs, and valleys filled with jagged lava flows. Driving through the National Park area, which is a World Heritage Site, you will get superb views at the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. These are the highest and larges active volcano's in New Zealand. For dinner we have organised a boat cruise on Lake Taupo, where you can just relax and reflect on the day’s adventure or catch one of the many rainbow trout for your evening meal. The vessel is 60 foot long and the fish will be caught by downriggers. Average size of trout is 4 pounds and the flesh looks like Salomon, as they feet on the bottom sweet water crayfish. Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Day 7: Taupo – Departing afternoon flight from Rotorua, Arrival in Christchurch
Relax in the morning at your stay! From Taupo we take you to your domestic flight at Rotorua airport. We arrive in the capital of the South Island Christchurch in the afternoon. Here you can spend your time shopping, punting on the Avon River, riding a tram through the inner city streets, or taking coffee al fresco in the old university precinct. You will feel the influence of British tradition in the streets of Christchurch. Don’t forget the stunning Botanic Gardens and the rich Canterbury Art Museum! Accommodation: City Center Christchurch
Day 8: Christchurch (Day trip to Akaroa Peninsula/Banks Peninsula) driving distance 3h 1,5/1,5
We drive you through Canterbury to the historic French colonial village of Akaroa; only 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. The township is settled around a dormant crater and natural harbour. The French explorers who sailed to Akaroa in 1840 left some indelible imprints throughout township. There are numerous ways to get you up-close and personal with wildlife. You can experience the rare Hector Dolphins, fur seals and cormorant colonies and might have a chance to spot the world smallest “Blue Penguin” on a majestic harbour cruise (optional extra charge). Visit New Zealand’s own unique Blue Pearl farm or let us organize a dawn viewing of a rear penguin colony. Accommodation: City Center Christchurch
Day 9: Christchurch - Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs (Whale-watch, seal colonies) driving distance 4h
Leaving the wine area you travel along the East Coast of New Zealand. By midday we reach the small seaside town of Kaikoura which is nestled on a rugged peninsula on the East Coast and is backed by the breathtaking Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura; - living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. Join a whale watching cruise at the beautiful coastline of the South Island or decide on swim with the dolphins, or even swim and play with the seals (All excursions are subject to weather and lighting conditions). Fur seals, once almost hunted to extinction are now plentiful here, resting on warm rocks after a nights fishing. Walk among these creatures at this unique beach and watch our native Seabirds (Albatross and shags), also enjoying the rich sea harvest. From the small village of Kaikoura your journey will take you across the alpine mountains into the small alpine settlement of Hanmer Springs. You have the opportunity to relax in the hot natural thermal waters of famous mineral pools, which are set in a garden of giant conifers. Accommodation: Hanmer Springs
Day 10: Hanmer Springs – Pancake Rocks (Rainforest and rugged West Coast, Wilderness Lodge) driving distance 4h
Today your day has an interesting flavour of mountains, and native flora and fauna, as you travel through the rugged terrain that divides the east from the west. Taking the Lewis Pass over to the west coast of New Zealand, and upon reaching Reefton your tour then takes you south toward to Westport, the northern gateway to the “Wild West”. From Westport your journey winds its way through the western slopes of the west coast which displays a series magnificent mountain ranges, and native New Zealand vegetation. Your tonight’s lodge is south of Karamea, we're an ideal base for exploring all the Northern West Coast has to offer ... from wild bush and beaches to mountains and rivers, the incredible Oparara arches and caves to the renowned Charming Creek Walkway. Walk with us along some of the stunning and remote beach treks, though a dense rainforest with Nikau Palms and large ferns. Enjoy a private dinner at this remote wilderness lodge surrounded by rainforest and close to a tranquil river. Accommodation: West Coast
Day 11: Punakaiki–Glacier area (Pancake Rocks, rainforest, glaciers) driving distance 3h
We stop at Punakaki the jewel of the West Coast, Punakaiki is world renown for its pancake rock formation and blowholes. Walk with us along some of the stunning and remote beach treks, though a dense rainforest with Nikau Palms and large ferns. We follow the winding road along one of the most stunning coastal drives in the country. Pass the township of Greymouth and Hokitika; know both for gold and coal mining in New Zealand. After midday we take a jet boat ride to a rare white heron sanctuary. The Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve is a sanctuary to most of the bird life that you will see in the South West Heritage Area. The pristine rainforest, predominantly Kahikatea, stands tall, and shos off it's untouched beauty. Your day’s itinerary will end in the tiny settlement Fox Glacier just 25km from Franz Josef Glacier. Both Glaciers are located 25 km from each other and are unique in the world as they seem to nearly reach the ocean. By late afternoon stop at Lake Matheson were you can take a hike around this stunning surroundings. The forested path skirts the shores of the mist-shrouded lake and on a clear day, New Zealand’s highest peaks are spectacularly reflected in the mirror-like waters. Highly recommended: One of the best ways to appreciate the glaciers size and features and blue ice crevasses is by air. From here you can hire a helicopter to take a scenic flight over this spectacular scenery. (Very weather dependant, optional and extra charge. Accommodation: Glaciers
Day 12: Glacier area-Haast -Lake Wanaka- Queenstown (Alpine country and walk to remote waterfalls) driving distance 5h
As you exit Mt Aspiring National Park you will travel through what is known as “The Neck” a formation of land that separates two of our great South Island lakes Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, a short stopover in Lake Wanaka before continuing on across the Crown Range to Queenstown. We take you on a tour into the surrounding areas to Arthur’s Point it’s on to Coronet Peak for more spectacular views of Queenstown, to your next stop in Arrowtown, a historic colonial village that takes you back into the gold mining days of the Otago region. We will take you to your accommodation near Queenstown. Tonight you staying at a lodge surrounded by wineries, we have arranged a wine tasting. Enjoy a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir from your private deck in your lodge, watching the sun set over the Gibbston Valley and surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Queenstown
Day 13: Queenstown - Glengorchy (Dart river safari)
Queenstown is the top adventure and activity centre in New Zealand. Most of the cast of the Lord of the Rings were based here and major parts of the movie where filmed in this region. In the morning we have planed a drive through” Paradise. We drive along Wakatipu. This is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand and used for a favourite location in several Hollywood film productions and commercials around the world. Maori passed through this area in their search for pounamu (NZ Jade), but wasn’t until m1862 that settlers arrived in the search for gold. Glenorchy is one of the gateways to Mt Aspiring National Park covering a large World Heritage area. We travel further into the Park along a most picturesque river and multiple river arms to a forest glade. The high peak of Mt Earnslaw and its Glacier is powering over this area. Here we have organised a Jet boat ride on the Dart River, followed with a walk through beech forest and a drive 4 wheel drive bus takes us back to starting point. Because they are so many things to do in Queenstown, to cater to your diverse interests, we have left the afternoon free for you to pick and choose whatever optional activities you desire. Your guide can arrange and advise you on all the options, if you a thrill seeker and you want to go skydiving or if you just like to walk beautiful treks. Accommodation: Queenstown
Day 14: Queenstown (Flight/cruise Milford Sound Fiordland National Park)
You taking a flight/cruise excursion into the Milford Sound. You are heading for the spectacular Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world” which was carved out during successive ice ages and, at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 meters. The awesome splendour of this region is unsurpassed anywhere else in the World, a daring claim in a country which offers extraordinary beauty around every corner. Fly from Queenstown to magnificent Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and fiords of the Fiordland National Park. At Milford Sound your launch cruise travels the full length of Milford Sound. Return to Queenstown via the famous Sutherland Falls and glaciers of the Fiordland National Park. Accommodation: Doubtful Sounds
Day 15: Queenstown, departure
You are leaving the adventure capital of the world and our stunning New Zealand. Your guide will take you back to Queenstown Airport for your departure flight.
As a matter of course, we do not publish prices for these small group tours as they can vary enormously for tailor-made travel. There are a number of factors which will influence the price of your travel arrangements: these include the standard of hotel (we offer a variety of premium to the super-luxurious), the season, the level of private guiding and the complexity of the itinerary. Our specialists will be delighted to discuss the various options in more detail with you.
Contact us, New Zealand leading luxury tour operator info@arohatours.co.nz