We are happy to offer you what we consider a very exciting and diverse trip to New Zealand. You will see all the highlights of this country and visit the best known locations. You still will have some days for relaxation and we have included fantastic activities. Scenic Highlights Tours
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. Our Vehicles Travel Guide Profiles
Day 1: Auckland
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. Enjoy a relaxing day in Auckland city. Accommodation: Auckland City
Day 2: Auckland-Waipoua Forest (Kauri Trees, Thounson Park) driving distance 3h
On our first day we drive North of Auckland. 'Step into our World' and let your local guides take you on a memorable journey through nature's stages of evolution, whilst providing a mythological and interactive interpretation of life in the forest. Meet our ancestors; the mighty Te Matua Ngahere ('The Father of the Forest') estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old, his mighty girth is over 5 metres (15ft) in diameter. 'The Four Sisters' are a graceful collection of kauri trees that have grown close together in sibling harmony and finally, Tane Mahuta ('The Lord of the Forest') who stands an impressive 51 metres (150ft) tall. Join a tour for an intimate encounter to learn how these trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest. In the evening experience the wander of the New Zealand predator free bush by night. Trounson Park is administered by the Department of Conservation who constantly work to eradicate pests to ensure the survival of the very rare Kiwi bird. You will enjoy a leisurely guided walk through the forest with a guide whose knowledge of our local flora, fauna and kiwi is thorough and interesting. Accommodation: Waipoua Forest
Day 3: Waipoua Forest-Bay of Islands (90 Mile beach, Historic Russell) driving distance 5h
We take you further North. Explore the historic townships of Kohukohu and Rawene connected by vehicle ferry across the upper Hokianga Harbour. On the way see a natural phenomenon. From Ahipara walk the 90 mile beach and watch peoplea ride a sand sledge down the huge sand dunes at the Te Paki quicksand stream. Ninety Mile Beach is the fabled strip of sand that stretches from Ahipara to Scott Point, five kilometres south of Cape Maria van Diemen. Truth be told, it is actually 88 kilometres long. Your first major destination point Paihia, the first the first European settlement in New Zealand. From Opuayou board the ferry to Russell, a small romantic township rich with colonial history. Take time out for lunch in one of Russell’s many historic buildings and enjoy glorious views out over the idyllic wharf. Settle into your accommodation for the evening, and enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Russell town-ship.
Or take a cruise trip through "The hole in the Rock" and visit the WaitangiTreaty grounds. Accommodation: Bay of Islands
Day 4: Bay of Island- Waitomo Caves (Glow-worms, Farm-stay) driving distance 5h
Passing back through Auckland we take you south through the lush green rural farm land of the Waikato region, the rich and fertile pastoral land of the Waikato is one of New Zealand’s major dairy producing and horse breeding areas. One of the major attractions of the Waikato region are the famous Waitomo Caves (translation: 'where the water disappears into a hole in the ground'). The caves are perhaps one of the finest natural attractions in the country, with their vast unique caverns and eerie stalactite and stalagmite formations home to the thousands and thousands of constellations of glow-worms. On arrival in Waitomo a 45 minute guided tour of the caves is available for you to experience. We settle tonight in Otorohanga. Relax the evening in the only 5Star farm-stay in the country and enjoy a home cooked meal with your friendly host. Accommodation: Waitomo
Day 5: Waitomo-Rotorua (Maori culture and show, mud pools at Hells Gate) driving distnace 2,5h
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. After the cultural performance, lift your hangi meal from the steam vents and enjoy your meal. The unique geothermal muds and waters of Rotorua are renowned for their curative and invigorating properties—and this is particularly so at “Hells Gate” - Rotorua’s most active thermal park. Enjoy a relaxing spa or swim in the mud pools. Take a rejuvenation massage or facial provided by local Maoris in their traditional Miri Miri way. Accommodation: Rotorua
Day 6: Rotorua-LakeTaupo (Geothermal areas, Huka Falls) driving distance 1h
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. 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. Before lunch we take you on a boat cruise to the western bays of this magnificent lake, which was formed by volcanic explosions over thousand years ago. It is now the most famous trout-fishing lake in the world. Today, Taupo is also know for it multiple choices on outdoor activities, like Bungy Jumping, Jet boating, Wild Water Rafting, Parasailing, Sky jumping… you name it. You have the whole afternoon to explore the town ship with his many shops and modern coffee places. We can arrange other activities for you as well. Let us know if you want to go fishing or if you feel like jumping of a bridge? Otherwise you can relax on the beach or just scroll around the lake edges. Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Day 7: Taupo-National Park-Taihape (Volcanic National Park and farm-stay) driving ditance 2,5h
After Breakfast we travel around the edges of the Lake and stop at the remote Lake Rotoaira to get our first spectacular view of the Volcanic Plateau and Mount Tongariro. 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. Driving through the National Park area, which is a World Heritage Site, you will get superb views at the volcanic peaks of Tongariro and Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu (2797 meters); We drive deep into farming country to the remote Mokai Valley, where the picturesque Rangitikei River meats the rugged Ruahine Ranges. Not far out from your accommodation we take you to the edges of the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River set amongst the beautiful native flora and fauna, which provides a stunning and picturesque backdrop that, can be variably appreciated. Accommodation: Mokai Valley
Day 8: Taihape-Kapiti Coast-Wellington (Te Papa Museum) driving distance 3h
We drive via the West Coast of the North Island to the Waikanae region. This area has adopted the name of the “Gold Coast”. In the afternoon we encroach on New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Spend your time strolling around the many shops and galleries the city has to offer. Visit the “Te Papa History Museum”, the largest natural history museum in the country, another suggested visit is the “Embassy Theatre” which recently hosted the world premier of the third Lord Of The Rings trilogy” The Return of the Kings”, climb aboard the famous Wellington Cable Car which takes you up the steep terraced divide to the luxuriant Botanic Gardens which allows you an overall 360 degree view of Wellington city. (Optional and extra charge) Accommodation: Wellington City.
Day 9: Wellington-Marlborough Sounds (Ferry crossing South Island) Ferry crossing 3,5h
We board a Ferry to cross the Cook Strait encounter a glorious world as the ferry enters the Marlborough Sounds and from the Tory Channel into the Queen Charlotte Sound. You will discover a region of myriad inlets and bay’s with dramatic hills that plunge steeply into the sea. The steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays of the sounds are sparsely populated, as access is difficult. Many of the small settlements and isolated houses are only accessible by boat. The main large port is Picton on the mainland, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your guide will inform you of the many option to discover the Marlborough Sound. Take a water taxi to some of the remote bays and walk the Queen Charlotte trek. Take a boat trip to the mussel farms nearby and discover the local history (Optional extra charge). Accommodation: Marlborough Sounds
Day 10: Marlborough Sounds-Nelson (Wineries and Art Galleries) driving distance 2h
We pass over the arid. Rolling foothills of South Marlborough, we drop down to New Zealand’s pre-eminent grape-growing area. We enter the sun-drenched wine region, New Zealand’s pre-eminent grape-growing area. Blenheim at the entrance of the Marlborough Sounds is the main town in the region of New Zealand. Its lovely sunny climate makes this area an ideal wine growing region. For lunch we visit one of the romantic wineries and get a chance to taste world renowned wine. From here we travel to the city of Nelson, known for its vibrant arts and handcrafts scene. Nelson is known for is irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island. 300 Artisans are based in the Nelson area, so it is no wonder that the “One Ring” was created by one of the local jewellers in City Centre. In Richmond you find the Harrington Brewers that brew a special beer for Hobbiton. Apples, cherries and classic wine varietal grapes are well suited to the mild climate around the Nelson areas. Accommodation: Nelson
Day 11: Nelson-Abel Tasman (Scenic flight, Water Taxi into the Able Tasman Park) driving distance 3h return
Experience the Abel Tasman National Park from both the air and the water. The flight departs from the Motueka airfield taking in the coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park before landing at Awaroa. If you choose you can extend the flight out over Golden Bay and Farewell Spit. Discuss this with Abel Tasman Air prior to departure.(extra charges) Awaroa beach is your pick up point for your boat journey south along the stunning coastline, or if you like you can take the 1 hour walk from Awaroa to Tonga Beach, and meet the boat there. The boats depart at a number of times during the day. Timing for the boat transfer is arranged on the day so you can spend some hours relaxing on the beach, or catch the next available boat. A short bus trip from Marahau or Kaiteriteri Beach gets you back to your vehicle at the Motueka Airfield. Accommodation: Nelson
Day 12: Nelson-Franz Josef Glazier (Pancake Rocks, Glacier) driving distance 5h
The West Coast has an independent character; its landscape and inhabitants are rugged and wild. Rain falls frequently, waterfalls burst in great torrents. We stop at Punakaki the jewel of the West Coast, Punakaiki is world renowned for its pancake rock formation and blowholes. Walk 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; known both for gold and coal mining in New Zealand. The mountains in this area are a source for jade, or greenstone, important in Maori history as material for jewellery, tools and weaponry. Galleries here offer you the chance to view this beautiful stone and gold crafts. We take a leisurely and scenic drive to the famous glacier region, which make a dramatic approach to the sea. Your day’s itinerary will end in the tiny settlement of Franz Josef. 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. Accommodation: West Coast
Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier-Haast-Queenstown (Rainforest, walk to remote water-falls and Mt Aspiring Park) driving distance 5h
This day gives you the opportunity to view two major glaciers Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier; it also takes you through the South Westland region to one of our World Heritage Parks. Your guide will take you on a walk/trek that will take you to the bottom of Fox Glaciers. Both Glaciers are located 25 km from each other and are unique in the world as they seem to nearly reach the ocean Mt Aspiring National Park this area is a vast, glacial sculpted wilderness. Or decide to visit nearby Lake Matheson. 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. 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. We will take you to your accommodation in Queenstown from where you can take the opportunity to explore the village area. Accommodation: Queenstown
Day 14: Queenstown (Dart river jet boat wilderness 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. 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. 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. The 'Wilderness Safari' is a diverse adventure exploring spectacular 'World Heritage' wilderness within Mt Aspiring National Park through a combination of exhilarating wilderness jet boating, informative guided ancient forest walk and back-country 4WD safari vehicle. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and mysterious hidden valleys shrouded in native Beech forest, your specialist guides will bring to life the variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife within this unique area, as well the captivating stories of the original Maori and early pioneers. Accommodation: Queenstown
Day 15: Queenstown-Fiordland/Te Anau (Encounter cruise Milford Sounds) driving distance 6h
We 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. Getting there is half of the experience; we take you through the Fiordland National Park, pass staggeringly beautiful valleys, lakes and creeks. If the time allows we will stop at the” Mirror Lakes”, before entering the narrow and dark 1km long Homer Tunnel. We take you on a day cruise into the magnificent wonder-world of the Milford Sound. You may encounter Kea’s, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrots and we stop and explore some of nature’s wonders on the way. At Milford we board a vessel and cruise on the Fiord through sheer cliffs covered with vegetation that plunges into the sea. View the Bowen Falls, hurtling 165 meters into the sea, and the Stirling Falls further down the sound, set amidst the towering cliffs and dwarfed by Mitre Peak. On the way back we take a board walk into the “Chasm” to see surreal, water-hewn rock sculptures. Accommodation: Te Anau
Day 16: Te Anau- Dunedin (Otago Peninsula, Albatross and Penguin Colony) driving distance 4h
From the most Southern Point of New Zealand the guide will take you back North to the East Coast and the town of Dunedin. The splendour of many of its public buildings reflects Dunedin's economic and cultural pre-eminence in Victorian New Zealand. Today, Dunedin has a rightly deserved reputation as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Drive further to the tip of the Otago Peninsula is Taiaroa Heads, about forty minutes from the city centre. The magnificent Royal Albatross, a huge sea bird of mythology, soars above the rugged cliffs. Take a guided tour of the only mainland nesting colony of the Royal Albatross in the world. For dusk we have organised a tour to watch the yellow-eye and blue penguin colonies close by. Accommodation: Dunedin
Day 17: Dunedin-Twizel (Moeraki Boulders, Mt Cook area) driving distance 4h
We stop over at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders. The Moeraki Boulders are huge spherical stones that are scattered over the sandy beaches, but they are not like ordinary round boulders that have been shaped by rivers and pounding seas. From there we take you further to the white sandstone town of Oamaru. The main Town of North Otago is a pretty town and the best-preserved collection of historic and commercial buildings in New Zealand. We travel into deep into the heart of the Southern Alps and to the southern slopes of Mt Cook National Park. The region is renowned for its incredibly clear starry nights, brilliant sunny days and remarkable turquoise blue lakes, valleys of emerald green and snow-capped mountains. Shaped by the giant forces of nature, massive glaciers have scoured the land leaving a trail of lakes and rivers across the landscape. Today you will see awesome mountain ranges - the snow capped Southern Alps stretching across the western horizon. Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain at 3,754 metres above sea level, towers over the expansive countryside. Accommodation: Twizel
Day 18: Lake Tekapo-Akaroa Peninsula (Banks Peninsula, Harbour cruised Hector Dolphins) driving distance 4h
Our trip will take us through some of the most evocative hill county in New Zealand. Speckled with small agricultural outposts, the Canterbury Plains are an area of serene, rural beauty. To the east lie the coastal climes of Timaru while, to the west, Mackenzie Country accounts for a large percent of New Zealand’s sheep population. 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 or go for a swim with these native Dolphins, the smallest in the world. Accommodation: Akaroa Peninsula
Day 19: Akaraoa- Kaikoura (Whale-watch cruise) driving distance 3,5h
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. (This excursion is subject to weather and lighting conditions –optional and extra charges). 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, also enjoying the rich sea harvest. Accommodation: Kaikoura
Day 20: Kaikoura-Arthur Pass driving distance 4h
Depart Akaroa back through Canterbury and through the scenic untouched areas and through the Arthurs Pass. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Today you will discover wild nature in a spectacular mountain setting and experience life on a 2,400 hectare nature reserve and high country merino sheep station. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of beech forest, tussock clearings, moss-lined streams and lakes. A naturalist guides will help you learn about high country life and explore nature in this special place the first Maori visitors called "Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa - Valley of the Mother of the Rainbows." Accommodation: Arthur Pass, Wilderness Lodge
Day 21: Arthur Pass - Christchurch airport departure driving distance 1,5h
You can relax before your driver/guide collects you from your accommodation to transfer you to Christchurch Airport to connect you with your departing airline.
Prices:
We are specialized in custom made tours for the desiring traveller. Each tour package will be tailored to your specific needs. Individual choices of accommodation style and the amount of activities you anticipate in will reflect on the general overall cost of the tour. Please make an enquiry.
Accommodation:
We use quality accommodations which are handpicked and have great hosts and are located in beautiful locations. All rooms are modern with private on suites or bathrooms! If you decide on 5 Star travel that we will offer you the best boutique lodging that New Zealand has to offer.
Dining:
We have decided not to include lunches and most dinners in the package (Exceptions’: Wilderness and Farm-stays and superior Lodges are inclusive private dinners), as we believe that each individual has different needs and tastes and that New Zealand had great restaurants in each area, that are within reach. It also allows you to choose places to your own budget. Your guide will advise you in each area about your best options. Special dietary needs can be catered for.
Activities:
We pride ourselves on a wide range of activities in your tour package. We chosen those that we feel will enhance your New Zealand experiences. You can participate in as many or as few as you like. If you are unable to participate in any activity or there are weather restrictions, alternatives will be provided where possible. Please check our activity list on 'Links' site
Transport:
All our vehicles are comfortable, luxury sedans (max 4 people) or luxury vans (max 8 people).
Support:
You will receive detailed pre-trip information. Including passport and visa requirements, packing tips and general travel information for New Zealand!
We have professional office staff to help you plan every aspect of your trip inside of New Zealand.