Must-sees of New Zealand

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Auckland, the largest city in the country

  

  Take the time to recover from jet lag. A shuttle will take you directly to your hotel from the airport. Auckland is the largest city in the country in terms of area and population (a third of the country lives there) and enjoys a temperate climate that makes exploring it pleasant. You can easily explore the city center on foot. Between the Skytower and Auckland's many museums, your day will be full. The trendy neighborhoods of Ponsonby and Parnell are well-known shopping spots, have renowned restaurants, and are less than a 30-minute walk from the center. If the city is not your cup of tea, take a ferry for a quick trip to Rangitoto to hike on the city's iconic volcano, or discover the vineyards and beaches of Waiheke.

• from day 2 to day 3

  Between paradise beaches and tropical forest: Coromandel

  

  This magnificent peninsula is the favorite seaside destination of Auckland residents. It is known for its beautiful coasts and vast beaches. The center also offers lovely hikes in a magnificent tropical forest with rugged terrain.

• from day 4 to day 5

  Rotorua, heart of Maori culture and geothermal activity

  

  Rotorua, world-renowned for its geothermal activity, is one of the places where Maori culture is most present. Your first day will be dedicated to visiting the city and discovering Maori culture in the evening, with a dinner at Te Pā Tū. You will discover the history, traditions, and cultural aspirations of the Maori during celebrations and feasts. You will experience Maori songs and traditions within the forest of the Pā (village), surrounded by majestic trees, campfires, and an amphitheater formed by the forest. The second day will focus on the impressive geothermal parks, including the very popular and colorful Wai-O-Tapu. If you prefer hiking and walking, the immense volcanic valley of Waimangu will be perfect for you. Finally, if you wish to get away from the crowd, the more intimate site of Orakei Korako will suit you better. You should also not miss the majestic Whakarewarewa forest, composed of giant sequoias.

• day 6

  Discovery of the volcanic region: Tongariro National Park

  

  Today, you are entering the 4th park in the world to have been designated a National Park (1897). It was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its outstanding cultural and natural value. This park is the Mecca of hiking in a volcanic environment. It has three volcanoes, two of which are still active, and there is something for everyone. Walks range from 30 minutes to hikes like the famous Tongariro Crossing, which will take you the whole day.

• day 7

  Wellington, capital of the country of kiwis

  

  Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. A lively city focused on art and gastronomy, this small city can be explored on foot. From the harbor to the Parliament district, passing through streets lined with Victorian houses, not to mention the botanical garden and Mount Victoria. The national museum Te Papa remains the must-see of the city. In the evening, you will set out to discover Zealandia, a sanctuary for wildlife. Just a few hundred meters as the crow flies from the city center, it is home to the majority of New Zealand's living species, including the famous kiwi. The harbor, the Parliament district, and the streets with Victorian houses are among the sites to discover. But the national museum Te Papa remains the must-see of the city.

• from day 8 to day 9

  Abel Tasman via the Marlborough Sounds

  

  Join Picton, the gateway village of the South Island, via a magnificent ferry crossing that will let you discover the Marlborough Sounds—a wonderful experience in itself. You will then head to Abel Tasman Park, the sunniest place in the country and the smallest national park in New Zealand. It is also a marine reserve renowned for its crystal-clear water. You will enjoy your second day there with a small group excursion in the park, with stops along the Abel Tasman coast.

• day 10

  Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks

  

  Punakaiki is home to the Pancake Rocks and serves as a base for exploring Paparoa National Park. It is a place of lush coastal forests, impressive limestone cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves, pristine rivers, and an absolutely spectacular coastline.

• day 11

  Discovery of the West Coast and the glaciers

  

  The West Coast, or 'the Coast' as locals call it, is an untamed natural wilderness of rivers and rainforests, glaciers, and geological treasures. The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are the two best known in the country. Lake Matheson is famous because it reflects, thanks to black algae and a mirror effect, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.

• from day 12 to day 13

  Visit of Wanaka and Mou Waho Island

  

  Wanaka is the first world reserve dedicated to protecting quality of life. You will discover a true Kiwi atmosphere there. Enjoy the extraordinary nature surrounding Wanaka thanks to Mt Aspiring Park, where you can go on a magnificent hike through breathtaking landscapes! For the second day, visit Mou Waho Island, accessible from Wanaka by a 35-minute boat cruise. With your guide, you will follow a well-maintained trail that steadily climbs to the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Enjoy the 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains, and the surrounding valleys, as well as, below, the Arethusa pool.

• from day 14 to day 15

  Te Anau, the gateway to the fjords and cruise on Milford Sound

  

  Te Anau is located in the heart of the Fiordland region, which is part of the Te Wahipounamu park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For your second day, you will take the legendary Milford Road to reach Milford Sound. From there, you will visit by boat the most famous fjord in New Zealand, considered one of the country's must-sees. Rudyard Kipling even called it the 8th wonder of the world.

• day 16

  World capital of adventure: Queenstown

  

  Queenstown is the world capital of extreme sports. You can walk along the magnificent Lake Wakatipu to the botanical garden while admiring the lake and the surrounding mountains, or go for a hike on the splendid Queenstown Hill Track.

• from day 17 to day 18

  Aoraki/Mt Cook - Tekapo: Discovery of the highest peaks

  

  Tekapo is now one of the few celestial reserves in the world. Between the turquoise color of its lake, the snow-capped mountains surrounding it, and its green hills, this village is an essential stop. Tekapo is now one of the few celestial reserves in the world. Between the turquoise color of its lake, the snow-capped mountains surrounding it, and its green hills, this village is an essential stop on any trip to New Zealand. For your second day, head towards Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park via Lake Pukaki, one of the most beautiful roads in the country. Many hikes for all levels will punctuate your discovery of the national park.

• from day 19 to day 20

  Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula

  

  In the heart of the Banks Peninsula lies the charming village of Akaroa. Akaroa Bay has a very rich wildlife, including birds and marine mammals, among them the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's dolphin. We will therefore offer you a sightseeing cruise for your second day.

• day 21

  End of your stay at Christchurch airport

  

  Take the road to Christchurch to return your vehicle and catch your flight, thus marking the end of your stay. If your flight is in the afternoon, we recommend a visit to Christchurch, the “garden city.” This city was heavily damaged during the February 2011 earthquake. Reconstruction work is still ongoing, but you will see a human-sized city center, reserved for pedestrians, dynamic, and with many green spaces. The city is full of restaurants, cafés, and bars that are really worth a visit.