The ultimate NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE
Vineyards, Glaciers & Coastal Retreats
Sample itinerary – North & South Island of New Zealand
A journey through New Zealand that is equal parts discovery and indulgence.
From the stylish harbourside of Auckland to vineyard retreats on Waiheke and the tranquil shores of Lake Tekapo, each stop offers a blend of natural beauty and effortless sophistication. You’ll taste world-class wines, cruise pristine lakes and sounds, and unwind in boutique stays that highlight the country’s charm. With moments of quiet luxury and breathtaking landscapes at every turn, this itinerary captures New Zealand at its most memorable. Along the way, curated experiences—from stargazing in thermal pools to scenic flights over dramatic fjords—add a layer of exclusivity. It’s a seamless balance of relaxation, refinement, and iconic scenery that defines the best of Aotearoa.
Contact us for more info – info@finisterra.ca
Day 1 – ARRIVAL TO AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Welcome to Auckland!
Arrive in Auckland. New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is set between two harbours and magnificent coastal expanses, offering a sizzling blend of urban sophistication and multicultural style. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Sofitel Auckland. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Sofitel Auckland (or similar)
Day 2 – AUCKLAND TO WAIHEKE ISLAND
Check out of your hotel this morning. We recommend storing your luggage with the hotel and taking an overnight bag to the island.
Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Board a local ferry this morning and join a small group tour on arrival on Waiheke. Spend the day exploring the island sampling fine wines from some of the island’s top boutique vineyards.
Your guide will provide an entertaining and informative commentary along the way.
At the end of the tour your guide will drop you at your
accommodation for this evening,
Hotel: The Oyster Inn (or similar)
Day 3 – WAIHEKE ISLAND TO AUCKLAND
This morning embark on a journey of discovery on Waiheke Island.
You will be collected from your hotel for a ziplining excursion located high on a hill with spectacular sea views over the sparkling Hauraki Gulf and toward Auckland City. With dual cables each over 650ft long, fly side-by-side in an unforgettable shared experience. Across 3 separate lines, you’ll zip high above a working vineyard and lush, ancient forest canopy, soaking up incredible views back to the city and beyond.
Your ziplining adventure is followed by a magical guided nature walk, where you’ll discover ancient, stately trees and a treasure-trove of stories and Maori legends.
At the end of your tour, return to Auckland by ferry or spend a bit more time on the island before returning to the city on a later ferry.
On your return to Auckland, check back in to your hotel.
Hotel: Sofitel Auckland (or simiar)
Day 5 – AUCKLAND ADVENTURE
Challenge yourself this morning and take a walk on the wild side at the top of New Zealand’s highest building, the Sky Tower. With no handrails to separate you from the 192m drop, you’ll be doing some adrenaline-fuelled challenges designed to get your heart racing while you take in those epic 360-degree views of the City of Sails.
Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Hotel: Sofitel Auckland (or similar)
Day 5 – TRAVEL TO NELSON TO MOTUEKA
Transfer to Auckland airport this morning and board a flight to Nelson. The Nelson region is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, with diverse geography capturing everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains.
As well as being home to the Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson has long been a magnet for creative people. With one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of craftspeople living in the region.
Collect your rental car (own arrangements) and make your way to your accommodation at Kina Beach Vineyard, just 10 minutes’ drive from the town of Motueka, the perfect base for exploring the area.
Hotel: Kina Beach Vineyard (or similar)
Day 6 – MOTUEKA BOAT CRUISE
Make your way to Stephen’s Bay this morning, a 25 minute drive from your accommodation, where you board a vessel for a full day excursion into the Abel Tasman National Park. Get a taste of all the Abel Tasman has to offer from the comfort of your boat.
Cruise past Split Apple Rock, see New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun at Tonga Island and, if you’re lucky, you might get to spot some dolphins riding the bow wave. During the day you can just stay on board and relax, or take one of the kayaks for a paddle. Go for a swim, snorkel over the marine reserve, or be dropped off for a bush walk.
Hotel: Kina Beach Vineyard (or similar)
Day 7 – MOTUEKA – ABEL TASMAN NP
Enjoy a day at leisure exploring the local area. Head back into the Abel Tasman National Park and explore on foot or by kayak. Try one of the endless walking trails in the area, spend the day visiting local art galleries or venture over the Takaka Hill into Golden Bay and visit Te Waikoropupu Springs, Farewell Spit and the stunning Wharariki Beach.
Hotel: Kina Beach Vineyard (or similar)
Day 8 – MOTUEKA TO KAIRKOURA
Drive to Kaikoura today on the east coast of the South Island, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Pass through the Marborough wine region, home to New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blanc.
Stop at a winery for lunch or take a detour along the Queen Charlotte Drive and travel along the shores of the Marlborough Sounds. There are plenty of places to stop for a walk and a swim.
Arrive in the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura, the perfect place for marine life encounters and coastal walks. Kaikoura’s environment is truly spectacular – the town is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean.
Hotel: Kaikoura Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 – KAIKOURA DOLPHIN EXCURSION
Join a dolphin swimming excursion this morning. Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in their natural environment. It’s just you, the open ocean, and Kaikoura’s wild Dusky Dolphins. One of the most interactive and acrobatic species of dolphin, they’re thrilling to watch and magical to interact with. Here the encounter is all on their terms. With one of the highest sighting success rates in the world, this bucket list experience is one you will never forget! If one of you doesn’t want to swim, you don’t have to. The opportunity to join the tour as a watcher provides spectacular viewing of these acrobatic and energised dolphins. The acrobatic leaps and somersaults and the displays of jumps and tail slapping, provide the most incredible dolphin show on earth!
Hotel: Kaikoura Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 – WHALE WATCHING – TRAVEL TO TEKAPO
Get up for an early start this morning as you board a boat for a whale watching experience. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore. Every whale watch cruise is a unique experience and the sightings vary but there is no doubt that the Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show.
After your cruise, continue your South Island road trip as you drive to Lake Tekapo, a 5 hour journey from Kaikoura. The town of Tekapo faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps and is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie
International Dark Sky Reserve.
Check into your lakeside accommodation, Grand Suites Lake Tekapo.
After dinner this evening, make your way to Tekapo Springs, a 5 minute drive from your hotel, for a
relaxing evening under the stars. Be introduced by your guide to Tekapo’s amazing night sky with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling. You will then have access to the Tekapo Springs hot pools where you can lie on a floating hammock and feel like you’re soaking in the stars as you explore the wonder of the night skies.
Hotel: Grand Suites Lake Tekapo (or similar)
Day 11 – TASMAN GLACIER TRAVEL TO WANAKA
Drive to Mt Cook Village this morning and embark on a tour to the face of the Tasman Glacier by boat. Visit the Tasman Glacier terminal lake on this fascinating glacial encounter. Cruise the rapidly growing terminal lake taking in spectacular mountain views and scenery. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the glacier allowing you to touch and taste the 300-500 year old glacial crystals.
Continue your drive south to the lakeside town of Wanaka, the gateway to the Mount Aspiring National Park, a wilderness of glaciers, beech forests and alpine lakes.
Hotel: Edgewater Wanaka (or similar)
Day 12 – WANAKA – HIKING OPTION + BOAT CRUISE
Wanaka has the buzz of a genuine alpine town and is the ultimate hub for outdoor adventures. Spend the day at leisure taking advantage of the hiking opportunities on your doorstep. From a leisurely stroll from your hotel around the lakeshore, to the long uphill ascent of Roy’s Peak for the ultimate Instagram shot, there is something for every level of hiker here. We highly recommend the Diamond Lake hike which gives you amazing views of Lake Wanaka and its surrounds without quite the effort needed for Roy’s Peak!
Late this afternoon, return to your hotel and board a vessel for a one hour cruise on the lake. Cruise to Eely
Point while discovering the history of the the famous ‘Wanaka Tree’. Track past Ruby Island home of the 1920’s Caberet Dance Hall before heading across to the magnificent cliffs of The Peninsula and on to take in Mount Gold and the Stevensons Arm.
Relax with a glass of chilled Pinot Gris or a local craft beer. Chat to fellow travellers as you absorb the mountain scenery in the evening light!
Hotel: Edgewater Wanaka (or similar)
Day 13 – QUEENSTOWN – JET BOAT
Drive the one hour journey to Queenstown this morning over the scenic Crown Range. Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors – captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers – gave this now cosmopolitan town its name.
On arrival, be introduced to one of Queenstown’s most famous activities, the Shotover Jet. A unique combination of beauty and power, it’s an experience like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish. Hold on tight for the famous 360 degree spins!
After your jet boat ride, continue on to your accommodation, Hotel St Moritz.
Hotel: St. Moritz (or similar)
Day 14 – MILFORD SOUND CRUISE
No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting Milford Sound, often described as the eighth wonder of the world. Fly from Queenstown by light aircraft experiencing panoramic views of the alpine scenery, lush rainforest and finally Milford Sound. Board a luxury vessel and cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. A comprehensive commentary is provided throughout the cruise and there is plenty of time available to view the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Make sure you have your camera handy, as these are sights you will want to show your friends.
Hotel: St Moritz (or simiar)
Day 15 – DAY AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure in Queenstown. With an endless list of outdoor activities, Queenstown is the home of the ultimate adventure bucket list. With activities on offer such as bungy jumping, sky diving, jet boating, hiking, wine tasting, horse trekking and river rafting you will never be short of something to do during your time here.
Alternatively, if you prefer to take it easy, take the time to relax and soak in your surroundings in this beautiful lakeside town.
Hotel: St Moritz (or simiar)
Day 16 – FLY TO AUCKLAND TO ROTORUA
Return your rental car at Queenstown airport this morning and board a flight to Auckland.
On arrival, collect another rental car (own arrangements) and embark on the scenic 3 hour drive to Lake Tarawera near Rotorua. Here, board a water taxi to Kanuka, your secluded lakeside campsite. Kanuka can be accessed by water taxi or walking track only, making it a beautiful ‘off the beaten track’ experience.
Set on Maori land, in a mystery location on the lake edge, Kanuka is secluded and peaceful with a style that reflects the rich Maori history of this area. Beautiful native bush surrounds the glamping site, with the large, comfortable tent enjoying direct access to the lake.
The campsite consists of one large tent with a queen-sized bed, tastefully decorated and featuring elements of Maori design – beautiful natural materials and traditional flax weaving. A camp kitchen, dining area and camp bathroom are set a short distance from the tent, providing everything you need for comfortable camping.
A stay at Kanuka, set in the discrete lake-edge, native bush location, under towering Pohutukawa, is something very special. Surround yourself with nature, and appreciate the magic of a truly amazing place, filled with the sense of stories untold and steeped in history.
Accommodation: Glamping Luxury Tent
Day 17 – ROTORUA
Your stay at Kanuka can be as relaxing or action packed as you want it to be. A beautiful, private, safe and sandy beach is just steps from your tent. Explore the lake edge on the kayak provided, discovering untouched bays and magical natural springs. Or walk the Tarawera Trail to a natural bush hotpool, a 1.5 hour walk from the site. You’ll pass historic sites and past settlements and cross springfed streams teaming with trout in the spawning season.
Accommodation: Glamping
Day 18 – ROTORUA – GEOTHERMAL
Transfer by water taxi out of Kanuka this morning and drive into the heart of Rotorua. To see the best of Rotorua’s geothermal activity, we recommend a visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve where you come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, jumping mudpools, and live kiwi birds; head to Wai-o-Tapu, a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sights; or head to the Polynesian Spa to soak in these hot mineral springs.
At the end of your day exploring Rotorua check in at your accommodation for your final night in New Zealand, Black Swan Boutique Hotel.
Hotel: Black Swan Boutique
Day 19 – DEPARTURE DAY
Check out of your hotel this morning and drive back to Auckland airport, a journey of approximately 3 hours Return your rental car and check in for your international flight home or option to extend to Australia or Fiji.
Tour Exclusions
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out in our Booking Terms & Conditions prior to booking a trip with Finisterra Travel LTD. We strongly recommend that you also read the Country Information relating to your trip prior to booking, and ensure that you understand the itinerary and the active style of the trip you are undertaking.
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
AIR TRAVEL: Flights are not included in the tour price. DO NOT purchase any airline tickets until the trip is confirmed to take place. Pre and post-tours can be arranged through available at an additional charge.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
PROGRAM COSTS: Program costs are based on a minimum number of participants and are subject to change without notice. Single supplement will apply to single travelers (unless a participant opts in for room share and a roommate is found. this cannot be guaranteed).
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
SAMPLE HOTELS (subject to change)
Auckland – Sofitel Auckland (or similar)
Waiheke – The Oyster Inn (or similar)
Kaikoura – Kaikoura Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Wanaka – Edgewater Wanaka (or similar)
Queenstown – Hotel St. Moritz (or similar)
Rotorua – Kanuka Glamping (or similar)
Rotorua – Black Swan Boutique hotel (or similar)
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading. No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable. Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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