New Zealand & Fiji 18-day island adventure

Auckland

Day 1: Touchdown in New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland where your New Zealand adventure begins.

You'll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city, where you are free to relax after your journey..

Waiheke Island

Day 2: Zip-lines & vineyards

After breakfast at your hotel, catch a ferry from Auckland city terminal to Waiheke Island, a scenic journey of around 45 minutes.

Enjoy a tour of the island’s golden beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Next, head to EcoZip HQ perched high on a hill with spectacular views over the ocean to Auckland. Take to the skies on their unique giant zip-lines. With dual cables each over 200m long, you can fly side-by-side with a friend for an unforgettable shared experience. Across three separate lines, you’ll zip high above a working vineyard and lush, ancient forest canopies, taking in incredible views. Later take a short, guided nature walk before returning to the ferry terminal and sailing back to the mainland.

The rest of the evening is free for you to explore Auckland at your own pace or relax at your hotel. 

Orakei Korako - Acacia Bay

Day 3: Geothermal activities

Today you’ll begin your New Zealand road trip, by taking a taxi to the local rental car office, after you've enjoyed breakfast at your hotel.

Once you're behind the wheel, set off on the road to Taupo and on to Orakei Korako – the Hidden Valley geothermal and geyser park. Explore this unique landscape on foot, hiking through the bush and marvelling at silica terraces and geothermal phenomena.

Check in at your hotel in time for pre-dinner drinks and canapés.

Lake Taupo - Wairakei Terraces

Day 4: Lake kayaking & hot springs

After breakfast this morning, take a guided lake kayaking tour beginning in the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay. You'll paddle in double canoes past native bush, steep cliffs and mini-inlets before arriving at the amazing 100m-high rock carvings. Your experienced guide will explain the carvings’ cultural significance to the lake and surrounding area as you paddle beneath and gaze up. On the way back, stop for refreshments and take the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of the lake.

In the afternoon, visit the Wairakei Terraces pool complex, a series of hot thermal pools rich in minerals, uniquely situated below magnificent silica terraces.

Later, head back to your accommodation; the rest of teh evening is yours to spend at your leisure.

Napier

Day 5: Road trip & gourmet meal

After a fortifying breakfast, it’s time to hit the road again. Embark on a two-hour drive to Napier, well-known for its many Art Deco buildings. Enjoy the drive with a few stops along the way, then wander around the city taking in the architecture. There’s lots to do in this sunny North Island city, from visiting museums and art galleries, to indulging in its famous ice cream. We particularly recommend the delights of Rush Munro's Ice Cream (the oldest ice-cream maker in New Zealand) and the Strawberry Patch.

Check in at your hotel in time for dinner and tuck into a five-course meal with pre-dinner drinks included.

Napier - Te Awanga

Day 6: Cycling the Cape Wineries

Fuel up at breakfast this morning, as today you'll take your seat in the saddle for a full-day Cape Winery tour by bike. From the award-winning wineries of Craggy Range, Black Barn and Te Mata Estate near Havelock North, you join the trail to cycle through orchard country following the Tuki Tuki River, to the Pacific coast.

On reaching the coastal settlement of Te Awanga, your cycling efforts are rewarded with visits to more acclaimed wineries. Up to seven wineries can be visited en route. Pick up and drop off at your hotel is included and your evening is free to relax at the hotel after the day's exertions.

Christchurch - Geraldine

Day 7: South Island calling

This morning after breakfast you’ll island hop from the North to the South Island with a flight to Christchurch. Drop off your rental car at Napier Airport and pick up your new one in Christchurch.

From there it’s a scenic drive of around two hours to reach the little Kiwi town of Geraldine. Along the way, you might like to visit the local hot springs, stop to hike or take a swim in the lake at Willow Bay.

After you’re done, check in at your hotel and take a stroll around Geraldine, finding a spot for dinner or an evening drink.

Rangitata Valley

Day 8: 4WD adventure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then get ready to escape the modern world on a 4WD adventure up the rugged Rangitata Valley to visit the historic Mesopotamia sheep station in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Your guide will explain the area’s farming practices and rich history, and point out different natural features en route. Travel high on station tracks and trails through the deer park, where you may see Himalayan Thar. Then it’s time to enjoy a home-style picnic and refreshments. Take time to walk at your leisure, take photos and relax with a stunning panorama of glaciers and snowfields. You will see why this timeless landscape was chosen as the site for Edoras and Helm’s Deep in the Lord of the Rings movies.

Later, head back to your hotel to relax. 

Lake Tekapo

Day 9: The beauty & stars of Tekapo

After breakfast today, set off on a beautiful hour-long drive to Lake Tekapo. Set at an altitude of 710m, this region is now one of the world's rare celestial reserves. Enjoy the beauty of the lake and the snow-capped mountains surrounding it. Stop to admire the views or go hiking before checking in at your hotel.

Later, enjoy a spot of stellar relaxation on a stargazing experience in Tekapo Springs. Combine the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with soul-warming hot pools – bliss.

Aoraki Mt Cook

Day 10: Fly to the glaciers

After breakfast today, you'll take sightseeing to a new level on the Ultimate Alpine Experience – a helicopter ride and hike into the mountains.

Enjoy a scenic adventure that includes a landing on the Tasman Glacier. From take-off to landing, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Tasman Valley and the cloud-piercing Aoraki/Mount Cook. These mountains are covered with snow and ice year-round and the aircraft fully shuts down on landing, so you can enjoy the peace of nature. This half-day experience includes a guided mountain hike to suit your level.

Afterwards, you'll head back to your hotel to unwind for the evening.

Cromwell

Day 11: Gold rush road trip

Hit the road again after breakfast today, driving through the quiet gold rush towns of the North Island. Your journey takes you from the mountains down to Maniototo, a journey of about 2.5 hours into the heart of historic gold country.

Stop at some of the little villages you pass through and learn about the history of the region in places like Clyde and Ophir. Then it's time to check in at your new hotel, freshen up and enjoy a laidback dinner in this sleepy corner of the country.

Queenstown

Day 12: Jet boats & skylines

Continue to Queenstown after breakfast this morning. The town is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of adrenalin-inducing activities and gorgeous views.

The drive is just over an hour, so once you've checked into your new hotel, there's plenty of time for extra activities, such as hiking, biking, skydiving, bungee jumping or touring a vineyard. In the afternoon, take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola and enjoy stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll be carried 480m above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak for a spectacular panorama. Then, take to the water on a Shotover Jet Boat adventure. This unique breathtaking ride zips through dramatic narrow canyons and takes exhilarating full 360° spins on the open water.

Milford Sound

Day 13: Milford Sound from water & sky

After breakfast this morning, discover the most spectacular way to see this stunning region: to fly over and cruise down the world-famous Milford Sound. 

From the boat, see cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs and wildlife, such as seals, dolphins and penguins. Then, on your flight, sail over alpine lakes, lush rainforests, rugged snow-capped mountains and the glacially carved valleys of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. All in all, this will be a spectacular day rounded off with a soak in the gorgeous Onsen Hot Pools.

Nadi - Denerau Island

Day 14: Flight to Fiji

Today after breakfast, it's time to drop off your rental car at Queenstown Airport and catch the flight to Fiji.

You’ll be welcomed at the airport in Nadi for transfer to your hotel in Port Denarau. Relax this evening, ready for your island adventure tomorrow.

Port Denerau - Castaway Island

Day 15: Island escape

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then hop on a boat to Castaway Island, an award-winning private island escape. The island’s 174 acres are covered with rich tropical rainforest and surrounded by white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and azure waters.

Kick back on the beach or in a hammock, and let island time take over. You could also enjoy some of the many activities on offer, such as tennis, beach volleyball, scuba diving, surfing or scenic walks. All your meals are included with your stay on the island.

Castaway Island

Day 16: Beach life

Enjoy a full day at leisure on Castaway Island, or choose from the optional activities. There’s plenty to do here, whether you have a taste for catamaran sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling the island’s coral reefs or scuba diving. Do as much or as little as you feel on this South Pacific paradise island.

Castaway Island

Day 17: One last day in paradise

Today is your last day on Castaway Island. You might like to celebrate your trip with a champagne picnic on an island-hopping boat ride. Make the most of your last evening on the island with a sunset stroll and sundowner before a delicious dinner under the stars.

Nadi Airport

Day 18: Homeward bound

After breakfast, take the boat back to Port Denarau and a bus to the airport for your homeward flight.