15-day pure places of New Zealand itinerary

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Auckland

   A private driver will meet you at Auckland Airport and will take you to your hotel for check-in. After refreshing at the hotel, go out explore the America's Cup village. Climb the city sky tower and see the expansive views. Take a boat trip to beautiful Waiheke Island or cross over to the lovely Devonport village.

   Stay: Eden Villa Bed & Breakfast

   • Optional extraSky Tower
   • Optional extraThe Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraExplore America's Cup Sailing Auckland (opens in a new tab)
2. Day 2

   Waikato

   Collect your rental car and drive south via Hamilton. Visit the award-winning Hamilton Gardens on the way. Stay at a Farm Cottage near Otorohanga (180 km, 3 hours). This beautiful rural area is known as the 'King Country' and is home to the Waitomo Caves.

3. Day 3

   Waikato

   The stalactites architecture of the Waitomo Caves is breathtaking. Join a walking or boat tour to see the caves. For active adventure, try blackwater rafting through the caves on a rubber tube. We recommend the Ruakuri Cafe, as no wetsuit is required. However, if you prefer the more adventurous 'Black Water Rafting' or abseiling (4 or 7 hours), let us know and we'll include it in your itinerary.

   Stay: Kamahi Cottage (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightRuakuri Cave Tour (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraWaitomo Black Labyrinth (opens in a new tab)
4. Day 4

   New Plymouth

   Travel south towards New Plymouth (181 km, 112 miles, 2 hours). Do the Hairy Feet' tour before continuing to the Marokopa Falls. Go off the beaten track - drive through the beautiful scenic "Forgotten Highway". At New Plymouth, visit Puke Ariki, a world class museum and check out the Len Lye Centre. Pukekura Park is a beautiful nature wonderland and looks amazing at night during the Festival of Lights (mid December to Feb).

5. Day 5

   New Plymouth

   Explore the many interesting sites of the Taranaki region. For pure nature, the Mt. Egmont/ Taranaki National Park is top of the list! The conical shape of Mount Taranaki provides a dramatic backdrop to the city and has great hiking trails nearby. The denseness of the bush provides pure oxygen and the walking trails well maintained. As you walk through this Garden of Eden, reach out to touch the soft green mosses on the way.

   Stay: Hosking House (opens in a new tab)

   • Good to knowEgmont National Park (opens in a new tab)
6. Day 6

   Oban

   Drop off your rental car at New Plymouth airport and take a domestic flight to Invercargill. From Invercargill, take another 25 minute flight to Halfmoon Bay at Stewart Island. The rugged pristine Stewart Island is 64 km long, and 40 km across at its widest point. The island has 700 km of rugged coastline, but only 20 km of road. There is much to see on this untouched piece of paradise.

   Stay: Glendaruel B&B

   • Good to knowStewart Island (opens in a new tab)
7. Day 7

   Oban

   Stewart Island is heaven for nature lovers - a guided nature tour is a must-do. Take a 20 min boat ride to Ulva Island, an idyllic, predator-free bird sanctuary for endangered birds. Ulva Island is home to many plant species and great walking tracks. Your guide, Ulva Goodwillie is named after the Island and is a direct descendant of the first Maori to Stewart Island. She imparts her knowledge from a Maori and local Stewart Island perspective.

   Stay: Glendaruel B&B

   • HighlightUlva Island (opens in a new tab)
8. Day 8

   Te Anau

   Fly back to Invercargill in the morning and collect another rental car. Take the Southern Scenic Route to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park and New Zealand's hiking capital. The Fiordland region consists of 1.3 million hectares of untouched national heritage. It is a wonderland of cascading waterfalls and enormous fiords. Outdoor activities include trout fishing, kayaking and bush walks. On arrival, walk along the Waiau River on the Kepler Track.

9. Day 10

   Clyde

   Travel via Queenstown to Clyde, Central Otago. (Manapouri to Clyde: 243 km, 150 miles, 3.5 hours). The scenery of Central Otago is typical tussock grassland within a powerful landscape of ancient mountains and rivers. You can still pan for gold among the miners' old trails, but nowadays, the real gold is Pinot Noir wine. See the region's remote sites and absorb the luxury of having much of this space to yourself.

10. Day 11

    Clyde

    The lovely historic town of Clyde is surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards. More recently, huge areas of grapes have been planted with local vineyards producing internationally renowned Pinot Noir. Many historic buildings have been refurbished as cafes, bars, and accommodation. A typical example, is the restored and stylish Olivers Lodge and restaurant. This area is famous for the 150 km Central Otago Rail Trail. If time permits, hire a bike to cycle a portion of this trail.

11. Day 12

    Twizel

    Take an easy drive from Clyde via Wanaka and Lindis Pass to Twizel or Lake Tekapo ( 220 km, 135 miles, 3.5 hours). The Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie region enjoys clear starry nights, sunny days and turquoise lakes. The area offers 4WD safaris, boating on the glacier lakes, horse treks, fishing, scenic flights with snow landings and numerous walks. Accommodation is limited here, so your stay will vary between Twizel, Mt. Cook Village and Lake Tekapo.

    Stay: Twizel Central (opens in a new tab)

    • Optional extraAir Sa
12. Day 13

    Arthur's Pass National Park

    Continue north to Geraldine in South Canterbury on SH 79. Stop here and visit the ice cream, cheese and preserves shops. Drive via SH 73 to the Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass. (Tekapo to Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass: 290 km, 180 miles, 4 hours). Drive through the expansive Canterbury Plains up into the foothills of the Southern Alps. The eastern side of Arthur's Pass National Park has wide, riverbeds and vast beech forests.

13. Day 14

    Arthur's Pass National Park

    The Arthur's Pass National Park has many gigantic peaks over 2000 metres. All the main valleys of the park are steep sided, with the U-shaped profile typical of glacial action. Above the sub-alpine shrub lands, there are vast rows of alpine fields with wildflowers. Join expert guides to explore this spectacular 6000 acre property and the nearby Arthur's Pass National Park. See 'real' heartland sheep farmers at work and hike mountain trails.

14. Day 15

    Auckland

    Travel to Christchurch via the Canterbury Plains, a vast quilt of agricultural land (135 km, 84 miles, 2 hours). Depending on your flight time, you could still explore the Christchurch region. The French inspired Akaroa fishing village is only 1.5 hours drive away (one-way). Central Christchurch is being renovated but still provides innovative dining options. The surrounds provide a backyard of magnificent alpine heights, premium wineries and a gorgeous coastline.

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