Incredible Mount Cook vistas from Lake Pukaki, South Island
Incredible Mount Cook vistas from Lake Pukaki, South Island
Auckland Skyline Views, North Island
Auckland Skyline Views, North Island
Scenery in and around Rotorua, North Island
Scenery in and around Rotorua, North Island
Tongariro National Park, Hawkes Bay & Wellington, North Island
Tongariro National Park, Hawkes Bay & Wellington, North Island
Queen Charlotte Sound & Marlborough / Picton Vineyards & Wine Tasting Tour
Queen Charlotte Sound & Marlborough / Picton Vineyards & Wine Tasting Tour
Abel Tasman National Park, South Island
Abel Tasman National Park, South Island
Wellington & Milford Sound, South Island
Wellington & Milford Sound, South Island
Mount Aspiring, Fox Glacier, Haast Pass & Franz Josef Glacier, South Island
Mount Aspiring, Fox Glacier, Haast Pass & Franz Josef Glacier, South Island
Pancake Rocks, Okarito Lagoon and Arthur's Pass, South Island
Pancake Rocks, Okarito Lagoon and Arthur's Pass, South Island

North to South Kaka (Small Group Tour)

16 nights from £5,299 per person Including Flights

Overview

Why only explore one of New Zealand’s islands when you could explore both? This exciting 17-night small group escorted tour takes you off the beaten track, helping you to discover all of New Zealand’s hidden gems. Starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch, you’ll venture through some of the North Island’s most natural beautiful landscapes, before embarking on the Interisland ferry to discover everything the South Island has to offer, too.

With a maximum of 18 people on each trip, you’ll enjoy a truly personal experience on this escorted tour. From visiting the Kiwifruit capital of the world and flying high above the Southern Alps, this tour is full of pinch-yourself moments (MOA).

Highlights

  • Discover geothermal wonders at Wai-O-Tapu
  • Enjoy a three-hour cruise on the Interisland ferry across the Cook Strait, Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton
  • Taste sumptuous wines in Marlborough
  • Discover the natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park
  • Visit the world-famous Milford Sound
  • Spot rare white heron in Okarito Lagoon
  • Marvel at New Zealand’s beautiful lakes, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Wakatipu, Wanaka and Hawae
  • See three of the country’s active volcanoes
Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with New Zealand Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Auckland

Today you will arrive in Auckland, where you will transfer to your hotel and rest ready for the tour ahead.

Day 2

Auckland - Rotorua

Your tour begins in Auckland, where you’ll be met by a tour guide and travel to Rotorua. First, you’ll visit the incredible Karangahake Gorge and saunter along the Ohinemuri River to discover the gold-mining relics and ruins, before passing through Te Puke to see the Kiwifruit capital of the world and visit a working Kiwifruit orchard. Afterwards, you’ll continue on to Rotorua - well-known for its geothermal wonders - taking a private sail across Lake Rotoiti to take a dip in the hot pool, and ending at your lake view accommodation in Rotorua.

Overnight: Novotel Lakeside

Day 3

Rotorua

The morning is free for you to enjoy at leisure. We’d recommend ambling along to the lakeside, and Ohinemutu marae is not to be missed either – it’s one of only two living Maori villages left in New Zealand. After a morning to yourself, you’ll head to the Buried Village of Te Wairoa for a delicious hosted lunch with locals David and Karen, a fascinating couple with plenty of stories from their Maori and European histories.

After lunch, you’ll explore the village itself, learning about New Zealand’s national icon – the Kiwi bird – and the conservation efforts made at the Rotorua Kiwi Encounter to ensure their survival. We have no doubt you’ll be surprised by just how big a Kiwi bird can be.

Overnight: Novotel Lakeside

Day 4

Rotorua – Tongariro National Park

Today you will explore the volcanic landscape of the Central North Island, including discovering the surreal geothermal Wai-o-Tapu and wandering through exciting Tongariro National Park.

Overnight: Ruapehu

Day 5

Tongariro National Park – Wellington

After breakfast you will venture south through picturesque farmland and small rural towns. Before arriving at your hotel, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy amazing views from Mt Victoria.

Overnight: The Bolton Hotel

Day 6

Wellington

Your central location is in walking distance to the waterfront and Te Papa National museum as well as all the eateries and breweries. You'll have a full day at leisure to wander around and enjoy all that this city has to offer. Wellington is also the spiritual home of "The Lord of Rings" where you can visit Weta Workshop and see how all the props are made or drop into the Embassy theatre which hosted the world premier back in 2003.

Overnight: The Bolton Hotel

Day 7

Wellington – Cook Strait Crossing – Picton – Blenheim – Nelson

Cruising along from the North Island to the South Island on the Interisland ferry is a trip that will take your breath away. For three hours, you can take in the amazing views of the Cook Strait, Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton before finally setting foot on Te Waipounamu – the South Island.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a vineyard for a delectable wine tasting and lunch, right in the heart of the Marlborough sauvignon blanc region. From wine country you will travel to Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand. Along the way cross the Pelorus River Bridge, scene of the Barrel run from the Hobbit movie before relaxing at the hotel.

Overnight: Tides Hotel

Day 8

Nelson – Abel Tasman National Park

The picture-perfect Abel Tasman National Park is your port of call today. With turquoise waters framed by luscious flora and sugary sand beach, this national park never fails to amaze those who visit. Take your pick from a cruise or a cruise walk combo, giving you the opportunity to hike park of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and find out how a recent crowd funded initiative increased the area of the park to protect even more of its landscape.

This is your opportunity to truly relax and soak up the sun. Laze around on the golden sands, swim in the water with dolphins, and enjoy the blazing sunshine.

Overnight: Tides Hotel

Day 9

Nelson – Kaikoura

In the morning you will travel the rugged coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges, which offer spectacular views. The afternoon is then free to explore, you’ll have the chance to whale watch, swim with dolphins, or visit the seal colony who reside on the edge of town.

Overnight: White Morph Inn

Day 10

Kaikoura/Methven – Akaunui Homestead – Aoraki/Mt Cook

Travelling over the hills to the Canterbury Plains, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the spectacular Southern Alps in the horizon. Lunch is a special affair today, taking place in Akaunui Homestead – a Canterbury heritage building adorned with huge, colourful gardens – with food localled sourced and cooked in the company of Kiwi locals Di and Ian Mackenzie.

After you’ve tucked in the lunch, you’ll head over the Mackenzie Country, home to wonderful views of the Southern Alps. There’ll be many stops en route, including the unbelievably crystal blue Lake Pukaki and the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo.

Overnight: Aoraki/Mt Cook Village

Day 11

Aoraki/Mt Cook – Queenstown

The morning will be spent exploring the soaring landscapes of Mount Cook, the home ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. You can choose between embarking on an easy walking tour around the village, or hopping on a boat cruise on the glacial lake, a scenic flight, or even a heli-hike up on the Tasman Glacier.

Then after tucking into lunch you’ll travel along the Lindis Pass and through Kawarau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown, known for its adventurous activities. Take a trip up the Gondola to Bob’s Peak for unforgettable views of the Wakatipu, and then spend the evening taking your pick of Queenstown’s wicked restaurant and bar scene.

Overnight: Scenic Suites

Day 12

Queenstown - Milford Sound

On day 11 you’ll visit Milford Sound, venturing into the heart of Fiordland National Park to marvel at the breath-taking landscapes. Once you’ve arrived you’ll enjoy a cruise out onto the sound, surrounded by Mitre Peak and home to prolific birdlife, large seal colonies, and wonderful pods of dolphins, before taking a flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown for the evening.

Overnight:Scenic Suites

Day 13

Queenstown

Day 12 will  be free for you to partake in brilliant activities suitable for all ages and abilities. Those who wish to go at a slower pace will enjoy a jet boat ride along the Dart River to take a peek of The Lord of the Rings scenery, or while away an afternoon walking through the Botanic Gardens. An exhilarating raft ride along the Kawarau River is perfect for adrenaline junkies, and we also highly recommend wine tasting in one of Central Otago’s boutique vineyards, or embarking on the 1912 Steamship, the Earnslaw, for a cruise along Lake Wakatipu.

Overnight: Scenic Suites

Day 14

Queenstown – Arrowtown – Wanaka

Arrowtown’s gold mining history is wildly fascinating, and where better to find out more than beside the foliage-framed Arrow River and in the stimulating museum. Afterwards you’ll have the chance to climb up the Crown Range for an unbelievable view of the Wakatipu Basin, before visiting Cardrona Hotel for a delve into the colonial era. After lunch you have plenty of time to discover this lovely lakeside town for yourself or perhaps head next door to the Rippon Vineyard for wine tasting with a view!
The hotel you’ll be staying at this evening is nestled on the lake edge, close by to wonderful bike and waterfront trails and fabulous kayaking opportunities.

Overnight: Edgewater Resort

Day 15

Wanaka – Haast Pass – Franz Josef Glacier

Today is jam-packed full of excitement. The day begins with a drive along Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, before exploring the sweeping mountains and river scenes of the Mount Aspiring National Park. You’ll then travel over the Haast Pass and discover wonderful beech forests and cascading waterfalls before following the Haast river out to the sea. The whole adventure will be leisurely, so there’ll be ample time for taking photos and drinking in the views.

Once that adventure is complete, you’ll then wander through Gondwanaland forest, stopping off at Ship Creek to stroll along the sand and spot dolphins in the shallows. The beach then turns into icy glaciers as you marvel at Lake Matheson’s famous reflections and spot the striking Fox Glacier that descends from Mount Cook.

Overnight: Scenic Hotel

Day 16

Franz Josef Glacier – Hokitika – Punakaiki

Your morning is free to discover Glacier Country, right in the heart of our West Coast wilderness. Your guide will lead you on a walk up Franz Josef Glacier Valley, to the glacier lookout. You may also take the opportunity to visit West Coast gem of Okarito Lagoon, the home of the rare Kotoku or White Heron. You’ve got a couple of options to discover the lagoon, your choice of kayaking or a nature cruise with a specialist local guide. This afternoon drive through countryside adorned with lakes and rivers and take a coffee stop in Hokitika, the setting for colonial novel The Luminaries. Home to craft-enthusiasts, you’ll even be able to visit the carvers and watch glass blowers, wood and copper artisans. Hokitika is the Pounamu (greenstone) capital, so you won’t want to miss the locals getting crafty.

Overnight: Punakaiki - The Ocean View Retreat

Day 17

Punakaiki

Today you have plenty of time to explore Paparoa National Park and Punakaiki, taking in views of rugged limestone cliffs shrouded with tropical flora, including New Zealand’s only native palm tree, the Nikau Palm. Punakaiki is also home to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. There are also some great optional activities here, our favourite is the Glowworm Caves a t Charleston, but you’ve also got horse riding or kayaking too if that’s your thing.

Overnight: Punakaiki - The Ocean View Retreat

Day 18

Punakaiki – Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch

Cross New Zealand’s main divide, traverse the stunning Canterbury High Country and cross the plains into Christchurch. Highlights of the day include the Otria Viaduct, the spectacular cantilevered road through towering mountains to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Arrive in Christchurch late afternoon and transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.

  • International flights
  • All transportation by coach (with air-con) plus airport transfers
  • Services of a knowledgeable kiwi tour guide throughout
  • All accommodation (1 night pre tour + 16 nights with group)
  • All breakfasts and four lunches
  • Discover geothermal wonders at Wai-O-Tapu, Enjoy a three-hour cruise on the Interisland ferry across the Cook Strait, Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton, Taste sumptuous wines in Marlborough, Discover the natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, Visit the world-famous Milford Sound, Spot rare white heron in Okarito Lagoon, Marvel at New Zealand’s beautiful lakes, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Wakatipu, Wanaka and Hawae, See three of the country’s active volcanoes.

The following excursions are available to book, please contact one of our travel consultants for prices and availability:

  • Auckland Pre Tour Day – Tiritiri Matangi Island Wildlife Discovery Cruise
  • Auckland Pre Tour Day – Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
  • Auckland Pre Tour Day – Auckland City Revealed
  • Auckland Pre Tour Day – Hobbiton Day Tour
  • Auckland Pre Tour Day – Half Day Wilderness Experience
  • Auckland Pre Tour Day – Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
  • Auckland Pre Tour Day – Harbour Dinner Cruise
  • Rotorua – Treetop Canopy Tour
  • Rotorua – Maori Culture Evening & Hangi Dinner
  • Rotorua – Mt Tarawera Volcano Helicopter Landing
  • Rotorua – White Island Active Volcano Helicopter Landing
  • Rotorua – Mt Tarawera/White Island Floatplane Adventure
  • Wellington – Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary by Night
  • Kaikoura – Whale Watching Cruise
  • Kaikoura – Whale Watching Helicopter Flight
  • Kaikoura – Whale Watching Fixed Wing Flight
  • Mount Cook – Tasman Glacier and Terminal Lake Cruise
  • Queenstown – Bike the Bridges Half Day Tour
  • Queenstown – The Basin Explorer – Full Day Bike Tour
  • Queenstown – Boutique Wine Tour
  • Queenstown – Dart River Jet Boat Wilderness Experience
  • Queenstown – Routeburn Track Day Hiking
  • Queenstown – Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour
  • Queenstown – Moa 4 Line Tour
  • Queenstown – TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise with BBQ Lunch or Dinner
  • Queenstown – Station to Station Mt Nicholas Farm Experience & Bike Hire
  • Queenstown – Kawarau River Rafting
  • Queenstown – Kawarau & Shootover Rivers Jet Boat Ride
  • Wanaka – Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk
  • Franz Josef – Glacier Heli Hike
  • Franz Josef – Twin Glacier Scenic Heli Flight and Snow Landing
  • Franz Josef – Okarito Eco Tour
  • Franz Josef – Okarito Guided Kayak Trip
  • Punakaiki – Underwater Rafting
  • Punakaiki – Charleston Glowworn Caves Tour
  • Punakaiki – TransAlpine Train Arthurs Pass to Christchurch
  • Christchurch – Akaroa Harbour Day Cruise
  • Christchurch – Akaroa Day Tour & Swim with Dolphins

Please ensure to check the availability with one of our travel consultants as these tours can get booked up fairly quickly due to popularity.

Jenn Hillyar
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