Get inspiration and top travel recommendations for tailor made holidays to this amazing destination as well as ideas for holidays to Australia and great stopovers options.
13. We Recommend
Northland Highlights
Waitangi Day
Event
Waitangi Day on 6th February celebrates the “Birth of
the Nation” on this day in 1840 with the signing of
the Treaty of Waitangi
Te Hoenga Waka
Experience
Experience a spiritual journey with the local Ngapuhi
Maori in Te Hoenga Waka at Haruru Falls
5-Day Twin Coast Explorer
Day 1 Auckland-Mangawhai Follow the route less travelled along the
east coast to Mangawhai and Bream Bay. A cliff-top walkway offers
extensive views of the offshore islands.
Day 2 Mangawhai-Bay of Islands Drive to the Bay of Islands, one
of the country’s most historically significant areas and where a host of
marine adventures await.
Day 3 Bay of Islands-Karikari Peninsula Continue north taking a
very scenic detour to Matauri Bay en route to the quiet beauty of this
unspoiled area.
Day 4 Karikari Peninsula-Hokianga Drive to Cape Reinga and the
northern tip of the country or take a scenic flight from Kaitaia before
returning to follow the west coast to Hokianga Harbour.
Day 5 Hokianga-Auckland Journey south through the giant kauri
trees of Waipoua Forest en route to Auckland.
Carrington Resort
Accommodation
Take a few days out to enjoy the seclusion and
relaxation of a stay in the Far North at Carrington
Resort, Karikari Peninsula
The Kauri Museum
Attraction
The Kauri Museum at Dargaville tells the fascinating
story of pioneering settlers through the theme of
the magnificent kauri tree.
The Duke of Marlborough
Accommodation
Stay at the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel in
historic Russell, New Zealand’s first capital
VIP Helicopter Tour (Heli Wine Tasting)
Experience
Fly by helicopter with Salt Air from Paihia up to
Karikari Peninsula and enjoy a VIP guided wine and
food experience in this stunning part of Northland,
the “winterless north”!
Our view
Visiting the Bay of Islands on Waitangi day is
an amazing experience you'll never forget.
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15. Our view
The Tongariro Crossing certainly lives up
to its reputation as one of the best one-
day walks in the world - vivid colours
and astonishing textures against the
imposing backdrop of three volcanic peaks.
We Recommend
Pacific Coast & Thermal Explorer Highlights
Wilderness Adventure Walk
Experience
Enjoy a personalised Wilderness Adventure Walk on
the Coromandel with Kiwi Dundee, your very own
naturalist guide. Walk along quiet native bush trails
and learn about the local wildlife and flora.
Mt Tarawera by Air
Experience
Enjoy the thrill of a helicopter ride or a floatplane
flight over spectacular volcanic landscape. Fly from
the Rotorua lakefront over the Crater Lakes District to
the summit of Mt. Tarawera with Volcanic Air Safaris
5-Day Pacific Coast Highway
Day 1 Tauranga-Whakatane Explore the beautiful harbour of
Tauranga and the pohutukawa-lined track surrounding Mt Maunganui
before arriving in Whakatane.
Day 2 Whakatane Join a guided trip to volcanic White Island and keep
a look out for dolphins.
Day 3 Whakatane-Gisborne Enjoy a long, but wonderfully scenic
drive around the East Cape, or drive through scenic Waioeke Gorge
to Gisborne.
Day 4 Gisborne-Napier Travel to Napier making a worthwhile detour
to the deserted black sand beaches of the Mahia Peninsula.
Day 5 Napier Explore this charming art deco town and relax at one of
Hawke’s Bay’s fine wineries.
Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge
Accommodation
Enjoy a stay at Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge, a perfect
gateway for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula.
Within easy walking distance of Pauanui Beach, the
Motor Lodge is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Knapdale Eco Lodge
Accommodation
Relax at this wonderful retreat, enjoy the superb
food and savour award-winning Gisborne wines
while overlooking a stunning landscape.
Rotorua Highlights
Experience
Enjoy a full day sightseeing extravaganza of Rotorua’s
top attractions including Rainbow Springs, Skyline
Skyridge Gondola, Agrodome Sheep Show, guided visit
to Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Polynesian Spa.
Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari
Experience
Visit the largest and most accessible gannet colony
in the world as be amazed at their antics as they
preen, nest, fly and perform the famous ‘dance of
the gannets’.
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19. We Recommend
Nelson & Marlborough Highlights
Farewell Spit Nature Reserve
Experience
Enjoy a unique wilderness and wildlife experience on
a guided tour to Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest
sandspit. This world-class sanctuary is home to over
90 species of birds.
Edenhouse (B&B)
Accommodation
‘A unique and memorable experience available
only to a few’ in this idyllic property located near
Motueka - named in Tatler as one of the 101 best
hotels of the world.
5-Day Marlborough Explorer
Day 1 Marlborough Sounds Cruise around Queen Charlotte, Pelorus
and Kenepuru Sounds.
Day 2 Marlborough Sounds Spend the day enjoying the leisurely
pursuits and activities available in this region. Kayak around the coastline
or follow the native bush trails on foot or on mountain bike.
Day 3 Marlborough Sounds-Blenheim Follow the renowned Queen
Charlotte Drive then head inland to Blenheim.
Day 4 Blenheim Spend the day touring the vineyards of the acclaimed
wine region, or visit the unique Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Day 5 around Blenheim Visit craft workshops and artists in their Studios
and discover the Marlborough region’s artistic and cultural highlights.
Bay of Many Coves Resort
Accommodation
Bay of Many Coves Resort, set in a stunning
aqua-blue bay, is an ideal spot for a relaxed, get
away from it all break in the Marlborough Sounds,
accessible only by water taxi from Picton.
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Attraction
Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Blenheim,
and view the aviation display which is like no other.
Captivating scenes depict the aircraft in context and in
some cases recreate actual incidents from the Great War.
Sea Kayaking Abel Tasman
Experience
Join an overnight sea kayaking trip - paddle across
sparkling water and camp in a secluded spot on
the beach. You will see birdlife, seals and possibly
dolphins or orca.
Marlborough Wine Festival
Festival
Experience Marlborough’s iconic Wine Festival
in February and sample some of the finest New
Zealand wines, indulge in the culinary delights of
local chefs and enjoy live entertainment.
Our view
"In true kiwi spirit, the Abel Tasman, combines
adventure with nature, as the track follows
the natural lye of the headland, passing
through luscious fern lined bush and
periodically opening up to stunning bays and
golden beaches."
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22. 22 Why choose Discover the World – see page 3 For our office opening hours please visit our website
Southern Lakes
Lakes & Fiords - Mountains - Adventure
This picturesque southern corner of New Zealand has achieved almost legendary
status for its superb scenery and range of adrenaline-charged activities, including
skiing. Stunning throughout the seasons, you don’t have to be a thrill-seeker to
enjoy the resort towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau.
Queenstown, with its idyllic
lakeside setting and sensational
views of the Remarkables
Range, offers just about every
gravity-defying experience
imaginable: bungy jumping,
hang gliding, luging, parapenting
and ballooning, as well as rafting
the rapids of the Shotover
River or racing its canyons in a
jet boat. Historic steamboat
cruises, a ride on the scenic
Skyline Gondola and some great
shopping and dining complete a
stay in one of New Zealand’s most
relaxing and pleasant towns.
With all the charm but less of
the hype, Lake Wanaka rivals
Queenstown for scenery and
adventure, with activities such as
mountain biking, canyoning,
rock climbing, sky diving and jet
boating. Mirrored in the lake’s
placid waters is the incredibly
scenic backdrop of Mt. Aspiring
and the Southern Alps.
Quieter, but equally beautiful,
Te Anau is famed for its glow
worm caves, and is the gateway
to the serene landscapes of
Fiordland National
Park. Nowhere
else in the country
is there such a
concentration of
mouth-watering
scenery. The
fiords of Milford
and Doubtful
Sound cut deep
into the heart of the national
park, providing a rich haven for
dolphins, seals and countless birds
and an awe-inspiring venue for
kayaking or cruising. Waterfalls
stream down the slopes of
the steep mountains and are
surrounded by lush forests.
Must Do’s
Cruise the fiords of
Milford Sound
Wanaka Nature
Encounter
Skyline Gondola
and Luge
Hike in Mt Aspiring
National Park
Jet boat the
Matukituki River
TSS Earnslaw vintage
steamer on Lake
Wakatipu
Lake Wanaka
26. 26 Our holidays are bound by our Booking Terms & Conditions which can be found on our website
Discover Aotearoa
This, our most popular itinerary, provides the ultimate touring experience of New Zealand. North Island
highlights include the spectacular Bay of Islands, the coastal walks and lush bush of the Coromandel,
geothermal Rotorua and the capital, Wellington. On the South Island explore the rugged West Coast,
adventure capital Queenstown, scenic Fiordland, historic Dunedin and magnificent Mt. Cook.
Auckland
Rotorua
Wellington
Picton
Mt Cook
Queenstown
Christchurch
Dunedin
Bay of Islands
Pauanui
Tongariro
National Park
Nelson
Greymouth
West Coast Glacier
Wanaka
Te Anau
Self-drive (approx. 3,500km)
B&B 20 nights
Year round, on request
Who for?
Fully independent travellers
Prices from:
£1378 per person (twin share)
Fact File
Transfer on arrival
20 nights budget category
accommodation (room only)
20 days mid-range rental vehicle
InterIslander Ferry
Excursions: Maori feast “hangi”
and concert and full day
sightseeing, Rotorua; Skyline
Gondola ticket, Queenstown
New Zealand Handy Atlas
Inclusions
Scan with your smartphone for
more information about this itinerary
The Route
3
7236(//(5 6(/)'5,9(,7,1(5$5
Aoraki Mt Cook
29. discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealandbrochure 29talk to the experts 01737 218 800
Day 1 arrive Auckland
Overnight at an airport hotel.
Day 2 Auckland-Coromandel
(168km) Collect your motorhome
and take to the road via the
Pohutukawa coast to the
northern reaches of the peninsula.
Overnight stay on a United or
Alpine Campervans campsite.
Day 3 Coromandel-Waihi Enjoy
a day exploring the bays and
beaches of the Coromandel.
Day 4 Waihi-Rotorua (218km)
Travel inland to Rotorua and
spend the afternoon making use
of your 5 Star Attraction Pass.
Day 5 Rotorua-Taupo (80km)
Spend time at leisure in Rotorua
before driving to Taupo for an
overnight stay in a Tourist
cabin at the holiday park.
Day 6 Taupo-Napier (143km)
Drive to Napier - a beautiful
Art Deco coastal town in the
heart of Hawke’s Bay.
Day 7 Napier-Wellington
(323km) Spend a relaxing morning
in Napier before the long drive
to Wellington in the afternoon.
Two nights at a motor lodge
near to the ferry terminal.
Day 8 Wellington Explore
New Zealand’s lively capital
or venture beyond the city
to discover the boutique
wineries of the Wairarapa.
Day 9 Wellington-Nelson
(202km) Take the ferry across the
Cook Straight, through the scenic
Marlborough Sounds to Picton
then drive to Nelson for two nights.
Day 10 Nelson Explore the
stunning Abel Tasman region
where lush native forests
meet golden beaches.
Day 11 Nelson-Greymouth
(290km) Journey down the
ruggedly beautiful West Coast to
Greymouth, steeped in pioneering
history, for an overnight stay
at a seaside Holiday Park.
Day 12 Greymouth-Franz
Josef (177km) Head south
following the coast to Franz
Josef. Spend two nights in a
unique rainforest setting.
Day 13 Franz Josef Enjoy
a day exploring the area,
taking an optional glacier
tour or simply relaxing in the
pleasant surroundings.
Day 14 Franz Josef-Queenstown
(404km) Travel to Queenstown
for a 2-night apartment stay
in this beautiful lakeside town
renowned for adventure.
Day 15 at leisure in Queenstown
Time at leisure to choose
from the wealth of activities
Queenstown has to offer. Included
is entrance to the AJ Hackett
Kawarau Bungy Centre.
Day 16 Queenstown-Te Anau
(170km) Drive to Te Anau, the
gateway to Fiordland National
Park for a 2-night stay. An
evening tour of the glow worm
caves is highly recommended.
Day 17 Milford Sound Travel
by coach to Milford Sound and
join a scenic cruise enjoying
the splendour of the fiord.
Day 18 Te Anau-Dunedin
(290km) Head east to Dunedin
and spend the afternoon
exploring this town where historic
architecture and stunning nature
co-exist. Overnight on the wildlife-
rich Otago Peninsula or a city
central location – your choice!
Day 19 Dunedin-Christchurch
(362km) Drive to Christchurch
and drop off your motorhome.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 20 Depart Christchurch
Continue your onward journey.
Courtesy airport transfer included.
Please note that this itinerary
is a suggested outline of your
trip – please contact us to
tailor-make your own holiday.
Also consider
Motor Roam
(8 nights North or South Island
Motorhome self-drive),
Pacific Escapade
(17 night escorted GNZTC tour).
Find these on our website or
call us.
The Itinerary (approx. 2,827km)
30. 30 Our holidays are bound by our Booking Terms Conditions which can be found on our website
New Zealand on a Budget
This self-drive 14 day fixed itinerary is especially designed for the budget-conscious traveller
wanting to experience the very best of New Zealand at an affordable cost. Savour the spectacular
scenery and highlights of this amazing country as you start your journey in Auckland, the City of
Sails, and travel far south to New Zealand’s oldest city, Dunedin.
Wellington
Inclusions
Shuttle arrival transfer
13 nights accommodation (room only)
13 days mid-range rental vehicle
InterIslander Ferry
New Zealand Handy Atlas
Pre or post tour extra nights only
can be added
Services of our ground agents in
New Zealand
Fact File
Self-drive (fixed itinerary)
BB 13 nights
Year round, on request
Who for?
Independent travellers on
limited budget
Prices from:
around £778 per person
(twin share)
Scan with your smartphone for
more information about this itinerary
(;/86,9( ,7,1(5$5
3
Auckland
Bay of Islands
Coromandel
Rotorua
Wellington
Nelson
Picton
Dunedin
Napier
Lake Tekapo
Kaikoura
Queenstown
The Route
33. discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealandbrochure 33talk to the experts 01737 218 800
Day 1 Auckland On arrival
you will be transferred to
your accommodation.
Day 2 Auckland-Hokianga
Harbour/Omapere (290km)
Today pick up your rental vehicle
and head north via Muriwai
Beach and Matakohe.
Day 3 Omapere-Bay of
Islands (215km) Make your
way to historic Russell via
Opua and the car ferry.
Day 4 Bay of Islands A free
day to explore the bay and its
attractions - the Hole in the Rock,
swimming with dolphins or a visit
to Waitangi and its Treaty House.
Day 5 Bay of Islands-Auckland
(250km) Drive south on
the east coast road, taking
advantage of your 4x4 vehicle
to explore some of the lovely
coves and beaches en route.
Day 6 Auckland-Coromandel
(260km) Head south to the
old mining town of Thames,
gateway to the lovely
Coromandel Peninsula. Explore
Whitianga, visit Cathedral
Cove and Hot Water Beach.
Day 7 Coromandel-Rotorua
(215km) Drive through the
main kiwi fruit growing region
of New Zealand to Rotorua.
Day 8 Rotorua A full day to
experience all the attractions on
offer. Acquaint yourself with Maori
culture by visiting some historical
sights. Enjoy a Maori Hangi
Cultural Show in the evening.
Day 9 Te Urewera-Napier
(320km) Today’s route traverses
the heart of Te Urewera National
Park. From the coast it is a short
drive to Napier, renowned for its
magnificent art deco architecture.
Day 10 Napier-Tongariro
(190km) Drive the historic Gentle
Annie Road and the Desert Road
where you are almost in sight of
Mt. Ruapehu, a splendid snow-
capped volcano and the highest
peak on the North Island.
Day 11 Tongariro-Whanganui
(315km) Take the Old Post
Road, which follows the scenic
valley of the Whanganui River.
Continue to Wellington, New
Zealand’s capital, a cultured city
with lively cafes and pubs.
Day 12 Wellington-Picton-
Nelson Lakes (190km) Catch
the early ferry across the Cook
Strait and then Queen Charlotte
Drive for some stunning views
of the Sound. Head inland
to St. Arnaud, in the rugged
Nelson Lakes National Park.
Day 13 St Arnaud-Hanmer
Springs (250km) Take the
Maruia Saddle Road, a splendid
4x4 route which winds among
sparkling streams and rainforest
and on to Hanmer Springs,
famous for its thermal pools.
Day 14 Hanmer Springs-
Kaikoura (135km) enjoy a whale
watching trip in Kaikoura or swim
with seals or dusky dolphins.
Day 15 Kaikoura-Christchurch-
Mt Hutt (275km) Cross the
Canterbury Plains to New Zealand’s
garden city, Christchurch, situated
at the foot of the Southern Alps.
Day 16 Mt Hutt-Lake Tekapo-
Kurow (235km) Leaving the
Canterbury Plains, you’ll reach
turquoise-coloured Lake Tekapo.
Take an optional scenic flight
to the glaciers or Mt Cook
before continuing the drive into
Central Otago, where you stay
overnight in an historic hotel.
Day 17 Kurow-Queenstown
(350km) This region of the
South Island staged a great gold
rush in the 19th century and
people flocked here from all
over the world. Drive via Clyde
and Naseby to Queenstown,
famed for its stunning location
overlooking Lake Wakatipu
and the Remarkables Range.
Day 18 Queenstown Perhaps try
out one of the many activities on
offer in New Zealand’s ‘Adventure
Capital’ – rafting, jet boating, or
take a quiet cruise or gondola or
day trip to scenic Milford Sound
either by car or on a scenic flight.
Day 19 Queenstown-Wanaka-
Franz Josef (360km) Take
the road across the majestic
Crown Range to reach Wanaka.
Then head over the Haast
Pass to Franz Josef Glacier
for your overnight stay
Day 20 Franz Josef-Greymouth
(160km) The west coast offers
a combination of rainforest,
mountains, glaciers and sea. Hike
to Fox or Franz Josef Glacier, take
a helicopter sightseeing flight or
stroll around Lake Matheson.
Day 21 Greymouth-
Christchurch/Canterbury region
(260km) Optional drive north to
the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki,
before heading over Arthur’s Pass.
Day 22 Christchurch Today drop
off your rental vehicle and depart.
Please note this is a suggested
outline of your trip – please
contact us to tailor-make
your own holiday.
Also consider
4x4 Hike and Drive
(24 night self-drive),
Adventure Odyssey
(13 night escorted
small group tour).
Find these on our website or call us.
The Itinerary
38. 38 Our holidays are bound by our Booking Terms Conditions which can be found on our website
Accommodation Options
Hotels
First Class – superior hotels
with good facilities and services,
usually central (4* plus)
Tourist Class – quality,
mid-range hotels, usually
central (3-4*)
Budget Class – economical yet
comfortable motels (2½ -3*)
Qualmark category:
all suite hotels resorts
Apartments
Apartments can provide
the ultimate freedom for
independent self-catering
travellers – perfect for families,
friends and couples travelling
together. A range of modern,
well located and serviced
apartments are available across
the country.
Qualmark category:
self-contained serviced
Motels
Motels tend to be located away
from central locations. However,
they offer classic New Zealand
accommodation and are ideal
for family and friends on holiday
who are seeking quality self-
catering and value for money.
Qualmark category:
self-contained serviced
Holiday Parks
A range of camping grounds and
motor camps are accessible for
those travelling across country by
Motorhome or Campervan.
Qualmark category:
holiday parks
Throughout New Zealand standards of accommodation are very high. There is a fantastic selection to
choose from including hotels, motels, boutique properties and luxury lodges as well as farmstay options.
We can incorporate different styles of accommodation into any itinerary. Whilst the following classification
is intended to give you a guideline on the quality of the properties we use, please note that there is some
variation between regions and categorisation is based on ‘best available’ at the time of booking.
3
41. talk to the experts 01737 218 800discover-the-world.co.uk/australia 41
Great Rail Journeys
Experience the world’s longest
straight stretch of railway with a
trip on the Indian Pacific across
the vast Nullarbor Plain, or cross
Australia north to south from
Darwin to Adelaide – both are
epic journeys through an epic
Australian landscape.
With colourful coral, turquoise
seas and lush green rainforests,
Australia’s colours are truly
dazzling. Perhaps nowhere more
so than the striking landscapes
of the Outback, where vivid red
earth is punctuated by lone white
gum trees reaching into the
endless blue sky.
Outback Luxury
Australia offers its own unique
take on luxury in the wilderness,
with safari style tented properties
and working cattle ranches
offering top level service, gourmet
dining, fine wines and views to
cherish for a lifetime. Remarkable Rocks
Uluru (Ayers Rock) surely has to be the
world’s best-known rock, but don’t
overlook Australia’s other geological
wonders. There’s the aptly named
Devil’s Marbles, stripey Bungle Bungles,
other-worldly Pinnacles and the
remarkable Remarkable Rocks!
A Taste of Australia
A diverse range of influences have
shaped Australia’s cuisine, with fresh
produce, a multicultural society and
traditional ‘bush tucker’ combining
to create unique and innovative
menus. Numerous vineyards can
be found throughout the southern
states and are well worth a visit.
On the Road
Travel at your own pace by motorhome or car,
and take in Australia’s scenic highlights. Drive the
famous Great Ocean Road, meander through the
forests of Margaret River, explore rural Tasmania
or tackle the remote Gibb River Road.
Dazzling Colour
Sydney Icons
Instantly recognizable, Sydney Harbour just wouldn’t be the same
without its twin landmarks. See the city from a different perspective
with a Bridge Climb, or enjoy a performance to remember at the
iconic Sydney Opera House.
NEW SOUTH WALES
QUEENSLAND
NORTHERN TERRITORY
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
VICTORIA
TASMANIA
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B
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R
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Darwin
Cairns
Alice Springs
Brisbane
Melbourne
Sydney
Adelaide
Perth
Canberra
Uluru
Hobart
Blue Mountains
Broome