Classic New Zealand

Experience the best sights of Auckland City in the morning combined with an afternoon Wilderness Experience - a day of contrasts. Auckland is set on 52 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it's New Zealand's largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play.

A 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Arataki Centre, the gateway to the rain forest, where the sweeping decks give breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer.

With your knowledgeable and experienced guide, your eco-tour continues on to the lush rain forest where you hear native birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand's famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns.

Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. You travel through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire.

On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response to a movie set in a natural setting. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink. After the tour at Hobbiton board the shuttle at Shire's Rest Cafe for your journey to Rotorua.

This popular hotel in Rotorua is centrally located just a brief stroll to Lake Rotorua, Rotorua's International Convention Centre, world famous Polynesian Spa, the town centre and only minutes from Rotorua's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 rooms offering you a wide choice of accommodation styles.

The morning tour departs daily between 8:00-8:30 a.m. from your accommodation and drives you through forestry and farmland to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colourful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Around 10.15 a.m. head over to see the Lady Knox geyser eruption.
Next, we take you on a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park! Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols new and old, with a guided tour to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre.
Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua's Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First, a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and the Pohutu geyser.

Next we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs. We briefly visit Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site. Finish your day visiting the pristine and tranquil lakes of our amazing volcanic region, including views of Mount Tarawera with explanation of volcanic and Maori history

This evening, you will engage in an immersive experience blending the best in Maori culture and cuisine. Tonight, participate in a heart-warming ritual and the mystical ceremony of the umu kohukohu while feasting on delicious and nourishing seasonal kai (cuisine). Crackling bonfires in the native tawa forest and cozy whare (houses) are the intimate backdrop to Tu Te Ihi.

Upon arrival at the village, a torch-lined path leads you to a candle-lit wharekai for a sumptuous four-course hakari (feast). Feel amazed as the mementos of Aotearoa history and eras, as well as the warm whanau (family) vibe intensify the spirit of hakari. Your winter forest kai morsels have been designed by award-winning Maori chefs, and they may include local delicacies like spit-roasted tuna (native eel), mugs of steaming hot pork and watercress boil up, creamed paua on rewena crostini, foraged greens, chunks of smoked kahawai with lashings of basil sauce and corn husk wrapped kumara kept warm in ashes.

Intercontinental Wellington is a modern luxury hotel perfect for leisure or business travellers. Located in the heart of the city and adjacent to the scenic harbour, it is the ideal base to explore the local businesses, shopping and cultural centres. There are 232 stylish rooms to choose from and several modern conveniences on site for you to enjoy.

A sightseeing tour of New Zealand's capital with a "foodie twist". Discover unique tastes in New Zealand's coffee capital, as Zest introduces you to the city, its eclectic architecture, art and history, whilst sampling local, artisan flavours on this popular tour.

Stroll behind the scenes at some of our favourite Wellington food places with your local Zest guide, to taste hidden culinary treasures and meet some of the makers behind some of the city's best food.

If you're travelling in a group, hosting a work function or school event, or have a large family, our private hire option is a great choice.

Following the same itinerary as the Seal Coast Safari, this private hire gives your group one of our vehicles and drivers all to yourselves. The flat hire rate gives you one vehicle with a maximum capacity of 8pax.

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

Depart Queenstown and take a luxurious coach ride along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau. These tranquil lakes are crystal clear and reflect the surrounding mountains. The driver's compelling commentary will keep you informed and entertained throughout.

Enter Fiordland National Park and pass through Eglington Valley, one of the only road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Take the opportunity to capture some memorable shots of the Mirror Lakes or the ancient alpine forests as you get closer to Milford Sound. The glass-roof coach will give you sensational views of the peaks soaring above you while you cross the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. Make a stop at Monkey Creek and drink some of the freshest water in the world before venturing through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled into solid rock. After the Homer Tunnel, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids, before arriving at the fiord.

Next, board the most luxurious catamaran in Milford Sound to explore the spectacular fiord. Venture out to the Tasman Sea while cruising past tumbling waterfalls, glacier-scarred rock walls and lush rainforests. Keep an eye out for wildlife species such as seals, penguins and dolphins and get a glimpse of Mitre Peak. A tasty picnic lunch will keep you filled on board.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Westwood Lodge B & B is nestled in the heart of New Zealand's spectacular Glacier Country, seconds away from the majestic Southern Alps and the World Heritage Westland National Park and is an ideal place to unwind and explore Franz Josef Glacier. Set in a beautiful bush garden, Westwood Lodge offers well-appointed non smoking bed and breakfast accommodation with stunning views of the West Coast's rainforests, mountains of the Southern Alps & the Franz Josef Glacier. Breakfast and WIFI internet are included in the tariff.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Coach Style Seating

The hotel is 2 minutes' walk from New Regent Street, 6 minutes' walk from Christchurch Casino and 5 minutes' drive from the centre of Christchurch CBD (Central Business District). Christchurch Airport is 18 minutes' drive away.