Road Trip to New Zealand, 25 January – 09 February 2025

Auckland
Known for its stunning harbours, it's a place where the urban environment perfectly blends with the natural beauty. The cityscape is a mix of high-rise build...
Situated in the northern part of the North Island, this vibrant city is the most populous urban area in the country. Known for its stunning harbours, it's a place where the urban environment perfectly blends with the natural beauty. The cityscape is a mix of high-rise buildings, beautiful parks, and waterfront promenades, offering a unique blend of natural and man-made attractions.
The city's history dates back to the 14th century when it was inhabited by the Maori people. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, and the city has since grown into a cosmopolitan hub. The rich cultural heritage is evident in the numerous museums and galleries scattered throughout the city, each telling a unique story of the city's past.
One of the city's highlights is the iconic Sky Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. The tower is also home to a revolving restaurant, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The city is also known for its thriving arts scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and live music venues.
The city's waterfront is another major attraction. The Viaduct Harbour is a bustling area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. It's also the starting point for many of the city's boat tours, which offer a unique perspective of the city and its stunning coastline.
The city is also a gateway to some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Just a short drive from the city centre, you'll find stunning beaches, lush forests, and picturesque vineyards. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, this city has something to offer everyone.
The city's culinary scene is another highlight. With a diverse range of restaurants offering everything from traditional Maori cuisine to international dishes, food lovers will be spoilt for choice. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
In terms of sports, the city is a hub for rugby, with the famous Eden Park stadium hosting numerous international matches. The city also hosts a number of other sporting events throughout the year, including sailing regattas and marathons.
Overall, this city is a place where you can experience a unique blend of urban and natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant arts and culinary scene. It's a city that's constantly evolving, yet remains deeply connected to its past.
The city's history dates back to the 14th century when it was inhabited by the Maori people. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, and the city has since grown into a cosmopolitan hub. The rich cultural heritage is evident in the numerous museums and galleries scattered throughout the city, each telling a unique story of the city's past.
One of the city's highlights is the iconic Sky Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. The tower is also home to a revolving restaurant, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The city is also known for its thriving arts scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and live music venues.
The city's waterfront is another major attraction. The Viaduct Harbour is a bustling area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. It's also the starting point for many of the city's boat tours, which offer a unique perspective of the city and its stunning coastline.
The city is also a gateway to some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Just a short drive from the city centre, you'll find stunning beaches, lush forests, and picturesque vineyards. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, this city has something to offer everyone.
The city's culinary scene is another highlight. With a diverse range of restaurants offering everything from traditional Maori cuisine to international dishes, food lovers will be spoilt for choice. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
In terms of sports, the city is a hub for rugby, with the famous Eden Park stadium hosting numerous international matches. The city also hosts a number of other sporting events throughout the year, including sailing regattas and marathons.
Overall, this city is a place where you can experience a unique blend of urban and natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant arts and culinary scene. It's a city that's constantly evolving, yet remains deeply connected to its past.

Auckland
Known for its stunning harbours, it's a place where the urban environment perfectly blends with the natural beauty. The cityscape is a mix of high-rise build...

Queenstown
Known as the Mecca of outdoor leisure activities, this small town of 16,000 people offers over 220 different activities, including bungy jumping. It's nestle...

Fiordland National Park
This expansive reserve, one of the largest in the country, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It is a place where towering peaks mee...

Te Anau
Experience a thrilling jet boat ride across the River Shotover in Fiordland National Park. This high-adrenaline activity lasts about 3 hours, offering unmatc...

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
The park forms part of the Te Wahipounamu region, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

Milford Sound
Located in the heart of the Te Wahipounamu region, this area is rich in waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountains, filled with fjords. It boasts lush vegetati...

Pukaki
It's a village next to a lake of the same name, where a hotel is situated. It's a 5 1/2 hour journey, covering 358 km.

Castle Hill Park
Located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, this area is known for its karst rocks and is historically significant for bouldering with nearly 6,000 cli...

Lake Tekapo
Known for its striking turquoise hue, the lake's color is a result of finely ground rock particles, known as rock flour, carried into the lake by the melting...

Paroa
Located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, it's a small seaside village known for its hotel offering double rooms with bathrooms.

Pancake Rocks
A rocky shore of eroded limestone cliffs, underground caverns and strange formations. High tide compresses waves in the caves, creating natural fountains.

Cape Foulwind
This scenic spot on New Zealand's west coast offers a walking path with various stops to observe seals breeding.

Abel Tasman National Park
It's the smallest National Park in New Zealand, situated on the northern side of the South Island.

Motueka
The seaside village is a perfect overnight stop, offering accommodation at a 3-star garden motel. The motel provides 2-bedroom apartments equipped with a bat...

Wellington
The capital of the North Island is reached by a 4-hour ferry crossing from Picton port. The journey features impressive landscapes and turquoise waters.

Picton
A port town known for its ferry services to the North Island and the capital, Wellington. The ferry journey across the strait takes about 4 hours.

Te Papa Museum
Explore the rich history of New Zealand, captured in wonderful snapshots at a renowned cultural institution in Wellington.

Tongariro National Park

Lake Taupo
Situated on the south side of the country's largest lake, formed in a supervolcano crater, is the village of Turangi. It's a gateway to the spectacular Tonga...

Tongariro
Experience a full-day hike through a unique triple volcanic complex, passing through Soda Springs, the Devil's Ladder, and the rim of Red Crater. Weather per...

Wai-O-Tapu
In the heart of the Pacific, there exists a geothermal wonderland, a testament to the Earth's raw power and beauty.

Lake Rotorua
This picturesque body of water, the second largest in the region, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike

Pohutu Geyser
In the heart of the Pacific, there lies a natural wonder that has been a source of fascination for centuries

Hell's Gate Geothermal Field
The area is renowned for its unique geothermal features, including hot springs, mud pools, and steam vents. The landscape is a stark contrast to the lush gre...

Hobbiton
This enchanting location, a sprawling 12-acre landscape, is a living, breathing tribute to a beloved literary world. It is a place where visitors can step in...

Waitomo Cave
Known for the glowing fireflies Arachnocampa luminosa, endemic to New Zealand, it offers an impressive spectacle with live lights. Explore it by boat.