Queenstown to Auckland, East Coast Discovery

The alpine resort of Queenstown is a destination for luxury, stunning scenery and almost any kind of adventure, including bungy, jet boating, horse trekking and rafting. Take time to experience all this beautiful place has to offer with a wine tour, skydive or a round of golf at one of the country's marquee golf courses.

As you continue on to Wānaka, you'll have the opportunity to visit the charming village of Arrowtown. Explore the shops and cafes, pan for gold, visit galleries or wander through the historic Chinese miners' village.

Wānaka contains an appealing mix of fine living and unique attractions, like the Wildwire waterfall climb and quirky Cinema Paradiso.

Enjoy the golden tussock and snow-capped mountain landscape as you travel from Wānaka to New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook. Along the way, you'll pass Ōmarama, a favourite spot with gliders. This area’s unique geography assists in the formation of the famous Northwest Arch, a thermal that can take glider pilots to 10,000 metres. 

In Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, you'll find ample hiking and climbing activities to enjoy. This is also the home of New Zealand's longest glacier, scenic flights, short hikes and boat tours through the terminal lake are all ways to explore this spectacular feature.

Today you'll leave the alpine landscape behind and head across the patchwork Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. If you have time stop in Lake Tekapo and explore the beautiful turquoise lake. Fishing, kayaking, bike riding, horse trekking and skiing are some of the things you can do in this area. The Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue make great photo opportunities.

Fast changing and funky, Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. Favourite activities include punting down the Avon River, biking in the Port Hills, visiting Sumner Beach, or a day trip out to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa.

Leave Christchurch and travel through the surf towns of Waikuku, Leithfield and Amberley. Stop for lunch in Waipara – a region known for its vineyards (Pinot Noir is the speciality here) and olive groves.

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watching tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales, mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels.

From Kaikoura follow the Pacific Coast north, across the Wairau Plains, to Blenheim the heart of wine-growing Marlborough.

With more than 20 wineries within an easy drive of town, Blenheim is a great place for a wine tour. Be sure to try the local Sauvignon Blanc for which this region is famous. You’ll also find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Alternatively, explore the waterways and islands of the Marlborough Sounds by boat, kayak, bike, or on foot.

The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the ferry that will take you on to Wellington. Picton is home to an array of different attractions to keep you entertained, including museums, interesting walks and an aquarium.

Passage across Cook Strait travels through the Marlborough Sounds and is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. Highlights include the Red Rocks seal colony, Tory Channel and Cook’s Lookout.

In Wellington, you'll find a vibrant funky city packed with things to do. It's the place to enjoy museums, galleries, cafes, restaurants and craft beer.

After soaking up the lively vibe of Wellington, you'll enjoy the more relaxed pace of Wairarapa countryside. This region is home to an interesting group of small historic towns each with its own distinct personality. 

Featherston is the gateway to a wild stretch of wetland that surrounds Lake Wairarapa. A short journey from here, you'll find Martinborough, known for its many boutique vineyards and delicious Pinot Noir. Further north Greytown and Carterton are great places for antique and souvenir shopping. Masterton is the biggest population centre in the area. Learn more about the region's history with a visit to the Wool Shed and Arotoi Museum.

Not far from Masterton, you'll come to the Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Sanctuary, home to wild birds such as the titipounamu (rifleman), kārearea (New Zealand falcon) and the kererū (wood pigeon). You may also see advocacy birds like Kahurangi the kōkako. 

In 1931, a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city of Napier. It was rebuilt in the style of the times and is now considered the Art Deco capital of the world. The vineyards of Hawke’s Bay are all within easy reach of Napier. Another attraction is the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

There are two routes from Napier to Gisborne. On the inland route, you can visit Hackfalls Arboretum, one of the largest private collections of trees in New Zealand. The coastal route takes you past Morere Hot Springs and the fabulous beaches of Māhia Peninsula. Alternatively, take a detour to Lake Waikaremoana, the gateway to Te Urewera wilderness area and a great place for horse trekking, kayaking or hiking. 

Gisborne is a sunny city with a reputation for good wine and fantastic surf beaches. There are more than 20 vineyards in the area – the emphasis is on Chardonnay.

From Gisborne, you'll travel through the stunning Waioeka Gorge to Ōpōtiki. Take your time and enjoy the forest and river scenery along the way. Not far from Ōpōtiki, you'll find Ōhope, a friendly coastal town with kilometers of uninterrupted beach for swimming, walking, surfing and fishing. Local Māori culture is strong in this region, so look for carved meeting houses and unique churches.

Whakatāne is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand with a great mix of activities including a museum, observatory and numerous Māori historical sites. Just offshore is Moutohorā (Whale Island), a unique, predator-free island sanctuary.

It’s a short trip from here to Rotorua, the geothermal heart of New Zealand. 

Situated directly on the ring of fire, Rotorua is a town alive with volcanic activity. Explore the region's fascinating geothermal areas from bubbling mud to erupting geysers. Learn more about the region's history and culture with a visit to one of Rotorua's Maori Villages. The city is also a hub for adventure, so if thrills are what you're after there's plenty to choose from with top mountain biking trails and a growing range of quirky and bizarre adventure activities such as the OGO, shweeb or luge. 

The road from Rotorua to Tauranga climbs up and over the Mamaku Range, delivering fabulous views. In Tauranga, you'll find a thriving café culture and boat charters offering big game fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching. Or simply take a stroll along Mount Maunganui beach.

Continue your journey up the coast to Whitianga, a lovely seaside town and a great place from which to explore two of the Coromandel's must-do attractions. Hot Water Beach hides geothermally heated water beneath the sand. At low tide, you can dig your own spa. Another highlight is the walk to spectacular Cathedral Cove, beginning at Hahei.

Your first stop today is the historic township of Thames. Founded during the Coromandel gold rush, this is a great place to learn the region's gold mining history. Nearby Miranda offers relaxing hot springs and a bird sanctuary that is well worth a visit before continuing your journey north to Auckland.

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. Spend your time here enjoying the city's harbour, museums, galleries, and adventure activities.

Spend the last day of your New Zealand journey exploring Auckland and its surrounds.

Auckland region is blessed with many beaches and forest parks, so if hiking, biking, surfing, kayaking, fishing or lounging on the beach are on your agenda, you're in the right place. Visit Waiheke Island's vineyards or climb the extinct volcano of Rangitoto, both are easily accessible by ferry from downtown. Alternatively, explore the inner city with its range of boutique and designer stores and delicious eateries.