Arrive in Auckland and take time to explore the city's waterfront from the Viaduct to Wynyard Quarter.

The next day start the day with a trip to the top of the iconic Sky Tower(opens in new window) where you can venture out for a Skywalk(opens in new window) or Skyjump(opens in new window). Get out on the water during a harbour cruise or kayak to Rangitoto Island, Auckland's largest volcanic cone. 

For those looking to go further afield, drive out to Auckland's west coast beaches - beautiful and rugged, walking is the best way explore this beautiful piece of coastline or follow one of the many trails into picturesque native forest of the Waitākere Ranges.

Make your way north through the city of Whangārei, to the beautiful Bay of Islands. In Paihia spend the afternoon exploring. A short ferry ride takes you to the elegant beachside village of Russell or head up to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds(opens in new window), the birth place of New Zealand. 

Day two, board a cruise boat(opens in new window) and travel through the region's numerous islands on a dolphin watching adventure; if you're lucky you could join them for a swim. In the afternoon hire a kayak and paddle through the harbour's crystal clear water. Or spend the day diving one of the region's many dive spots.

Travel west from Paihia to Hokianga, where giant sand dunes are perfect for sandboarding. As you pass through Waipou Forest, pause to visit the mighty Tane Mahuta. Towering above the forest canopy this 2000 year old kauri giant is worth the trip.

Continue south, taking time to visit Kauri Museum in Matakohe or explore antique and craft shops in Maungaturoto and Paparoa, before making the short drive back to Auckland.

From Auckland journey south across rolling farmland to the Waitomo Caves. Gaze in aware as a multitude of glowworms light up the rocky ceiling like stars in the night sky, or abseil into depths of the amazing Lost World cave. 

Leave Waitomo and travel across the forested Mamaku Range to the thermal resort town of Rotorua. If you feel like relaxing, head to the Polynesian Spa(opens in new window) - home to naturally heated mineral pools that look out over Lake Rotorua, it's the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring.

Spend the day exploring Rotorua's many geothermal wonders including the famous Pohutu geyser(opens in new window), Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland(opens in new window), Hells Gate(opens in new window) or the Waimangu Volcanic Valley(opens in new window), the youngest geothermal eco-system in the world.

For the more adventurous, try the famous Skyline luge, bungy jumping or zip-lining(opens in new window) through the forest canopy. Visit the Whakarewarewa Forest for an unbeatable blend of mountain biking trails. Finish the day with an evening of Maori culture.

In the morning travel back to Auckland and catch your flight south to the beautiful city of Queenstown. Spend the the evening, exploring Queenstown's stunning lake front and vibrant restaurants.

Queenstown has an abundance of activities to get your blood pumping. Experience the thrill of a jet boat(opens in new window), touch the vivid blue of the Kawarau River at the world’s first bungy site(opens in new window) or embrace the fear and plunge 15,000ft in an exhilarating skydive(opens in new window).

The region is also the perfect place to explore. Hike into the mountains on one of the many walking tracks or hire a bicycle head out into wine country. In the evening, enjoy a stargazing experience that's second to none.

Set off early from Queenstown with an unforgettable journey to Milford Sound.  Drive through the Eglington Valley, a place of ancient alpine forests and gushing waterfalls. Don't miss the beautiful Mirror Lakes along the way. For those who would rather fly, scenic flights from Queenstown take you on an epic tour through the mountains to the sounds.

In Milford Sound, board a cruise boat and soak in the wonders of the fiord's glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls hundreds of metres high, or hire a kayak and paddle the tranquil waters. Return to Queenstown for the night.

Leave Queenstown early and take your time as you travel via Lake Wānaka through the historic Haast Pass to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests, and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef. Enjoy an evening of exploring this beautiful glacier region. Helicopter flights that include glacier landings are unforgettable and highly recommended. 

Travel north to the west coast town of Greymouth. Ascend through lush beech forests and past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. If you have time take a break from the driving and walk to the spectacular Devil's Punchbowl Falls, just an hour return from Arthurs Pass village.

Continue over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch and your final night in New Zealand.

Spend your last day exploring the Christchurch, New Zealand's 'garden city'. Visit the Botanical Gardens or take a relaxing trip down the Avon River aboard a punt boat. Ride the historic tramway to see the city's various shopping and eatery precincts before catching your flight home.