kayak at cathedral cove | coromandel
kayak at cathedral cove | coromandel
Uncover New Zealand's local secrets

6 weeks from Banks Peninsula to Coromandel

Your six-week journey begins in the Banks Peninsula, a place that is home to the rare Hector’s dolphin, New Zealand fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, Buller’s albatross and white-flippered penguin. You will travel to a region with the highest mountain and the longest glacier in New Zealand. Discover the wildlife capital of New Zealand, Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.

Experience the magical Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise. Uncover the mystery of the World Heritage Listed, Fiordland National Park. Spend a night on a small tranquil island which is home to an abundance of birds. Have a close encounter with whales in their natural habitat and finally, your trip ends in the spectacular Coromandel Peninsula.

Quick facts about this sample itinerary

Below, you can discover our suggested locations. Feel free to adjust your comfort level, add activity packages along the route, and indicate whether you would like us to arrange your flights. The price indication is based on travel in high season, so shoulder season travel will often give you a price advantage.

Route and Impressions

new-zealand
Drive 1 hour east of Christchurch to the picturesque Banks Peninsula
Drive 1 hour east of Christchurch to the picturesque Banks Peninsula
Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd
Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd
Have a close encounter with wildlife on the Otago Peninsula
Have a close encounter with wildlife on the Otago Peninsula
Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound
Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound
Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park
Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park
Conquer the Fox Glacier Heli-hike
Conquer the Fox Glacier Heli-hike
Travel at a relaxed pace and find the hidden gems of the West Coast Route
Travel at a relaxed pace and find the hidden gems of the West Coast Route
Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura
Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura
Discover the crystal waters of Abel Tasman
Discover the crystal waters of Abel Tasman
Do you love the outdoors? Explore the outskirts of Wellington
Do you love the outdoors? Explore the outskirts of Wellington
Get up close to native Tui birds on Kapiti Island
Get up close to native Tui birds on Kapiti Island
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Visit geothermal wonders with a local guide
Visit geothermal wonders with a local guide
Dig your own natural bath on Hot Water Beach
Dig your own natural bath on Hot Water Beach

Banks Peninsula

3 nights

Surrounded by volcanic cliffs, you can choose from a variety of walking tracks to admire the harbour and coastal views. Visit Akaroa, home to historical buildings and the rare Hector’s dolphin.

Tekapo

3 nights

Gleaming with bright turquoise waters and surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps. It’s the best place to stargaze in New Zealand, with its clear nights and lack of light pollution.

Otago Peninsula

3 nights

The scenic drive to Otago Peninsula boasts rugged volcanic views with untouched beaches. Home to an abundance of wildlife including New Zealand fur seals, albatross and yellow-eyed penguins.

Te Anau & Manapouri

3 nights

The perfect base to visit Doubtful and Milford Sounds. Adventure lovers can also kayak, take a scenic flight, go jet boat fishing or sailing on the lake. Driving along the Milford Road is simply breathtaking.

Wanaka

4 nights

An ultimate outdoor base to explore the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park. The crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka are ideal for fly fishing, boat cruises, jet boating, kayaking and swimming.

Franz Josef & Fox

4 nights

Originating from the Southern Alps and descending to sea level, both glaciers flow around ten times faster than most valley glaciers. Get a birds-eye view on a scenic helicopter flight.

Punakaiki

3 nights

Punakaiki lies at the edge of the Paparoa National Park, the home of the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Wander through native forest to the rugged coastline and gaze at the unique limestone formations.

Kaikoura

3 nights

Kaikoura lies between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular views. The nutrient-rich water attracts whales, seals, albatross and dolphins.

Abel Tasman

3 nights

Explore the coastline, golden beaches and lush native forest by foot. Or kayak past secluded bays and islands, and spot marine life such as seals, penguins and dolphins.

Wellington Region

3 night

Head to Porirua for windsurfing, waterskiing and jet skiing. Upper and Lower Hutt offer a variety of hiking and cycling trails. Try your luck with some trout fishing in the Hutt River. 

Kapiti Island

1 night

A predator-free paradise, a place where endangered species can once again thrive. This is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most accessible nature reserves.

Central Plateau & Tongariro

3 nights

Home to natural hot springs, mineral lakes and alpine meadows. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is widely regarded as one of the best one-day hikes in the world. 

Rotorua

3 nights

Situated on one of the world’s most active volcano regions, Rotorua is brimming with remarkable Maori culture, world-class activities and astonishing scenery.

Coromandel

3 nights

Where pristine beaches meet misty forests. Hike the Pinnacles, explore Cathedral Cove or spend your days on the glistening water - kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and fishing.

Price guide per person

Travellers
Select accommodation and car
Included accommodations
  • 42 nights in comfortable bed & breakfasts and lodges
  • Pleasant rooms with an ensuite or a private bathroom
  • Includes some breakfasts
Included car
  • Rental for a compact SUV for 43 days
  • Full insurance with $0 excess as standard
  • During your trip, your kilometres (and flights) are fully CO2 compensated
A brown wooden cabin
Included accomodations
  • 42 nights in superior bed & breakfasts and lodges
  • Delightful rooms with an ensuite and a nice view
  • Includes most breakfasts and some dinners
Included car
  • Rental for a compact SUV for 43 days
  • Full insurance with $0 excess as standard
  • During your trip, your kilometres (and flights) are fully CO2 compensated
Our local hosts provide warm Kiwi hospitality
Barbecue dinner with local hosts | New Zealand holiday
A sitting room with a fireplace and amazing view
Included accomodations
  • 42 nights staying at exclusive bed & breakfasts and lodges
  • Spacious suites with an eye for luxury and design
  • Includes all breakfasts and several dinners
Included car
  • Rental for a compact SUV for 43 days
  • Full insurance with $0 excess as standard
  • During your trip, your kilometres (and flights) are fully CO2 compensated
Enjoy meals from the herb and vegetable garden
NZ solo stays: luxury bathroom
Brown wooden lodge with mountains in the background
A brown chalet with a mountain in the background
Add flight
Enjoy Cathay Pacific's excellent Business class meals
Explore the history, architecture and culture of Hong Kong during your stopover
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Price guide per person
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Youth 12-17 yrs
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Children 2-11 yrs
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During shoulder season you can enjoy significant price savings. Talk to a specialist now on 020 36 95 95 69

Detailed pricing and information

Every holiday is tailor-made based on your wishes and needs. Our advisors are locals with many tips and ideas to ensure your holiday is just perfect, for you.

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6 weeks from Banks Peninsula to Coromandel
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