At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
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
- This itinerary will be customised to suit your individual wishes
- Best travel time is October - November and March - April
- Relaxed travel pace with 1-4 nights at each location
- The average drive between each accommodation is 2 to 4 hours
- Stay with locals at 14 locations, away from the crowds
- Choose from a diverse mix of small-group activities with locals
- Collect your rental car in Christchurch and return in Auckland
- Ferry crossing - Picton to Wellington
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](/img/maps/map-new-zealand-fc.png)
![Drive 1 hour east of Christchurch to the picturesque Banks Peninsula](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=6200ba01900502afb8cc5b8d1a803955 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=05ef041da58e056485a95db181711f53 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=6f3966927c8171a92bcf6449a35cc03d 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=8fd15e797f2eab3e1ee361ed6a6aafe9 400w)
![Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-tekapo-church-lake-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=f1cc1c859995c002a27e63c703ee293f 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-tekapo-church-lake-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=25b5550e1f183b8fc06e70f251de2e97 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-tekapo-church-lake-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=43b3c4220312eec4db5572c03b414e64 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-tekapo-church-lake-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=55fe9610cd2d09621fac0f4945bd0b3b 400w)
![Have a close encounter with wildlife on the Otago Peninsula](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-south-sea-lion-otago-peninsula-new-zealand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=432ca558bb3fc06f10ba315c46a31755 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-south-sea-lion-otago-peninsula-new-zealand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=e03d164fd6a07dbd839e004dd3ce4237 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-south-sea-lion-otago-peninsula-new-zealand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9082ffe82a063b21d46556b51d9f696a 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-south-sea-lion-otago-peninsula-new-zealand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=f2666885ca8b034667806f8a1d2a4a29 400w)
![Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=8c55cb926055ab70583b2712b7e98228 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=133fcab8840c80151c4c9cd86c942ca1 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=e1b88046b80ab4b069951aa25acfdcfd 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=7aec9d88be1819f1f127a106aef79492 400w)
![Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=9fd2ce3449bcd5597b97ccdfeb3d9b62 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=85d9d4334349746e9376caa6d6f467f7 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e53139cd88aecb182df580ab6df09a7 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d3172d49169fd252ab2d54cb2b0f6286 400w)
![Travel at a relaxed pace and find the hidden gems of the West Coast Route](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/cars-roadtrips/nz-west-coast-punakaiki-road-solo-compact-car.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=953b2e39f6a01b26f82151b3e1446f9e 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/cars-roadtrips/nz-west-coast-punakaiki-road-solo-compact-car.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=2477f6bca2c5b0e33344c60726e97058 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/cars-roadtrips/nz-west-coast-punakaiki-road-solo-compact-car.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=2d1d4b7e33ba40eadad13ba07d051105 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/cars-roadtrips/nz-west-coast-punakaiki-road-solo-compact-car.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=cd2842d34baa581ff38dc0cf8ec97716 400w)
![Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=d25703b1198689da921c3b43e0b3fa8b 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=2cbc1cd2793c724169c82c831a202b7a 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=a32d58bb15b14e898e44a3230b73b2a2 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=90beb68a7cb3dcc9b8ac1511d5c1dd6f 400w)
![Discover the crystal waters of Abel Tasman](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=f804b4abbaac77bf03b3a4d24495ccc8 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=ecafaeaa59efdeb38d64a61c52c75b4e 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=3d8d7fcce8c2b920b9515cc805fbddf8 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d990ed2d2c8a8a629fdcad3358d909d6 400w)
![Do you love the outdoors? Explore the outskirts of Wellington](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/2-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=d388ed8ecb344825658f0cf2e78cef72 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/2-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=ebc4f17123fc72c5402f29a4557b90e8 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/2-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9f294280c1dfa94b935db4d4642be343 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/2-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=4f00d80dbb4e3fd2829f9817aac91f5f 400w)
![Get up close to native Tui birds on Kapiti Island](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-kapiti-island-tui-birds-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=225a3798a353dff4cc33754e36f32725 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-kapiti-island-tui-birds-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=6e66ead4d5152901500c5c1b62d74465 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-kapiti-island-tui-birds-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=0836bc9465eefdd8aa26b0e444068fc8 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-kapiti-island-tui-birds-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=6838ed6c25f3c8cec2658702e162fce5 400w)
![Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/tongariro_crossing_dag_wandeling_nieuw_zeeland_5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=b02ecaaf049510c4e892e7b09f40a5d8 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/tongariro_crossing_dag_wandeling_nieuw_zeeland_5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=06ba3b7a9231dcc200deec3201722888 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/tongariro_crossing_dag_wandeling_nieuw_zeeland_5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=752c17070dbbf4b440b32570c5eb30b5 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/tongariro_crossing_dag_wandeling_nieuw_zeeland_5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=56c5cb43d0b2acc4bc7ae4b9cd593bb6 400w)
![Visit geothermal wonders with a local guide](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-rotorua-geysir-8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=f3770af42b7c8adc905be322c2396878 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-rotorua-geysir-8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=048b8d159dab334e7823b62356bfd8d3 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-rotorua-geysir-8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=892395b93eee518798aa390f8f76b3ed 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-rotorua-geysir-8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=99dfa345a356944f419383b1dc7e3fa3 400w)
![Dig your own natural bath on Hot Water Beach](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/22-Hot-Water-Beach-Coromandel-Graeme-Murray-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=7a2e97d8372f3c97aa69123d01e5e574 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/22-Hot-Water-Beach-Coromandel-Graeme-Murray-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=2843dc0d4bbdaef963bd3039e1eaafdc 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/22-Hot-Water-Beach-Coromandel-Graeme-Murray-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=459e1c8edb332a76d8461486b6a78d10 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/22-Hot-Water-Beach-Coromandel-Graeme-Murray-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=3f0346a84a72f575155613efcc75e0a7 400w)
Price guide per person
and car change
During shoulder season you can enjoy significant price savings. Talk to a specialist now on 020 36 95 95 69
More sample itineraries
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.