Travel south through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Overnight at Rotorua.

Day 2: Rotorua - Taupo

This morning – see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon drive south past the steam fields of Wairakei to Lake Taupo in the centre of the North Island. Overnight at Taupo.

Day 3: Taupo – Tongariro National Park

A guided tour will take you to the mighty Huka Falls, Wairakei, the Aratiatia Rapids and the Craters of the Moon. In the afternoon you skirt the lake and climb the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano. Stay 2 nights at Mt Ruapehu.

Day 4: In the Tongariro National Park

Today you will be guided over the Tongariro Crossing which is often described as the best one-day walk in New Zealand. It is a challenging walk taking 7-8 hours past volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, jagged lava flows, the Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes. A picnic lunch is included.

Day 5: National Park to Wellington

Continue by coach across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. An evening tour takes in Parliament Buildings, Old St Paul’s Cathedral and Mt Victoria. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 6: Wellington - Picton - Blenheim

Catch the ferry across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island. A short coach ride to Blenheim is followed by a tour of the local vineyards, which form the backbone of the New Zealand wine industry. Stay 2 nights in Blenheim.

Day 7: In the Marlborough Sounds

Take a boat cruise from Picton to Ship Cove past salmon farms and sea birds on a beautiful voyage to Ship Cove, an historic and scenic reserve that Captain Cook visited several times in the 17th Century. Enjoy a guided walk along the Queen Charlotte Track from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet.

Day 8: Blenheim - Christchurch

The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Kaikoura and its surrounds are host to a wealth of sea birds and mammals. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch.