New Zealand : New Zealand Pure and Simple

Day 1 arrive Auckland make your own way to your accommodation for an overnight at Auckland City Hotel

Day 2 Auckland-Dargaville-Waipoua Forest-Omapere (290km) collect your vehicle and drive north over Auckland Harbour Bridge to Muriwai Beach on the West Coast where you will find the famous Gannet Colony and can take a walk on the stunning volcanic black sand beach. On your way north enjoy a visit to the Kauri Museum in Matakohe in preparation for a later visit of the giant Kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest. You will end today’s tour at a cozy place near the beach of Omapere at the Hokianga Harbour. Overnight: McKenzies Omapere

Day 3 Omapere-Kaitaia-Doubtless Bay-Kerikeri-Bay of Islands (215 km) cross Hokianga Harbour on a small car ferry and travel to the far north. On your way you will pass beautiful sandy beaches and tranquil fishing villages before you reach the famous Bay of Islands where you stay for the next two nights in Paihia. Overnight: Bali Hai Motel

Day 4 Bay of Islands enjoy the many activities available in the Bay including swimming with dolphins, a boat trip to the Hole in the Rock, fishing or sailing. Pay a visit the historic Treaty House in Waitangi and take a leisurely walk through the lovely Treaty Grounds.

Day 5 Bay of Islands-Whangarei-Auckland (250 km) head south again, this time along the eastern coast, past beautiful beaches and bays, make a stop at the wine region around Warkworth and Matakana before you arrive in the City of Sails again. Stroll through Viaduct Harbour with its many bars and restaurants and have dinner at the water or on trendy Ponsonby Road. Overnight: Auckland City Hotel

Day 6 Auckland-Coromandel-Tairua (260 km) drive south out of Auckland and along the western shores of Coromandel Peninsula to the charming little town of Coromandel. Have lunch here, make a trip through the rainforest on the unique Driving Creek Railway and continue past stunning scenery to Whitianga and finally Tairua. If you are in the mood, take a walk along the long white sandy beach before dinner. Overnight: Pacific Harbour Lodge

Day 7 Tairua explore the interesting and lovely beaches and bays around Tairua. Options today include: dig your own thermal spring at Hot Water Beach; take a walk from Hahei Beach to the incredible rock formations of Cathedral Cove and shop around art galleries and potteries along the way. Walk to the summit of the distinctive Paku Hill in Tairua and watch the sunset.  Overnight: as above

Day 8 Tairua-Rotorua (210km) drive along the east coast, have a stop at Opoutere Beach and the bird sanctuary and visit the Kiwi Fruit Centre in Te Puke. Have lunch at the Waterfront in sunny Tauranga. Later on today you will arrive in Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and thermal activities. Enjoy a Maori cultural show in the evening, a feast with dance performance, music and Maori food. Overnight: Gwendoline Court

Day 9 Rotorua spend some time at Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its gushing geysers and bubbling mud pools, interesting Maori carvings and Kiwi House. Learn more about Maori culture and traditions. After ‘a hard day's work’ relax and soak in one of thermal pools at the Polynesian Spa near the Lake.  Overnight as above.

Day 10 Rotorua-Taupo-Napier (220km) drive via Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley and follow the road to Taupo, stopping at Huka Falls. Reaching Lake Taupo you will have your first sight of the snow capped volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Quite amazing on a clear day. Your long and winding road through forests and over rolling hills takes you to the wine region of sunny Hawkes Bay. Overnight: Albatross Motel

Day 11 Napier Napier is a small coastal town, the centre of wine making in Hawkes Bay. Its dramatic history and interesting Art Deco-architecture will captivate you. Options today include: enjoy a wine tour with tasting, drive up to Te Mata Peak and be amazed by the 360 degrees view over the coast, landscape and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Join a guided tour to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnapper. (All optional and at extra cost). Overnight: as above

Day 12 Napier-Wellington (335km) on your way to New Zealand’s capital city stop at Mt. Bruce National Wildlife Centre to see endangered New Zealand wildlife. Have a coffee in rural Greytown or lunch in Martinborough, the capital of Wairarapa’s wine region. Wellington is a vibrant city. The National Museum, Te Papa, is a must-do if you have time or enjoy a drive up Mt. Victoria to enjoy the views. Stroll along Cuba Street in the evening and have a meal at Courtney Place. Overnight: Bay Plaza Motel

Day 13 Wellington-Picton-Nelson (110km) take your rental car on the ferry to the South Island and enjoy the journey through the quiet and picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Drive along the Queen Charlotte Drive with its many bays and beaches to Nelson, the city with the most sunshine in the country. Overnight: Balmoral Motel

Day 14 Nelson lots of things to do in this sunniest part of New Zealand. Enjoy the arts and craft scene in Nelson and surrounding villages. Drive to Abel Tasman National Park and take one of the many walks from Kaiteriteri or the water taxi to one of the bays and walk back to another bay where you can catch the boat back.  Overnight: as above

Day 15 Nelson-Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (275km) drive via Murchison and along the winding Buller River to the wild and rugged West Coast. Visit the seal colony at Cape Foulwind near Westport and continue to the famous Pancake Rocks. Overnight: Punakaiki Cottage Motels

Day 16 Punakaiki-Westland National Park/Franz Josef (225km) drive along the coast to glacier country. Stop on the way at a jade factory in Greymouth or Hokitika before you come to Westland National Park. Here glaciers, rainforest and the sea are close together. The majestic glaciers impress with their light blue masses of ice. Explore part of the glacier on foot or take a scenic flight over a glacier with landing. Overnight: Glacier View Motel

Day 17 Franz Josef-Queenstown (360km) follow the coast south to Haast and stop at Ship Creek Walk for a picnic. Drive along Haast River over Haast Pass to lovely town of Wanaka. Climb over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest official pass, and arrive in Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. Overnight: Sherwood Manor

Day 18 Queenstown there are many possibilities for adrenalin pumping or other activities and you can take your pick from jetboating to a scenic and tranquil cruise on Lake Wakatipu. The list is endless. Or maybe a trip to nearby Coronet Peak ski fields can tempt you for skiing? Drive to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown and walk along the Arrow River or make a full day tour to Milford Sound.  Overnight:  as above

Day 19 Queenstown-Mount Cook-Lake Tekapo (175km) drive through Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell and then over Lindis Pass to Omarama. From Lake Pukaki drive to Mount Cook Village and gaze in awe at the highest mountain in New Zealand and the stunning glaciers before you arrive at Lake Tekapo, renowned for its amazing turquoise colour. If the weather permits take a flight over Mount Cook from here. Overnight: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

Day 20 Lake Tekapo-Christchurch (229km) drive up to the Mount John observatory and enjoy the view and say goodbye to the mountains before you cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, your final destination. On your way you can stop at Mount Hutt ski field for skiing. Dive into Christchurch’s restaurant scene and have a memorable farewell dinner in one of the fine restaurants of the Garden City. Overnight: Christchurch Motel

Day 21 depart Christchurch drop off your rental vehicle today at the airport rental office prior to your international flight departure.