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The Grand Aotearoa Alpine and Coastal Odyssey

This 17 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

Kick-start your New Zealand adventure in the vibrant 'City of Sails', Auckland, before heading north to the subtropical cradle of the nation, Paihia. Here, you will stand on the hallowed grounds of Waitangi, immersing yourself in the profound history that shaped New Zealand. Your journey then pivots south to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Prepare for an adrenaline surge as you take to the skies for a spectacular Mt Tarawera flyover, witnessing the massive volcanic rift from above, before descending to earth to soothe your soul in bubbling mud baths and explore hissing vents and technicolour silica terraces.

After catching the ferry to the South Island, you'll venture into the heart of the Southern Alps at Aoraki-Mt Cook to weave through icebergs on the Glacier Explorer. The excitement continues in Queenstown with a nostalgic cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm and a day of total freedom to explore at your own pace. Your final leg takes you through the rugged, rainforest-clad West Coast for an unforgettable Franz Josef Heli-hike, landing on ancient blue ice for a guided trek. To wrap up this epic journey, board the world-renowned TranzAlpine train in Greymouth, winding through deep gorges and over the patchwork Canterbury Plains back to Christchurch.

While this itinerary serves as a great starting point, we invite you to connect with our travel specialists, who can help tailor these experiences into a larger New Zealand journey personalised to your interests.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Hotel 4 star.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Ōtautahi City Meander with Amiki Cultural Food Tours

Included activity: Glacier Explorers

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Included activity: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Private Transfer from Accommodation to Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance

Included activity: Mt. Tarawera & Waimangu Thermal Valley Scenic Floatplane Flight with Volcanic Air

Included activity: Hells Gate Experience (Geothermal Walk, Mud Bath, Sulphur Spas)

Included activity: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with Premium Plus Lounge

16 breakfasts, 1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: The Grand Aotearoa Alpine and Coastal Odyssey

Day 1: Arrive into Auckland the 'City of Sails'
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Day 2: From the City of Sails to the subtropical north
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

Day 3: A day of freedom in the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

Day 4: Cross Northland and follow the grand Kauri Coast
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Day 5: Through the Waikato, the emerald heart of the North Island
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Day 6: A Mt Tarawera Floatplane soar and the healing of Hell’s Gate
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Day 7: En route to Vibrant Wellington
Accommodation: Naumi Hotel Wellington

Day 8: A nautical crossing to the South Island
Accommodation: Carnmore Chateau Marlborough

Day 9: Tracing the coast to the 'Garden City'
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 10: Explore the ever changing city of Christchurch
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 11: A visual feast through Canterbury and the Mackenzie High Country
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Wakefield Wing Superior Room

Day 12: Over the Lindis Pass and through the Kawerau Gorge
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 13: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 14: Over the Crown Range to Wānaka and through Glacier Country
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 15: Franz Josef Helihike
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 16: Drive north along the West Coast and experience the TranzAlpine crossing
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 17: Your New Zealand chapter concludes today