Day 1: Auckland to Bay of Islands: Our tour starts in Auckland. We drive north via the West Coast road towards the Bay of Islands, stopping to view New Zealand's oldest Kauri Tree, before arriving at the coastal town of Paihia.

Day 2 and 3: Bay of Islands: You have 2 days to explore the subtropical region of Northland. You can opt for the famous "Hole in the Rock", indulge in some deep sea fishing, try sea kayaking or take a trip along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's Northern most point. The Bay of Islands has great historical significance to New Zealanders.

 Day 4: Bay of Islands to Leigh: Today we head back down the 'Twin Coast Discovery Highway' to Leigh and the Marine Reserve of Goat Island. Tonight we can relax around an open fire, star gaze and listen to the relaxing sound of the ocean from our campsite.

Day 5: Leigh to Hahei: Our first stop today as we leave Leigh is to the 'city of sails' - Auckland. We now make our way east on the 'Pacific Coast Highway' to one of New Zealand's popular beach holiday destinations, Coromandel Peninsula with its beautiful sandy beaches, crashing surf, rock strewn shorelines and huge trees. 

Day 6: Hahei: Today we have the day to either explore the local area and Cathedral Cove or just relax on the beach.

Day 7: Hahei to Rotorua: Our day starts off with a scenic drive South we then cross the heart of New Zealand to New Zealands  geothermal wonderland - Rotorua. 

Day 8: Rotorua: Rotorua is the thermal and volcanic capital of New Zealand, and offers endless amounts of sights and activities you can participate in.

Day 9: Rotorua to Hawkes Bay: This morning we take the 'Thermal Highway South.'. We can take an optional trip to the astonishing volcanic craters at Wai-O-Tapu Valley, where you can walk past the worlds largest hot springs. We will make one more stop before we reach Lake Taupo at the base of the Huka falls. A short drive brings us to Lake Taupo - New Zealand's largest lake. We then drive South East to Hawkes Bay, our destination for the following two nights and camp close to the World's biggest mainland colony of Gannets.

Day 10: Hawkes Bay: Hawkes Bay is New Zealand's leading food and wine region.

Day 11: Hawkes Bay to Wellington: Our New Zealand journey continues south through Tararua, past the Manawatu Gorge before we hit the capital of New Zealand. Wellington enjoys a small town atmosphere and is noted for its art and café culture. You will have free time to visit Te Papa - The Museum of New Zealand, Wellington Cathedral, or relax in the Botanic Gardens, or take a ride on the famous cable car. 

Day 12: Wellington to Kaikoura: Today we cross the Cook Strait and enter the New Zealand South Island through the scenic Marlborough Sounds, often dubbed New Zealand's 'little slice of Norway'. We arrive at Picton, the gateway to the Sounds, and make our way to Kaikoura via Marlborough which is New Zealand's top producing wine region. 

Day 13: Kaikoura to Christchurch: This morning before we depart Kaikoura we have the chance to go in search for the mighty Sperm Whale (weather permitting). A drive along the Kaikoura coast brings us to the very English looking city of Christchurch.

Day 14: Christchurch to Omarama: We depart Christchurch and head South through the Canterbury Plains towards McKenzie Country. We stop for views along the way at Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki.

Day 15: Omarama to Dunedin: Today as we make our way to Dunedin, New Zealand's Scottish and Victorian City. Dunedin is at the heart of one of New Zealand's most renowned eco tourism areas. Not only can one see the world's rarest penguin's, the Royal Albatross, New Zealand's Oldest University, but the world's steepest street, and a 19th Century Castle.

Day 16: Dunedin to Te Anau: We head into New Zealands Southland towards the famous Milford Sound. As we drive into Milford Sound you will soon understand why we have travelled so far off the beaten track to get here. Come rain or shine this is truly New Zealand at its unparalleled and glorious best.

Day 17: Milford Sound to Te Anau: Today we hop aboard the 'Milford Wonderer' for a breathtaking cruise in the heart of the sounds. option of a Helicopter Flight over Milford Sound.

Day 18: Te Anau to Queenstown: Today we head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, you now have a few options available to you as we arrive into Queenstown. bungee bridge, go white water rafting and follow that by a jet boat ride and that just a start.

Day 19 & 20: Queenstown: You have the next couple of days to explore this adventure town or just relax.

Day 21: Queenstown to Fox Glacier: Today we make our way to the wild and wet West Coast arriving at Fox Glacier, at Wanaka, one of the most desirable places to live in New Zealand. 

Day 22: Fox Glacier to Greymouth: Here you have the chance to partake in some optional excursions such as a guided walk on ice, or maybe you would like to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over this amazing mass of frozen water. We now head up the West Coast to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast

Day 23: Greymouth Via Punakaiki to Abel Tasman: We drive further North today towards Abel Tasman National Park stopping along the way at Paporoa National Park. For the next two nights we camp at Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 24: Abel Tasman: Today you have the option of visiting Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest National Park, but one of the most beautiful.

Day 25: Abel Tasman via Nelson to Wellington: We make our way north today but before we leave the South Island behind us we will visit Nelson. Once again we board our ferry to enjoy the scenery as we leave the New Zealand South Island and head for Wellington.

Day 26: Wellington to New Plymouth: An early start today as we make our way up the West Coast of the New Zealand North Island to New Plymouth and the solitary dormant volcano, Mount Taranaki. We will follow the 'Surf Highway 45' to reach New Plymouth.

Day 27: New Plymouth: The day is yours to do as you wish. Perhaps take the day to explore Egmont National Park and the spectacular Mount Taranaki, or walk the award winning 7km Coastal walkway and view Sugar Loaf Islands.

Day 28: New Plymouth to Waitomo: We leave Mount Taranaki behind us today and continue our journey north to the famous Waitomo Caves, home of the Glow Worms.

Day 29: Waitomo to Raglan: We are now back in the Waikato region, with its green rolling hills and the largest river in the country snaking its way north. We make our way west to what is called the 'rugged coast' and to one of New Zealand's small rustic beach towns - Raglan. Internationally renowned for its surfing, this black sand beach town with its palm lined streets will suck you into the relaxed mode of Kiwi beach life.

Day 30: Raglan to Auckland: We head North over the Bombay Hills before arriving in Auckland where this tour comes to an end.

NOTE: All Overland NZ tours are flexible and we do our utmost to take you to the best places we possibly can. Our expeditions can sometimes be effected by local climatic conditions and anything else unexpected so please treat this information as a guideline only. When you come to New Zealand be prepared to take things as they come and above all don't forget your sense of humour!