New Zealand off the beaten track

DAY 1: PARIS – SINGAPORE
Departure for Singapore in the evening.
Dinner and night on board.

DAY 2: SINGAPORE – SYDNEY
Arrival in Sydney in the late afternoon, then connection to Auckland around 8:00 pm.
Dinner and night on board.

DAY 3: AUCKLAND
Arrival in Auckland in the morning. Free transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you’ll live a remarkable experience: 2 hours aboard one of the America’s Cup yachts. The America’s Cup is the oldest and most prestigious regatta in the world. Aboard the NZL 40 or NZL 41, you’ll have the chance to take part in sailing these grand-prix machines — a true taste of the “City of Sails”.

DAY 4: AUCKLAND – RANGITOTO – AUCKLAND
Today, we recommend setting off to explore Rangitoto Island.

Rangitoto is a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf, near Auckland. Its name means “blood red sky” in Maori, a reference to a bloody battle once fought by the tribe who lived there. Rangitoto became a nature reserve in 1890. The island, 5.5 km wide, is recognisable by its conical shape, clearly visible from Auckland. Rangitoto volcano is the youngest and largest of the roughly 50 volcanoes in the Auckland area.

You’ll discover an extraordinary 360° viewpoint. Numerous hiking trails will lead you through this striking landscape.

DAY 5: AUCKLAND – WHAKATANE
This morning, pick up your rental vehicle in the city centre and drive to Whakatane. Check in at your hotel.
Whakatane lies in the magnificent Bay of Plenty, whose warm waters are renowned worldwide, especially for sea fishing and water sports.
Relax on the golden sands of Ohope Beach, set off to encounter whales and dolphins on a cruise, go birdwatching, or explore Ohiwa Harbour on foot or by bike.

DAY 6: WHAKATANE – WHITE ISLAND – ROTORUA
Today, set off to explore White Island (with an English-speaking guide).
White Island, or Whakaari as it was known to the Maori, lies 48 km off the Bay of Plenty. This still-active volcano, located on private reserve land, is accessible by boat or helicopter.
This site will immerse you in an extraordinary world. White Island is also one of the best scuba diving destinations, offering a unique experience. This full-day guided visit takes you into the depths of one of the most fascinating marine volcanoes on Earth.

During the 80-minute boat journey to the island, you’ll have time to take in remarkable scenery. You’ll then spend just over 2 hours exploring with a guide. Throughout the day, there’s every chance of spotting New Zealand birdlife as well as marine life.

You may also be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales during the crossing. In the afternoon, return to the mainland, then drive on to Rotorua in the early evening.

DAY 7: ROTORUA
This morning, you’ll be immersed in Rotorua’s geothermal activity with a visit to Wai-O-Tapu, where the Lady Knox Geyser can reach heights of 20 metres!
We then recommend exploring the town at your own pace.

You can also book the following activities in advance:
• Hells Gate WaiOra: park entry, private mud bath, Aira Spa
• Polynesian Spa
• Helicopter or seaplane flight over Orakei Korako
In the late afternoon, visit Te Puia village.
Enjoy a hangi dinner to sample the culinary specialities of the Maori people. You’ll also attend a Maori performance: dances, songs and legends on the programme, transporting you to another world.

DAY 8: ROTORUA – PIPIRIKI
Drive to Pipiriki.
Several short walks around Pipiriki village lead through the bush to magnificent viewpoints.
You can rent canoes for a paddle on the Whanganui River (rental available at the Lodge).
Why not stop to visit a beautifully restored marae? Note that visitors must obtain permission to enter these tapu wahi (sacred sites).
Don’t hesitate to stop at the picturesque village of Hiruharama, or Jerusalem, a former Maori village once known as Patiarero, or at the Kawana Flourmill and Miller’s Cottage, a restored historic flour mill.

DAY 9: PIPIRIKI – WELLINGTON
Drive to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital — a small, colourful, charming city nestled between hills and harbour. Tour the city, making sure not to miss the panoramic view from Mount Victoria.
You can also wander the lively streets of downtown Wellington, lined with shops and cafés, or make a self-guided visit to the Te Papa national museum. Te Papa traces the key milestones of New Zealand’s history, and you’ll learn a great deal about Maori culture.
Free admission.

DAY 10: WELLINGTON – MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS
Return your rental vehicle and take the ferry crossing to the South Island (3 hours). During the crossing, you’ll take in the Marlborough Sounds, scattered with small islands, bays and forests. You’ll arrive in the picturesque town of Picton, where you’ll pick up a rental car. Check in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 11: MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS
Free day to explore the Marlborough Sounds region. Located at the top of the South Island, Marlborough Sounds enjoys a temperate climate and welcomes visitors year-round. A wide range of activities is within reach: hiking, sea kayaking, sailing, cruising, mountain biking, rafting, fishing, diving, horse riding, or simply relaxing in a stunning setting.

DAY 12: MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS – CHRISTCHURCH
Drive to Christchurch. A city scarred by two devastating earthquakes in late 2010 and early 2011, Christchurch has reorganised itself to continue welcoming visitors under the best possible conditions. The city is gradually completing its “deconstruction” phase, and residents are working together to shape the look of their new city. Only a small part of the city centre remains off-limits to the public. We recommend visiting the Botanic Gardens and strolling through the many shops of the new Re:Start mall, built from brightly coloured shipping containers.

Optional: one-hour guided tour to discover the city.

DAY 13: CHRISTCHURCH – GREYMOUTH
Return your rental vehicle and board the TranzAlpine train.
The TranzAlpine is one of the great scenic train journeys of the world. It will take you across several dozen kilometres of remarkable scenery: from rugged Christchurch, through the rainforest around Lake Brunner, past the farmland of Canterbury, you’ll arrive in Greymouth by late morning.
Pick up your rental vehicle in Greymouth and check in at your hotel.
Greymouth is the largest town on the South Island’s West Coast. It’s the gateway to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. A former Maori settlement, the town boomed with the discovery of gold in the region.
Afternoon free to explore the town and surrounding area.

DAY 14: GREYMOUTH – FOX GLACIER
Drive to Fox Glacier. Explore the glacier region with a guided walk on Fox Glacier, led by an English-speaking guide. After a short bus ride through forest and glacial valley, you’ll begin a short hike along the riverbed to the edge of the glacier. At least an hour is spent on the ice with your guide, who will show you remarkable landscapes and share fascinating details about the country’s natural history. All equipment is provided on site.

DAY 15: FOX GLACIER – QUEENSTOWN
Drive to Queenstown. Consider stopping in Wanaka, one of the country’s most popular resort towns, or in Arrowtown, the best-preserved gold-rush town in the region.

DAY 16: QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown, a mountain resort town, is remarkably set between lake and mountains. Well known for its extreme sports, its food and wine, lake cruises, shopping and golf.

Free day to explore the town and try out its many activities. Don’t miss the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak, a symbol of Queenstown.

DAY 17: QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD SOUND – TE ANAU
Depart for Fiordland National Park, driving along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau.
The fiords, carved out during the ice age, form a world apart, where water and vegetation seem locked in permanent struggle on steep black rock slopes. Marine animals find a haven here, with abundant food. The road to Milford Sound is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. You’ll take an unforgettable cruise there.
You’ll see waterfalls and pass close to one of the world’s tallest peaks, the majestic Mitre Peak (1,695 m). And when it rains over Milford Sound — which happens often — dozens of waterfalls cascade down the mountainside, some over 100 m high.

DAY 18: TE ANAU – INVERCARGILL
Drive to Invercargill.
A city of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, Invercargill stretches out with wide streets and spacious, elegant parks and gardens. At the heart of the city, Queens Park is a botanical gem.
The city also has a number of museums and art galleries.
Spend your evening at one of Invercargill’s many pubs and restaurants.

DAY 19: INVERCARGILL – THE CATLINS
Drive to the Catlins. Off the beaten track, the Catlins cover the area between Kaka Point and Fortrose.
The drive there is spectacular. You’ll travel through forests, rugged coastline, hidden lakes and striking waterfalls. The region’s natural landscapes are compelling, and the wildlife is extraordinary.

DAY 20: THE CATLINS – DUNEDIN
Drive to Dunedin, a city on the southeast coast of New Zealand, in the Otago region.
Dunedin is a lively university town, with plenty of shops, cafés and a pleasant atmosphere. It has a picturesque harbour, Otago Harbour, and is also known for the yellow-eyed penguins found in abundance on the Otago Peninsula.
Free day to explore the city and surrounding area.
Consider a trip to see the yellow-eyed penguins, about an hour’s drive away on the Otago Peninsula. You’ll be amazed by the wildlife you’ll encounter: albatrosses, fur seals, rarely seen seabirds, and more. With luck, you may also spot dolphins, sea lions and other marine mammals in their natural habitat.

DAY 21: DUNEDIN – OAMARU
Today, head towards Oamaru.
After an hour’s drive, you’ll reach Koekohe Beach, famous for its Moeraki Boulders — a group of very large spherical stones. These boulders are the result of erosion of the coastal cliffs that back the beach. Some weigh several tonnes and measure up to 3 metres in diameter!
Arrival in Oamaru and time to explore the town.

Oamaru is a beautiful harbour town located 1.5 hours from Dunedin. You can explore its museums, shops and galleries. With one of the country’s oldest public gardens, 2 penguin colonies, 4 golf courses and numerous cycling and walking trails, Oamaru offers plenty of ways to discover the surrounding nature. Oamaru is also proud of its heritage, well told through a visit to its Victorian precinct.

DAY 22: OAMARU – AKAROA
Drive to Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula.
The Banks Peninsula is an eroded former volcano in New Zealand, forming a peninsula attached to the South Island’s east coast and reaching out into the South Pacific Ocean. Located in the Canterbury region, it borders the large city of Christchurch to the north.

Akaroa is a former French and British settlement nestled within an ancient volcano. Explore the village, with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft shops and cafés.

DAY 23: AKAROA – CHRISTCHURCH
Early morning departure for Christchurch airport and return of your rental vehicle. Return flight to Paris.
Arrival in Sydney in the afternoon, then connection to your flight to Singapore.
Arrival in Singapore in the evening, with departure for Paris later that day.
Dinner and night on board.

DAY 24: PARIS
Arrival in Paris early in the morning.

In summary:
– 2 nights in Auckland at a 4* boutique hotel
– 1 night in Whakatane at a charming hotel
– 2 nights in Rotorua at a 5* boutique hotel
– 1 night in Pipiriki at a nature lodge
– 1 night in Wellington at a 4* hotel
– 2 nights in the Marlborough Sounds at a 4* boutique hotel
– 1 night in Christchurch at a 4* hotel
– 1 night in Greymouth at a 4* boutique hotel
– 1 night in Fox Glacier at a 4* hotel
– 2 nights in Queenstown at a 4* boutique hotel
– 1 night in Te Anau at a charming B&B
– 1 night in Invercargill at a luxury B&B lodge
– 1 night in the Catlins region at a charming B&B
– 1 night in Dunedin at a 4* château
– 1 night in Oamaru at a 4* lodge
– 1 night in Akaroa at a charming B&B

***This itinerary is a suggestion and may be subject to change depending on availability at the time of booking***