New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Sea to Summit Escape

• Celebrate the beginning of your luxury New Zealand holiday with a hint of what's to come – an evening indulging in delicious cuisine at one of New Zealand's premier restaurants. Meet your fellow travellers at a special welcome dinner this evening at Eight Restaurant at the Cordis Hotel, where you'll enjoy gourmet dishes from eight international cuisines, cooked to taste by excellent chefs right in front of you.

Spend today on Waiheke Island, located a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Attracting discerning travellers, artists and wine lovers from all over the world, Waiheke is famous for its 40 kilometres of pristine white-sand beaches, hilly terrain, stunning views, bohemian arts scene and, of course, internationally awarded vineyards and wineries then return to Auckland for an evening at leisure. (B/L)

• Perhaps join an Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise, enjoy a unique All Blacks experience, visit Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm Auckland to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. Journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop Unleashed or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland's wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.

• You may choose to step into the remarkable world of J.R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, made famous in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy; discover the Art Museum and Historic Village on a tour of Tauranga, featuring a collection of restored and preserved buildings showcasing it's rich history and culture; discover the stunning Mount Maunganui beachfront with its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking views and picturesque setting; or embark on a Bay of Plenty Foodie Tour discovering speciality food shops and indulging in tasting of local delicacies, and exploring beautiful kiwifruit and avocado orchards.

Arrive at Whakatane and drive to Rotorua. Pass through Rotorua to one of New Zealand's leading cultural and thermal attractions. See young Maori apprentices being taught the ancient art of carving and weaving before discovering the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Rotorua's largest and best-known thermal area. Exploration of the site is on foot, passing boiling mud pools and the soaring Pohutu geyser. This incredible display of nature's raw force provides insight into the awesome natural forces at work below.

Te Puia's Maori cultural performance will transport you back in time, beginning with a spine-tingling wero (challenge) from a Maori warrior followed by a traditional powhiri (welcome). You are then invited inside the beautifully carved wharenui (meeting house), to experience a traditional and unique Maori concert. After, indulge in a delectable Hangi style lunch, savouring Maori-inspired dishes featuring fresh locally sourced produce. (B/L/D)

• Delight in exploring two of the local boutique vineyards where you will taste award-winning wine and enjoy gourmet food experiences in lush green surrounds; embark on a memorable 40-minute steam train ride down the picturesque Poverty Bay coastline to Muriwai. Upon reaching Muriwai, alight on the grass platform and enjoy several photo opportunities as well as a lively Maori cultural performance, featuring songs and dances of the local iwi (tribe).

• You may wish to set out on a guided tour of Napier, the beautiful Art Deco town rebuilt in the style of that era after the devastating Hawke's Bay earthquake in 1931. Explore the city and learn the history behind each building in a town frozen in time. Continue to nearby Hastings to admire its Art Deco buildings, history and impressive public artworks before visiting the city's historic Opera House. Alternatively, explore Napier aboard the Hawke's Bay Express, a modern road-train with a design straight out of the Art Deco era. The journey includes commentary outlining the history of the city and the 1931 earthquake as it trundles through the heart of Napier.

• Embark on a tour of Wellington, taking in the spectacular sights of the city and bay on a cable car ride up to the lookout where you will discover the Botanical Gardens featuring unique native and exotic plants in the beautifully landscaped gardens, and discover New Zealand's national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa; journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop; visit Zealandia, also known as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide range of birds including the native kiwi, tui, kaka and bellbird.

• Enjoy a delightful Marlborough gourmet tour, visiting two of the regions stunning wineries and a chocolaterie; be fascinated at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a renowned museum in Blenheim known for its immersive and captivating exhibitions featuring restored aircraft from the two world wars followed by a visit to a local brewery; explore the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound on a Zodiac with your knowledgeable expedition team.

Discover the scenic beauty, history, nature and culture of Akaroa in one complete comprehensive tour. Visit some of the most important historic sites such as Takapuneke, the site of the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and Britomart Monument, the place of the British declaration of sovereignty. (B/L/D)

• Board the TranzAlpine Train to travel through the snowcapped Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass and witness the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island, enjoy lunch in an old village before returning by coach; enjoy the serenity and scenic views of Christchurch's parks, gardens and buildings as you glide along on the Avon River on a punting tour; or take in the city highlights and explore the rebuilding of historic Christchurch post the devastating 2011 earthquakes, followed by a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, an educational and immersive experience, located in a unique, working Antarctic campus, home to the New Zealand, United States and Italian Antarctic programs.

Enjoy an orientation drive through Dunedin that will introduce you to a well-preserved Victorian city. Soak up the grandeur of its architecture, from the classical ANZ Bank to the buildings surrounding the Octagon, an eight-sided plaza that forms the core of Dunedin's lively business district. Visit the iconic Larnach Castle, built in the late 19th century by prominent businessman and politician William Larnach and known as one of New Zealand's finest examples of Victorian architecture. Boasting intricate detailing, the castle features a unique blend of Gothic and styles with beautiful views of the Otago Peninsula.

Afterwards, explore the peninsula further and discover its picturesque bays and stunning views at every turn. The peninsula is home to diverse wildlife including albatrosses, sea lions and penguins and offers a memorable experience in the heart of the South Island. Finish the day with a visit to Penguin Place, a conservation reserve located on the peninsula dedicated to protecting the endangered yellow-eyed penguin – native to New Zealand and one of the rarest penguin species in the world. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders, a unique and intriguing geological phenomenon that formed over millions of years ago on Koekohe Beach. Marvel at the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook, a stunning natural wonder located in the Southern Alps. The surrounding national park is home to glaciers, lakes and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy dinner tonight at Alpine Restaurant, which boasts stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook through the large windows or in the outdoor seating area, offering a unique and memorable dining experience. Stay Two Nights: Aoraki/Mount Cook, The Hermitage Hotel in premium room with alpine views (B/D)

• Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or learn about the stars of the southern night sky with an expert astronomer. Alternatively, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.

Travel by coach to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo and take in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps and the stunning watercolours on the lake. Pay a visit to the tiny but charming Church of the Good Shepherd, which features in many photographs because of its beautiful backdrop and surrounds. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at The Montreal Bar & Restaurant, in the five-star historical boutique Hotel Montreal located in the heart of Christchurch where you will be staying for your last night of the tour. Stay: Christchurch, Hotel Montreal (B/D)

Your tour concludes today after breakfast. (B)