All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours.

Day 1: Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch Int. Airport and you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred to your accommodation. Relax in this English influenced town and enjoy our first nights dinner arrangements which will be pre-organised, consisting of dinner at the new Tamaki Village with a Maori Hangi Feast (traditionally cooked meal), Settlers History show and Culture Performance. Accommodation: Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch-Kaikoura
Before midday we reach the small seaside town of Kaikoura which is nestled on a rugged peninsula on the East Coast and is backed by the breathtaking Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura; - living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. Join a whale watching cruise at the beautiful coastline of the South Island or decide on swim with the dolphins. (Both excursions are subject to weather and lighting conditions). Fur seals, once almost hunted to extinction are now plentiful here, resting on warm rocks after a nights fishing. Walk among these creatures at this unique beach and watch our native Seabirds (Albatross and shags), also enjoying the rich sea harvest. Accommodation:Kaikoura

Day 3: Kaikoura-Nelson (Able Tasman Sea)
Leaving the dramatic Pacific Coastline you travel along the East Coast of New Zealand. We pass over the arid. Rolling foothills of South Marlborough, we drop down to New Zealand’s pre-eminent grape-growing area. We enter the sun-drenched wine region, New Zealand’s pre-eminent grape-growing area. Blenheim at the entrance of the Marlborough Sounds is the main town in the region of New Zealand. Its lovely sunny climate makes this area an ideal wine growing region. For lunch we visit one of the romantic wineries and get a chance to taste world renowned wine. From here we travel to the city of Nelson, known for its vibrant arts and handcrafts scene. Nelson is known for is irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island. 300 Artisans are based in the Nelson area, so it is no wonder that the “One Ring” was created by one of the local jewellers in City Centre. In Richmond you find the Harrington Brewers that brew a special beer for Hobbiton. Apples, cherries and classic wine varietal grapes are well suited to the mild climate around the Nelson areas. Accommodation: Abel Tasman Coast

Day 4: Nelson-Abel Tasman National Park
Apples, cherries and classic wine varietal grapes are well suited to the mild climate and sunshine in the Marlborough and Nelson areas. Many vineyards have opened retail and food outlets here; we will take you on a wine tour. Starting from Nelson this will be a day of sheer beauty where you have the opportunity to experience nature up close and at its best. From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, the place is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours. You will be transported from Nelson to Kaiteriteri the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. From there you will board a water taxi to Awaroa Bay. A short walk will take you to the Lodge and Café for lunch. After lunch, you have the opportunity to explore the native flora and fauna as you take a leisurely walk down to Onetahuti Bay where we will be picked up by our water taxi to be dropped off at Kaiteriteri, and return to Nelson. Accommodation: Abel Tasman Coast

Day 5: Nelson-West Coast (Pancake Rocks)
Depart Nelson for the start of your 'Wilderness Tour'. Your tour takes you deep into the heartland of the south. Your first encounter will be through the Buller Gorge for a short stop over at the Buller D.O.C Centre. We take a spectacular drive through the Buller Gorge to Westport before continuing on to the jewel of the west coast. Your day has an interesting flavour of mountains, and native flora and fauna, as you travel through the rugged terrain that divides the east from the west. From Westport your journey winds its way through the western slopes of the West Coast which displays a series magnificent mountain ranges, and native New Zealand vegetation. We stop and stay at Punakaki the jewel of the West Coast, Punakaiki is world renown for its pancake rock formation and blowholes. Walk along some of the stunning and remote beach treks, though a dense rainforest with Nikau Palms and large ferns.  Accommodation: West Coast

Day 6: West Coast-Haast (Lake Moeraki)
We follow the windy road along one of the most stunning coast lines in the country. Pass the township of Greymouth and Hokitika, know both for gold and coal mining in New Zealand. Your guide will take you on a walk/trek that will take you to the bottom of one of the two Glaziers (Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers). Both Glaciers are located 25 km from each other and are unique in the world as they seem to nearly reach the ocean. Here we have organised a Heli-hike half day trip onto Fox Glacier. The area is known for its alpine peaks, snow field, forests, lakes and rivers. Late afternoon we take you to one of only two Wilderness Lodges in New Zealand. The lodge is located on the banks of Moeraki River just two kilometres from the Able Tasman see. Here you have access to pristine area and some 1000 year old native trees. Here you anticipate in a native rainforest and bird discovery walks, or canoeing on the lake and take a glow-worm/night sky walk. Accommodation: West Coast

Day 7: West Coast–Lake Wanaka  
An interesting day of scenic opportunities experiencing the untamed beauty of the native New Zealand flora and fauna, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. This day gives you the opportunity see large crystal clear streams and waterfalls and it also takes you through the South Westland region to one of our World Heritage Parks Mt Aspiring National Park this area is a vast, glacial sculpted wilderness. As you exit Mt Aspiring National Park you will travel through what is known as “The Neck” a formation of land that separates two of our great South Island lakes Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Wanaka is a new and modern Alpine resort and mostly visited by us New Zealanders. You will have the afternoon off to enjoy the scenery, go shopping or play golf. Accommodation: Wanaka

Day 8: Wanaka–Siberia Valley
Join us for a 4 hour wilderness adventure tour in Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Park. Take a 25 minute unforgettable scenic flight with views of Southern Alps, capturing the rugged beauty of New Zealand's World Heritage National Park. See glaciers, ice, snow, mountain lakes, hanging valleys, vast rain forests, and dramatic unspoiled beauty. Land in the glacially carved Siberia Valley in the middle of the Southern Alps and to begin a 3hr walk through valleys and native beech forest on a well marked track linking the remote Siberia Valley with the wilderness of the Wilkin Valley! And join a 30 minute exciting Jet Boat ride. Your Siberia Experience leaves from Makarora at the head of Lake Wanaka and allows you to enjoy some of New Zealand's untouched scenery from the air, on land and from the water. Accommodation: Wanaka

Day 9: Wanaka–Doubtful Sound (Fiordland National Park)
In the morning we take you passed the Queenstown basin to Lake Manapouri to join an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound which is located in a World Heritage Area. It is an overwhelming place! You can feel the power of nature here - the remoteness, the wildness and the peace.  Known for its wilderness and wild life, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. Following a short cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass, you will board the Fiordland Navigator at Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound. There is plenty of time on your overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound.  Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins can be observed.  There is also time for you to kayak around the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with our nature guide. As the shadows lengthen we’ll drop anchor at a favourite mooring for the night.  After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening buffet meal in the spacious dining saloon. Accommodation: Doubtful Sounds

Day 10: Fiordland National Park-Dunedin-Omaru
Dunedin is the smallest of the 4 major New Zealand cities and displays a wealth of pioneering history within the city. Wellers Rock for a memorable Wildlife Cruise experience magnificent viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife, which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head; the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world, and home to NZ fur seals, and eight other nesting bird species. There's always a possibility of seeing a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds including other species of albatross, penguins and marine mammals in their natural environment. We take you from Te Anau through our leading fruit growing areas to the Otago Coast and Omaru. The main Town of North Otago is pretty and has the best-preserved collection of historic and commercial buildings in New Zealand. We watch by nightfall the Yellow-eyed & Little Blue Penguin colonies, close by. Accommodation: Omaru

Day 11: Omaru-Akaroa Peninsula
To the east lie the coastal climes of Timaru while, to the west, Mackenzie Country accounts for a large percentage of New Zealand's sheep population. We drive you through Canterbury to the historic French colonial village of Akaroa; only 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. The township is settled around a dormant crater and natural harbour. The French explorers who sailed to Akaroa in 1840 left some indelible imprints throughout the township. There are numerous ways to get you up-close and personal with wildlife. You can experience the rare Hector Dolphins, fur seals and cormorant colonies and might have a chance to spot the world smallest 'Blue Penguin' on a majestic harbour cruise (optional). You'll also visit New Zealand's own unique Blue Pearl farm. Accommodation: Akaroa Peninsula

Day 12: Akaroa-Christchurch (Departure)
In the morning will be transferred from your accommodation to the main City in the South island. Here you will have the opportunity to spend some time is this very English influenced city with the old Cathedral and the Victorian stone buildings. Walk the inner City with the many shops and get that one last present for your friends and family, dine at some of the local restaurants and bars, visit the Arts Centre and take a relaxing walk through the Botanical gardens. The driver will take you to your departing/connecting flight at the airport!