Cox and Kings New Zealand & the Cook Islands

• Experience the magnificent scenery on the TranzAlpine rail journey between Greymouth & Christchurch
• Guided boat ride through the glow-worm caves at Waitomo
• Snorkel in the clear turquoise waters of Aitutaki lagoon
• Discover Polynesian history & culture on a 4×4 tour of Rarotonga & Aitutaki
• Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodation

• TranzAlpine rail journey between Greymouth & Christchurch
• Glow-worm caves at Waitomo
• Aitutaki lagoon
• 4×4 tour of Aitutaki island

Day 1: Auckland

Arrive into Auckland, collect your car hire and drive to SKYCITY Grand Hotel for 1 night.

Day 2: Auckland – Rotorua

Explore Auckland’s city sights before travelling south towards Rotorua, stopping en route at the glow-worm caves at Waitomo for a guided tour and boat ride through the grotto. Continue on to Rotorua and stay 2 nights at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua.

Day 3: Rotorua

Choose from a selection of included tours such as a visit to Te Puia, offering Maori cultural experiences and an impressive display of geysers and boiling mud pools, explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park and the Kiwi Encounter or relax in a thermal pool.

Day 4: Wellington

This morning travel to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, passing Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park en route. Stay 1 night at Copthorne Hotel Wellington. We recommend visiting the National Museum Te Papa during your time in the city.

Day 5: Fly to Queenstown

Drive to the airport for the short flight to Queenstown*. Upon arrival collect your car hire. Stay 3 nights at The Rees Hotel, which offers superb views of Lake Wakatipu.

Days 6-7: Queenstown

During your stay we recommend a visit to the old gold-mining town of Arrowtown and a trip to the Fiordland region for a cruise on Doubtful or Milford Sound.

Days 8-9: Franz Josef

Drive west along the rugged West Coast Road and over the Haast Pass, following the dramatic coastal road north to the small town of Franz Josef. The following day we recommend a helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers or a valley walk with a local glacier guide. Stay at Te Waonui Forest Retreat for 2 nights.

Days 10-11: Greymouth – Christchurch

Journey north up the rugged west coast to Greymouth, where you will return your hire car and board the TranzAlpine train for a journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. On arrival, transfer to The George Hotel for 2 nights, with the following day at leisure to explore the city.

Day 12: Fly to Rarotonga (The Cook Islands)

Transfer to the airport and fly to Rarotonga then transfer to the Manuia Beach Resort for 3 nights, where you will receive a warm welcome.

Days 13-14: Rarotonga

Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour by 4×4 vehicle into the green rugged interior of the island for an insight into its history and culture. The following day is at leisure with the opportunity to relax or explore the island further.

Day 15: Aitutaki

Fly to the island of Aitutaki. On arrival, transfer to the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa for 3 nights.

Day 16: Aitutaki

Join a cruise on the island’s lagoon and perhaps snorkel amid the array of fish, coral and giant clams. The cruise will stop at the uninhabited One Foot Island for lunch before returning.

Day 17: Aitutaki

Join a 4×4 tour of Aitutaki, visiting sacred Polynesian sites (marae) and learn about the traditions of the cannibal Polynesians who inhabited the island.

Day 18: Fly to Rarotonga – Onward travel

Return by air to Rarotonga. Transfer to the Islander Hotel for the afternoon before a late-evening transfer to the airport for a flight to London, or continue your holiday in the South Pacific.

Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, Aitutaki
The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is a luxurious hideaway located on its own private island on one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, linked by a causeway to the main island.

Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay, Wellington
Located on Wellington’s Oriental Parade, with many of the hotel rooms overlooking the spectacular inner harbour, the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay is within walking distance of many of the city’s finest restaurants and tourist attractions.

Manuia Beach Resort, Rarotonga
Nestled on the beach on Rarotonga, Manuia Beach Resort provides a place to relax on white sandy beaches with swaying coconut palms. The property has an infinity pool and a restaurant serving Polynesian inspired meals.

Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Rotorua
The Millennium Hotel Rotorua is located on Lake Rotorua, near to the thermal pools at Polynesian Spa. The 227 rooms all have modern decor and amenities.

SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland
The SKYCITY Grand Hotel is situated two blocks from Queen Street, directly across the road from SKYCITY’s Auckland entertainment complex, which incorporates a selection of restaurants, bars and a theatre. Rooms are spacious and well appointed, some with views over Waitemata Harbour

Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef
Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a 5 star hotel located amongst the native west coast rainforest at Franz Josef. Designed to be sensitive to the surrounding environment, guests at the property are encircled by rainforest and accommodated in natural and sustainable luxury.

The George, Christchurch
Offering warm, personalised service, The George is a boutique hotel located beside the beautiful Hagley Park and Avon river. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The George offers chic and spacious rooms and suites, all comfortably furnished and elegantly decorated.

The Rees Hotel, Queenstown
The Rees Hotel is located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, just a short drive from the centre of Queenstown. The property offers a range of accommodation, including one-,two-,three- and four-bedroom self-contained apartments, each with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and bathroom. Complimentary transfers to Queenstown town centre are available at set times of day.

For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call on 0808 258 4739 or enquire

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.