Enjoy the best whale and dolphin encounters around New Zealand wrapped up in a great 20-day self drive touring itinerary. With a wide variety of whales and dolphins in the coastal waters and an abundance of unspoiled flora and fauna on land, New Zealand’s two islands are a paradise for the wildlife and nature enthusiast.
Experience the beautiful harbour city of Auckland and the stunning Bay of Islands, where a year round dolphin presence makes this one of the best places in New Zealand to see these amazing marine mammals. You’ll also visit the white sandy beaches and rainforests of the Coromandel Peninsula and travel through New Zealand’s less visited Bay of Plenty with its premier surf beaches and kiwi and citrus orchards.
Head to the South Island, where the grandeur and variety of scenery and wildlife is simply staggering. Encounter sperm whales off the coast of Kaikoura and witness the endangered yellow-eyed penguin in Dunedin. You’ll also visit the majestic Fiordland National Park where you’ll spend the night on-board the Milford Mariner allowing plenty of time to view the spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins.
Itinerary
Fly into Auckland on North Island where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel on the city’s North Shore for an overnight stay.
Collect your rental vehicle and drive north to Russell in the beautiful Bay of Islands for a 2-night stay.
Join a full day sailing adventure and, conditions permitting, encounter wild dolphins. Relax as you set sail into the bay to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine wildlife, indulge in a delicious lunch, stop on beautiful remote islands and sink your toes into gorgeous sandy beaches. BBQ lunch included.
Leave Northland and drive south via Auckland to Whitianga on the east coast of the Coromandel for a two-night stay.
Enjoy a day leisurely exploring the Coromandel Peninsula, a region filled with rainforest-clad gorges and pohutukawa-fringed beaches. Perhaps enjoying a soak in the thermal springs on Hot Water Beach, or a kayaking adventure at Cathedral Cove. Coromandel Town, at the northernmost part of the peninsula, is also worth a visit, with wonderful restaurants, bars and local craft shops on offer.
Optional Experiences
Hahei Explorer at Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
Kiwi Dundee Nature & Coast Adventure, Coromandel
Make your way to Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring this laid-back town.
Enjoy up close encounters with marine mammals in the sub tropical waters surrounding the active White Island Marine Volcano and nearby Whale Island also known as Moutohora Island. Sightings often include large pods of dolphin as well as seals, seabirds and occasionally whales.
Drive south to the city of Napier, completely rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1931, it features one of the densest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world.
Discover the magic of Cape Kidnappers with an experienced guide at the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring the fascinating city of Napier.
Gannet Safaris Overland Tour, Hastings
Drive to Wellington, through the Wairarapa region, best known for producing world-class Pinot Noir in its Martinborough vineyards as well as being home to the acclaimed Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre.
Enjoy a morning of leisure, possibly visiting New Zealand’s National Museum Te Papa or Mt Victoria lookout. In the afternoon take the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island. Enjoy a relaxing ferry journey in the premium plus cabin where comfortable seating, complimentary drinks, light refreshments and internet access are available. On arrival in Picton make your way down the east coast to Kaikoura for a two night stay.
Optional Experiences
Wellington Foodie Delights Tour
Introducing Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
Middle-earth Filming Locations Tour, Wellington
Zealandia Ecosanctuary, Wellington
Join a Whale Watch Cruise for a unique marine experience providing the opportunity to see sperm whales against the dramatic backdrop of the Kaikoura mountains. Other species of whale may also be seen, as may dusky dolphins, Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and a wide variety of sea birds.
Whale Watch, Kaikoura
Make your way to the ancient volcanic peninsula of Akaroa via the picturesque city of Christchurch. In the afternoon explore the beautiful bays and harbour or enjoy the opportunity to see playful hector dolphins and other wildlife on a harbour cruise (additional cost).
Optional Experiences
Kaikoura Wings over Whales Day Tour, Christchurch
Christchurch Meander: Food and Culture
Drive south and follow the coastal route to Dunedin for a two-night stay, perhaps stopping at the Moeraki boulders en route.
Explore the nearby Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguins. Included is a penguin place conservation tour. Spend this afternoon at leisure in this very Scottish city, which boasts the country’s oldest university and some interesting architecture.
Penguin Place, Dunedin
Drive to Te Anau, the natural gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Drive to Milford along an amazingly scenic route and board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise on Milford Sound. Optional activities include kayaking and exploring the shoreline.
Note: the overnight cruise does not operate from mid May to mid September. During these months the itinerary takes you from Te Anau-Milford Sound-Queenstown and includes a nature day cruise in Milford Sound with picnic lunch and an extra night in Queenstown. (Breakfast and evening buffet dinner included on board).
Return to Milford wharf and drive to Wanaka. Stop en route in Queenstown, situated along the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Optional Experiences
Shotover Jet Boat Ride, Queenstown
Safari of The Scenes - Glenorchy, Queenstown
Spend the morning at leisure in Wanaka before making your way to the alpine village of Mount Cook and New Zealand’s highest peak. A wide variety of walking tracks are available to see the mountains and glaciers at their best.
Drive to Christchurch for your final night before returning to the airport for departure the following day.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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7 breakfasts, 1 BBQ lunch and 1 dinner
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Car rental throughout
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Interislander ferry (premium plus cabin)
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Private airport transfer on arrival
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Carino Sailing & Dolphin Adventure in Bay of Islands
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Dolphin and seal encounter in Whakatane
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Half day gannet beach adventure at Cape Kidnappers
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Kaikoura whale watch experience
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Penguin place conservation tour in Dunedin
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Overnight cruise onboard the Milford Mariner
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £3979 Excluding Flights
20 Nights
Year Round
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Gary
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Ashes Test Matches watched in Australia
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Whale shark dived with
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
