 Golf Vacation Packages Motorhome Itineraries NZ  Natures Best New Zealand Active and Natures Best Unique New Zealand Wild South Island Holiday Honeymoon Packages Family Hip Holidays Active and Natures BestNORTH + SOUTH ISLAND | 15 DAYS New Zealand Nature Holidays and Wildlife Sightseeing Travel Itinerary
Talk to us about creating a tour of New Zealand's nature hotspots.
Sample some of New Zealand's pristine nature reserves and unique wildlife on this active tour of both North and South islands.
- Discover some of the amazing nature destinations favoured by New Zealanders: the un-crowded beaches and laidback ambience of Coromandel Peninsula and Tauranga.
- Enjoy sea kayaking in the pristine waters of the Abel Tasman National Park.
- Walk in the lush rainforest of the Routeburn Valley, exploring the wild West Coast.
- Now factor in volcanoes, glaciers, tranquil Doubtful Sound, and the incredible Moeraki boulders
- And add Royal Albatross and Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies and you have a truly memorable experience.
Enjoy your tour around both North and South islands with one of our New Zealand nature and wildlife tours. Contact GUEST NZ to organise your New Zealand nature holidays & wildlife sightseening travel. |
| | ITINERARY: | | DAY 1: | Auckland | | | | DAY 2: | Pauanui & Tairua | | | | DAY 3: | Pauanui & Tairua | Kiwi Dundee Walking Tour | | | DAY 4: | Rotorua | Blackwater Underworld Rafting | | | DAY 5: | Rotorua | Scenic Flight or White Island Te Puia Maori Hangi | | | DAY 6: | Nelson City | | | | DAY 7: | Nelson City | Abel Tasman Kayaking tour | | | DAY 8: | Punakaiki | | | | DAY 9: | Fox Glacier | White Heron Tour Okarito | | | DAY 10: | Queenstown | Guided Glacier tour | | | DAY 11: | Queenstown | Dart River Safaris | | | DAY 12: | Fiordland | Fiordland scenic tour | | | DAY 13: | Coastal Otago | | | | DAY 14: | Coastal Otago | Royal Albatross Colony | | | DAY 15: | Christchurch | |
|
< PREVIOUS DAY | NEXT DAY >  | |
| Rotorua |  |  When explaining why you should include Rotorua in your travel plans, the people of Rotorua like to talk of five spirits. You can feel the spirit of the earth, as it rumbles beneath your feet and escapes, hissing, through fumaroles and geysers. You can witness the spirit of Maori culture, with authentic village and performance experiences. Plan on soaking in a natural hot spring or having a relaxing massage - rejuvenate your body and mind for outdoor adventures - trout fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking. If it's excitement you crave, challenge your spirit with adrenalin-charged extreme activities such as sky-diving, jet boating and zorbing. | | | | | Volcanic Air Safaris | |  Volcanic Air Safaris is based at the Rotorua City lakefront on the shores of Lake Rotorua and offers an extensive range of scenic flights by Helicopter or Floatplane. From the skies, visitors may view the spectacular natural features of Rotorua, Mount Maunganui and the central North Island Region. | | | | | | | Te Puia Maori Experiences | |  Te Puia is known as New Zealand’s premier Maori Cultural and Geothermal Centre. The area has long been an important part of Rotorua's heritage and a visit will provide a unique insight to the art,craft, music, food and ways of the local Maori people. | | | | | Ngongotaha Lakeside Lodge | |  The award-winning Ngongotaha Lakeside Lodge is perfectly located on the shores of Lake Rotorua and is only a few metres away from the famous Waiteti trout stream and panoramic views of Mokoia. | | | | | Compact Hatch or Sedan | |  A self-drive holiday is one if the most relaxing ways to experience New Zealand's landscape and lifestyle. Many of our roads are very scenic and traffic is low outside of the main cities when compared to international standards. Motorways take you in and out of the main cities but once on the open road, you will find plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights as you please. | |
| Abel Tasman | |  Abel Tasman is NZ’s smallest national park with 22,350ha. It is famous for its golden beaches stretching from Marahau, near Motueka, to Wainui Bay, in Golden Bay. There are two walking tracks; the beautiful coastal track, and the inland track through the hilly centre of the park. Bring your own supplies and hiking gear. Near Marahau, and a short drive from Motueka, is Kaiteriteri Beach a favourite holiday spot with accommodation, restaurants, camping, playgrounds and golden sands. | | | | | Abel Tasman Wilson's Experience | |  Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences offer guided and independent walking and kayaking tours as a day tour or overnighter with 2-5 day itineraries staying at the only beachfront lodges in Abel Tasman National Park. | | | | | Sussex House | |  Guests will experience the peace and charm of yesteryear in one of Nelson's original family homes. Situated beside the beautiful Maitai River, The Sussex has retained all the original character and romantic ambience of the era. | | | | | Compact Hatch or Sedan | | | A self-drive holiday is one if the most relaxing ways to experience New Zealand's landscape and lifestyle. Many of our roads are very scenic and traffic is low outside of the main cities when compared to international standards. Motorways take you in and out of the main cities but once on the open road, you will find plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights as you please. | |
| Punakaiki | |  Located in the heart of the Paparoa National Park, the Punakaiki area offers guided beach, forest and mountain walks, family canoeing, wildlife, horse trekking, surfing, gemstone hunting, caving and climbing, heritage sites or simple rest and relaxation. There are taverns, cafes and restaurants. The area also boasts a vibrant arts and crafts community and a cooperative gallery. Punakaiki is located near the centre of the “Coast Road”, one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. The roads are well sealed all the way. Travellers are encouraged to stop along the way to enjoy some of the walks and coastal views. We also recommend allowing much longer than the drive times given in most travel guides. | | | | | The Rocks Homestay | |  Think wild coast, isolated beaches, sculptured crags, Nikau Palms, stunning views and tangled fern-filled rainforest right up to the doorway. | | | | | Compact Hatch or Sedan | | | A self-drive holiday is one if the most relaxing ways to experience New Zealand's landscape and lifestyle. Many of our roads are very scenic and traffic is low outside of the main cities when compared to international standards. Motorways take you in and out of the main cities but once on the open road, you will find plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights as you please. | |
| Whataroa | | | Settled among the secluded wilderness of the rugged West Coast, the small town of Whataroa is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the sheer beauty of the area. With a population of just 350 people, Whataroa is predominantly a dairy farming area. The town provides a base for trips to the White Heron Sanctuary - the only breeding colony of the White Heron in New Zealand. Visitors can visit the nesting area with a guide. | | | | | White Heron Tours Okarito Lagoon | |  View the magnificent Kotuku (White Heron), the Kotuku Ngutu Papa (Royal Spoonbill), Kawapaka (Little Black Shag) and other Bird life - all in their natural environment in the Waitangi Roto nature Reserve. | | | | | | | Ropatinis Bed and Breakfast | |  Set amongst large peaceful gardens and spectacular views of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook, Ropatinis Bed & Breakfast offers separate garden studios, with super king beds, turbo showers, heater, TV, fridge, and tea/coffee facilities. | | | | | Compact Hatch or Sedan | | | A self-drive holiday is one if the most relaxing ways to experience New Zealand's landscape and lifestyle. Many of our roads are very scenic and traffic is low outside of the main cities when compared to international standards. Motorways take you in and out of the main cities but once on the open road, you will find plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights as you please. | |
| Coastal Otago | |  Dunedin's dramatic hills surround a long, natural harbour, which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. More recently the area was settled by whalers, gold miners and migrants from Scotland and China. Memorable for its historical architecture, Dunedin is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. On the doorstep of the city, you can find incredible wildlife - the world's rarest penguins, a mainland albatross colony, fur seals and sea lions. | | | | | Royal Albatross Colony Dunedin | |  The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head on the tip of the Peninsula, is the only mainland breeding colony of Albatross in the world. | | | | | | | Fantail Lodge Cottages | |  Fantail Lodge Cottages offers a choice of two self-contained cottages, designed with charming rustic character and equipped to a high standard of comfort and convenience. | | | | | Compact Hatch or Sedan | | | A self-drive holiday is one if the most relaxing ways to experience New Zealand's landscape and lifestyle. Many of our roads are very scenic and traffic is low outside of the main cities when compared to international standards. Motorways take you in and out of the main cities but once on the open road, you will find plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights as you please. | |
|
Guest New Zealand provide nature and wildlife sightseeing self-drive holidays that allow you to get the most from your trip. If at any time you'd like to speak personally with one of our New Zealand nature & wildlife sightseeing tour specialists, please email or call us to discuss your best holiday options for New Zealand. |
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you're beginning to get the picture of Auckland. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and has the main international airport in New Zealand. Two domestic terminals allow frequent and accessible flights throughout the country.
The fabulous twin harbour towns on the Peninsula's east coast, Pauanui and Tairua provide a superb setting beside the Pacific Ocean. Close by is Paku, a twin-coned Maori pa sculptured hillside, once an island while offshore, lies the Slipper, Shoe and Alderman Islands. A number of charter and fishing boats operate from both wharves and the beaches are perfect for safe swimming and surfing in most weather conditions. Tairua is the older of the two towns and originally a milling and farming community. Travel across the water to Pauanui and enjoy a purpose-built holiday community featuring the country's first canal housing development. The internationally acclaimed Puka Park Resort is also found here.
Whangamata is 30km north of Waihi and famous for its unique combination of beach and rainforest. The amazing ocean beach provides some of the best surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in the country. Big game fishing can also be found further off the coast. The Coromandel Forest Park and Tairua Forest bordering the town provides many outdoor experiences, including short walks, mountain bike trails and old gold mining sites. Whangamata also has one of the best shopping centres in the region and a unique café culture.
The Waitomo region has two spectacular landscapes - one above ground, the other below. In both cases, nature has been generous.On the lush surface, the scenery is green to the extreme. Fertile soils, reliable rainfall and kind temperatures have created a pastoral heaven.Below the surface, miracles have been wrought with water and limestone. Vast cave systems, huge sink holes and underground streams provide huge scope for adventure.
A pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island, Nelson has a positive, creative attitude to life - and it's easy to see why. The region, which is the sunniest in New Zealand, has attracted more than 350 working artists and craftspeople.
The Fox Glacier township offers a more intimate “village” experience than its bigger neighbour, Franz Josef. Tucked into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, the township offers a range of quality accommodation, hotels, cafes, a general store and service station for motoring needs. The Fox Glacier offers a different type of glacier experience than the Franz Josef Glacier, and visitors are increasingly booking activities on both glaciers during their visit to Glacier Country. Local companies provide access to the Fox Glacier with guided walks, heli-hikes and scenic flights (with or without snow landings). Fox Glacier is also internationally renowned for Lake Matheson’s stunning reflections of Aorangi/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Find out why Queenstown New Zealand, ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ deserves its reputation for complementing breath-taking scenery with adrenalin-pumping activities. Larger-than-life scenery - From crystal clear Lake Wakatipu across to The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown's environment is majestic and awe-inspiring. Catch the gondola up Bob's Peak to discover this view.
Fiordland comprises 1.2 million hectares of pristine national heritage park and provides a variety of outdoor activity such as trout fishing, kayaking and bush walks. Firodland is also blessed with exotic wildlife, including penguin which breed in the bush along the coast. The power of Fiordlands scenery never fails to enthrall travellers. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords; ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains; shimmering lakes and granite peaks look the same today as they did a thousand years ago.
Although the central business district of Christchurch is undergoing exciting renovations, the city still lives up to it's name as a 'Garden City'. Travellers will be surprised and delighted with innovative eating options both in central Christchurch and on the outskirts. Outdoor markets with fresh local produce still abound and Christchurch's best shopping boutiques continue to thrive. Christchurch is spoilt with a big bountiful backyard from magnificent alpine heights, broad expansive plains, fresh snow-fed rivers, volcanic peninsulas to luxury pockets of wineries, hot pools and a breathtaking coastline.
