See the very best of the north en-route to the south, including Interislander ferry and TranzCoastal train.

Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Travel south through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Stay 2  nights in Rotorua.

Day 2: At Rotorua
This morning see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. Tour Bonus: This afternoon enjoy lunch at Skyline Restaurant including gondola.

Day 3: Rotorua - Wellington
Drive south to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Road past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. Stay 1 night in Wellington.

Day 4: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch arriving in the evening.