New Zealand

4 Jan 2026 – 31 Jan 2026 · by gracebalchin

Destinations

United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Singapore, Singapore
Auckland Airport, New Zealand

Arrive at 13:25, Chris picks us up and takes us to his place in Matakana
Matakana, New Zealand

Wed 7th - spend time with Chris, Margot and Rusty + sort out car in morning
Tāne Mahuta Walk, New Zealand

Wed 7th - afternoon trip closes 3pm to waipou forest trail walk to see the largest Kauri tree https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to- ?go/northland/places/waipoua-forest/things-to-do/tane-mahuta-walk/
Matakana, New Zealand

Overnight at Chrissy poo's
Goat Island, New Zealand

Thurs 8th - travel to Goat island for snorkelling for the day then back to Matakana
Matakana, New Zealand

Friday 9th - leave Matakana and stop off at Waipu caves , whangarei to see the indoor kiwis museum, and whangarei falls on route to Tutukaka
Waipū Caves Road, New Zealand

Friday 9th - 1st stop on road trip up to Tutukana. Large free open cave system with glow worms inside approx 1 hour 2km
Whangarei Museum, New Zealand

Friday 9th - 2nd stop, has a kiwi house and insects. open 10am-4pm. $20pp https://www.kiwinorth.co.nz/admission-prices-opening-hours $20-26 pp- book closer to time
Whangarei Falls Scenic Reserve, New Zealand

Friday 9th - 3rd stop, 30min loop trail around impressive waterfalls https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Parks-and-recreation/Parks-and-reserves/Otuihau-Whangarei-Falls
Tutukaka, New Zealand

Friday 9th - evening stay at Beach babay cottage in Ngunguru (~10 min drive from dive shop) check in between 17:00-18:00 Saturday 10th - Poor knights diving trip from Tutukana Dive 0800 leave. Back approx 1530
Matakana, New Zealand

Saturday 10th - back to Chrissy poo's overnight Sunday 11th - Leave Chris' in morning to head towards Bruce in Tauranga
McLaren Falls Park, New Zealand

Sunday 11th - botanical tree collection and 1.5hr loop walk w waterfalls and glow worms (free)
Tauranga, New Zealand

Sun 11th - Arrive in Tauranga and visit Bruce and Jeanie in afternoon post walks, staying at Hugo & Carters motel check in between 16:00-17:00 Monday 12th - Mount Maunganui in morning
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

Mon 12th - morning mountain submit 1.5 hours total walk likely Aim to be at mountain for 9:30/10:00am - hike for 2 hours - 11:30/12:00
Whakarewarewa, New Zealand

Mon 12th - Arrive for 14:00 hour guided walk of village then 1-1.5 hour self guided tour of the geothermals - finish approx 16:00 £69.42
Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua, New Zealand

Mon 12th - Whakarewarewa redwood forest ground walk - free do after village tour and having lunch https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/new-zealand/bay-of-plenty/redwood-quarry-loop-track
Tikitapu / Blue Lake, New Zealand

Mon 12th - post walk swim
Rotorua, New Zealand

Mon 12th - overnight in Rotorua
National Kiwi Hatchery, New Zealand

Tues 13th -arrive at 10:00 for morning kiwi encounter 10:00am booked in for 10:15am start 11:00 approx end https://www.nationalkiwihatchery.org.nz/visit/behind-the-scenes-exclusive/
Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, New Zealand

Tues 13th - Geothermal self guided tour arrive aprrox 12:30 ticket is open entry closes 16:30
Rotorua, New Zealand
Te Waihou Walkway, New Zealand

Wed 14 -3hr loop trail Includes the blue spring https://www.newzealand.com/uk/feature/te-waihou-walkway/
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

https://www.getyourguide.com/waitomo-l32442/the-waitomo-experience-okohua-glowworm-cave-tour-t990401/?ranking_uuid=3b62793b-aeb1-4310-8f5d-458963ef9980&date_from=2026-01-14&date_to=2026-01-14
Huka Falls, New Zealand

Wed 14th - Waterfall walk after caving
Taupō, New Zealand

Wednesday 14th - stay overnight in Taupo
Taupo Tandem Skydiving, New Zealand

Thurs 15th - Morning parachute at 10:00am takes 3 hours - booked 13:00
Herapeka Street, New Zealand

Thurs 15th - pop into to see Dawn :( 14:00
Lake Rotokura, New Zealand

Thurs 15th - After jump drive down to this Sacred lake no swimming or eating but nice walk and view. arrive approx 16:00 leave 17:00
Paraparaumu, New Zealand

Thurs 15th - check in 20:00-21:00 to Manakau house the old lodge £56.6 for 1 night 25 min drive from Paraparaumu Friday 16th - leave hotel at 07:20am
Kapiti Island, New Zealand

Friday 16th - 08:45am ferry from Paraparaumu to Kapiti Island for overnight stay including intro talk, 1 hour guided walk + self gyided walk, transfer by ferry to accom, dinner, nightfall guided walk. Saturday 17th - Breafast provided + swim aor walk + lunch. Ferry to return to Paraparamu beach at 3pm
Wellington, New Zealand

Sat 17th - Drive from Paraparaumu to Wellington Sat 17th - Zealandia sanctuary night time tour in Wellington
Picton, New Zealand

Sunday 18th - arrive at 12:15 midday
Ōhau Point, New Zealand

Sunday 18th - best place to see fur seals - stop off on way down to Kaikoura if we have time
Kaikoura Kayaks, New Zealand

Sunday 18th - Check in 15mins prior at 16:15 16:30 booked in for sunset kayak tour till approx 19:30 Cameras welcome
Kaikōura, New Zealand

Sunday 18th - Check in to Kaikoura Motor in
Dolphin Encounter, New Zealand

Monday 19th - 05:30am 4 hour swim with dolphin encounter booked $490 Done by 10:00 > back to accom to nap and get food
Air Kaikoura Whale Flights, New Zealand

Monday 19th - Check in 14:30 for 15:00 (30mins in air) booked with Air Kiakoura > back to accom to sleep and eat and then maybe go out stargazing https://www.getyourguide.com/en-gb/kaikoura-l37419/kaikoura-whale-watching-flight-with-commentary-t410475?ranking_uuid=374099b0-ba0c-44bf-ad06-c474c36e2249&date_from=2026-01-19&date_to=2026-01-19&_pc=1,2
South Bay, New Zealand

Monday 19th - Stargazing dark sky reserve at the lookout point south Bay https://kaikouradarksky.nz/enjoy-our-night-sky/
Kaikōura, New Zealand

Monday 19th - overnight in accom
Whale Watch Kaikoura, New Zealand

Tuesday 20th - 07:15 3.5 whale watching by boat booked should be done by 11am
Oaro, New Zealand

potential stop off point - Kaikoura marine rest area
Cathedral Gully, New Zealand

potential stop off point on route to christchurch - cool cliffs
Christchurch, New Zealand

Tues 20th - Arrive in early evening, explore if we fancy it Wed 21st - Leave airbnb approx 08:00am (89 malcom avenue)
Akaroa Dolphins, New Zealand

Wed 21st - 2 hour catamaran cruise to see Hector's dolphins arrive at9:45am latest to start at 10:15. £112.34
Bushy Beach, New Zealand

Wed 21st - stop off at Bushy beach scenic reserve to see yellow eyed penguins - start emerging approx 3-4pm https://www.walkmyworld.com/posts/oamaru-penguins#:~:text=Blue%20penguins%20(Koror%C4%81),things%20to%20do%20in%20Oamaru.
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, New Zealand

Wed 21st - Watch blue penguins return home starts at 21:00
Oamaru, New Zealand

Wed 21st - stay overnight in Oamaru at Alma motel Thurs 22nd - leave Oamaru to go to Dunedin
Moeraki Boulders / Kaihinaki, New Zealand

Thurs 22nd - Stop off on route to see Moeraki Boulders
The OPERA, New Zealand

BOOK
Tunnel Beach, New Zealand

BOOK
Dunedin, New Zealand

Thurs 22nd - staying at Kererū Garden Apartment https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/kereru-garden-apartment-dunedin1.en-gb.html?aid=373411&label=oamaru-nz-HmDiiJNiral6mFGAWggd2wS423090555745%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atikwd-3241113714%3Alp1006466%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Appccp%3DUmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9Ybz4KBg0DTFCTn0pIbYiAXw&sid=97141e06090d1d3725ff0a36cf4ecbf3&all_sr_blocks=1402682101_412086695_2_0_0&checkin=2026-01-22&checkout=2026-01-23&dest_id=-1509094&dest_type=city&dist=0&group_adults=2&group_children=0&hapos=6&highlighted_blocks=1402682101_412086695_2_0_0&hpos=6&matching_block_id=1402682101_412086695_2_0_0&nflt=hotelfacility%3D2&no_rooms=1&req_adults=2&req_children=0&room1=A%2CA&sb_price_type=total&sr_order=price&sr_pri_blocks=1402682101_412086695_2_0_0__11475&srepoch=1761512842&srpvid=706e943b473d00fb&type=total&ucfs=1&#tab-main
Purakaunui Falls, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - Large pretty waterfall
Cathedral Caves, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - Two large sea caves, 1km walk from private car park $15pp https://www.cathedralcaves.co.nz/
Niagara Falls, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - small waterfalls
Porpoise Bay, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - long bay where you can sometimes hector's dolphins
Curioscape - Tumu Toka, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - interactive museum where you can learn all about the region from over 100 local and expert accounts
Curio Bay, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - beach with a fossilised forest visible at low tide, yellow pegnuins in the evening https://www.planitnz.com/explore-new-zealand/south-island/curio-bay-catlins//
Waipohatu Waterfall Track (DoC), New Zealand

Fri 23rd - 2-3hr loop walk through the forest to see the waterfall https://www.weseektravel.com/waipohatu-waterfall-loop/
Waipapa / Slope Point, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - most southerly point of South Island
Tararua Acre Cemetery, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - burial site of casualties from the wreck of the SS Tararua
Waipapa Point Lighthouse, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - lighthouse is a popular spot for Sea Lions who can regularly be spotted lazing on the beach
Fortrose, New Zealand

Fri 23rd - blacksmith's shop and the area's oldest European cemetery
Bluff, New Zealand
Gore Street, New Zealand

Saturday 24th - Cage diving with great white sharks arrive 6:30am for 07:00am start
Te Anau, New Zealand

Sat 24th - Barnyard backpackers overnight stay family room w private bathroom
- Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
- From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise
Doubtful Sound, New Zealand

Sun 25th - Tour to doubtful sound arrive at centre at 9:25 for 9:45am start. 9 hours long. Real NZ visitor centre has free parking. Booked. £366.70 total
Te Anau, New Zealand

Sun 25th - same place overnight 2nd night Mon 26th - Leave latest 8am for 2.5hour drive to Milford Sound
Milford Sound, New Zealand

Mon 26th - need to arrive by 10:40 for the 11:10 Mitre Peak cruise. 2 hours
Humboldt Falls, New Zealand

Mon 26th - optional stop - detour of minimum 1.5 to 2 hours max? Dirt road, stop on foot bridge over Morraine Creek to see rapids below. End of road is 30 mins walk to view falls themselves.
Mirror Lakes, New Zealand

Mon 26th - optional stop - reflections over tarns of Earl Mountains beyond.
Te Anau Downs, New Zealand

Mon 26th - optional stop - – views of Murchison Mountains
Queenstown, New Zealand

Mon 26th - Check in time in airbnb
Kiwi Birdlife Park, New Zealand

Mon 26th - morning go to Kiwi park £55.48 for both of us on get your guide Open: 09.30 to 18.30. About 1 to 2 hours walk around 5 acres and also fit in the encounters/shows. Kiwi Encounters at: 10/ 11/ 12.15/ 3pm/ 4.14 and 5pm. Honeybee centre Conservation shows: 11.30/ 1.30 and 3.30pm.
Walter Peak, New Zealand

Tues 27th - 12:30 for 13:00 depature TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining. back approx 16:30 £172.52 for both on Get Your Guide.
Skyline Gondola, New Zealand

Tues 27th -go after cruise and maybe stay for sunset if it doesnt close by then. Booked - $132 total
Queenstown, New Zealand

Tues 27th - Same airbnb for 2nd night
Arrowtown, New Zealand

Wed 28th - old minning village
Wānaka, New Zealand

Wed 28th - lake and nature tour BOOK Wed 28th - lunch at dripping bowl wanaka (vegan and veggie restaurant)
Wānaka Lavender Farm, New Zealand

Wed 28th - $15 each to enter, buy nan some manuka honey here
Lindis Pass Summit Lookout, New Zealand

Wed 28th - high point on the mountain with lookout over the valley
Clay Cliffs, New Zealand

Wed 28th - $5 per car, 30min trail around beautiful cliffs
Lake Pūkaki, New Zealand

Wed 28th - last stop before or after checking into accom. Apline lake front walk
Twizel, New Zealand

Wed 28th - overnight in chalet in the mountains in Twizel
Church of the Good Shepherd, New Zealand

Thur 29th - charming old church that overlooks lake Tekapo
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, New Zealand

Thur 29th - modern museum that spans two levels, showcasing captivating exhibits on local flora and fauna, Maori culture, and the various walking tracks available.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, New Zealand

Thur 29th - tribute to the explorer + planetary dome
Where's the glacier?, New Zealand

Thur 29th - 10km 2 hour walking track very picturesque
Hooker Valley Track, New Zealand

Thur 29th - alternative wlaking route offers stunning vistas of the Tasman Glacier and its ice-filled lake
Geraldine, New Zealand

Thur 29th - overnight in Geraldine
Washpen Falls Track, New Zealand

Fri 30th - optional 2 hour loop walk on route to arthur's pass
Castle Hill, New Zealand

Fri 30th - collection of big boulders that look like a castle
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, New Zealand

Fri 30th - 1hr long glacial cave tunnel to explore
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

Fri 30th - village and national park visitors centre + places to get food
Devils Punchbowl lookout, New Zealand

Fri 30th - Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, which leads to the captivating Devils Punchbowl Falls. The return loop typically takes around an hour to complete, offering a moderate yet rewarding trek
Ōtira Viaduct Lookout at Deaths Corner, New Zealand

Fri 30th - offers a stunning view of the viaduct as it weaves through the magnificent gorge + Kea's
Christchurch, New Zealand

Fri 30th - last night in New Zealand
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, New Zealand

Fri 30th - £15 pp BOOK Walk through the massive kea enclosure to meet the world’s only alpine parrot, check out the world's only living dinosaur (tuatara), one of the rarest birds in the world (takahe) and a rare bush parrot (kaka). Be sure to visit the specially constructed viewing facility where you are guaranteed to see kiwi with no glass to hinder your view
International Antarctic Centre, New Zealand

optional
Christchurch Gondola, New Zealand

optional
Awaroa / Godley Head loop track, New Zealand

optional