Day 1 - Lyttelton

Lyttelton, New Zealand: Your initial impression of Christchurch will likely be one of a genteel, green city. Joggers loop through shady Hagley Park, and punters ply the narrow Avon River, which bubbles between banks lined with willows and oaks. With a population approaching 350,000, Christchurch is the largest South Island city and the second-largest in the country. It is also the forward supply depot for the main U.S. Antarctic base at McMurdo Sound. The face of Christchurch is changing rapidly, fueled by both internal and international immigration. The Māori community, although still below the national average in size, is growing. Ngai Tahu, the main South Island Māori tribe, settled Treaty of Waitangi claims in 1997 and have been investing in tourism ventures. Old wooden bungalows are making way for town houses, the arts scene is flourishing, and the city's university attracts cutting-edge technology companies. In short, there's plenty of fresh energy percolating underneath the English veneer.

Day 3 - Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand: Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is a pristine wilderness, famed for its stunning fjords, majestic waterfalls, and rugged mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.

Day 4 - Oban

Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand: Stewart Island is home to New Zealand's newest national park, Rakiura National Park. The third and most southerly of New Zealand's main islands, Stewart Island is separated from the South Island by the 24-km (15-miles) Foveaux Strait. Its original Māori name, Te Punga O Te Waka a Maui, means "the anchor stone of Maui's canoe." Māori mythology says the island's landmass held the god Maui's canoe secure while he and his crew raised the great fish—the North Island. Today the island is more commonly referred to by its other Māori name, Rakiura, which means "the land of the glowing skies." This refers to the spectacular sunrises and sunsets and to the southern lights, or aurora australis. The European name of Stewart Island dates back to 1809. It memorializes an officer, William W. Stewart, on an early sealing vessel, the Pegasus, who was the first to chart the island. The island covers some 1,700 square km (650 square miles). It measures about 75 km (46 miles) from north to south and about the same distance across at its widest point. On the coastline, sharp cliffs rise from a succession of sheltered bays and beaches. In the interior, forested hills rise gradually toward the west side of the island. Seals and penguins frequent the coast, and the island's prolific bird life includes a number of species rarely seen in any other part of the country. In fact, this is the surest place to see a kiwi. The Stewart Island brown kiwi, or tokoeka, is the largest species of this kind of bird. Unlike their mainland cousins, these kiwis can be seen during the day as well as at night. It's a rare and amusing experience to watch these pear-shaped birds scampering on a remote beach as they feed on sand hoppers and grubs. Māori have visited Stewart Island for centuries. Archaeologists' studies of 13th-century Māori middens (refuse heaps) suggest that the island was once a rich, seasonal resource for hunting, fishing, and gathering seafood. A commonly eaten delicacy at that time, the titi, also known as the muttonbird, still occasionally appears on menus. In the early 19th century, explorers, sealers, missionaries, and miners settled the island. They were followed by fishermen and sawmillers who established settlements around the edges of Paterson Inlet and Halfmoon and Horseshoe bays. In the 1920s, Norwegians set up a whaling enterprise, and many descendants of these seafaring people remain. Fishing, aquaculture, and tourism are now the mainstays of the island's economy. Even by New Zealand standards, Stewart Island is remote, raw, and untouched. The appeal is its seclusion, its relaxed way of life, and its untouched quality. Stewart Island is not for everyone: if you must have shopping malls, casinos, or umbrella drinks on the beach, don't come here. Visitors should be prepared for the fact that Stewart Island can be chilly, windy, and rainy, even in the middle of summer.

Day 5 - Dunedin

Dunedin, New Zealand: Clinging to the walls of the natural amphitheatre at the west end of Otago Harbour, the South Island's second-largest city is enriched with inspiring nearby seascapes and wildlife. Because Dunedin is a university town, floods of students give the city a vitality far greater than its population of 122,000 might suggest. Its manageable size makes it easy to explore on foot—with the possible exception of Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential street and home to the annual "gutbuster" race, in which people run up it, and the "Jaffa" race, in which people roll the namesake spherical chocolate candy down it. Dunedin, the Gaelic name for Edinburgh, was founded in 1848 by settlers of the Free Church of Scotland, a breakaway group from the Presbyterian Church. The city's Scottish roots are still visible; you'll find New Zealand's first and only (legal) whisky distillery, a statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns, and more kilts, sporrans, and gillies than you can shake a stick at! The Scottish settlers and local Māori came together in relative peace, but this wasn't true of the European whalers who were here three decades before, as places with names such as Murdering Beach illustrate. Dunedin has always had a reputation for the eccentric. Wearing no shoes and a big beard here marks a man as bohemian rather than destitute, and the residents wouldn't have it any other way. The University of Otago was the country's first university and has been drawing writers ever since its founding in 1871, most notably Janet Frame and the poet James K. Baxter. Dunedin also has a musical heritage, which blossomed into the "Dunedin Sound" of the 1970s and '80s.

Day 6 - Akaroa

Akaroa, New Zealand: Nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano, Akaroa is a unique blend of French influence and traditional Kiwi culture. The town's colonial architecture and charming streets offer a glimpse into its vibrant past, while its serene harbour, intriguing wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes make it a must-visit destination.

Day 7 - Queen Charlotte Sound

Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand: Queen Charlotte Sound is a stunning maritime area lined with lush green hills and clear blue waters. It offers a unique combination of natural beauty and rich history, making it an ideal spot for exploring, boating, and enjoying scenic vistas.

Day 7 - Picton

Picton, New Zealand: The maritime township of Picton (population 4,000) lies at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and serves as the arrival point for ferries from the North Island, along with a growing number of international cruise ships. It plays a significant role in providing services and transport by water taxi to remote communities across the expansive Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. In town, there's a lot to explore, including crafts markets in the summer, historical sights, and walking tracks leading to scenic lookouts over the sounds. The main foreshore is bordered by London Quay, which offers views up Queen Charlotte Sound to the bays beyond. High Street descends to London Quay from the hills, with these two streets forming the town's centre.

Day 8 - Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand's capital is, arguably, the country’s most cosmopolitan metropolis. It boasts the world-class Te Papa Tongarewa—Museum of New Zealand, an attraction that should not be missed. The burgeoning film industry, notably the Lord of the Rings films, has injected fresh life into the local arts scene. Attractive and compact enough for exploration on foot, Wellington is a thriving destination. Modern high-rise buildings overlook Port Nicholson, considered one of the finest natural anchorages in the world. Known to local Māori as The Great Harbour of Tara, its two massive arms form the jaws of the fish of Maui from Māori legend. Sometimes referred to as the windy city, Wellington has been the seat of New Zealand's government since 1865.

Day 10 - Tauranga

Tauranga, New Zealand: The population centre of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities. Along with its neighbour Whakatane, this seaside city claims to be one of the country's sunniest towns. Unlike most local towns, Tauranga continues to thrive even in the off-season, as it hosts one of the busiest ports in the country. The excellent waves at the neighbouring beach resort of Mount Maunganui—just across Tauranga's harbour bridge—always draw surfers and holiday folk.

Day 11 - Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland is known as the City of Sails, and visitors flying in will see why. On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Māori term meaning sparkling waters—bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground sprinkled with small islands where many Aucklanders enjoy "mucking around in boats." Unsurprisingly, Auckland boasts some 70,000 boats. About one in four Auckland households has a seacraft of some type, with 102 beaches located within an hour’s drive; many remain quite empty during the workweek. Even the airport is near water, bordering Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from Māori, meaning solitary bird. Māori tradition holds that Auckland was initially populated by a race of giants and fairy folk. However, by the early 19th century, the Ngāti-Whātua tribe dominated the area. In 1840, the British began negotiations with Ngāti-Whātua to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony's first capital. By September, Auckland was marked as a township with the British flag, remaining the capital until 1865. Despite the capital being moved to Wellington, Auckland maintained its commercial allure due to its position as the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes. Since then, urban sprawl has rendered this city of some 1.3 million people one of the world's largest geographically. Time spent in the city will reveal its sophistication and development; the Mercer City Survey 2012 ranked it as the third-highest city for quality of life. Auckland is more inclined towards outdoor activities rather than formal events. Yet, shops remain open daily, while central bars and nightclubs buzz into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday. A blend of Māori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans enriches its cultural scene. Auckland hosts the largest population of Pacific Islanders outside their home countries, though many reside outside central areas in Manukau to the south. The Samoan language is New Zealand’s second most spoken. Most Pacific inhabitants came to New Zealand seeking better lives. As low-skilled jobs diminished, challenges emerged; however, current policies aim to address these issues, and gradual change is evident. The Pasifika Festival in March is a hallmark event, attracting crowds to Western Springs, alongside a secondary schools' traditional arts competition open to the public. The central Sky Tower at 1,082 feet serves as a convenient landmark, whose nickname hints at Auckland's bold ambitions. The Waitemata Harbour gained fame hosting the America's Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in 2009, prompting significant waterfront redevelopment. Popular beer is now served at Viaduct Basin and its newly expanded Wynyard Quarter. Auckland often stands accused by those "south of the Bombay Hills" of being audacious and self-centered, expressed with the local term "Jafa." However, such internal identity quarrels needn’t overshadow your stay. Instead, savour expertly made coffee in almost any café or stroll along beaches, knowing that within a short drive, recreational options abound from harbour cruises to native bird watching.

Day 12 - Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands, New Zealand: At the northernmost tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga marks the dramatic convergence of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Traversing the area reveals marvellous beaches, lush forests, and expansive spaces. The East Coast up to the Bay of Islands is Northland’s most populous area, with picturesque beaches attracting those seeking respite from city life. Your journey north could follow various scenic routes through historical locales like Whangarei. The Bay of Islands itself is internationally acclaimed for its beauty, featuring lush landscapes and pristine beaches. Significant in New Zealand's history, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840, establishing its modern governance. Today, the anniversary of the signing is marked by celebrations and protests alike. The region's beaches offer splendid opportunities for swimming, diving, and relaxation. In contrast, the rugged West Coast is sparsely populated, marked by ancient kauri trees in Waipoua Forest and the windswept Cape Reinga, where Māori tradition speaks of departing spirits. Māori hold historical prominence in the area, with tribes tracing lineage back to the earliest settlers.

Day 14 - Cascade

Cascade, Norfolk Island, Australia: Immersed in natural beauty, Cascade on Norfolk Island offers scenic landscapes and rich history, making it a captivating destination for those seeking tranquility and vibrant cultural experiences.

Day 16 - Lifou Island

Lifou Island, New Caledonia: Lifou is a commune of France in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia. Comprising two main islands—Lifou and Tiga—alongside several uninhabited islets, Lifou boasts the world’s largest coral atoll. The island is formed from fossilized coral, known as makatea, lacking surface water and relying on a freshwater reservoir within caves. Lifou is renowned for its vast atoll, offering some of the best snorkelling globally. Activities here include scenic walks, beach relaxation, swimming, and snorkelling. No organised tours are available during this visit, allowing guests to explore independently.

Day 16 - Nouméa

Nouméa, New Caledonia: Nouméa is distinguished by elegant urban development set within a breathtaking natural context, forming a unique island city within the New Caledonia archipelago. Originally established as a penal colony, Nouméa has transformed into a vibrant city, home to nearly two-thirds of New Caledonia's population. The city's European majority contrasts with the broader archipelago’s Kanak population, who predominantly reside in tribal communities. Central Nouméa is marked by Place de Cocotiers near the harbour, featuring 19th-century churches and a world-class aquarium at Anse Vata. It also boasts sandy beaches and a remarkable collection of Kanak and Pacific artefacts at the Museum of New Caledonia. The city’s architectural gem, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, echoes the traditional Kanak house rooftops amid mangroves.

Day 18 - Nouméa

Nouméa, New Caledonia: Nouméa is distinguished by elegant urban development set within a breathtaking natural context, forming a unique island city within the New Caledonia archipelago. Originally established as a penal colony, Nouméa has transformed into a vibrant city, home to nearly two-thirds of New Caledonia's population. The city's European majority contrasts with the broader archipelago’s Kanak population, who predominantly reside in tribal communities. Central Nouméa is marked by Place de Cocotiers near the harbour, featuring 19th-century churches and a world-class aquarium at Anse Vata. It also boasts sandy beaches and a remarkable collection of Kanak and Pacific artefacts at the Museum of New Caledonia. The city’s architectural gem, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, echoes the traditional Kanak house rooftops amid mangroves.