Auckland is New Zealand's largest, most populated and busiest city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate harbours: Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. You will understand why Auckland is known as "the City of Sails" when you see the forest of masts in the marina. The 1075-foot-high Sky Tower offers splendid views of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mount Eden, Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European, and Asian cultures give the city a vibrant atmosphere. ... Read More
Friday - Jan 17, 2025
Day 2
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
In the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a pristine natural gem just 35 minutes from the city of Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand. The stunning beaches of its languid bays and the undulating landscapes forming the heart of the island perfectly illustrate the easy way of life here. This land surrounded by sea and bathed in light enjoys a mild climate that is conducive to a thriving agriculture, composed mainly of olive groves and vineyards. Somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany, the island is renowned for its wines. Here, Bordeaux grape varieties have found the ideal conditions for developing a rich palette of aromas. A symbol of New Zealand's easy lifestyle, Waiheke also boasts a rich arts scene. ... Read More
Located to the north of Rotorua, Tauranga stretches the length of the Bay of Plenty, sheltered from the ocean by the island of Matakana. This coastal city boasts a flourishing economy thanks to its port, and is a pleasant and pretty town with a peaceful, relaxed feel. The seafront area is contemporary and lively, dotted with cafes and restaurants. The town centre reveals more picturesque charms, while the surrounding area is packed full of natural delights. Travel on to the town of Rotorua to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: a fantastic opportunity to experience an absolutely exceptional geothermal phenomenon. ... Read More
Sunday - Jan 19, 2025
Day 4
Gisborne, New Zealand
Gisborne, called "Gizzy" by the locals and Te Oneroa by the Maori, is located to the north of a large bay surrounded by fertile hills and long wild beaches that attract walkers and surfers. At the southern end of the bay, the magnificent cliffs of Young Nick's Head majestically keep watch over the ocean's tides. In Ngatapa, a few kilometres north of the city, the Eastwoodhill Arboretum stretches out over more than 130 hectares (320 acres) and is home to magnificent exotic and native plants. In the city, you can learn about Maori culture and the local history at the Tairawhiti Museum or enjoy some of the products of this rich farming region, renowned in particular for its Chardonnay. ... Read More
On the east coast of the North Island, south of Hawke's Bay, you'll find Napier. Mostly destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, reviving from its ruins in less than two years, it grew into a magnificent Art Deco style city, very in-vogue at the time. With its pure lines mixed with traditional Maori designs, the singular New Zealand character of this city will intrigue you. You'll discover all this extraordinary architectural heritage as you take a stroll through the city. Famous for its vineyards, wine lovers will be able to taste some of the best wines from the region. ... Read More
Crowned with gentle green hills, Wellington Harbour is located in the far south of the North Island. This city offers a charming mix of traditional and modern cultures, bestowing on the New Zealand capital a unique atmosphere, both friendly and avant-garde. Where some sites, like the large national Te Papa Tongarewa museum, reflect the city's Maori past, others, like the many cafes and restaurants, affirm the inhabitants' incredible lust for life. ... Read More
Wednesday - Jan 22, 2025
Day 7
Cruising Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
At the northern end of New Zealand's South Island, the Marlborough Sounds are a vast network of submerged valleys. These 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) of coastline form a maze of peninsulas and hilly islands, in the curves of which nestle small bays and inlets drowned by the sea at the end of the most recent ice age. During an unforgettable sail, explore this magical place of wild and untouched beauty. Here, the palette of blues and greens is almost infinite and the silver reflections of the sun's rays shimmer on the surface of the water. ... Read More
A must-see entry point to the South Island, Picton is a little coastal town surrounded by gentle hills, located on the south side of the Queen Charlotte Sound. The cafes and restaurants that border the charming waterfront give a very lovely view of the fjord. You can also decide to get some height above sea level, and walk in the surrounding areas. However, Picton is above all an opportunity to explore the unique Marlborough Sounds. This interweaving of submerged valleys in this area has creating numerous navigable routes, which are among the most beautiful natural wonders of New Zealand. ... Read More
Set on the east coast of South Island, Christchurch is New Zealand's second-biggest city. You can soak up its easy-going atmosphere in one of the many parks and gardens that give Christchurch its nickname "the garden city", or dally a while in Cathedral Square to see how the city is transforming itself after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre and Christchurch Gondola ride are as popular as ever, while pop-up cafes, the Cardboard Cathedral, and community art projects showcase the citizens' resilience. The beautiful port of Akaroa, where ships dock, is about 90-minute drive from Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula. ... Read More
Saturday - Jan 25, 2025
Day 10
Lyttelton, New Zealand
On the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, Lyttelton (or Te Whakaraupo in the Maori language) served, thanks to its proximity with Ross Island, as the starting point for the British expeditions in the mythical age of the South Pole explorations. It takes its name from George Lyttelton (1709-1773), aristocrat and colonial governor of South Carolina. In this colourful port town full of history, you'll be able to discover the Time Ball: constructed in 1876, it rang at 1 pm every day for 58 consecutive years to give Greenwich meridian time, enabling ship captains to set their chronometer and very precisely calculate their position. ... Read More
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