New Zealand & Cook Islands holiday with Business Class flights

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Christchurch 
• 2 nights Kaikoura 
• 3 nights Blenheim 
• 2 nights Abel Tasman 
• 1 night Punakaiki 
• 1 night Christchurch 
• 3 nights Rarotonga 
• 3 nights Aitutaki 

Day 1: Depart UK 

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive New Zealand

On arrival in Christchurch, you'll be driven into the city and check into your hotel for two nights. Why not head straight out and enjoy some punting along the River Avon past the Botanic Gardens or take a stroll to visit the iconic Cardboard Cathedral. If you'd like we can add on the iconic Tram Dinner experience, where you tuck into a delicious meal as you enjoy a relaxed tram journey through the centre of the city. If you'd like to add this - just ask!

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 3: Akaroa & the Banks Peninsula 

This morning, you'll head out on a tour of the Banks Peninsula, exploring the unique town of Akaroa, set in a volcanic crater not far from Christchurch. The journey is spectacular, through rolling farmlands towards the sparkling waters of Lyttelton Harbour with the snow-capped Southern Alps in the background. From Akaroa, you'll head out on a dolphin cruise, with the chance to swim with Hector's dolphins in their natural habitat - these playful creatures are the world's smallest and rarest dolphins - it's sure to be a magical experience. 

After your dolphin swim, you'll tuck into lunch at a quaint cafe in Akaroa before exploring the 175 year old French Village - wander through the historic streets, visit local art studios and stop in at the museum to learn about the early settlers in this region. In the afternoon, you'll head back to Christchurch. 

Included: Akaroa dolphin tour, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Drive to Kaikoura 

Leaving the city behind, today you'll pick up your hire car and drive north along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, passing through the quaint vineyards of the Waipara wine region and the lush farmland of North Canterbury before hitting the coast. The rugged scenery becomes increasingly more dramatic as you get closer to Kaikoura - stop for a coffee in the seaside town of Cheviot, keeping an eye out for seabirds along the shore before arriving in Kaikoura, where you'll check into your hotel for two nights. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Kaikoura 

Spend the day enjoying Kaikōura’s spectacular coastline and abundant marine life, with the mountains providing an impressive backdrop to your day. We've included a whale-watching flight, taking you out over the water in search of the whales found off the Kaikōura coast. Sperm whales can be found here year round, while humpbacks pass through on their migration from Antarctica between June and October. You'll also enjoy incredible views of the mountains and ocean, as well as the chance to see the whole length of the whale from above - it's pretty amazing. 

The rest of your time in Kaikoura can be spent exploring the scenic walking trails, visiting cute cafes along the beach front or even enjoying a cooking lesson at the famed Hapuku Kitchen, where you could learn to cook lamb, crayfish and other delicious local ingredients. 

Included: Car hire, whale watching flight, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Drive to Blenheim 

Enjoy your final morning in Kaikoura before heading up the coast, enjoy the views of the mountains meeting the ocean. Stop in at Ohau Point to spot more New Zealand fur seals, tuck into some fresh local crayfish from one of the roadside shacks and pause in Kekerengu for a coffee. As the coastline gradually gives way to rolling vineyards, you'll arrive in the heart of Marlborough wine country, where you'll check into your hotel for three nights. .

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Marlborough Wine Region 

Enjoy a day of indulgent wine tasting and exploring the scenic wine region of Marlborough. Today is not just about wine, it's about the place, the people and the passion that goes into every bottle that is made here. You'll visit five different wineries across the region, tasting Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir, as well as the world famous Sauvignon Blanc, all while learning about the history of viticulture in this area. 

Included: Car hire, wine tour, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Marlborough Sounds 

Today is yours to explore the nearby Marlborough Sounds, from the jumping off point of Picton, just a 30 minute drive from where you're staying in Blenheim. Why not enjoy breakfast by the harbour in one of the cosy cafes before enjoying the Bob's Bay Walk, an easy coastal track through native forest and past secluded coves. If you'd like something a little harder, the Queen Charlotte View Track is around 5km return from the car park and offer spectacular views over the sounds at the summit.

In the afternoon, you'll head out on the iconic Seafood Odyssea cruise, sailing out into the Queen Charlotte Sound on a catamaran, discovering some of the best fish and shellfish that New Zealand has to offer. Feast on fresh King Salmon and Greenshell mussels prepared in several delicious ways. You'll visit the marine reserve, soak in the spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds from the water and sip cold sauvignon blanc as you look out for dolphins that often follow the boat. It's a magical and tasty way to spend the afternoon.

Included: Car hire, Seafood Odyssea cruise, 4* hotel 

Day 9:  Drive to Abel Tasman 

Leaving the wine region behind, today you'll drive west towards Nelson and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. It's a scenic drive through winding roads, past pine forests and rolling countryside until you reach the coastal region of the north west and the pleasant city of Nelson. Known for it's sunny weather, thriving arts scene and right on the doorstep of some of the most beautiful national parks and beaches, Nelson is the perfect stop for a couple of nights exploring this scenic region. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Abel Tasman National Park 

Spending the day exploring the spectacular scenery of Abel Tasman is sure to be a highlight of your trip! We've included an epic day of exploration, with a walking and kayaking day tour that will take you to golden beaches, rugged rock formations and cute seals. You'll begin with a guided kayak journey from Marahau to the pretty Observation Beach, paddling past the Astrolabe Islands, where curious seals hide in tiny coves and you can soak up the views of the turquoise water all around you. Enjoy a delicious pack lunch before spending the afternoon walking back along the coastal track on an unguided hike. Pass through native bush and over clear streams, with endless view points as you enjoy the walk back. It's the perfect way to see Abel Tasman from the land and the water! 

Included: Car hire, Walk and kayak tour, 4* hotel 

Day 11: Drive to Punakaiki via Nelson Lakes National Park

Leaving Nelson, today you'll drive down to the west coast, throughout he rolling countryside into the lakes region of Nelson Lakes National Park. Drive through native beech forest towards the lakeside village of St Arnaud, where you can enjoy some walking trails around Lake Rotoiti before carrying on towards the west coast. Wind your way through river gorges and dense rainforest to arrive at Punakaiki, where the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes await. Powerful waves have created this limestone coastline over thousands of years, so take the time to enjoy the scenery before watching the sun set into the ocean from your beachfront hotel. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 12: TranzAlpine train to Christchurch 

Spend the morning enjoying the drive down from Punakaiki to Chri before hopping onto the famous TranzAlpine train around lunchtime. You'll spend the afternoon slowly trundling back towards Christchurch, passing through vast plains and miles of native forest before traversing the Southern Alps where glacier fed rivers shimmer under the snow-capped mountains. You'll arrive in Christhchurch by dinner time, ready for your final night in New Zealand before flying to the Cook Islands tomorrow. 

Included: Car hire, TranzAlpine tickets, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Fly to Cook Islands

Spend the morning enjoying Christchurch before heading to the airport for your flight to the Cook Islands. As you cross the international date line, you'll arrive the following day, despite it only being a 4.5 hour flight via Auckland. 

Included: International flights

Day 14: Arrive Rarotonga      

On arrival at Rarotonga Airport, you will be greeted by a local representative and taken to your hotel to check in. You've landed in paradise, otherwise known as Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands. Here, you'll find soft golden beaches, friendly locals and swaying palm trees - relaxation is truly a way of life here. Settle into beachfront hotel for three nights and head straight to the pool for a cocktail. 

Included: Transfers, Little Polynesian

Day 15: Ocean & Earth private tour

Today we have included a private tour to bring you the best of Rarotonga. Well known for its lush tropical surroundings, great beaches and pristine lagoons, Rarotonga is a packed with natural beauty. Over 3 hours, you’ll learn about the history of the Cooks at the Te Ara Museum, visit Black Rock - a volcanic boulder on the edge of the lagoon - and stop at some of the best snorkelling spots around Rarotonga. You’ll pass through rich plantations of citrus fruits, bananas and papaya and spend some time at the Maire Nui Tropical Gardens, with lush lily ponds, magnificent mountain views and an abundance of local flora.

Included: Ocean & Earth tour, Little Polynesian

Day 16: Rarotonga        

You have a free day today, so why not rent some bikes or a car and head off to explore the island? There are many hidden coves and private beaches to discover on the island and plenty of friendly locals to help you on your way. If you'd rather just enjoy the view, then you're staying at the perfect hotel for a peaceful day of relaxation.

Included: Little Polynesian

Day 17: Fly to Aitutaki        

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken by shared transfer back to the airport to connect with your domestic flight to Aitutaki. Just 45 minutes later, you will arrive on this picturesque island where you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Included: Transfers, internal flights, Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Days 18 & 19: Aitutaki   

You have two full days now on the island of Aitutaki. Head back out onto the lagoon for some watersports, relax on the beach or treat yourself to a Polynesian massage in your villa. This time is purely for resting and recharging your batteries. On Day 6, we've included a cruise on the beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon. Float above the turquoise waters spotting turtles then head to some amazing snorkelling sites for an up-close experience in the water. A BBQ lunch is provided and you'll get to visit One Foot Island, a stunning uninhabited island popular with wedding couples looking for a romantic and private ceremony. If you'd like to get married while you're here, we can organise this for you - just ask!

Included: Vaka cruise, Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Day 20: Depart Aitutaki

You will be collected from your accommodation today and taken to the airport by shared transfer, where you will connect with your flight back to Rarotonga and on to the UK. 

Included: Transfers, internal flights

Day 21: Arrive UK