72 Hours in Dubai & New Zealand Encompassed

Day 1  Dubai, United Arab Emirates            
On arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to the stylish 3★+ Rove Downtown. Situated in vibrant Downtown Dubai, this contemporary hotel offers a comfortable base from which to explore and occupies a prime location with views of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. From here you can easily access the city’s impressive landmarks including the dancing Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall and the traditional-style market Souk Al Bahar.

Day 2  Dubai            
Today, you will meet your guide for a tour of this eclectic city. Starting in Dubai Creek, an area renowned for its cultural heritage and home to the oldest building in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort. Explore this now immersive museum for an insight into the more traditional side of this city before taking a short ride on a water taxi to the bustling gold and spice souks. There will be plenty of photo opportunities en route as you will stop by the iconic landmarks of the Jumeirah Mosque and the lavish Burj Al Arab. As the tour comes to an end, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3  The Desert            
After a relaxing morning, leave the bright lights of the city behind and head inland towards the majestic dunes and tranquil expanse of the Arabian desert for a dune dinner safari experience. This afternoon tour includes a thrilling 4WD dune bashing excursion deep into the desert where an expert driver scales and descends the dunes at speed. Afterwards, enjoy a short, slower drive through the desert to a Bedouin styled camp for dinner under the stars complete with traditional Arabian entertainment.

Day 4  Dubai to Auckland, New Zealand    
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the city for your onward flight to New Zealand.

Day 5  Auckland          
Welcome to the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’! Arrive into New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland and make your way to your hotel and base for the next two nights.

Day 6  Auckland          
You have the whole day to explore Auckland at leisure. Perhaps visit the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, known for its trendy boutiques, before venturing to the Auckland Harbour Bridge en route to the North Shore. Feel the sand between your toes on the beautiful beach before heading back towards the city with a stop at Mount Victoria so that you can take in the panoramic skyline.

Days 7-8  Auckland to Rotorua    
This morning, pick up your car for the scenic drive to Rotorua, a fascinating region full of New Zealand's Mâori heritage. Discover this geothermal hotspot, home to bubbling geysers, volcanic mud pools and perhaps take a dip in the thermal hot springs.

Days 9-10  Rotorua to Tongariro NP          
Journey to the awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, passing Lake Taupô en route. The following day, head out on one of the many walking trails in this area or embark on one of New Zealand’s greatest day hikes, the challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Days 11-12  Tongariro NP to Wellington    
Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, dropping off your car on arrival. With two days at leisure here, choose to take the Wellington Cable Car up the mountain for sweeping views or perhaps visit the stunning Botanical Gardens. In the evenings, try out the diverse mixture of restaurants, shops and cafés found on Cuba Street.

Days 13-14  Wellington to Blenheim          
Today, board the foot passenger ferry to the South Island, pick up your car and drive onwards to Blenheim. Considered the gateway to New Zealand’s wine regions, Blenheim is the ideal location for exploring local vineyards and sampling delicious local wines, not to mention it is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand.

Day 15  Blenheim to Kaikôura    
Drive the stunning coastal road to Kaikôura, a stunning town, framed by snow capped mountains and turquoise sea. Spend the rest of the afternoon however you choose, perhaps take the Kaikôura Peninsula Walkway to the lookout spots at Point Kean, stopping to admire the fur seal population that has made this place home.

Day 16  Kaikôura          
Rich in marine life, a trip to Kaikôura would not be complete without going on a whale watching cruise. Board your vessel from Kaikoura’s pretty harbour and go in search of resident sperm whales, dusky dolphins and potentially even migrating orca.

Days 17-18  Kaikôura to Christchurch    
Travel to Christchurch and drop off your car. Enjoy leisurely getting around the city, from the historic tram that passes by the colourful facades of New Regent Street to punting on the River Avon that meanders through the city centre and provides a tranquil way of taking in the lush green parkscape. For splendid views over the city, take the gondola up to the summit of Mount Cavendish.

Day 19  Christchurch to Greymouth      
Board the spectacular TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth via the Arthur’s Pass National Park. As you watch the landscape change from the expansive flatlands of the Canterbury Plains to the towering peaks of the Southern Alps and on to the rugged natural wilderness of the west coast, you’ll see why this is one of the world’s most picturesque rail journeys. On arrival into the station, pick up your car.

Day 20  Greymouth            
An area surrounded by beauty, this region offers many options: perhaps visit the Shantytown, a recreation of a 19th Century gold mining town; head to the unique geological formation known as Pancake Rocks; or visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge, with its dazzling blue waters.

Day 21  Greymouth to Wânaka    
Make the trip to Wânaka and enjoy a peaceful day being at one with nature, hiking in the foothills of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Days 22-23  Wânaka to Queenstown    
Time to head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Drop off your car and fill your remaining days with activities and relaxation in a beautiful lakeside setting, superimposed onto the The Remarkables mountain range. Perhaps take the gondola up the mountain for incredible views, before racing your travel companions down on your own gravity-powered cart at Skyline Luge.

Day 24  Queenstown          
Today, prepare to see a wonder of nature as you get picked up in a glass-roofed coach and taken to your cruise on Milford Sound. With steep valley sides towering into soaring peaks, cascading waterfalls and the hum of wildlife, you will be left mesmerised.

Day 25  Queenstown          
Make your way to the airport for your onward flight.