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During his tour of New Zealand in 2004, Billy Connolly traversed 8,500km - a lot of ground in a country that measures only 1600km in length. Now you can follow in Billy's foot steps. Take your own tour of the country and get to know it as well as the locals.
Take your own 'World Tour'
This extensive itinerary provides a total view of New Zealand, and takes in all the most significant sights and attractions. In the North Island you’ll discover beautiful beaches, kauri forests, caves and phenomenal geothermal activity. In the South Island the emphasis is on grand mountain scenery, adventure activities, historic architecture and wildlife encounters.
Throughout the country there are vineyards and inspired restaurants to discover, while the cities present you with cultural entertainments and the chance to buy quality, locally-made clothing, art works and home wares. By the end of your holiday, you’ll know New Zealand from top to toe.
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Day 1 - Auckland to Paihia (146 miles)
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.
The town of Orewa spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.
Warkworth is a pretty town on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it's easy to explore the attractions of the district - surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.
Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.
The resort town of Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.
Day 2 - Paihia to Kaitaia (76 miles)
Kaitaia is the main centre for the 'subtropical' north. From here you can catch a bus trip along Ninety Mile Beach. Other local attractions include the Far North Regional Museum and the nocturnal park.
Day 3 - Kaitaia to Auckland (248 miles)
Dargaville is a perfect base for exploring the Kaipara Harbour, which offers fishing, quad biking, schooner trips and bird watching. The west coast beaches in this area form part of the longest driveable beach in New Zealand.
Then back to Auckland to head south.
Day 4 - Auckland to Waitomo Caves (124 miles)
The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves open to the public, and are easy to walk through, others require specialised caving equipment.
Day 5 - Waitomo Caves to Taupo (102 miles)
The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout. You’ll find everything a traveller could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation.
Day 6 - Taupo to Palmerston North (151 miles)
One of New Zealand’s largest provincial cities, Palmerston North has an attractive historic heart. Many of the original stores built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and now function as boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Rose gardens and museums should also be on your agenda of things to see.
Day 7 - Palmerston North to Wellington (87 miles)
Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums and all kinds of shops. Dance, theatre and musical performances are a Wellington specialty.
Day 8 - Wellington to Kaikoura (159 miles)
The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the North and South islands of New Zealand. It’s also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Museums and interesting walks will keep you entertained while you’re here.
Day 9 - Kaikoura to Christchurch (159 miles)
The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy to get around. Visit heritage sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene.
Day 10 - Christchurch to Dunedin (228 miles)
In the late 19th century, Dunedin acquired an impressive amount of ostentatious Victorian architecture. No expense was spared. Today you can enjoy the historic public buildings, imposing churches, palatial homes and ornate hotels. There’s even a castle. Eco-tourism is the other face of Dunedin – visit penguin, albatross and seal colonies.
Day 11 - Dunedin to Invercargill (169 miles)
Invercargill is Southland's principal centre and the country's southernmost city. It is known for its elegant old department stores and wide, easy-to-navigate streets. Local food specialties include Bluff Oysters and blue cod. The museum has a tuatara house and an excellent exhibition about New Zealand’s subantarctic islands. Take a stroll around the gardens, aviary and duck ponds of Queens Park. It’s a quick journey to Bluff to see the Stirling Point signpost, which indicates the distance to the South Pole and other parts of the world. The Paua Shell House and the maritime museum are other attractions in Bluff.
Day 12 - Invercargill to Stewart Island (45 miles)
Much of Stewart Island (in Maori, Rakiura) was recently declared New Zealand’s newest national park. Visitors come to the island to enjoy nature at its wildest. Highlights include spotting kiwis on Ocean Beach, walking amidst the birds on Ulva Island and hiking the tracks through the park. Oban, the only major town, offers a variety of accommodation from hotel rooms to lodge retreats. For a potted history of Stewart Island, visit the local museum.
Day 13 - Stewart Island to Te Anau (143 miles)
Te Anau township sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau. From here, the delights of the Fiordland National Park are within easy reach, including the start of the world famous Milford Track. Cruise on the lakes, walk the tracks and explore the Te Ana-au Caves.
Day 14 - Te Anau to Milford Sound (73 miles)
A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland, or you can get up close and personal in a sea kayak. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. The underwater observatory is an option with most cruises.
Day 15 - Te Anau to Queenstown (108 miles)
The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting and fantastically attractive. It’s the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including bungy, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing. It’s also a destination for luxury experiences – gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf.
Day 16 - Queenstown to Franz Josef (242 miles)
Arrive at Franz Josef Glacier. First explored in 1865, the glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about 1 metre a day since 1985. Previously it was in retreat. You can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes. Franz Josef township has a good range of accommodation and eating establishments.
Day 17 - Franz Josef to Greymouth (108 miles)
Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do.
Day 18 - Greymouth to Christchurch (159 miles)
Drop the motorhome at Christchurch.
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