This two week self-drive tour reveals that the mythical Middle-earth really does exist in the dramatic scenery, wide open spaces, rare flora and fauna of Aotearoa – ‘the youngest country on earth’.

It took two years to film the LOTR trilogy but millions of years to build the sets.

Note: This cruise includes a helicopter transfer from Opua to Deep Water Cove

On this fabulous cruise you will explore the breathe taking Motuarohia Island and on Urupukapuka Island discover the fortefied village sites as you take an archeological walk, fish in Deep Water Cove.

The Marlborough Sounds: lying at the South Island’s north-easternmost point, between Tasman Bay in the west and Cloudy Bay in the south-east. The steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays of the sounds are sparsely populated, as access is difficult. Many of the small settlements and isolated houses are only accessible by boat. This is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in New Zealand, endowed with natural beauty, this intricate maze of waterways with its attractive beaches and lush greenery provides for the perfect nature experience

Abel Tasman National Park: Small but exquisitely formed, is a paradise of golden beaches, granite and marble rock formations, lush native forest and remarkable wildlife encounters. Close to the shore, the water is a tropical shade of turquoise and so clear that you can watch the anchor dig into the sand. Apart from the walking track that traces the park’s boundary with the sea, there’s not a road to be seen.

Island Escapes’ magnificent flagship, Island Passage, is a boutique cruise ship with ten luxurious cabins – each with its own ensuite, a top chef and the onboard equipment to cater for every adventure or experience these National Parks have to offer

New Zealand offers some of the best cruising and golf courses in the world. Join our 6 Day/5 Night cruise that includes the best of both on our luxury 10 cabin small ship, the Island Passage. This exceptional holiday is only available to 20 fortunate people and begins and ends in Auckland. Onboard the Island Passage we offer private luxury en-suite accommodation and chef prepared meals daily. The championship golf courses we are visiting include 18 holes golf fees, motorised carts and helicopter transfers to three of the four courses. We will be cruising in the famous Bay Of Islands waters where you will have free use of our three seven metre tenders on-board which can be used for snorkelling, kayaking, beachcombing, swimming or sport fishing trips. This trip includes all sport fishing equipment (including lures) plus assistance from our expert fishing and onboard guides.