Our Southern Lights Grand Tour begins in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and our gateway to Aotearoa. Today is about settling into our surroundings and beginning to discover the city, with Auckland's waterfront, Viaduct Harbour and elegant central districts all within easy reach.

This evening we gather for our first time together, raising a glass to the adventure ahead before enjoying our welcome dinner and officially beginning our journey through New Zealand.

A stylish, award-winning hotel in the heart of Auckland's waterfront precinct, The Hotel Britomart combines contemporary design with the character of the surrounding heritage buildings. Its beautifully crafted rooms, excellent restaurant and superb location make it an ideal beginning to our Southern Lights adventure.

Today we leave the cars behind for a private excursion across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Famous for its beautiful beaches, olive groves and vineyards, Waiheke provides a relaxed introduction to New Zealand's food and wine culture.

Our private tour takes us to several vineyards, with tastings and a leisurely winery lunch, before we return across the gulf to Auckland.

A sophisticated urban retreat in the heart of the Britomart waterfront district, with timber-lined rooms, thoughtful local touches and easy access to Auckland's restaurants, bars and harbour. The hotel is also New Zealand's first 5 Green Star hotel, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainability.

Today the driving begins. Leaving Auckland behind, we head north through the Hibiscus Coast and into Northland, where the countryside becomes increasingly green and the roads quieter.

We continue towards the Bay of Islands, arriving in Paihia with time to explore the waterfront and enjoy our first evening beside the Pacific.

A relaxed resort-style hotel set amongst four acres of gardens at the entrance to Paihia. With its swimming pool, restaurant and easy walking access to the waterfront and wharf, it provides a comfortable base for exploring the Bay of Islands.

Today we head for the far north, travelling towards Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean beneath its famous lighthouse.

Our route takes us through the extraordinary landscapes of the Aupouri Peninsula, with opportunities to experience the Te Paki Sand Dunes and Ninety Mile Beach before turning south towards Taipa.

A beachfront resort overlooking the beautiful waters of Doubtless Bay, with comfortable apartment-style accommodation, a swimming pool, hot tub and on-site restaurant. Its setting beside the beach makes it a particularly relaxing place to end our journey to the far north.

Turning south, we explore the beautiful and largely unspoilt western side of Northland. The route takes us through the Hokianga Harbour and into Waipoua Forest, home to some of New Zealand's oldest and most magnificent kauri trees.

This evening we enjoy the special Footprints of Waipoua experience, learning about the forest, its history and its importance to Māori culture.

Set directly beside the Hokianga Harbour, The Sands is a peaceful coastal retreat surrounded by beaches, sand dunes and dramatic harbour views. Recently refurbished, the property combines comfortable accommodation with a strong sense of place and a deep connection to the Māori heritage of Hokianga.

We leave the Hokianga Harbour behind and continue south through Northland's rolling countryside and native forest. Gradually the landscape becomes more familiar as Auckland approaches, bringing our opening chapter to a close.

Back in the city, there is time to relax before another evening together.

Our stylish Auckland base provides a welcome return to the city, combining beautifully designed rooms with the restaurants, bars and waterfront of Britomart immediately outside the door.

Leaving Auckland, we head south into the volcanic heart of the North Island. The landscape changes as we approach Rotorua, where geothermal activity is never far from the surface and Māori culture remains an important part of the region's identity.

This evening we experience that culture first-hand at Te Pā Tū, with traditional storytelling, performance and a memorable Māori-inspired feast.

Ideally positioned between Rotorua's Government Gardens and Lake Rotorua, this comfortable hotel places us close to the city's attractions. Guests can enjoy its heated pool, hot tubs, day spa, restaurants and relaxing surroundings.

One of the North Island's finest driving days takes us east from Rotorua through the remote Waioeka Gorge. The road winds alongside the river through dense native forest and rugged mountain country before the landscape finally opens towards the Pacific.

Our destination is Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sunrise.

Set beside the Turanganui River, Portside is an intimate waterfront hotel offering spacious accommodation and a relaxed atmosphere. Its position within walking distance of the city makes it an excellent base for discovering Gisborne.

We continue south along the East Coast, with the Pacific Ocean accompanying us for much of the day. The road crosses the Wharerata Hills before entering Hawke's Bay and the vineyards surrounding Napier.

Our destination is one of New Zealand's most distinctive cities, renowned for its remarkable collection of Art Deco architecture.

This evening we come together for dinner at Central Firestation Bistro, a relaxed and characterful setting in the heart of Napier.

A characterful heritage hotel in the heart of Napier's celebrated Art Deco precinct, the Masonic combines historic architecture with a lively central location. It places us amongst the city's restaurants, cafés, waterfront and distinctive 1930s streetscape.

Leaving Napier, we head south through the vineyards and rolling countryside of Hawke's Bay and the Wairarapa. The road eventually brings us to Wellington, New Zealand's compact and characterful capital, set around one of the country's most beautiful natural harbours.

A vibrant boutique hotel occupying a beautifully restored heritage building in Wellington's famous Cuba Street precinct. Naumi combines playful design, New Zealand art and characterful interiors with comfortable modern accommodation.

A day away from the cars. Today we visit Zealandia, Wellington's remarkable wildlife sanctuary, where native species including tuatara and native birds can be seen in a protected environment.

The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Wellington, perhaps exploring Te Papa, the waterfront or the city's famous restaurants and bars.

Our colourful Wellington base offers an atmospheric contrast to the landscapes of the road, with the energy of Cuba Street and the city's cafés, restaurants and galleries just outside the door.

This morning we board the Interislander for our crossing of Cook Strait. As we enter the South Island, the ferry threads its way through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds.

For a more relaxed crossing, we enjoy the comfort of the Premium Lounge before arriving in Picton and continuing behind the wheel into Marlborough's famous wine country.

A contemporary boutique hotel in central Blenheim, offering a stylish and convenient base for exploring Marlborough's renowned vineyards. Its modern accommodation provides a comfortable retreat after our crossing of Cook Strait.

We leave Marlborough and head west towards Nelson, crossing the spectacular Whangamoa Range. The road provides some excellent driving before descending towards Tasman Bay.

A stop at Pelorus Bridge gives us the chance to stretch our legs beside the clear waters of the Pelorus River.

A relaxed waterfront hotel overlooking the Maitai River, Tides provides a convenient base from which to explore Nelson. Its riverside setting and easy access to the city create a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

Today we head into Golden Bay, crossing the spectacular Takaka Hill. With its succession of bends and dramatic limestone landscape, the road itself is one of the highlights.

Beyond Takaka, we continue towards Farewell Spit and the remote northern tip of the South Island before returning via Wharariki Beach.

Our riverside Nelson base provides a comfortable and relaxed return after a full day exploring the extraordinary landscapes of Golden Bay.

Turning south, we leave Nelson and enter increasingly dramatic mountain country. The route takes us through river valleys and across the interior of the South Island before arriving at Hanmer Springs, our alpine retreat.

With three nights here, we can settle into the slower rhythm of mountain life.

A tranquil alpine retreat surrounded by mountains and native landscape, Braemar Lodge offers spacious accommodation and a peaceful setting close to Hanmer Springs.

A superb driving loop takes us from the mountains to the Pacific. We head towards Kaikōura, where the mountains rise directly from the coast and the scenery is among the most dramatic in New Zealand.

There is time to explore the waterfront, enjoy lunch and perhaps look for the seals and marine life that make this coastline famous.

Return to the peaceful surroundings of Braemar Lodge, where the alpine setting and spa facilities provide a welcome contrast to the day's coastal adventure.

After several days of driving, today is deliberately unhurried. Enjoy the famous thermal pools, take a walk through the forest or simply relax at the lodge.

Our three-night stay concludes with another opportunity to enjoy this secluded alpine retreat and recharge before heading towards the wild West Coast.

Today we cross the South Island towards the wild West Coast. The road climbs through the Lewis Pass, passing through native beech forest before descending towards the historic gold-mining town of Reefton.

We continue west to Punakaiki and the famous Pancake Rocks, where the Tasman Sea crashes against the limestone cliffs.

Set between rainforest and the Tasman Sea, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is just moments from the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Its comfortable rooms and spectacular natural setting make it an ideal base for experiencing the wild West Coast.

One of the defining driving days of the Southern Lights. The road follows the Tasman Sea southwards, with rainforest and mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.

We stop in Hokitika, famous for its greenstone, before continuing into glacier country and the village of Franz Josef.

Hidden amongst native rainforest at the foot of the Southern Alps, Rainforest Retreat offers a wonderfully atmospheric stay in the heart of Franz Josef. Its treehouses, lodges and forest setting bring guests close to the wilderness that defines the West Coast.

Today we leave the coast and cross the Southern Alps. The road through Haast Pass is one of the great journeys of the South Island, passing waterfalls, rivers and ancient rainforest before the landscape opens into the Southern Lakes.

We finish beside beautiful Lake Wanaka.

Set directly beside Lake Wanaka, Edgewater combines peaceful lakeside surroundings with easy access to the town. Expansive gardens and views towards the mountains make it a particularly beautiful place to pause after crossing the Southern Alps.

We cross the spectacular Crown Range, descending through some of Central Otago's finest scenery. A stop in the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown precedes our arrival in Queenstown, beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Set above the Shotover River in Arthur’s Point, Coronet Ridge Resort is a stylish alpine retreat offering elegant rooms, spectacular mountain views and a tranquil setting just minutes from Queenstown. Guests can enjoy the resort’s spa, outdoor hot tubs, sauna, gym and excellent dining at Elevation Restaurant.

We follow the extraordinary road along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy. This is a day for enjoying the scenery and the cars before returning to Queenstown for one of the tour's great social evenings.

We board the historic TSS Earnslaw for the cruise to Walter Peak, where a gourmet barbecue dinner and high-country farm experience await.

Enjoy a second night at Coronet Ridge Resort, with time to relax and make the most of its luxurious alpine surroundings and excellent facilities. Unwind in the spa or hot tubs before another memorable evening overlooking the spectacular Southern Lakes.

Today we explore the roads and vineyards of Central Otago. The journey takes us through the Kawarau Gorge towards Cromwell and Bannockburn, where the dry, golden landscape provides a striking contrast to the lush West Coast.

Along the way we enjoy a private wine experience, discovering some of the region's celebrated Pinot Noir.

Our final night at Coronet Ridge Resort offers another opportunity to relax in the peaceful alpine surroundings and enjoy the resort’s exceptional facilities. Savour a leisurely evening before we continue our journey into New Zealand’s spectacular South Island.

Today we leave the cars behind and venture deep into Fiordland. We travel to Manapouri before crossing the lake and climbing over Wilmot Pass into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound.

Here we board the Fiordland Navigator and cruise deep into the fiord, surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls. Tonight we anchor in the heart of Fiordland.

Our accommodation tonight is an experience in itself: a purpose-built vessel taking us deep into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound. With the fiord as our backdrop and the mountains rising around us, this is one of the most extraordinary nights of the journey.

We wake surrounded by the silence of Fiordland before returning towards Te Anau. This afternoon we explore another of the region's natural wonders, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

After the wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the tiny lights of the glowworms provide a wonderfully atmospheric end to the day.

Set beside Lake Te Anau, this four-star property offers a relaxed lakeside base with rooms in the main hotel and villa-style accommodation. Its peaceful position makes it a natural retreat after our night in the wilderness.

We continue south through the open landscapes of Southland. Our destination is Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city and a place with a remarkable motoring heritage.

For enthusiasts, the story of local motorcycle legend Burt Munro makes this a particularly appropriate part of our journey.

A contemporary boutique hotel in the centre of Invercargill, The Langlands combines modern design with a warm, intimate atmosphere. Its central location places the city's restaurants, galleries and attractions within easy reach.

We turn east and follow the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins. This is a quieter and beautifully unspoilt corner of New Zealand, with forest, waterfalls and rugged coastline.

We continue north towards Dunedin, arriving in time to explore its historic centre.

This evening we step away from the road for a very special dinner at Larnach Castle, one of New Zealand's most fascinating historic estates.

A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Dunedin, housed within a beautifully restored historic building. Its elegant interiors and central location provide a sophisticated base for discovering the city's Victorian and Edwardian heritage.

Leaving Dunedin, we head inland through the Waitaki Valley and into the vast Mackenzie Basin. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as we approach Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain.

With the Southern Alps rising around us, this is one of the great landscape days of the tour.

As darkness falls, we have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary clarity of the southern night sky.

One of New Zealand's most iconic mountain hotels, The Hermitage enjoys an extraordinary position beneath Aoraki / Mount Cook. Its setting in the heart of the national park provides uninterrupted access to the dramatic alpine landscape that surrounds it.

Driving Distance: 287 km | Approximate Driving Time: 4 hrs

Our final full driving day takes us across the spectacular Mackenzie Basin. Leaving Aoraki / Mount Cook behind, we follow the shores of Lake Pukaki before continuing towards Lake Tekapo and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd.

From here, the route continues through the vast Canterbury high country to Terrace Downs, where we settle in for our final night surrounded by the Southern Alps.

With one final day of driving still ahead, this evening is simply about enjoying the setting, reflecting on the extraordinary roads and landscapes we have experienced, and looking forward to our arrival in Christchurch tomorrow.

Set within the Canterbury high country with panoramic views towards the Southern Alps, Fable Terrace Downs provides a peaceful final retreat surrounded by mountains, rivers and open countryside.

Driving Distance: 90 km | Approximate Driving Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Our final morning begins with a relaxed drive across the Canterbury Plains. The mountains gradually recede behind us as we make our way towards Christchurch, the Garden City and the final destination of our Southern Lights adventure.

After 30 days, thousands of kilometres and some of the finest roads in New Zealand, we arrive at our final destination. Tonight we gather for our Grand Finale Gala Dinner, raising a glass to the cars, the roads, the landscapes and the friendships that have made this such a memorable journey.

A beautifully positioned luxury boutique hotel overlooking Hagley Park and the Avon River, The George combines understated elegance with highly personalised service. With just 53 rooms, award-winning dining and a peaceful setting close to Christchurch’s cultural heart, it provides an intimate and fitting finale to the Southern Lights Classic.