Itinerary in brief:
- 3 nights Hong Kong
- 11 nights New Zealand
- 3 nights San Francisco
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK from your chosen airport. You will fly overnight and will arrive in Hong Kong late afternoon on day 2.
Included: International flight
Day 2: Arrive Hong Kong
From the airport, you can board the train to Kowloon (not included), drop your bags at your hotel and head out for some food – Hong Kong will not disappoint in the culinary stakes! From Asian street food to gourmet cuisine served in a 5* setting, you’ll certainly find what you’re after. Make sure you try some dim sum during your stay – a Hong Kong speciality.
Included: Hotel
Day 3: Free day in Hong Kong
Make the most of your time and head out early for a full day in the city! Visit a local park at dawn for a spot of Tai Chi with the locals, join a city tour or if you prefer to explore independently, make use of the excellent public transport and jump on a train, a bus or even a ferry – which will afford some excellent harbour views. Dive into the markets and bazaars and don’t forget to haggle – Temple St Night Market is a must; evenings are lively and the streets get busy so take a deep breath and dive in.
Included: Hotel
Day 4: Free day in Hong Kong
There is more to Hong Kong than the hectic, noisy streets, so make like a local and head to Lantau where you’ll find houses on stilts over the water and a more traditional way of life guided by the sea.
Included: Hotel
Day 5: Hong Kong to Auckland, New Zealand
Take the train back to the airport (not included) for your onward journey to New Zealand. It’s an overnight flight, so you’ll arrive the following morning, local time.
Included: International flight
Day 6 - 16: Explore the north island with your campervan
Once in Auckland, collect your campervan and head for the open road! A self-drive is one of the best ways to experience New Zealand, giving you the freedom to stop when you fancy (there will be photo opportunities around literally every corner!). You can create your own journey; focus on nature, culture, adventure, exploring independently. Some of our favourites in the North Island include:
- Dig your own bath at Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
- Take a kayaking tour at the Bay of Islands
- Visit the Glowworm caves at Waitomo
- Catch the surf along the rugged west coast
- Stray far from the tourist track in the remote and rural Eastlands
- Discover more about the Maori culture in Rotorua
- Cycle, fish, sail or dive at the great Lake Taupo
- See the penguins in Art Deco Napier and enjoy the local wine in Hawkes Bay
- People watch in the laid back capital, Wellington and enjoy the local café culture
Included: Campervan (standard insurance – please ask about inclusions)
Day 17: Auckland to San Francisco
Today you’ll return the campervan in Auckland and board your flight for San Francisco. Crossing the time zone means you will land the same day in the USA.
On arrival make your own way to your hotel with the rest of the day free for you to explore.
Included: International flight, hotel
Day 18: Free day in San Francisco
Perhaps the west coast’s most vibrant and liberal city, San Francisco offers great food and art, a lively cultural and social scene and top shopping. Take a journey in one of the historic cable cars and enjoy brunch in a boho café in Haight-Ashbury or Hayes Valley. Discover the vivid street art in the Mexican-inspired Mission District, walk through China Town, or visit the rainbow filled Castro District. In the golden-hour, head up to Alamo Park to see the sunset over elegant, pastel-coloured Victorian houses and the tips of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
Included: Hotel
Day 19: Free day in San Francisco
Head down to Pier 41 and take a boat over to ‘the rock’ of Alcatraz, the bay’s famous island. Learn about this history of this notorious prison – best to book ahead, tours are very popular.
Before the day is up, take in the stunning hill-top vistas like the view from Lombard Street – one of the city’s steepest. If your legs get tired you can always jump on a cable car!
Included: Hotel
Day 20: Depart San Francisco
Your whirlwind RTW adventure has now come to an end. Make your own way to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Included: International flight
Day 21: Arrive UK
