Every property is hand-selected, predominantly 4-star accommodation.
Chosen, Not Just Booked
Where you stay is part of the journey. Drawing on our local knowledge, Pure Discoveries® tours feature predominantly 4-star hotels, resorts and unique properties that complement the places you explore.
Every property, including alternatives used on selected departures, is carefully chosen to offer a welcoming place to unwind after a memorable day of discovery.
Fourteen properties, listed the way the tours travel them, north to south. (Room types may vary from those shown below).
Showing all 14 properties
Located on Auckland's prime waterfront by Viaduct Harbour, M Social is a contemporary, cosmopolitan escape. Functionally chic and vibrant, it offers an on-site restaurant and bar and places you steps from Princes Wharf's dining, entertainment, and shopping.
Located on the waterfront of Russell in the Bay of Islands, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a historic landmark holding New Zealand's first liquor licence. Lovingly restored, it blends historic charm with modern comfort. The on-site restaurant offers harbour views and locally sourced produce.
Nestled on the western shore of Mercury Bay, just steps from Buffalo Beach, Oceans Resort offers relaxed luxury self-contained apartments in the heart of Whitianga. It's an easy walk to the ferry, marina, and vibrant town centre, home to excellent dining and boutique shopping.
Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and a short stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly stay in New Zealand's geothermal heartland. Rooms feature views of Lake Rotorua or native gardens, with multiple on-site dining options and The Spa Rotorua.
Located on Marine Parade's premium waterfront, Scenic Hotel Te Pania offers fresh, contemporary accommodation in a spectacular city setting. An award-winning, design-led hotel, it features an on-site restaurant and bar serving seasonal local produce. The waterfront and Art Deco city centre are just a short stroll away.
Located on Lambton Quay in Wellington's CBD, DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington offers a comfortable city escape in a prime location. Rooms blend modern touches with heritage character in a smart, functional design. Enjoy fresh Italian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, with the waterfront just a short stroll away for dining and shopping.
Nestled in the heart of Nelson, Rutherford Hotel is a family-owned heritage hotel offering premium, centrally located accommodation. Modern, contemporary rooms blend comfort with sophistication. The city's main shopping streets are just a short walk away, and the hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, and café.
Located on the shoreline, Sudima Kaikōura offers stunning mountain and sea views, just a short walk from the town centre. Contemporary, tastefully decorated rooms provide a relaxed coastal stay. The on-site restaurant serves classic dishes with a Kiwi twist inspired by the region's culture and heritage.
An urban escape that combines sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, the hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from many nearby highlights. The renovated hotel stands proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
This boutique hotel offers a sense of privacy and peaceful seclusion. The refurbished, luxurious accommodation is nestled beneath the towering Southern Alps in one of the world's most ruggedly beautiful environments. All rooms feature a private balcony with magnificent views. The charming Fox Glacier village is just a short stroll away.
Sitting at the edge of Lake Wānaka, this hotel offers a superb lakeside location just a short walk from Wānaka town. Framed by views to Mt Aspiring National Park, the resort's accommodation is spread across the grounds, creating a tranquil setting with ever-changing perspectives. The on-site restaurant serves a locally crafted, seasonal menu.
Te Anau is a charming South Island town based on the eastern side of Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest lake. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau and just a short stroll from the glacially formed lake. The hotel has two on-site restaurants for you to choose from, their eateries and bars are a popular choice with both visitors and locals alike.
Perfectly positioned just minutes from the heart of Queenstown, Scenic Suites offers one of the town's most sought-after stays. Its elevated setting delivers sweeping views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. Rooms feature modern, contemporary design with full facilities, while the on-site restaurant and bar serve flavoursome dishes inspired by global cuisine.
Instantly recognisable by its classic stonework exterior, Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel reflects the dramatic landscapes of the Aoraki Mt Cook and Mackenzie Region. Set within spacious gardens and framed by iconic mountain views, it's just a short walk from Twizel town centre. The on-site restaurant and bar serve authentic New Zealand cuisine.
On selected departures, our usual accommodation may be substituted with one of the following carefully selected properties, based on availability.
Set on the waterfront near Paihia, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is surrounded by subtropical gardens within the Waitangi National Trust Reserve. Relax beside the lagoon-style swimming pool, take in tranquil views across the bay, or enjoy locally inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant and bar.
Located in the heart of Christchurch, Crowne Plaza Hotel overlooks Victoria Square and the Avon River, with the city's dining, shopping and attractions just a short stroll away. Its contemporary rooms offer sweeping views across the city and beyond. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant and bars or relax in the hotel's library.
Overlooking leafy Latimer Square in central Christchurch, Rydges Latimer Christchurch offers stylish accommodation and warm hospitality in the heart of the Garden City. Unwind in contemporary comfort and enjoy on-site dining renowned among locals and guests, with the city's attractions within easy reach.
Set in the heart of Fox Glacier village, Heartland Hotel Glacier Country offers cosy accommodation and genuine West Coast hospitality. Its central location places cafés and local amenities close at hand. After a day of discovery, relax by the restaurant's open fireplace, with the option to enjoy hearty cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Set against the spectacular alpine landscapes of the West Coast, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offers premium accommodation and warm hospitality in a beautiful natural setting. Settle into contemporary comfort, enjoy on-site dining and relax by the glow of the open fireplace in the welcoming Moa Bar.
Used as alternative accommodation on selected departures between 11 and 24 April 2028.
Surrounded by mountains and located just three kilometres from Lake Wānaka, Oakridge Resort offers a peaceful setting in which to relax and recharge. Unwind in the landscaped outdoor hot pools and sauna, or enjoy the option of dining at the on-site restaurant and relaxing poolside at The Poolhouse Bar.
On the places we put them
I enjoyed both islands. Nothing was particularly strenuous; all the walks were pretty easy. Hotels were all good and all the sights were well chosen. I'd certainly recommend Pure Discoveries® and this particular tour.
The entire bus tour was incredible. On our way to each destination on the tour, we would stop at other sights to see and for meals, as well as the scheduled stops. Our driver-guide was very knowledgeable about everything we saw, made sure everyone was comfortable on the bus, handled check-in and check-out of the various hotels easily, and made sure those of us taking special excursions got to them in a timely manner and were picked up as scheduled.
Clearly catered towards a mature audience. Very much enjoyed the food at each of the scheduled meals. Our driver-guide was kind, affable, generous and, above all, supremely knowledgeable, with the ability to answer, in some detail, any questions we had throughout the trip. Good, varied stops for lunch and other stops were of a sensible frequency and duration.
Every tour page lists the properties on that itinerary, night by night.
