Discover the best sights and sounds
of both the North and South Island. Starting in Auckland on the North Island and finishing in Christchurch on the South Island. You will encounter fascinating and unique experiences and witness some breath-taking scenery on this incredible self-drive journey
Touring Highlights
Day 1 Explore Auckland for 1 night
Day 2 & 3 Drive to Rotorua for 2 nights
Days 4 & 5 Fly to South Island , Blenheim for 2 nights
Days 6 & 7 Drive to Kaikoura for 2 nights
Day 8 Christchurch for 1 night
Day 9 & 10 Trans Alpine Train to Glacier Country 2 nights
Day 11 & 12 Queenstown for 2 nights
Day 13 Depart Queenstown
Itinerary
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Day 1
Explore Auckland for 1 night
Arrive in to Auckland and have the day exploring the City of Sails.
Take a cruise on the famous Waitemata Harbour or go racing on an America's Cup yacht. Enjoy a gentle ferry ride to the seaside suburb of Devonport. Stroll around the northern side of Viaduct Harbour, with over thirty cafés, bars and restaurants to choose
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Day 2 & 3
Drive to Rotorua for 2 nights
Day 2 Drive to Rotorua which takes approximately 3 hours via Hobbiton and explore some of the most popular sightseeing attractions and the city itself.
Rotorua is world-famous for steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and geysers. Here there is a palpable sense of Maori culture both past and present. Afternoon activities will be at an additional cost which can be included within your itinerary upon request or settled direct.Day 3 Mt Tarawera and Orakei Korako Floatplane, Evening Maori Cultural Experience.
Departing from the city lakefront pier experience the thrill of a floatplane take off before climbing above Mokoia Island on track to the hidden lakes district and the Volcanic Peaks of Mount Tarawera. At 3680 feet in elevation this majestic volcano dominates the surrounding landscape and plays centre piece to the lakes which surrounds it.Leaving Wai-O-Tapu you’ll descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Landing on the river is a thrill in its own rite before docking to board your ferry to cross the river and begin your land based tour. Here experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farms and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua city and returning to our lakefront pier.
This evening you will be collected from your accommodation to enjoy an evening of Maori culture through a concert and a traditionally cooked meal.
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Days 4 & 5
Fly to South Island , Blenheim for 2 nights
Day 4 This morning return your rental vehicle to Rotorua Airport prior to your onwards flight.
Fly Rotorua to Blenheim via Wellington (cost of flight not included).
Upon arrival collect your rental vehicle and drive to your accommodation.
The sunny town of Blenheim is an ideal base for those who want to explore the local wine and food culture. Blenheim is situated in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. It is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand.Day 5 Late this morning you will be met at your accommodation by your private guide to enjoy your half day wine tour. Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough, is renowned for wine, in particular Sauvignon Blanc. Explore wineries from small boutique family owned to well renown Cloudy Bay, Brancott, Forest Estate, Nautulis Wines.
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Days 6 & 7
Drive to Kaikoura for 2 nights
Day 6 Drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura which takes approximately 1hr and 45 mins.
From Blenheim hug the rugged coastline through to Kaikoura - this journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the Pacific Ocean coastline on the other.Explore Kaikoura at your own leisure.
Day 7 This morning you will join the Whale Watch Boat Tour. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary.
Giant Sperm Whales are year-round residents with this being New Zealand’s only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with the world largest toothed predator.
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Day 8
Christchurch for 1 night
Kaikoura to Christchurch driving time and distance: 2 hours 40 minutes / 180 kilometres
From Kaikoura drive south through to Christchurch.
North of Christchurch is the Waipara Valley, home to some great boutique wineries with cafes and restaurants. We suggest Pegasus Bay winery or Black Estate
Activities this afternoon will be at an additional cost which can be included within your itinerary upon request or settled direct.
Take time to explore Christchurch city by double-decker bus, vintage bicycle, gondola, tram or classic Edwardian punt – or grab your walking shoes and discover bars, eateries and an eclectic mix of boutique shops by foot.
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Day 9 & 10
Trans Alpine Train to Glacier Country 2 nights
Day 9 Tranz Alpine Train to West Coast, drive to Franz Glacier, at leisure in Glacier Country
In a remarkably short journey - little more than 4 hours - The World famous TranzAlpine train travels between Christchurch on the east coast and Greymouth on the West Coast. The TranzAlpine crosses the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, winds its way through the stunning Waimakariri Gorge, passes over massive viaducts, crosses New Zealand's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps, and travels through lush beech forests past serene lakes like Lake Brunner.
On arrival at Greymouth Railway Station collect your rental car and follow the West Coast south for Glacier Country, first passing Hokitika. Afternoon activities will be at an additional cost.
Day 10 - This morning get up close and personal with the glaciers with a scenic helicopter flight.
Fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers and land at the head of either the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. View the incredible natural phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you.
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Day 11 & 12
Queenstown for 2 nights
Day 11 Fox to Queenstown driving time and distance: 4 hours 30 minutes / 330 kilometres
From the Glaciers hug the West Coast south, passing Lake Moeraki and the penguins at Munroe Beach, to Haast.
Crossing the Southern Alps takes you through the dramatic gorges of the Haast Pass where there are bushwalks signposted from the road. From Makarora pass between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea alongside the Mt Aspiring National Park to Wanaka itself.
Drive out from Wanaka and climb up and over the Crown Range to the picturesque Lake Hayes near Arrowtown. This drive has stunning views down the valley to Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. From Arrowtown, which is well worth a look, drive beneath Coronet Peak to Queenstown.Activities this afternoon will be at an additional cost which can be included within your itinerary upon request or settled direct.
Queenstown is the South Island’s premier destination, and it is easy to see why. With a cinematic background of mountains and lakes, this region has a unique and inspirational range of activities and experiences. As well as spectacular outdoor terrain, the region is famous for all manner of adventure activities.
Fly over the revered Milford Sound, forests, glaciers and frozen lakes into the heart of Fiordland, making a glacier landing en route. Sample gold medal wines in world beating surroundings; take a wine tour in Gibbston Valley. Board the stately steam powered TS Earnslaw for a nostalgic lake cruise on awe inspiring Wakatipu, disembarking at high country farm, Walter Peak Station, for afternoon tea. While there, join in the farmyard walking tour and watch the working dogs and shearing demonstration. Head up the Skyline Gondola for stunning views of Queenstown and the lake below. Be sure to enjoy an evening in one of the many great bars or restaurants in cosmopolitan Queenstown.Day 12 Wilderness Jetboat Safari
This morning drive out to Glenorchy for your Dart River Jetboat Safari – one of the most scenic Jet Boating trips in New Zealand. A 1½ hour ride along the Dart River amongst towering mountains and the refreshingly beautiful wilderness of the Mt Aspiring National Park.
Then take a short and easy walk, of 20-40 minutes, through ancient forests, unchanged for 80 million years. Hear an informative and entertaining commentary on the area and its history – including the quest by early Maori for highly prized pounamu (greenstone). Board your back road coach journey, this 40-50 minute trip allows the opportunity to explore a region filled with spectacular vistas which have inspired many talented film makers to bring their projects to this area, including Lord of the Rings.
Depending on scheduling, it may be that you board the Back Road coach first, followed by the Jet Boat ride.
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