Best of New Zealand – Self Drive
Embark on the ultimate adventure with our Best of New Zealand - Self Drive holiday, spanning 17 days and 16 nights from Auckland to Christchurch.
Tour Auckland to Christchurch in New Zealand
Explore the length of New Zealand with this comprehensive 25-day Auckland to Christchurch package. Start by heading north and experiencing the towering trees of Waipoua Forest, the Bay of Islands and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. Then journey south and make unforgettable memories with a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, a Redwood Tree walk and a locally guided Art Deco walk of one of the world’s finest art deco cities, Napier. The adventure doesn’t end there, continue further south and explore the famous wine countries of Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough, board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise along the Cook Strait and visit popular New Zealand destinations of Kaikoura, Dunedin, Akaroa, Queenstown
and Christchurch by train, car and boat
Day 1 – Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland. Having completed arrival formalities take delivery of your rental car and make your way to your chosen accommodation. The rest of today is free to explore the “City of Sails”
Day 2 – Matakohe, Hokianga Harbour
Head North out of Auckland today for about an hour and a half before turning west and taking a step back in time. A stop at the Matakohe Kauri Museum gives you some great insight into the area you are travelling
through. Continue into Paihia, a popular seaside resort nestled on the shores of this National Maritime Park. This evening we have included a Twilight Encounter tour. With your Maori guide, step back into the primaeval world of towering kauri trees. You will
experience the affinity that early Maori had with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they hold for the giants still growing there. The highlight of the tour will be your meeting with ‘The Lord of the Forest’ - the giant Tane Mahuta!
Day 3 – Kerikeri, Paihia
After a leisurely start to the day, travel east
to the Bay of Islands. Take some time to visit
Kerikeri is on the way for arts, crafts, and antiques
and sees one of the country's oldest buildings, the Stone Store. Continue to Paihia, a popular seaside resort nestled on the shores of this National Maritime Park.
Day 4 – Cape Brett Cruise, at leisure
This morning you will head out on a comfortable journey through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukoka-ko Island and the famous “Hole in the Rock” where we make a passage through the Hole and on to the Grand Cathedral Cave. On the return journey, the cruise takes time and
meanders through the inner islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife. Included is an island stopover on a beautiful Urupukapuka Island.
Day 5 – Matakana, Takapuna
Matakana’s beautiful beaches, boutique vineyards and local arts scene make this area a great place to visit. Nearby Warkworth is a captivating historic village in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Mahurangi River. A short drive brings you to Takapu-na, a vibrant seaside suburb home to stylish shops, swanky cafes and a bustling Sunday market.
Day 6 – Hobbiton, Rotorua
An easy drive south of Auckland will take you to the Waikato town of Matamata, home to Hobbiton. The region has attracted Lord of the Rings enthusiasts worldwide since a local farm became the setting for “The Shire” in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbiton. Here you will enjoy a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, including the hobbit holes, and discover middle-earth movie magic. Continue to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Day 7 – Discover Rotorua
Discover the delights of Rotorua. There are many activities available including visits to thermal reserves, rafting, kayaking, cruising, spa treatments, adventure and general sightseeing activities.
Day 8 – Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Napier
Breathtaking, immersive and extraordinary the Redwood Treewalk offers an eco-tourism experience that spans 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms in the beautiful Redwood Forest. A short drive out of town this evergreen forest invites you to visit with
a unique bird’s eye perspective. Stop at the mighty Huka Falls, then wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities.
Day 9 - Hawke’s Bay Wine Country
This morning, enjoy a short, locally guided walk that will bring this fascinating architecture alive. The rest of the day is at leisure to discovering Hawke’s Bay, often referred to as the “Tuscany of the South Pacific”. You can explore the countryside and city pathways on your late-model, mountain bike enjoy a game of golf, visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, tour local wineries, ride a hot air balloon or simply take in the local city sights.
Day 10 - Martinborough, Wellington
Drive south today into the Wairarapa, a rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand. We suggest stopping at Martinborough, a boutique wine village, before continuing onto Wellington, the nation’s capital. A visit to Te Papa, the national museum, is highly recommended.
Day 11 – Interislander ferry, Marlborough Sounds
This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise across Cook Strait by the Interislander to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Transfer by water taxi to your remote resort located in the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Day 12 – Enjoy Kenepuru Sound
A free day to relax and marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Lodge staff will share their love of the area with you through the wide range of water and nature-based experiences they put at your fingertips. Complimentary fishing tackle, kayaks and mountain bikes are provided at the lodge and there are several bush walks to enjoy
Day 13 – Picton Kaikoura
After a leisurely start, return to Picton and pick up your rental car and join the Coastal Pacific highway for the drive to Kaikoura, a coastal town located on a thin strip of coastal land between the Kaikoura mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.
Day 14 – Whale Watching, Hanmer Springs
Enjoy a morning Whale Watch adventure. Every trip is a unique experience and sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migration Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales and Southern Right whales. Later, head inland to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled amongst the foothills of the Southern Alps. End your day with a relaxing soak in the thermal mineral pools.
Day 15 – Banks Peninsular, Akaroa
Continue your drive south towards Christchurch before turning east and travelling over the Banks Peninsular to the quaint and historic seaside village of Akaroa. Settled in the early 1860s, it has retained its French flavour through its street names and architecture.
Day 16 – Moeraki Boulders, Dunedin
Follow the coastal route to Oamaru, widely regarded as housing some of the nation’s finest architecture. The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is New Zealand’s largest. Stop to view the mystical and fascinating Moeraki Boulders as you continue your drive into Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South. It is a city of rare charm set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea and boasts many activities for lovers of nature and wildlife.
Day 17 – Portobello Peninsular, Dunedin
This morning cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour with Monarch Cruises and enjoy unrivalled viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head – the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross
in the world, home to NZ fur seals and eight other nesting bird species. You may also see dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely-seen ocean birds. This afternoon explore the city and surrounds of Duned. Highlights include the Dunedin Railway Station, Chinese Gardens, Otago Museum, the Octagon and Olveston House.
Day 18 – Central Otago, Te Anau
Travel through the Central Otago townships of Balclutha, Gore and Lumsden as you make your way to Te Anau, located on the shores of the largest of the southern glacial lakes and gateway to the spectacular Fiordland National Park, home to the spectacular fiord of Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
Day 19 – Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Queenstown
Travel by coach along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board your vessel for a relaxing nature cruise along the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. You will view the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak, spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Collect your vehicle on return to Te Anau and drive on to Queenstown.
Day 20 & 21 – Explore Queenstown
Enjoy two free days to experience this magnificent alpine resort regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration.
Day 22 – Arrowtown, Wanaka
Set beneath the rugged Crown Range is Arrowtown, a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of the nineteenth century. Enjoy some time to stroll through this historic village, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860s. The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are simply stunning. Wander around this popular lakeside resort and enjoy the relaxed vibe of this peaceful and picturesque location.
Day 23 – Haast Pass, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
View the incredible scenery as you drive past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the Westland National Park and Haast Pass. On to the twin West Coast glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef. There is an opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region this afternoon, weather permitting
Day 24 - TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch
Drive along the rugged West Coast highway to Greymouth. Check-in for your TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch, rated as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. It crosses over the spectacular Southern Alps before winding its way over massive viaducts, through scenic river gorges and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Day 25 – Depart Christchurch
Sadly, your holiday is at an end, and you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport today to connect with your onward flight.
To book this amazing trip or perhaps tailor the duration to a shorter holiday, contact your Travel Counsellor today and you’ll benefit from our 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.
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