Land of the Long White Cloud
SELF-DRIVE TOUR
AUCKLAND | BAY OF ISLANDS | ROTORUA | NAPIER | WELLINGTON | KAIKOURA | CHRISTCHURCH | LAKE TEKAPO | QUEENSTOWN | TE ANAU | MILFORD SOUND | DOUBTFUL SOUND | DUNEDIN | WANAKA | FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
Embark on this tour that includes highlights of both North and South Islands where considered distances means you have time to relax and enjoy the views. Drive to the stunning Bay of Islands where Māori culture greets you and sandy beaches and islands wait to be explored. Highlights will no doubt be on the stunning Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound cruises. Stand out on the open-air viewing platform onboard the TranzAlpine.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- See stunning West Coast Glaciers
- Cruise the spectacular Milford Sound
- Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8&9
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Day 10&11
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Day 12
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Day 13&14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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Day 21
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Day 22
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Day 23
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Day 24
Day 1 : UK - Auckland
Arrive into Auckland where you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the ‘City of Sails’.
Day 2 : Auckland
Today is your choice, perhaps head out on the harbour for a different perspective of the city, take a walking food tour or head up the Sky Tower for panoramic views.
Day 3 : Bay of Islands (142 miles)
This morning collect your rental vehicle and head north over Auckland Harbour Bridge though the northern suburbs and beaches of the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 4 : Bay of Islands
Choose from either a Cape Reinga Day Trip with lunch, a Cape Brett Hole in Rock Cruise, a Dolphin Eco Encounter or the historic and more leisurely Cream Trip Cruise
Day 5 : Orewa (121 miles)
This morning leave Auckland and travel south through the farming city of Hamilton to Waitomo Caves. A guided glow-worm cave tour is included. From Waitomo continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Day 6 : Rotorua (227 miles)
Travel to the Waitomo Caves for a guided tour. From Waitomo continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Day 7 : Rotorua
Today’s sightseeing incorporates Rotorua’s best attractions. Included is a guided tour of Te Puia and the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, the Agrodome Leisure Park, a gondola cable car to the Skyline complex and the Polynesian Spa and hot mineral baths (only mineral bath admission is included). This evening attend a traditional Māori Hangi meal and Cultural Show.
Day 8&9 : Napier (136 miles)
Today travel to Taupō and onto Hawke’s Bay with its Art Deco buildings, dramatic history, and vineyards open for tastings and gourmet lunches. Day 9 is at leisure.
Day 10&11 : Wellington (200 miles)
Travel south over the Rimutaka Ranges to the Wairarapa and continue to Wellington. Return your rental vehicle. Day 11 is free to explore, perhaps visit Te Papa the National Museum or Wētā Workshop for movie fans. In the evening head to Zealandia, an ecosanctuary where New Zealand’s endemic wildlife reside, join a guided tour by night and listen for the kiwi.
Day 12 : Kaikōura (Ferry & Train)
Board the Interislander ferry, crossing the Cook Strait and cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board the Coastal Pacific train and travel south along the coast to Kaikōura. You may wish to join a sunset kayak tour or enjoy a walk along the Peninsula
Day 13&14 : Christchurch (Train)
This morning see giant sperm whales off the coast of Kaikōura on your whale watch cruise. This afternoon reboard the Coastal Pacific and travel to Christchurch for a 2 night stay. (Operates 4 days a week off peak). Day 14 is at leisure.
Day 15 : Aoraki/Mount Cook (205 miles)
Collect your rental vehicle this morning. Today’s journey is through Burke’s Pass to Lake Tekapo before you drive to Aoraki/ Mount Cook, be prepared for photo stops.
Day 16 : Queenstown (164 miles)
Today you’ll travel into the Mackenzie Country. Continue to Queenstown over the Kawarau Gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged hillsides.
Day 17 : Queenstown
Today is free to explore this alpine resort. We’ve included admission to the Skyline Gondola.
Day 18 : Te Anau (107 miles)
Today travel south to Te Anau and Milford Sound. Enjoy a Milford Sound cruise and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled beauty. Return to Te Anau following your cruise.
Day 19 : Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Cruise across Lake Manapouri and take a coach over Wilmot Pass to board the Fiordland Navigator. Enjoy the stunning views and discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound. As the shadows lengthen, you will drop anchor for the night and enjoy an evening buffet meal. Overnight onboard the Navigator* *Overnight cruise does not operate from May to August, during this time you will stay overnight in a Te Anau hotel and enjoy a day cruise on Doubtful Sound.
Day 20 : Wānaka (150 miles)
Once you disembark, return to your vehicle and drive to the stunning shores of Lake Wānaka for an overnight stay.
Day 21 : Franz Josef (177 miles)
Breakfast is included onboard this morning. After your cruise you will be returned to Te Anau where the rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps visit Te Anau’s Wildlife Park, only 10 minutes walking distance from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre on the Lakefront. See the endangered Takahe, a flightless alpine bird, along with other unique native birds such as the Kaka, Tui, Kea and the Parakeet.
Day 22 : Franz Josef
A free day to relax and explore the captivating Franz and Fox Glaciers. Optional activities include Heli-hiking, glacier flight with landing and rainforest walks.
Day 23 : Christchurch (107 miles & TranzAlpine Train)
Your final drive today will take you north along the rugged West Coast where you will drop your vehicle and board the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch.
Day 24 : Christchurch
Your tour ends today or extend you stay in New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’.
