On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or take a drive through one of over 800 regional National Parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls and native forest.
CityLife Auckland★4 star
AucklandOptional Activity
Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Auckland
Auckland
This morning, you'll pick up your rental car and then spend the day exploring Auckland. Sandy beaches, native bush and lush rainforests give way to a vibrant urban culture, humming with life. Spend time in the Viaduct Harbour, try your hand at sailing an America’s Cup yacht, or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for a gourmet food and wine experience. From the top of Auckland's highest volcano, Mt Eden, take in soaring views of the gulf, or lose yourself in one of the national parks.
CityLife Auckland★4 star
Explore Auckland
Harbour Cruise with Explore with Lunch/DinnerOptional Activity
Fullers Rangitoto Volcanic ExplorerOptional Activity
Auckland
This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in the fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs.
The drive from Auckland to the Bay Of Islands takes around 3.5 hours, giving yourself some leeway for stops. As you go through Puhoi, you'll take in the bohemian atmosphere of this historical township. You can stop for a breath of fresh salty air in Whangarei and take another break at Kawakawa - home to the world-famous Hundertwasser toilets. You'll enjoy the native bush surrounds and marvel at the endless golden beaches as you arrive into central Bay Of The Islands, Paihia.
Sea Spray Suites★4 star
Waitangi Treaty GroundsOptional Activity
Rental Car from Auckland to Paihia
Auckland
Paihia
Waitangi
Commonly known as the winterless north, New Zealand's Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls renowned for their untouched beaches, abundant marine life and idyllic climate. Today, you can explore this area on an optional tour should you wish. You can let the driver of the Dune Rider vehicle immerse you in the culture and history of the area while taking in the amazing scenery. Alternatively, you can take to the skies on a scenic flight or you can go on a dolphin cruise!
Sea Spray Suites★4 star
Dolphin Cruise Hole in the Rock with Fullers GreatSightsOptional Activity
Cape Reinga Scenic Flight and Guided TourOptional Activity
Dune Rider to Cape Reinga with ExploreOptional Activity
Paihia
Russell
Cape Reinga
From the Bay of Islands, you will head west for the wilder shores of Hokianga and the Tasman Sea. Small towns, Omapere and Opononi, are reminiscent of days gone by with a vintage seaside feel and are the perfect place to stop. You'll head south into Waipoua Forest, home to giant Kauri trees. You'll then backtrack cross-country to the Matakohe Kauri Museum, an award-winning museum before you continue on the road to Snells Beach, a lovely township close to Warkworth.
Snells Beach Motel★4 star
Waipoua ForestOptional Activity
Kauri MuseumOptional Activity
Rental Car from Bay Of Islands to Snells Beach
Paihia
Waipoua Kauri Forest
Matakohe
Snells Beach
Continuing south, you'll be taken into rolling green farmland and the rich dairy pasture of the Waikato. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the greater Auckland area and it's here, you turn inland to central Waikato. On the way, you can stop in Matamata and visit the Hobbiton Movie Set. Continuing on, you'll pass several farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signals your arrival into Rotorua. In the afternoon, you can visit Mitai Maori Village.
Silver Fern Accommodation Rotorua★5 star
Hobbiton Movie SetOptional Activity
Mitai Maori VillageOptional Activity
Rental Car from Snells Beach to Rotorua
Snells Beach
Matamata
Rotorua
Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to one of the Maori Villages should be high on your agenda. You can spike your adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving. Alternatively, you can head for the skies on a spectacular scenic flight with Volcanic Air Safaris for an extra thrill.
Silver Fern Accommodation Rotorua★5 star
Rainbow Springs Nature Park & National Kiwi Hatchery Combo TourOptional Activity
AgrodomeOptional Activity
Te PuiaOptional Activity
Hobbiton Movie Set TourOptional Activity
Orakei Korako Hidden Valley with Volcanic Air Safaris by FloatplaneOptional Activity
Rotorua
Matamata
The drive from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake. Following the lakeshore, you'll pass Turani and then ascend the central plateau onto the high country the Rangipo Desert. Skirting the edge of Tongariro National Park, you'll descend through rich farmland and rural towns to arrive at your destination, Wellington. In the evening, you'll have the option to explore the city on your own!
CityLife Wellington★4 star
TaupoOptional Activity
Tongariro National ParkOptional Activity
Rental Car from Rotorua to Wellington
Rotorua
Taupo
Tongariro National Park
Wellington
Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton, you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. The journey between Wellington and Picton takes around three hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Enjoy spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the stunning Marlborough Sounds. You'll then travel 30 minutes to the heart of Marlborough - New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region.
Lugano Motor Lodge★4 star
Interislander Ferry - Wellington to Picton
Rental Car from Picton to Blenheim
Wellington
Blenheim
You'll leave your rental car in Wellington.
Once in Picton, you'll pick up your rental car. This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in the fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs.
Today, you'll cross the 'dry hills' of Marlborough and head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view native wildlife. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops - but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife - and it's one of the only places in New Zealand you can see whales year-round.
The White Morph★4 star
Encounter Kaikoura DolphinsOptional Activity
Rental Car from Blenheim to Kaikoura
Blenheim
Kaikoura
Today, you'll begin the day with an optional whale watching tour. Then, you'll travel down the coast before heading inland through the North Canterbury wine region. If you have time on your hands, it is recommended that you take a detour to Hanmer Springs for a relaxing dip in its thermal pools. Arriving into Christchurch, you'll see a new and improved city, steadily rising from the ruins of the 2011 earthquake.
Merivale Manor★4 star
Whale Watch KaikōuraOptional Activity
Rental Car from Kaikoura to Christchurch
Kaikoura
Christchurch
You'll have the day free to spend as you wish, exploring Christchurch. You can make use of the Hop On Hop Off Christchurch Sightseeing bus to explore the key attractions of the city and its surrounds. Alternatively, you can head to the International Antarctic Centre or even head out on a Christchurch Grand Tour on a luxury coach with an interactive guide. If you prefer to explore on your own, then taking the Christchurch Gondola for a brilliant view of the city won't disappoint.
Merivale Manor★4 star
ChristchurchOptional Activity
Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour 24-Hour PassOptional Activity
International Antarctic CentreOptional Activity
Christchurch GondolaOptional Activity
Christchurch
Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country to Mt Cook National Park. You'll catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie and ascending Burkes Pass, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo. Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier-fed turquoise blue colour. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore on various tours!
Mt Cook Lodge and Motel★3 star
Glacier Explorers Tour of Mount CookOptional Activity
Tasman Valley 4WD TourOptional Activity
Rental Car from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook
Christchurch
Canterbury
Leaving the MacKenzie Country today, you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin. Today you'll leave Mt Cook National Park and travel past Twizel, one of the locations for the Lord of the Rings films. Driving through the Waitaki Valley, you'll head towards the east coast. Continue south down the coast to Moeraki. As you arrive in Dunedin, take in the city’s Edwardian and Scottish heritage reflected in the buildings around the city centre - The Octagon.
Motel On York★4 star
OmaramaOptional Activity
Moeraki Boulders BeachOptional Activity
Larnach CastleOptional Activity
DunedinOptional Activity
Rental Car from Christchurch to Dunedin
Canterbury
Omarama
Hampden
Dunedin
Otago
Known as the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin city has a heavy Scottish influence. Renowned for its Flemish Baroque-inspired ‘gingerbread house’ Railway Station, this university town is bustling with life. Head to the Saturday farmers market held in the aforementioned railway grounds for a taste of organic produce, handmade crepes and local honey. You may want to take a half-day tour of the Otago Peninsula and its unique wildlife including a cruise through Dunedin Harbour.
Motel On York★4 star
Dunedin City ExplorationOptional Activity
Monarch Wildlife CruiseOptional Activity
Speight's Brewery TourOptional Activity
Dunedin
Hindon
The drive from Dunedin to Te Anau takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery but if you want to spend the whole day exploring a little off the beaten path, taking the Southern Scenic Route through The Catlins is highly recommended. Upon arrival, you'll have the option to head to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves for a cruise through the inner caves to admire the incredible scene of millions of glowworms lighting up the cavity.
Lakefront Lodge Te Anau★4 star
Te Anau Glowworm CavesOptional Activity
Rental Car from Dunedin to Te Anau
Dunedin
Te Anau
Fiordland National Park
Today, you'll make the beautifully scenic journey to Milford Sound. You'll get up close and personal with Milford Sound on a leisurely two-hour cruise of this spectacular fiord. From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford has it all. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.
Lakefront Lodge Te Anau★4 star
Milford SoundOptional Activity
Milford Sound Cruise with Real Journeys
Rental Car from Te Anau to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Rental Car from Milford Sound / Piopiotahi to Te Anau
Te Anau
New Zealand
Southland
Today, you'll cross vast tussock lands on your way to Queenstown. You'll pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of the nation. You'll then continue on through the Southland countryside where the road begins to hug the lake edge and the Remarkables Mountain Range towers over your approach into the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. You'll spend the day exploring Queenstown and its surrounds and in the evening, you'll have the option to head out on the TSS Earnslaw Cruise with dinner.
Garden Court Suites & Apartments★4 star
Explore Queenstown & Its SurroundsOptional Activity
TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak with Gourmet DinnerOptional Activity
Rental Car from Te Anau to Queenstown
Te Anau
Queenstown
Walter Peak
Today, you'll have the day free to spend in Queenstown, the adventure capital of Queenstown. As well as taking to the skies, bungee jumping and gondolas, Queenstown is also known for its wine and culinary scene. Today, you can experience a tasting journey through three of Central Otago's incredibly scenic and varying wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. You'll visit three boutique wineries and tasting their unique cool climate wines. Alternatively, head to Glenorchy on a tour.
Garden Court Suites & Apartments★4 star
Safari of the Scenes Glenorchy TourOptional Activity
Appellation Boutique Wine TourOptional Activity
Explore Queenstown & Its SurroundsOptional Activity
Queenstown
Glenorchy
Gibbston
From Queenstown, you'll cross the Crown Range –the highest sealed road in New Zealand– to the Alpine town of Wanaka. Skirting the shores of Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a one-hour walk through native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Then through the remote settlement of Haast before heading up the West Coast, a 600-kilometre stretch of bush and rainforest. Fox Glacier welcomes you first, then comes your destination - Franz Josef township.
Punga Grove★3 star
Scenic Drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef GlacierOptional Activity
Lake Wanaka
Franz Josef Glacier Hot PoolsOptional Activity
Queenstown
Wanaka
Otago
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12-kilometre long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the terminal face without a guide. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.
Punga Grove★3 star
Franz JosefOptional Activity
Heli Ice ClimbOptional Activity
Twin Glacier with Snow LandingOptional Activity
Franz Josef Glacier
Your drive today takes you north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika, a seaside town dating back to the 1860s. Take in the sea views before moving on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point of the next leg of your journey. You'll drop your rental car at Greymouth Station and board one of the most spectacular trains in the world to Christchurch, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your accommodation.
Merivale Manor★4 star
Hokitika
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Greymouth to Christchurch
Rental Car from Franz Josef Glacier to Greymouth
Private Driver from Christchurch to The George
Franz Josef Glacier
Hokitika
Greymouth
Christchurch
We hope you enjoyed yourself on this grand tour from Auckland to Christchurch. After breakfast, you'll be collected and taken to the airport for your departure flight.
Private Driver from Christchurch to Christchurch International Airport
Christchurch
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