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self drive tours > 9 Day New Zealand Highlights Self Drive Tour

New Zealand Highlights - 9 Days / 8 Nights

Day 1:  Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland!  On arrival at the airport you collect your rental car and make your way to your accommodation.  The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore what Auckland has to offer.  Perhaps visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter, take a cruise on Auckland Harbour or make your way to the top of the Sky Tower for spectacular views of Auckland city.

Included for the duration of your rental car is an innovative commentary system.  Imagine driving around New Zealand automatically gaining an in-depth knowledge of the history of the towns and regions you pass through, hearing ancient Maori myths and legends, listening to stories told by the characters that shaped our history, learning of the unique wildlife, geographical landmarks and scenic attractions that you see as you travel.  Packed with over 2,000 audio commentaries, KRUSE® is guaranteed to keep you entertained and informed everywhere you go on your New Zealand self-drive holiday.

Hotel: Sky City Hotel
B&B: Aachen House
Boutique: Mollies


Day 2:  Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
As you depart Auckland today, suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland, an area favoured by bloodstock breeders.  The Waikato River will then accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside to reach Hamilton, a city carved in two by the mighty Waikato River.  Continue South through prime farmland to reach the Waitomo Caves region.  Here you enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Waitomo glowworm caves including an underground boat ride (weather permitting) on a subterranean river.  Overhead thousands of tiny glowworms light up the cave walls and roof.  Then travel through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest to reach the geothermal city of Rotorua.

Hotel: Heritage Hotel Rotorua (2 nights)
B&B: Koura Lodge (2 nights)
Boutique: Accolades Boutique Hotel (2 nights)


Day 3:  Discover the Sights
A fun filled day is in store today as you discover Rotorua’s best attractions!  Your Five Star Diamond Pass includes Paradise Valley, a superb trout and wildlife enclosure; the Agrodome – a live on stage sheep show; the Skyline Skyrides and Gondola boasting the best views in town; Te Puia, where you can learn the Maori culture and see the famous mud pools and Pohutu Geyser and Polynesian Spa where you can end the day with a relaxing soak in the hot pools.


Day 4:  Rotorua to Queenstown
Travel to Rotorua Airport today in time to connect with your onward flight to Queenstown.  Then on arrival, collect your new rental vehicle and travel to your accommodation. Perhaps the most famous of all South Island cities, Queenstown’s pulse thumps to the beat of action, adrenalin and visual wonder.  Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the towering peaks of the Southern Alps in the background, this is the place that is often referred to as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’.

Hotel: Heritage Hotel Queenstown (3 nights)
B&B: Browns Hotel (3 nights)
Boutique: Millbrook Resort (3 nights)


Day 5:  Dart River Jet Safari
Dart River Jet Safari
Today enjoy the true wilderness experience on a journey of discovery, ancient forests, cascading waterfalls and New Zealand wilderness at its best.  Jetboat the full length of the Dart River … and more!  Then journey the back road via Paradise and enjoy an easy walk amidst ancient forests and birdsong – a must for any visitor to New Zealand, a journey to mesmerize even the most seasoned traveller. Awe-inspiring, informative, educational and fun are the words that will describe your day!


Day 6:  At Leisure
Today is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown.  Whether it's bungy jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, fly-fishing, hang gliding, horse riding or scenic flights, you will find thrills and excitement in every way imaginable. Meanwhile, other activities such as exploring historic Arrowtown, scenic walks, eco-tours, shopping, galleries, cafes and an exciting nightlife provide something for everyone all year round.


Day 7:  Queenstown to Mount Cook
Depart Queenstown and travel through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago.  Cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country to arrive in Mt Cook National Park where you will find New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook which stands at 3754 metres.

All: Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook


Day 8:  Glacier Explorer & on to Christchurch
Discover the Tasman Glacier in Mt Cook
This morning you experience the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, in the most unique way possible.  An experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the Tasman Glacier.  Watch and listen to the ice melting before your eyes and stop, to touch and taste 500 year old ice and, on occasion, a walk on an iceberg provides a new and exciting experience for all.  You won’t revel in serenity for long though as your senses are jolted back to reality as a rockfall crashes down the iceface above.  Afterwards depart Mt Cook National Park and travel along the western side of Lake Pukaki as you head north towards Christchurch.

Hotel: Heritage Hotel Christchurch
B&B: The Charlotte Jane
Boutique: The George Hotel


Day 9:  Depart Christchurch
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you return your rental vehicle to Christchurch Airport in time to join your onward flight.  Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.


This package is also available travelling in reverse at the same price.
 

Package Inclusions

  • Transport by your choice of rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance
  • KRUSE commentary system for duration of rental vehicle hire
  • 8 nights accommodation of your choice
  • Cooked breakfast included daily
  • Dinner included in Mt Cook
  • Entrance and guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Rotorua sightseeing as detailed on day 3
  • Scheduled flight from Rotorua to Queenstown (subject to availability)
  • Dart River Jet Safari
  • Glacier boat cruise in Mt Cook to view the Tasman Glacier
  • Arrival documents
  • Driving directions & maps
  • 24 hour on call assistance from Luxury Vacations NZ representative
 
Package Prices

Valid for travel 01 October 2008 to 30 April 2009

Vehicle Choices   (More Info)

Hotel

B&B

Boutique

Intermediate Sedan

$3,197

$3,535

$4,023

Full Size Sedan

$3,227

$3,565

$4,052

Intermediate 4WD

$3,303

$3,641

$4,129

Full Size 4WD

$3,550

$3,888

$4,376


  • Prices are per person in New Zealand Dollars, based on share twin accommodation
  • Single & triple prices available on request
  • B&B properties are not suitable for children
     


Fully Flexible Holidays!


All of our self drive holidays are completely flexible.  Whether you want to mix and match a couple of packages, add some extra nights before, after or during your stay or include some additional attractions or activities, our team of travel specialists are here to assist you.  We're New Zealander's so we have the local knowledge and expertise to tailor a package just for you.  Just let us know when you enquire.

 

Enquire Now
To receive more information about this package, please complete the below enquiry form.  Once received, one of our specialist travel consultants will be in contact by the next working day.

In addition Luxury Vacations take your privacy very seriously and you can be assured that we will never distribute, sell or rent your information to anyone else. 

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Tour Details

Package Name:

New Zealand Highlights

Duration:

9 Days / 8 Nights

From:

Auckland to Christchurch

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