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| self drive tours > 13 Day Stunning New Zealand Self Drive Tour |
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Day 1: Arrive Auckland Welcome to Auckland! On arrival at the airport you collect your rental vehicle before making your way to your centrally located accommodation. Also included for the duration of your car hire is the KRUSE GPS Travel Guide, which as well as offering GPS navigation also provides informative commentary on the regions you pass through as well as a 'Best of NZ' button which showcases New Zealand's award winning restaurants, wineries, cafes, pubs and hidden scenic gems.
| Hotel: |
Sky City Hotel |
| B&B: |
Hotel DeBrett |
| Boutique: |
Mollies |
Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo 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: |
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Nicara Lakeside Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
The Lodge at 199 (2 nights) |
Day 3: Rotorua Sightseeing A fun filled day is in store as you discover three of Rotorua's best attractions! Your pass includes The Agrodome Sheep Show, an exciting and informative insight into the world of New Zealand agriculture. You then visit Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park which offers great features including kiwi, trout, tuatara, pigs, sheep, native birds and trees and New Zealand's only 'open to view' kiwi hatchery and rearing facility. Then it's onto Te Puia, the premier Maori cultural centre in New Zealand - a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers.
Day 4: Rotorua to the Hawke's Bay Depart and continue south through the large Kaingaroa man made forest to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake and the spectacular Huka Falls. Then continue on to the Hawke’s Bay. The major entertainment on the road from Taupo to Napier is the fantastic scenery. There’s a bit of everything - rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.
| Hotel: |
Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Cobden Garden Homestay (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Millar Road (2 nights) |
Day 5: Overland Gannet Safari Tour Today you drive along the scenic coast from Napier to Te Awanga and join your tour to the world’s largest, most accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Travel in comfort in air conditioned 4x4 vehicles, through Cape Kidnappers Station - traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke Bay right across to Mahia peninsular. The 36 kilometre, three hour trip includes a commentary by your tour guide on the farming operation on Cape Kidnappers Station and an introduction to the gannets. On arrival at the gannets you can stretch your legs and take in the mouth watering scenery from your position at the brink of the cliffs edge - 100 metres above the ocean. Here your driver / guide will serve you refreshments whilst you enjoy watching the gannets perform around you. PLEASE NOTE: Whilst the gannets are overseas May-August you will enjoy a scenic safari of the region to Cape Kidnappers Station.
Day 6: Hawke’s Bay to Martinborough On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and Waipawa as well as Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians. Then enjoy the clean, green Wairarapa scenery. Carterton is a good place to shop for paua shell souvenirs, while Greytown has many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and a quaint museum – take yourself on a self-guided walk. At Featherston, you’ll turn left towards Martinborough.
| Hotel: |
Peppers Martinborough Hotel |
| B&B: |
Alba Villa |
| Boutique: |
Parehua Country Estate |
Day 7: Martinborough to Wellington Less than 2 hours drive away, Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital beckons. Climb up and over the Rimutaka Range - great views in every direction. Once the mountains are behind you, it’s easy driving for the rest of your journey. You’ll wind through the picturesque Hutt Valley then a fast moving motorway will whisk you into the city.
| Hotel: |
Rydges Wellington |
| B&B: |
Lambton Heights |
| Boutique: |
Museum Hotel |
Day 8: Wellington to Marlborough Sounds Return your rental vehicle this morning before joining the ferry for your scenic journey across Cook Strait, the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. This journey has a dramatic beauty all of its own. Both Islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikoura ranges, and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca. Then on arrival in Picton, join your water taxi for your cruise across Marlborough Sounds to your accommodation.
| Hotel: |
The Portage Resort (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Raetihi Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Bay of Many Coves (2 nights) |
Day 9: At Leisure The Marlborough Sounds is a paradise offering the opportunity to partake in so many enjoyable activities. Indulge in a favourite pastime or try a new diversion! Perhaps enjoy bush walking as you tramp the Queen Charlotte Track at your own pace. Hire a kayak and explore the sheltered bays and beautiful Sounds coastline either on a guided or independent option. Try your hand at fishing or take a helicopter or seaplane flight to see the region from another perspective. The choice is yours.
Day 10: On to Kaikoura & Whale Watch or Swim with the Dolphins Join your water taxi back to Picton this morning, where on arrival you collect your rental vehicle and make your way to Kaikoura. This afternoon you choose between swimming with the dolphins, where you can get up close to the dusky dolphins that inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura and a Whale Watching cruise, where you can view some of the most magnificent creatures, among them the giant Sperm Whale which can grow up to 20 metres in length.
| Hotel: |
The White Morph |
| B&B: |
Miharotia House |
| Boutique: |
Hapuku Lodge |
Day 11: Kaikoura to Christchurch The trip south today takes you along the edge of the rugged coastal ranges. From Cheviot you can detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. The landscape becomes gentler as you approach Waipara - a region known for its vineyards and olive groves and could be a great place to stop for refreshments. The last leg of your journey takes you past the surf beaches of Amberley, Leithfield, Waikuku and Woodend before arriving in Christchurch.
| Hotel: |
Millennium Christchurch (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Elm Tree House (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
The George Hotel (2 nights) |
Day 12: Punting on the Avon & Leisure Time This morning you experience life the way it should be - relaxed, tranquil and thoroughly enjoyable! Sink back into the velvet cushions of your boat as the Edwardian punter gently glides you down the Avon River, through the beautiful historic inner city of Christchurch. From the Park landing site, sit back and let your troubles melt away as you pass the trailing willows and leafy banks of the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Afterwards the day is at your leisure.
Day 13: 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.
Please note that this self drive package can be taken in reverse order and the prices remain the same.
If you are interested in receiving further details about this package, please complete the enquiry form below. |
Package Inclusions
- Transport by your choice of self drive rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance on days 1-8 & 10-13
- KRUSE commentary system including GPS navigation for the duration of your rental vehicle hire
- 12 nights accommodation on a choice of Hotel, B&B or Boutique
- Breakfast included daily
- Entrance and guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Rotorua sightseeing activities & entrance fees as detailed on day 3
- Guided 4WD excursion of the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers
- Interisland ferry from Wellington to Picton
- Return water taxi transfers from Picton to Marlborough Sounds
- Choice of Swimming with the Dolphins or Whale Watch tour in Kaikoura
- 30 minute Punting ride on the Avon River
- Detailed travel itinerary in both electronic and hard copy format
- Arrival documents including information on the regions you are visiting & maps
- 24 hour on call assistance during your vacation
- Optional discounted travel insurance through Comprehensive Travel
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Package Prices
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EARLYBIRD SPECIAL
Save 10% off the prices shown for travel completed between 01 January 2012 & 30 April 2012.
Offer is valid for all new bookings received before 31 March 2012 when booking directly with Luxury Vacations New Zealand. | Valid for travel 01 January 2012 to 30 April 2012
| Vehicle Choices (More Info)
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Hotel |
B&B |
Boutique |
| Intermediate Sedan |
$3,603 |
$3,846 |
$5,303 |
| Full Size Sedan |
$3,611 |
$3,854 |
$5,311 |
| Intermediate 4WD |
$3,731 |
$3,974 |
$5,431 |
| Full Size 4WD |
$3,854 |
$4,097 |
$5,554 |
- Prices are per person in New Zealand Dollars, based on share twin accommodation
- Prices include New Zealand Goods & Services Tax (15%)
- Single & triple prices available on request
- Please note that the B&B properties and some of the Boutique properties do not cater 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.
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| 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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