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Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland! On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred by private vehicle 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.
| Hotel: |
Sky City Hotel (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Aachen House (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Mollies (2 nights) |
Day 2: Wilderness Experience
Depart around midday today on your guided tour and only 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland is the city’s largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you can walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns. Unwind by spectacular cascading waterfalls or swim beneath them. Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged West Coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer.
Day 3: Auckland to the Bay of Islands
This morning you collect your rental vehicle. 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.
At the beginning of your journey today, you’ll drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland. Perhaps stop to marvel at the magnificence of the protected Kauri Tree at the Parry Kauri Park. You then enjoy spectacular scenery of native forests and sub-tropical bush as you make your way to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, a seaside town nestled on the foreshore of the National Maritime Park.
| Hotel: |
Copthorne Bay of Islands (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Arcadia Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Bay of Islands Lodge (2 nights) |
Day 4: Swim with the Dolphins
Dolphins are one of earth's most fascinating creatures and few other areas are blessed with their presence all year round, as is the Bay of Islands. On this the ultimate marine adventure you'll get right up close to the dolphins, watch their antics and get fantastic photos and conditions permitting, go swimming with them. Your vessel is a water-jet powered catamaran with large deck areas and plenty of room to move around. It's not just dolphins they’ll show you - at times you'll see orcas, whales, seals, penguins and other wildlife. After your Dolphin Encounter you'll have the added bonus of stopping off on beautiful Urupukapuka Island. If you wish, stay for the day at no extra cost to enjoy the coastal walks and magnificent beaches, browse through the Maori Arts and Crafts centre or relax in the cafe. If you still feel like action, hire a kayak, pedal boat or snorkelling equipment to explore by sea the fascinating and varied marine wildlife.
Day 5: Bay of Islands to the Coromandel
Today you drive back to Auckland via the East Coast of the North Island and through Auckland’s northern suburbs. Leaving Auckland you travel south along the Southern Motorway to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe. Then continue on to reach your destination of the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches.
| Hotel: |
Pacific Harbour Lodge (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Colleith Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Villa Toscana (2 nights) |
Day 6: Sea Kayaking
Today you enjoy your sea kayaking tour and on your trip cover what we believe to be the most spectacular stretch of coast on the Coromandel Peninsula, if not New Zealand. Kayaking is backpacking on the sea. No rush, no noise, just you and nature at its best. This, their speciality tour (due to the overwhelming popularity and feedback) runs from Hahei twice a day. Paddle through amazing sea caves, explore offshore islands, snorkel the marine reserve & enjoy a cappuccino at our exclusive Cathedral Cove Beachfront Café’. Duration is around 3 ½ hours.
Day 7: Coromandel to Rotorua
Today travel along the Bay of Plenty Coastline before heading inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, passing many of the regions crystal clear lakes en-route. Best known for its geysers, boiling mud pools, crystal lakes teeming with trout, steaming cliffs and volcanoes, Rotorua is also the home of Maori culture.
| Hotel: |
Heritage Hotel Rotorua (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Koura Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Accolades Boutique Hotel (2 nights) |
Day 8: Guided Walk in the Whirinaki Rainforest
One of the greatest glories of the central North Island of New Zealand is its rainforests, in all their scenic and botanic splendour, of which Whirinaki is perhaps supreme. Long before the coming of the European to Aotearoa New Zealand, Whirinaki Forest had special significance to the early Maori iwi (tribes) of Te Urewera. This Eco-cultural one-day walk gives you a 'window look' into how the Maori of Te Urewera once interacted with the whenua (land) and how they retain their closeness with this most valued of taonga (treasures) to this day. The natural features and resources are highlighted by way of flora and fauna interpretation. On this walk a glimpse of the rich history and heritage of this vast land is revealed.
Day 9: 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 10: Discover the Routeburn Track
Today enjoy a guided walk on the Routeburn Track. The Routeburn Valley has been described by Sir Edmund Hillary, conqueror of Mt Everest, as “one of the superb walking areas of the world”. Professional guides accompany you on this leisurely 13km (8 mile) trek and explain the history, geology and ecology of the ancient beech forests. Set your own pace & the walk is well within the ability of a reasonably active person. Snacks & lunch provided.
Day 11: 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 12: Queenstown to Doubtful Sound
Depart Queenstown this morning and travel to Manapouri. Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it’s over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland’s densest rainforest and to view the colourful alpine moss gardens. On reaching Deep Cove, you will board your overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound. Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins can be observed. There is also time for you to kayak around the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with our nature guide. As the shadows lengthen we’ll drop anchor at a favourite mooring for the night. After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening buffet meal in the spacious dining saloon.
| All: |
Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise |
Day 13: Doubtful Sound to Wanaka
Today you retrace you steps to Te Anau before heading to Wanaka. Trout fishing rivers and high country scenery are some of the features of your drive today. The small towns of Mossburn and Lumsden can be explored for unique shopping opportunities. Leave time to take a break in Kingston, the home of a remarkable vintage steam train. Then it’s onto Wanaka where crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the Southern Alps.
| Hotel: |
Edgewater Hotel (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Lime Tree Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Tiritiri Lodge (2 nights) |
Day 14: Siberia Experience
Today you enjoy a 4 hour wilderness adventure in Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Park. Begin with a 25 minute unforgettable scenic flight followed by a 3 hour walk beginning in the remote Siberia Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park. Then it’s on to a 30 minute exciting jet boat ride on the Wilkin River. Your Siberia Experience leaves from Makarora at the head of Lake Wanaka and allows you to enjoy some of New Zealand's untouched scenery from the air, on land and from the water. Mountains, rivers, glaciers, alpine lakes, rain forest, waterfalls and more - this is your chance to see it all.
Day 15: Wanaka to Queenstown & Depart
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you return your rental vehicle to Queenstown 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.
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Package Prices
Valid for travel 01 October 2008 to 30 April 2009
| Vehicle Choices (More Info)
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Hotel |
B&B |
Boutique |
| Intermediate Sedan |
$5,004 |
$5,799 |
$7,406 |
| Full Size Sedan |
$5,046 |
$5,841 |
$7,449 |
| Intermediate 4WD |
$5,157 |
$5,952 |
$7,559 |
| Full Size 4WD |
$5,514 |
$6,309 |
$7,916 |
- 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.
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