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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 the Coromandel
Depart Auckland today as 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 3: Hahei Explorer
Overseas visitors and kiwis alike are discovering the excitement and adventure of a unique boat trip operating within the new Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine reserve on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. The Explorer trip takes you into coastal Islands of the marine reserve, reefs, massive sea caves and bays, including the world famous Cathedral Cove. The magnificence of this natural Volcanic scenery is legendary and the approach by sea, combined with an insightful yet relaxed commentary further enhances the experience. Marine life is all around and can be experienced close up because the boat is right in amongst the natural scenery.
Day 4: Coromandel to Rotorua & Cultural Evening
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. This evening you combine a memorable Maori cultural experience with Rotorua’s original Nature Park, Rainbow Springs, by night and Mitai Maori Village. The opening features Maori warriors paddling down stream by waka (war canoe) - a truly special moment, followed by Maori cultural performance, succulent hangi meal, tranquil bush walk, glow worm viewing, and visit to sacred Fairy Spring. Here you walk through the bush to Rainbow Springs where you and your guide stroll through the park observing the flora and wildlife including the new walk-through outdoor kiwi enclosure. A unique opportunity to enjoy Rainbow Springs under light - magical time guaranteed.
| Hotel: |
Heritage Hotel Rotorua (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Koura Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Accolades Boutique Hotel (2 nights) |
Day 5: Adventure Abounds!
Today you enjoy adventure and thrills! Not for the faint hearted, this combination of adventure products is full adrenalin. Start your day with simulated sky-diving as you take a 2 minute teaser on the Freefall Extreme - nowhere else can you experience the sensation of flying “unattached”. Then become a Zorbonaut, it is totally outrageous and totally unique - you get inside an enormous ball and roll down the hill. The Agrojet will astound you as this jet race-boat reaches incredible speeds in short distances as it races through a man made course - delivering you up to 100kph in 4.5 seconds on 1 KM of manmade purpose built water course. Then it is into the hang-gliding harness, raised to a height of 40 metres, pull the rip-cord and experience flying through the air reaching speeds up to 130kph. The day’s not over yet as you get your backside trackside and experience the thrill of racing a sprint car around the special circuit. These cars are the real thing to test your skills over 12 laps. (Please note you must hold a current car licence and be over 1.5m in height for this Off Road sprint car racing activity).
Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo & Mountain Magic
Depart Rotorua and continue south through the large Kaingaroa man made forest to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo. The area owes its landscapes to its dramatic volcanic origins. Lake Taupo fills two of these vast former volcanoes and is New Zealand's largest lake. Taupo is also home to the spectacular Huka Falls. This afternoons exceptional helicopter flight takes you 10,000 feet up to find Ruapehu's Crater Lake steaming and stirring, Mt Ngauruhoe's flawlessly sculptured symmetrical cone and Mt Tongariro's dramatically scarred, barren surface with brightly contrasting lakes and steaming fumaroles.
| Hotel: |
Copthorne Hotel Taupo |
| B&B: |
Paeroa Lakeside Homestay |
| Boutique: |
Point View Lodge |
Day 7: Taupo to Wellington
Today you follow the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to reach the town of Turangi, renowned for its trout fishing. The drive is very scenic and there are many picnic opportunities along the way. Then you travel on the long, straight Desert Road and enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s volcanoes. Then as you drive south towards Taihape the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys before travelling through lush farmland to reach Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand.
| Hotel: |
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Lambton Heights (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
298 Oriental Bay (2 nights) |
Day 8: Walk Wellington
The best way to discover the heart and soul of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city is on foot as you enjoy a personal introduction to the city. The enthusiastic, local guides reveal stories about Wellington’s past, present, people and places – things you won’t always find in the guide books. They will give you a unique insight into Wellington’s heritage and its dynamic arts and social scene, and also tips about what’s on, where to eat and shop. The guides have a deep knowledge and love of Wellington and enjoy helping to make your visit an absolutely positively fantastic experience. You’ll visit the stunning waterfront, bustling city centre, and historic Parliamentary neighbourhood.
Day 9: Wellington to Christchurch & on to Akaroa
Travel to Wellington Airport today where on arrival you connect with your onward flight to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch you collect your new rental vehicle and travel to Akaroa. The route from Christchurch to Akaroa is one of the most scenic short drives anywhere in New Zealand. The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you entranced with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food.
| Hotel: |
Akaroa Village Inn (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Wilderness House (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Akaroa Cottages (2 nights) |
Day 10: Akaroa Harbour Wildlife Cruise
Today you cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on your harbour cruise. The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting of one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. Also on the trip you will catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world as well as the New Zealand Fur Seal sunning themselves on the harbours rocks near the entrance at Seal Bay. Stop at Lucas Bay to look at a salmon farm where thousands of salmon from fingerlings to adult fish are farmed in a series of cages. You will see them jumping as you approach. This is where the world-famous 'Akaroa Salmon' are raised.
Day 11: Akaroa to Queenstown
This morning retrace your steps to Christchurch and travel through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue south to the small town of Twizel before continuing on through the golden tussock country of the Lindis Pass. Enjoy the scenery of the fruit growing region of Cromwell and the historic gold mining region of the rugged Kawarau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown.
| Hotel: |
Heritage Hotel Queenstown (3 nights) |
| B&B: |
Browns Hotel (3 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Millbrook Resort (3 nights) |
Day 12: Discover Milford Sound by Road & Air
This morning depart on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound as you journey along the edge of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. The road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. The rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. At Milford Sound, board your boat for a spectacular cruise in New Zealand’s most famous waterway, a dramatic 22 kilometre fiord carved by glaciers during the last ice age. After your cruise you join your scenic flight back to Queenstown. Hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits hidden from the road are just some of the reasons why flying between Milford Sound & Queenstown is an excursion of a lifetime!
Day 13: 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 14: Queenstown to West Coast Glacier Country
Departing Queenstown today travel through the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka. Then, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass to reach your destination on the West Coast.
| Hotel: |
Te Weheka Inn |
| B&B: |
Holly Homestead |
| Boutique: |
Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat |
Day 15: Glacier Country, Tranz Alpine Train to Christchurch
Depart this morning and travel further north along the rugged West Coast to Greymouth. Your journey features some spectacular countryside with the rugged Tasman Sea to the west and the stunning Southern Alps to the east. Then return your rental vehicle at Greymouth before boarding the world famous Tranz Alpine Train, which is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world. Ascend through lush beech forests past the beautiful Lake Brunner via the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass situated 737 metres above sea level, before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Then wind over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley to arrive in Christchurch. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
| Hotel: |
Heritage Hotel Christchurch |
| B&B: |
The Charlotte Jane |
| Boutique: |
The George Hotel |
Day 16: Depart Christchurch
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you are transferred by private 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.
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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 |
$5,289 |
$5,889 |
$7,273 |
| Full Size Sedan |
$5,344 |
$5,944 |
$7,328 |
| Intermediate 4WD |
$5,454 |
$6,054 |
$7,438 |
| Full Size 4WD |
$5,801 |
$6,402 |
$7,785 |
- 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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