|
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
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 Christchurch has to offer.
| Hotel: |
Millennium Christchurch (3 nights) |
| B&B: |
Elm Tree House (3 nights) |
| Boutique: |
The George Hotel (3 nights) |
Day 2: Discover the Whales
Today you spend time getting close to nature. Travel by scheduled coach through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea. Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins. On your arrival in Kaikoura you will be transferred to join your whale watch tour by boat. Then in the afternoon you will visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters. On your return to Christchurch a stop will be made at a North Canterbury vineyard where a wine tasting has been arranged for your pleasure.
Day 3: Hot Air Balloon Flight
This morning you enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon flight. There is no other place in the world where it is possible to fly from the centre of the city, in view of the sun rising out of the ocean, toward snow-capped mountains. Enjoy hands on help preparing the balloon before enjoying a hour long flight in the sky with spectacular views and photo opportunities. Then after landing in a farmer’s field enjoy a celebratory glass of chilled champagne or orange juice before returning to your accommodation.
Day 4: Tranz Alpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier
This morning you are transferred to Christchurch train station where you board the TranzAlpine Train, described as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys! The TranzAlpine scenic travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.
On arrival in Greymouth you collect you rental vehicle. 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.
You then travel south along the dramatic West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era for the 1800’s, and enjoy views of the Southern Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west as you make your way to the Glacier township of Franz Josef Glacier.
| Hotel: |
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Holly Homestead (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Te Waonui Retreat (2 nights) |
Day 5: Half Day Glacier Heli-Hike
After an exciting scenic helicopter flight over the glacier, you land high up on the glacier and undertake a two hour guided hike amongst some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery available. Your guide chooses the route as you go and with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations you'll soon be making your way through a wonderland of towering pinnacles and brilliantly blue ice. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and with plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to learn more about this magnificent glacier, this will almost certainly be your most memorable experience whilst in New Zealand.
Day 6: West Coast Glaciers, Queenstown
Travel further down the West Coast today, alongside braided riverbeds, native forests and roadside waterfalls before climbing up over the Haast Pass and through Mount Aspiring National Park, with its impressive mountains sculpted by glaciers during the Ice Ages. Then follow the shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to the resort city of Queenstown. Perhaps the most famous of all South Island cities, Queenstown’s pulse thumps to the beat of action, adrenalin and visual wonder.
| Hotel: |
Heritage Hotel Queenstown (4 nights) |
| B&B: |
Browns Boutique Hotel (4 nights) |
| Boutique: |
The Dairy Private Hotel (4 nights) |
Day 7: Shotover Trio
Today you combine jet-boating with Shotover Jet, a helicopter flight over Skippers Canyon & white water rafting down the Shotover River. Nothing you have experienced will have prepared you for the excitement of a Shotover Jet ride as you speed through the towering, rocky canyons of the South Island's river of gold. Then it’s a scenic helicopter flight over Skipper Canyon before meeting the challenge of rafting the Shotover River as you conquer this wild and untamed river. Tackle six rapids then raft through the darkness of the 170-metre Oxen Bridge Tunnel and shoot the Cascade Rapid to complete the challenge.
Day 8: 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 9: Skippers Canyon 4WD Experience
Today you enjoy a 4WD excursion to Skippers Canyon, the road of which was hacked by hand into the shear cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley, following the discovery of gold in the Queenstown area in 1862. Today you follow Skippers Road, with every hairpin bend, across the historic suspension bridge, opened in 1901, to the old gold mining township of Skippers. This tour offers spectacular mountain scenery, rugged canyons, gold panning to gain a taste of New Zealand’s pioneer gold mining history, and the excitement of the 4WD in a safe environment.
Day 10: Queenstown to Rotorua & on to Taupo
Travel to Queenstown Airport today in time to connect with your onward flight to Rotorua. Then on arrival, collect your new rental vehicle and make your way the short distance to Taupo, home to the largest lake in New Zealand.
| Hotel: |
Wairakei Resort (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Paeroa Lakeside Homestay (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Chalet Eiger (2 nights) |
Day 11: Maori Rock Carvings Kayak Tour
The Maori Rock Carvings are only accessible from the water and sea Kayaking allows you to get up close to the carvings with plenty of time to study their details, learn their history & how they were carved, and also learn about their cultural significance. A unique New Zealand experience. Stop for a break on the beach and enjoy some classic kiwi treats such as ANZAC cookies, slice and tea, coffee or Milo (kiwi style of hot chocolate). In summer there is time for swimming, while in winter there is the opportunity to further explore Mine Bay before your return paddle home. This trip is fully guided and no experience is needed to enjoy the Kayak to the Maori Carvings. Double kayaks are used for safe, stable kayaking. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Duration is approximately 4 hours (3 hours on the lake).
Day 12: Taupo to Rotorua & Skydive!
Depart Taupo today and continue north before travelling through the Kaingaroa forest, one of the largest man made forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Pass the thermal reserves of Wai-o-tapu and Whakarewarewa to reach the geothermal city of Rotorua. It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft at 15000ft into thin air. It takes courage. Harnessed by space age materials to an experienced qualified Jumpmaster, you step out that aircraft door and for some 60 seconds you plummet towards the ground at 200KPH, Terminal Velocity. The Jumpmaster will deploy the reinforced tandem canopy controlling your entire skydive. Expect sensory overload as your mind/soul/body fight against every natural self preservatory urge.
| Hotel: |
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Nicara Lakeside Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
The Lodge at 199 (2 nights) |
Day 13: Adventure Abounds!
Today you enjoy adventure and thrills! Start your day with simulated sky-diving as you take a 90 second teaser on the Freefall Extreme. Nowhere else can you experience the sensation of flying “unattached”. Then, test yourself on the Shweeb, the world’s first human powered monorail racetrack. The Agrojet will astound you as this jet race boat reaches incredible speeds in short distances as it races through a manmade course. Then, thrill yourself on the Swoop ,a 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 is not over yet, as you make your way to get your backside trackside and experience the thrill of racing New Zealand’s newest and longest A-rated KartSport circuit. Tyres squeal and G-forces pull as you take on hairpin corners, flowing curves and long straights that demand intense concentration and skill.
Day 14: Rotorua to the Waitomo Region
Today you depart Rotorua and travel over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the Waitomo region. Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms.
Day 15: Lost World Adventure & on to Auckland
This morning abseil (rappel) 100 metres slowly into the Lost World, secured by your guide who abseils alongside. After the approximately 30 minute decent, you embark on your journey back to the surface though another spectacular dry cavern. The abseil is at least twice the height of any other cave at Waitomo and the beauty of this iconic cavern is unsurpassed. Descend slowly bouncing and turning as the mist filtered light gives unreal qualities to the strange plants and formations. After your tour, depart Waitomo and travel north to reach Hamilton, a city carved in two by the mighty Waikato River. From here the Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey north to Auckland.
| Hotel: |
Sky City Hotel (3 nights) |
| B&B: |
Hotel DeBrett (3 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Mollies (3 nights) |
Day 16: Auckland Bridge Climb
Here is your chance to be Spiderman. Spanning a harbour so beautiful it brings tears to the eyes of even the most hardened, this full clamber will have you clamouring for more. Learn about the bridge and city during the commentary and check out the AJ Hackett Bungy site in the centre of the bridge! Only AJ Hackett can offer you this level of access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge; and this is the one and only Bridge Climb in New Zealand, coming complete with your very own tour guide. Lasting for 1 1/2 hours, this climb will have you wondering whether to look at your feet or focus on the spectacular views.
Day 17: Leisure
Today is at leisure to relax or explore what Auckland has to offer. Perhaps visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter, make your way to the top of the Sky Tower for spectacular views of Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour, embark on a 360 degree Skywalk on the sky Tower, take a cruise on Auckland Harbour or Walk to the summit of Rangitoto, the black lava volcanic island in the middle of the inner Hauraki Gulf. Later you may like to visit the Maritime Museum and enjoy dining out at the many restaurants, cafes and bars at the Viaduct Basin.
Day 18: Depart Auckland
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you return your rental vehicle to Auckland 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 Prices
|
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)
|
Hotel |
B&B |
Boutique |
| Intermediate Sedan |
$7,666 |
$8,218 |
$10,324 |
| Full Size Sedan |
$7,676 |
$8,227 |
$10,334 |
| Intermediate 4WD |
$7,833 |
$8,384 |
$10,491 |
| Full Size 4WD |
$7,980 |
$8,531 |
$10,638 |
- 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.
|
