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| self drive tours > 15 Day Fiords, Glaciers & Mountains Self Drive Tour |
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Day 1: Arrive Christchurch & on to Akaroa
Welcome to Christchurch! On arrival at the airport, collect your rental vehicle and make your way 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.
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: |
Akaroa Village Inn- La Voyager Apartment (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Wilderness House - Guest Room (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Masion de la Mar - Boathouse Suite (2 nights) |
Day 2: 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 3: Akaroa to Mount Cook & Glacier Explorer
Travel south today through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. You then continue along the Tasman River before arriving in Mt Cook National Park where you will find New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook which stands at 3754 metres. This afternoon 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. Please note that the Glacier Explorer Tour does not operate from May to September. If you are travelling during these months, an alternative activity will be provided.
| Hotel: |
Hermitage Hotel - Premium Room |
| B&B: |
Hermitage Hotel - Premium Room |
| Boutique: |
Hermitage Hotel - Premium Plus Room |
Day 4: Mt Cook to Dunedin
From Mt Cook you journey south via the picturesque Waitaki Valley to reach historical Oamaru. As you head south down the coast, river crossings are a feature of the journey. A point of interest on the way is a visit to view the mysterious spherical boulders at Moeraki, a number of huge stones, found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe Beach near Moeraki. Then continue onto the vibrant city of Scottish heritage, Dunedin.
| Hotel: |
Southern Cross Hotel - Superior Room (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Belmont House - Guest Room (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Fletcher Lodge - Guest Room (2 nights) |
Day 5: At Leisure
Take the opportunity to enjoy the cities cultural riches and its abundant nature & wildlife. If you wish, visit New Zealand's oldest brewery for an entertaining and enlightening heritage tour, enjoy guided tours of Lanarch Castle and the stately home of Olveston House, play around of golf at Balmacewan, the oldest course in New Zealand and enjoyed by many of the sports greats, both past & present. You could also make the short journey to Portobello Peninsula to enjoy seals, the Albatross Colony and visit the Yellow-eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve.
Day 6: Dunedin to Queenstown
Depart Dunedin today and travel towards Alexandra. As the main centre for Central Otago, Alexandra is a prosperous, attractive town. Then just beyond Alexandra, you’ll encounter the charming, historic town of Clyde and the huge Clyde Dam. Cromwell is next before reaching the vineyards of the Gibbston area and the bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge and then arriving in Queenstown.
| Hotel: |
Heritage Hotel Queenstown - Deluxe Room (3 nights) |
| B&B: |
The Dairy Private Hotel - Premier Room (3 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Millbrook Resort - Villa Suite Superior (3 nights) |
Day 7: Shotover High Five
Today you do it all. Your Shotover High Five today includes the Shotover Jet, the world's most exciting jet boat ride and a scenic helicopter flight, landing at the summit of the Skyline Gondola. Visit to the Skyline Complex and take in the views from high above Queenstown. Ride the Skyline Luge - once is never enough on the scenic or advanced tracks and then ride the Gondola Cableway, a descent of 450 metres back to town. After your tour, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
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: Queenstown to Milford Sound
This morning depart Queenstown for your journey to Milford Sound. The road from Te Anau 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. Then the rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Here you board your overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner, which offers you a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience. On board you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. With the nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin.
| All: |
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise - Private Cabin with ensuite |
Day 10: Milford 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 Resort - One Bedroom Suite (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Lime Tree Lodge - Guest Room (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Tiritiri Lodge - Deluxe King Room (2 nights) |
Day 11: Siberia Wilderness 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 12: Wanaka to West Coast Glacier Country
Depart Wanaka today travel through incredible scenery as you make your way past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass to reach your destination of the West Coast.
| Hotel: |
Punga Grove Lodge - Executive Studio (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Holly Homestead - Superior Room (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Westwood Lodge - Main House Grand Suite (2 nights) |
Day 13: Glacier Heli-Hike
Today you’ll experience the spectacular glacier. Start with an exciting scenic flight over the glacier, landing high up on the glacier between two icefalls. From here you undertake a two hour guided trip on the glacier. Your guide is 'free guiding', picking a route as you go and looking for the most spectacular ice formations to show you. Information about glacier processes is offered by the guide, but the panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding mountains are supreme. The superb step-cutting skills of the guides ensure that these trips get into the most spectacular terrain, in comfort and at ease.
Day 14: West Coast 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 by private vehicle.
| Hotel: |
Millennium Christchurch - Superior Room |
| B&B: |
The Charlotte Jane - Luxury Room |
| Boutique: |
The George Hotel - Premium Executive Room |
Day 15: 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.
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Package Inclusions
- Transport by your choice of rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance on days 1-14
- KRUSE commentary system for duration of rental vehicle hire
- 12 nights accommodation of your choice
- Overnight cruise on Milford Sound
- Breakfast included daily
- Dinner included on your overnight cruise
- Wildlife cruise on Akaroa Harbour
- Glacier boat cruise in Mt Cook to view the Tasman Glacier (or alternative option when travelling May to September)
- Spectacular cruise on Milford Sound
- Shotover High 5 excursion in Queenstown
- Siberia Experience near Wanaka
- Scenic flight over the twin glaciers of Fox & Franz Josef and guided hike on the glacier
- Tranz Alpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
- Transfer by private vehicle from train station to accommodation
- Transfer by private vehicle from accommodation to train airport
- Detailed travel itinerary in both electronic and hard copy format
- Arrival documents including information on the regions you are visiting
- Driving directions & maps
- 24 hour on call assistance during your vacation
- Optional discounted travel insurance through Comprehensive Travel
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Package Prices
Valid for travel 01 May 2010 to 30 September 2010
| Vehicle Choices (More Info)
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Hotel |
B&B |
Boutique |
| Intermediate Sedan |
$4,499 |
$5,331 |
$5,611 |
| Full Size Sedan |
$4,537 |
$5,368 |
$5,647 |
| Intermediate 4WD |
$4,656 |
$5,487 |
$5,766 |
| Full Size 4WD |
$4,940 |
$5,771 |
$6,050 |
Valid for travel 01 October 2010 to 30 April 2011
| Vehicle Choices (More Info)
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Hotel |
B&B |
Boutique |
| Intermediate Sedan |
$5,374 |
$5,930 |
$6,664 |
| Full Size Sedan |
$5,430 |
$5,986 |
$6,720 |
| Intermediate 4WD |
$5,543 |
$6,099 |
$6,833 |
| Full Size 4WD |
$5,730 |
$6,286 |
$7,020 |
- Prices are per person in New Zealand Dollars, based on share twin accommodation
- Prices include New Zealand Goods & Services Tax (12.5% to 30 Sep 10 & 15% from 01 Oct 10)
- 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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| 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.
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