14 day tour
NZ$ 3,169 BOOK NOW
Includes: 13 nights accommodation plus:
Allows full days at Queenstown and Fox Glacier. Excursions there are optional. Ferry crossing included. Route can also be driven in opposite direction from Auckland.
Christchurch - Also known as the 'Garden City', Christchurch is the most 'English' of NZ's cities and was designed to reflect ordered class structure instead of being just another shabby colonial outpost. Stroll through exquisite gardens, punt on the Avon River, ride a tram or people-watch in Cathedral Square.
Mt Cook - The first day's drive gets you in the mood for the brilliant roads to follow. It twists and turns over the mountain passes of the scenic Four Peaks Range and along turquoise lakes with snow-capped mountains in the background, offering countless photo opportunities. The mighty Mt Cook is the highest peak in Australasia and a must-see.
Fjordland - More superb roads and a day of great driving brings you to Fjordland
National Park. This indescribably beautiful area is on every tourist's
agenda and you'll quickly discover why. You'll have an extra day
here to visit Milford Sound for a spectacular cruise and do some
driving in the area. There is only one road in and out but you
won't mind driving it twice, it's as scenic as they come. No matter
how you say “steep ravines, deep fjords, blue shimmering
crevasses, snow-covered Alps, blue seas and thundering waterfalls”
the words just cannot do this area justice. Take a look at the
pictures and you'll see what we mean!
Queenstown - The 'adrenaline capital of the world' has plenty to keep you
busy. Choose from bungy jumping, jet-boating, white-water rafting,
river surfing, white-water sledging, paragliding, parachuting,
canyoning, mountain biking and aerial sightseeing! I'm out of
breath just saying all of that. Still not enough? Add fishing,
water-skiing, windsurfing, yachting, horseback riding and rock
climbing. You have an extra day here to make the most of the activities
on offer. For the not-so-active it has some of the best restaurants
on the South Island in one of the most scenic spots in the world
on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Or you could simply collapse onto
a sofa....
Westland
National Park - If Queenstown didn't provide enough adrenaline,
the shortcut via Cardrona to Wanaka will! From there you'll travel
over the Alps via the beautiful Haast Pass. The road winds along
steep slopes with huge views over the glacier lakes Hawea and
Wanaka and down to the same named town. After a great drive you'll
arrive at two of the most prolific glaciers in the world - Fox
Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier are tumbling rivers of ice streaking
down the valleys towards the sea. There are plenty of great walks
in the area but the best way to see the glaciers is via helicopter.
The West Coast - Incredibly rugged with wild rocky beaches and a backdrop of high mountain peaks, this area experienced its own gold rush in the late 19th century. Largely untamed, wildlife and birds are plentiful. You’ll be amazed at how thousands of years of rain, wind and saltwater have formed the Pancake Rocks and the gigantic Blowholes at Punakaiki.
Abel Tasman National Park - Caves, potholes and limestone hills, golden beaches washed by crystal blue water - it's easy to see why this area is so popular. You'll overnight at one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
Wellington - New Zealand's capital has a magnificent harbour, fine museums, beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and so many restaurants, cafes and activities that you won't know where to start. A 'must-do' is to take the cable car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn for a great view over the city.
Lake Taupo - The largest lake in New Zealand was created around 25,000 years ago by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. Now the self-proclaimed trout fishing capital of the world, you can also enjoy more adventurous activities such as white water rafting, jet boating, bungy jumping or skydiving if luring trout with imitation flies are not your thing. Or simply enjoy the scenery and magnificent Huka Falls.
Rotorua - One of NZ's best known tourist spots, the steaming crevices, mud pools and hot springs lead to healing thermal baths. It's an important cultural centre for the Maori and one of the most accessible to outsiders. The culture is alive in their arts and crafts, architecture and in traditional songs and dance.
Coromandel
Peninsula - You'll quickly see why New Zealanders flock
here on holiday. The serenity attracts 'alternative lifestylers'
away from Auckland but the rest come for the North Island's best
beaches and coastal scenery. With a backdrop of rugged, green-forested
mountains the views over the offshore islands are incredible.
What better way to end the day than swim in crystal clear blue
water, then dig a hole in the sand at Hot Water Beach and relax
in your own sandy hot water spa!
Auckland - End your trip in New Zealand's most cosmopolitan city. Stroll through Queen Street, enjoy some of the best dining in New Zealand and cruise magnificent Waitemata Harbour, the 'heart' of the city. You don't have to be a yachtsman to appreciate the City of Sails - but it helps!