New Zealand Road Trip

14 days / 13 Nights

Highlights & Inclusions

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland International Airport, you will be met and transferred by private car and driver to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Travel south following the mighty Waikato River and through the prime Waikato farmlands to Waitomo. Enjoy a guided visit through the subterranean Waitomo Cave, concluding with a boat ride to see the lights of the glowworms. On conclusions travel south to Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity.

Day 3: Discover Rotorua
Three iconic attractions are included today, Te Puia Geothermal Reserve where you will see boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, National Kiwi Hatchery , to learn about our native bird, the Kiwi. Lastly, a visit to the Agrodome to learn about our farming heritage, including an entertaining farm show.
This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi and Cultural Performance at Tamaki Village.

Day 4: Rotorua – Napier
Travel the short distance form Rotorua following the unusual volcanic geography and through large plantations of pine forest to arrive in Taupo. Then head inland over rugged hills, beautiful valleys and stunning vistas to Napier.

Day 5: Napier – Wellington
Travel south today through the farming communities of the Wairarapa before reaching Martinborough, home to over 25 boutique vineyards. Make your way over the Rimutaka Hills to arrive in Wellington.

Day 6: Wellington – Picton – Kaikoura
This morning cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry. On arrival in Picton, connect with the Coastal Pacific train which runs daily throughout the summer season (coaches replace this service in winter. Self drive clients will collect their rental car in Picton and self drive to Kaikoura).

Day 7: Kaikoura – Christchurch
Kaikoura is home to an abundane of marine animals. This morning we’ve included a trip with Whale Watch Kaikoura to view the Whales. This afternoon join the Coastal Pacific train, summer only (winter season a coach will replace this service) and travel to Christchurch. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 8: Christchurch – Franz Josef
This morning you will be transferred from your hotel to Christchurch Railway station. Board the TranzAlpine train which is one of the world’s great train journeys, along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps and see miles of beech forest.
On arrival in Greymouth collect your rental car or join your coach and travel to Franz Josef.

We recommend a scenic flight with snow landing or for the more active perhaps a Heli Hike(own expense and pre booking is recommended).

Day 9: Franz Josef – Queenstown
Depart Glacier Country this morning, winding through lush rainforest and skirting the magnificent coast line before travelling over the Haast Pass. Travel past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, travelling through the fertile plains of Central Otago which are renowned for vineyards, orchards and some pretty special views of the surrounding mountains to reach Queenstown.

Day 10: Discover Queenstown
A full day at your leisure to explore the many sights and activities available in Queenstown.
Please refer to the activities page (or page 17 of the brochure) for a list of recommended activities, these are at your own expense and we recommend that your pre book to avoid disappointment.

Day 11: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau
A trip to Milford Sound is a touring highlight. Enjoy beautiful scenery before arriving at Milford Sound, where you will join a cruise and enjoy lunch on this magnificent sound. On conclusion travel back to Te Anau.

Day 12: Te Anau – Dunedin
Journey to Dunedin, with its beautiful old building and abundance of wildlife. This afternoon time is available to visit the Otago Peninsula, home to an abundance of wildlife. (Own expense and pre booking is recommended).

Day 13: Dunedin – Christchurch
Return to Christchurch along the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the historic town of Oamaru before arriving for your overnight stay in Christchurch.

Day 14: Depart Christchurch
Self Drive | Return your rental car to Christchurch Airport.
Seat on coach | Today you will be transferred from your hotel to Christchurch Airport.