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12-Day Fiords and Glaciers of New Zealand

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Extraordinary Experiences

  • Head out to the ocean for a truly unique experience- Whale watching in Kaikoura.
  • Be expertly guided through the ice age as you view the gigantic Tasman Glacier ice wall, icebergs and the chance to embrace mother natures legacy.
  • Learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide as you cruise through one of the most stunning parts of New Zealand.

Overview

Visit New Zealand in one of the best ways possible; driving yourself in your own campervan!

Over 12 days, you'll travel from Auckland on the North Island to Queenstown on the South Island, encountering numerous must-see New Zealand sites on the way and enjoying some marvellous activities and tours.

From Auckland, you'll head to the glowworm caves of Waitomo and the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. You'll enjoy an adrenaline-filled day at Velocity Valley and a cultural evening at Te Puia before continuing on to Lake Taupo and Foxton Beach.

You'll make a short stop in Wellington before you catch the ferry over to the South Island to spend the next few days exploring Picton, whale watching in Kaikoura and visiting the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. Moving on, you'll encounter the wonders of Lake Tekapo, the Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier, as well as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown and Milford Sound.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Adventure
Cruising
Food & Drink

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails!

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Welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails!

Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver and taken to your hotel. You'll check into your hotel and then have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish. Auckland is the main gateway city to visit New Zealand. You are free to hop on a ferry, bus or in a taxi and spend a few hours exploring the shopping district of Queen Street, the Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium, the panoramic views from the Sky Tower or the vineyards on nearby Waiheke Island.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    AucklandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Pick Up Your Motorhome, Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Drive to Rotorua

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Pick Up Your Motorhome, Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Drive to Rotorua

This morning, after breakfast, you'll pick up your motorhome ready for your adventure throughout New Zealand. After picking up the motorhome, it is recommended that you head to the supermarket to pick up groceries and stock the fridge and cupboards with everything you need and want. You'll then begin the drive to Rotorua, stopping at the must-visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves on the way.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Waitomo Glowworm Caves

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Auckland to Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    Self-Driving from Waitomo Glowworm Caves to Rotorua

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Waitomo

    Wellington

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Pick Up Your Motorhome & Shop for Groceries

    Overnight in Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park

Day 3

Velocity Valley Adventure Park, Land & Lake Tour, and Maori Cultural Evening

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Velocity Valley Adventure Park, Land & Lake Tour, and Maori Cultural Evening

Today, you'll begin the day with four adrenaline-pumping activities at Velocity Valley, Rotorua's fast and fun theme park offering six truly unique activities and adventures. Choose from Shweeb Racer, the Swoop, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Rotorua Bungy and the Freestyle Airbag. Next, you'll visit three stunning lakes with two epic splashdowns on the famous Rotorua Duck Tour! Finally, you'll attend a cultural performance and learn about the Maori culture.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park

    Rotorua Duck Tours - Land & Lake

    Te Puia

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Rotorua

Day 4

Onwards to Foxton Beach via Lake Taupo & Huka Falls

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Onwards to Foxton Beach via Lake Taupo & Huka Falls

Today, you'll make your way to Foxton Beach, stopping at Lake Taupo and Huka Falls on the way. Lake Taupo, which is roughly the same size as Singapore, is one of the adventure capitals of New Zealand. Local attractions include trout fishing, mountain biking, jet boating, sky diving, bungy jumping and a geothermal park. At Huka Falls, you'll want to position yourself on the footbridge below the falls for a prime position to witness the display of over 220,000 litres of water plummeting down.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Taupo

    Huka Falls

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Rotorua to Foxton Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Taupo

    Wairakei

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Overnight in Foxton Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Day 5

Travel to Wellington & InterIslander Ferry to Picton on the South Island

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Travel to Wellington & InterIslander Ferry to Picton on the South Island

Today, you'll travel to Wellington and explore for a little while before catching InterIslander Ferry to Picton on the South Island. You'll drive your motorhome onto the ferry and drive it off the other side. In Wellington, you can visit the Te Papa Museum. Whether you are interested in art, history or natural, or all three combined, you'll find something to learn about at the National Museum of New Zealand.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

    Te Papa Tongarewa

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Foxton Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park to Wellington

    Ferry from Wellington to Picton

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Overnight in Picton Top 10 Holiday Park

Day 6

Scenic Journey to Kaikoura, Crayfish Lunch & Continue to Christchurch

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Scenic Journey to Kaikoura, Crayfish Lunch & Continue to Christchurch

Today, you'll embark on the incredibly scenic two-hour journey to Kaikoura, the capital of whale watching in New Zealand. In Kaikoura, you'll head out on a tour to spot the whales; you may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. After a delicious seafood lunch at the famous Kaikoura BBQ Kiosk, you'll continue your journey to Christchurch where you'll overnight.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Whale Watch Kaikoura

    ChristchurchOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Kaikoura Seafood BBQ KioskOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park to Kaikoura

    Self-Driving from Kaikoura to Christchurch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Canterbury

    Christchurch

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Overnight in Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park

Day 7

International Antarctic Centre & Drive to Lake Tekapo

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International Antarctic Centre & Drive to Lake Tekapo

This morning, you'll visit the International Antarctic Centre, home to a huge range of experiences guaranteed to entertain the whole family. You can make friends with penguins and huskies, visit the incredible Antarctic storm room and learn about the first expeditions and the future of humanity on the ice. You'll then jump back in your motorhome and head off to Lake Tekapo, your next destination.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    International Antarctic Centre

    Lake TekapoOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Christchurch

    Lake Tekapo

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Overnight in Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park

Day 8

Glacier Explorers Mount Cook, Drive to Wanaka & Puzzling World

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Glacier Explorers Mount Cook, Drive to Wanaka & Puzzling World

Imagine a boat tour like none other today as you head off on the Glacier Explorers Mount Cook. Surrounded by snow-capped alps, you will be expertly guided through the ice age as you view the gigantic Tasman Glacier ice wall, icebergs and the chance to embrace mother natures legacy. You'll then head off on the drive towards Lake Wanaka. Once there, you'll head to the Puzzling World.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Glacier Explorers Mount Cook

    Lake WanakaOptional Activity

    Puzzling World

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Tekapo to Wanaka

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Canterbury

    Otago

    Wanaka

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Overnight in Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park

Day 9

Drive to Queenstown, Kjet Ride, Skyline Gondola & Minus 5-degree Ice Bar

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Drive to Queenstown, Kjet Ride, Skyline Gondola & Minus 5-degree Ice Bar

This morning, you'll drive to Queenstown. Upon arrival, you'll take part in one of Queenstown’s best adventure activities, an insane 60-minute high-speed Jetboat ride thundering across three waterways travelling at speeds of up to 95kph. Then, you'll head up high on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola followed by two exhilarating luge rides. Later, you'll head to the MINUS 5º ICE BAR home to over 18 tonnes of crystal clear ice architecture, experience extreme temperatures at Queenstown.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    KJet Queenstown

    Skyline Gondola & Luge Rides

    Minus 5° ICE BAR

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Wanaka to Queenstown

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Queenstown

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Overnight in Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park.

Day 10

Scenic Journey to Milford Sound & Nature Cruise

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Scenic Journey to Milford Sound & Nature Cruise

Today, you'll head to the legendary Milford Sound. Upon arrival, you'll explore the length of the fiord and learn about the history of the region benefitting from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide as you cruise through one of the most stunning parts of New Zealand. You'll experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motorhome

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Milford Sound Nature Cruise

    Milford SoundOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Milford Sound

    New Zealand

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Overnight in Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park

Day 11

Drive to Queenstown, Return Your Motorhome & Fly to Auckland

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Drive to Queenstown, Return Your Motorhome & Fly to Auckland

This morning, after breakfast, you'll say goodbye to the beautiful Southland and drive to Queenstown. Here, you'll return your motorhome before heading to the airport to catch your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival in Auckland, you'll have the rest of the day and evening to explore this city and make the most of your last night in New Zealand.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Milford Sound / Piopiotahi to Queenstown

    Plane from Queenstown Airport to Auckland Airport

    Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Auckland

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Return Your Motorhome

Day 12

Departure Day

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Departure Day

This morning, after breakfast, you'll say goodbye to New Zealand and head to the airport by private transfer.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport to Auckland Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Included in Price

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 15 activities
  • 2 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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