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14-Day New Zealand Grand

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Overview

This 14-day itinerary ensures you get to experience the essential must-see destinations of each island of New Zealand, exploring the entire length of the country at a leisurely pace as you are the one behind the wheel!

From the City of Sails to the golden sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, and the adventure and culture of Rotorua; the wine regions of Napier and the capital of Wellington. Half-way through this trip, you'll cross to the South Island with its rugged mountains, glaciers and lakes. A true classic driving tour, perfect to customise to your ideal holiday with many opportunities to do fun activities.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Adventure
Culture & Arts
Food & Drink

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Auckland

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Arrival in Auckland

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation. Auckland, New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, and surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, this urban paradise has something for everyone.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    CityLife Auckland4 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

    Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Auckland

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    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Head South to the Coromandel Peninsula

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Head South to the Coromandel Peninsula

Today you’ll take to the road for your New Zealand self-drive holiday. Leaving Auckland you'll cross the lush farmland of the Hauraki Plains, through the Thames Estuary, and choose between two different routes to the Coromandel Peninsula. You can either go over the Coromandel Ranges in 45 minutes, or go the more scenic, and three hours longer, route that takes you north to Coromandel town along the Pohutukawa Coast. This is one of the most spectacular drives in the region and not to be missed.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beachside Resort Whitianga4 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.
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    Activities

    Auckland to Whitianga via Coromandel Township

    Coromandel Peninsula

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    Destinations

    Auckland

    Coromandel

    Kaimarama

    Whitianga

Day 3

Leave Coromandel Peninsula and Make Your Way to Whitianga then Rotorua

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Leave Coromandel Peninsula and Make Your Way to Whitianga then Rotorua

Heading south from the Coromandel Peninsula you pass through the town of Whangamata and the old mining town of Waihi which still has an open cast gold mine. The route takes you into the Bay of Plenty and the port town of Tauranga before you head along the scenic Pyes Pa Road to Rotorua. For Lord of the Rings fans, a detour to Matamata is recommended to go to the Hobbiton film set. Arrive into Rotorua from the north, welcomed by the spectacular view of the lake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Rotorua International Motor Inn3 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.
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    Activities

    Whitianga to Rotorua via Tauranga

    RotoruaOptional Activity

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    Destinations

    Whitianga

    Tauranga

    Rotorua

Day 4

Rotorua, Taupo and Napier

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Rotorua, Taupo and Napier

Go through the thermal region just south of Rotorua, home to a plethora of geothermal attractions including boiling mud pits, hot springs and steaming geysers, this area is a must! Continue on to Taupo and marvel at the lake - a giant crater formed following a volcanic eruption in the year 180 CE. Stop at Huka Falls to view the spectacular sight of hundreds of cubic metres of water spilling every second. Leaving Taupo, climb the rugged Ahimanawa Range before descending to art deco Napier.

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    Accommodation

    The Nautilus Napier5 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.
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    Activities

    Wai-O-TapuOptional Activity

    TaupoOptional Activity

    Huka FallsOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Rotorua to Napier

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    Destinations

    Rotorua

    Waiotapu

    Taupo

    Wairakei

    Napier

Day 5

Napier to Wellington

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Napier to Wellington

Hawke's Bay leads you into some of New Zealand’s richest farmland around the Manawatu region. Passing along the Manawatu Gorge, enter Wairarapa. Masterton is home to a sheep shearing competition while just further south Greytown boasts the largest concentration of historic wooden buildings in the country. Nearby Martinborough is home to dozens of boutique wineries. The route takes you over the Rimutaka Range and along the magnificent natural harbour that the capital city of Wellington sits upon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    CityLife Wellington4 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.
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    Activities

    GreytownOptional Activity

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Napier to Wellington

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    Destinations

    Napier

    Greytown

    Wellington

Day 6

Picton to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Drive

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Picton to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Drive

The journey between Wellington and Picton has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. From the Cook Strait, there are spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island. Go through the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound before coming to Picton. The Queen Charlotte Drive travels the Marlborough Sounds coastline. If you have time, take the road to Mahau Sound and Kenepuru Sound. Crossing the Bryant Range, arrive in Nelson.

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    Accommodation

    Trailways Hotel4 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.
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    Activities

    Interislander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

    Picton to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Drive

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    Destinations

    Wellington

    Nelson

Day 7

Nelson to Hokitika

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Nelson to Hokitika

Leaving Nelson City you will pass through the suburb of Richmond, the Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Park region. Heading South towards Westport you will drive along the Buller Gorge, enjoy some wonderful scenery as you follow this magnificent river. On arrival in Punakaiki, you may want to visit Pancake rocks. You'll pass Greymouth before arriving in Hokitika, built by the West Coast settlers. It became a centre of the West Coast gold rush and more recently, its jade or greenstone crafts.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beachfront Hotel Hokitika3 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.
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    Activities

    Nelson to Hokitika

    PunakaikiOptional Activity

    HokitikaOptional Activity

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    Destinations

    Nelson

    Hokitika

    Punakaiki

Day 8

Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier Country

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Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier Country

Leaving Hokitika you’ll go through the gold mining town, Ross where the original buildings and workings remain. Continuing south, you’ll pass through Harihari, the township Guy Menzies crash-landed in, the first person to fly solo across the Tasman. Go through Whataroa, a township home to some of the world's rarest birds. Arriving in the glacier region you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier before coming into the township - a lively place with a great atmosphere.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Punga Grove3 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

    HarihariOptional Activity

    Franz JosefOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier

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    Destinations

    Hokitika

    Harihari

    Franz Josef Glacier

Day 9

Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka

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Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka

Head straight to Fox Glacier to view it before heading into the classic West Coast bush scenery. At Knights Point, elephant seals can often be seen basking on the sandy beaches. Crossing the Haast River, you turn inland climbing through mountains littered with waterfalls. The Blue Pools near Makarora are a great 30-minute walk before reaching Wanaka and New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range that goes into Queenstown. This drive takes a full day to really enjoy the scenery and explore.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Blue Peaks Apartments3 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

    Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka

    Blue Pools Walk at Makarora

    Lake Wanaka

    QueenstownOptional Activity

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    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Arrow Junction

    Otago

    Queenstown

Day 10

The Alpine Scenery of Queenstown

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The Alpine Scenery of Queenstown

On the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the panorama of the Remarkables Mountain, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of wonders. Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s Pinot and have lunch at the Michelin-star ‘Rata.’ Check out the historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a 4WD trip to Macetown. Go into the Fiordland National Park or drive through Lord Of The Rings country or jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Blue Peaks Apartments3 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.
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    Activities

    ArrowtownOptional Activity

    TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak with Gourmet DinnerOptional Activity

    Fiordland National ParkOptional Activity

    AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy CentreOptional Activity

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    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Arrowtown

    Walter Peak

    Fiordland National Park

    Gibbston

Day 11

Queenstown to Te Anau

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Queenstown to Te Anau

Skirting the shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables Mountain towers over your approach to the small township of Kingston. Cross the rolling tussock-lands of Mossburn (the deer capital of New Zealand) before arriving into Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Today's drive is a short one, you may wish to use the rest of your time today to follow a hiking trail through the national park.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lakefront Lodge Te Anau4 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.
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    Activities

    Te Anau Glowworm CavesOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Queenstown to Te Anau

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    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Fiordland National Park

    Te Anau

Day 12

Te Anau to Dunedin

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Te Anau to Dunedin

The drive from Te Anau to Dunedin takes you through Southland farmland scenery. If you want to spend the whole day exploring a little off the beaten path then take the scenic route through The Catlins. Following the Otago coastline to Invercargill, the route passes through Manapouri, Colac Bay and the fishing town of Riverton. From Invercargill, the route hugs the coastline. There are many side-trips to beaches and bays to explore before you arrive into the remarkable Edwardian city of Dunedin.

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    Accommodation

    Motel On York4 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.
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    Activities

    Te Anau to Dunedin

    The CatlinsOptional Activity

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    Destinations

    Te Anau

    Invercargill

    Tahakopa Valley

    Dunedin

Day 13

Dunedin to Christchurch

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Dunedin to Christchurch

Your first stop could be the Moeraki Boulders strewn on the beach and Fleur's Cafe in the township for the fresh seafood. Then visit Oamaru the old quarter or maybe stay longer to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk. Next is the port town of Timaru and the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia you can see the South Island's famous braided rivers. Arrive in Christchurch City and maybe visit the International Antarctic Centre, which is highly recommended.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Merivale Manor4 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.
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    Activities

    Dunedin to Christchurch

    International Antarctic CentreOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dunedin

    Oamaru

    Christchurch

Day 14

Departure from Christchurch

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Departure from Christchurch

Explore more of Christchurch before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

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    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Christchurch to Christchurch International Airport

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    Destinations

    Christchurch

Included in Price

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 11 activities
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

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