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16-Day Auckland to Christchurch Explorer

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Overview

Travel the heart of the North Island exploring Auckland City, Rotorua and Wellington before crossing to the South Island on this 16-day self-drive adventure!

You'll continue down the east coast through the wine country of Marlborough, Kaikoura and Christchurch before crossing the plains into the Southern Alps and Mount Cook National Park.

The alpine resort of Queenstown is next on your list of stops before you head north through Wanaka and onto the West Coast to explore the glaciers.

You'll return to Christchurch on the famous TransAlpine scenic train, the perfect ending of your 2 weeks in New Zealand!
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Beach & Sea
Culture & Arts
Cruising
Wellness

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Auckland!

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Welcome to Auckland!

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. In the afternoon, you'll have the option to head out on a harbour cruise. You'll enjoy afternoon tea as you sail around the beautiful Auckland Harbour taking in the view.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    SkyCity Hotel 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.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Fullers Auckland Harbour CruiseOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Auckland

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Explore the City of Auckland & Optional Waiheke Island Explorer Tour

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Explore the City of Auckland & Optional Waiheke Island Explorer Tour

This morning, you'll pick up your rental car and then spend the day exploring Auckland. Sandy beaches, native bush and lush rainforests give way to a vibrant urban culture, humming with life. Spend time in the Viaduct Harbour, try your hand at sailing an America’s Cup yacht, or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for gourmet food and wine experience, hopping from one iconic location to the next on a hop on hop off tour bus!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    SkyCity Hotel 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.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Explore Auckland

    Waiheke Island Explorer Hop On Hop Off TourOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

  • notes icon
    Notes

    This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in the fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs.

Day 3

Drive South from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set

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Drive South from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set

Today, you'll drive south past the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and pastures of Waikato. You’ll soon go through the town of Matamata where you can visit the fully intact Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Continuing on, you’ll pass several small farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signals your arrival into Rotorua.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel Rotorua4 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

    Hobbiton Movie SetOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland to Rotorua

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Matamata

    Rotorua

Day 4

Free Day in Rotorua Discovering Maori Culture, Nature & Floatplane Adventures

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Free Day in Rotorua Discovering Maori Culture, Nature & Floatplane Adventures

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to one of the Maori Villages should be high on your agenda. You can spike your adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving. Alternatively, you can head for the skies on a spectacular scenic flight with Volcanic Air Safaris for an extra thrill.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel Rotorua4 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

    Rainbow Springs Nature Park & National Kiwi Hatchery Combo TourOptional Activity

    Te PuiaOptional Activity

    Orakei Korako Hidden Valley with Volcanic Air Safaris by FloatplaneOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rotorua

Day 5

Scenic Drive from Rotorua to Wellington & Zealandia by Night Wildlife Tour

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Scenic Drive from Rotorua to Wellington & Zealandia by Night Wildlife Tour

The drive from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake. Following the lakeshore, you'll pass Turani and then ascend the central plateau onto the high country the Rangipo Desert. Skirting the edge of Tongariro National Park, you'll descend through rich farmland and rural towns to arrive at your destination, Wellington. In the evening, you'll have the option to do the Zealandia by night wildlife sanctuary tour!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bolton Hotel5 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

    TaupoOptional Activity

    Tongariro National ParkOptional Activity

    Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary Night TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Rotorua to Wellington

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rotorua

    Taupo

    Tongariro National Park

    Wellington

Day 6

Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton

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Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton

Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton, you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. The journey between Wellington and Picton takes around three hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Enjoy spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the stunning Marlborough Sounds. You'll then travel 30 minutes to the heart of Marlborough - New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chateau Marlborough5 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

    Interislander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

    Sounds Connection Half-Day Wine TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Picton to Blenheim

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Blenheim

    Waihopai Valley

  • notes icon
    Notes

    You'll leave your rental car in Wellington.

    Once in Picton, you'll pick up your rental car. This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in the fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs.

Day 7

Drive from Blenheim to the Seaside Town of Kaikoura

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Drive from Blenheim to the Seaside Town of Kaikoura

Today, you'll cross the 'dry hills' of Marlborough and head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view native wildlife. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops - but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife - and it's one of the only places in New Zealand you can see whales year-round.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The White Morph4 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

    Encounter Kaikoura DolphinsOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Blenheim to Kaikoura

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Blenheim

    Kaikoura

Day 8

Whale Watching in Kaikoura & Scenic Drive to Christchurch

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura & Scenic Drive to Christchurch

Today, you'll begin the day with an optional whale watching tour. Then, you'll travel down the coast before heading inland through the North Canterbury wine region. If you have time on your hands, it is recommended that you take a detour to Hanmer Springs for a relaxing dip in its thermal pools. Arriving into Christchurch, you'll see a new and improved city, steadily rising from the ruins of the 2011 earthquake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Distinction Christchurch 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.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Whale Watch KaikōuraOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Kaikoura to Christchurch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kaikoura

    Christchurch

Day 9

Day Tour to Akaroa with Harbour Cruise or Explore Christchurch City

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Day Tour to Akaroa with Harbour Cruise or Explore Christchurch City

You'll have the day free to spend as you wish, exploring Christchurch or heading out on a day tour to Akaroa. You will travel the scenic route to Akaroa via Governors Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Forsyth and Little River, stopping for spectacular views over the Akaroa Harbour. You'll then take a two-hour cruise through Akaroa Harbour for a chance to see this quaint French settlement from the sea as well as dolphins, penguins and seals.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Distinction Christchurch 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.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    ChristchurchOptional Activity

    Akaroa Day Tour including Harbour Nature CruiseOptional Activity

    Christchurch GondolaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Akaroa

Day 10

Scenic Drive Through Canterbury & Mackenzie Country to Mt. Cook National Park

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Scenic Drive Through Canterbury & Mackenzie Country to Mt. Cook National Park

Today you'll leave Christchurch and enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country to Mt Cook National Park. You'll continue through Fairlie and ascending Burkes Pass, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo. Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki/Mt Cook from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier-fed turquoise blue colour. In the afternoon, an optional rugged back road 4WD adventure to the Tasman Glacier and its gigantic moraine wall awaits!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Hermitage 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.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tasman Valley 4WD TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Aoraki/Mount Cook

    Canterbury

Day 11

Scenic Drive to Queenstown & TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Dinner

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Scenic Drive to Queenstown & TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Leaving the alpine region of Mount Cook behind, you'll travel over the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads with a summit of 971 metres. Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables Mountain Range comes into new as you arrive into the capital of adventure in New Zealand. In the evening, you have the option to go on a wonderful art and wine tour today and in the evening, you'll enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner on the TSS Earnslaw Cruise!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown4 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

    TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak with Gourmet Dinner

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park to Queenstown

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Aoraki/Mount Cook

    Queenstown

    Walter Peak

Day 12

Free Day in Queenstown

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Free Day in Queenstown

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders. Go on a wine tour, have lunch in a Michelin-star restaurant, take a hike or get an adrenaline surge with the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, canyon swing or zipline activities on offer.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown4 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

    Explore Queenstown & Its SurroundsOptional Activity

    Jet Boating on the Shotover RiverOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

Day 13

Scenic Drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

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Scenic Drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

From Queenstown, you'll cross the Crown Range –the highest sealed road in New Zealand– to the Alpine town of Wanaka. Skirting the shores of Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a one-hour walk through native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Then through the remote settlement of Haast before heading up the West Coast, a 600-kilometre stretch of bush and rainforest. Fox Glacier welcomes you first, then comes your destination - Franz Josef township.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier4 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

    Scenic Drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

    Lake Wanaka

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Wanaka

    Otago

    Franz Josef Glacier

Day 14

Experience the Franz Josef Glacier & Optional Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight

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Experience the Franz Josef Glacier & Optional Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight

Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12-kilometre long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the terminal face without a guide. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour which you can do today with The Helicopter Line.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier4 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 JosefOptional Activity

    The Helicopter Line Fox Glacier Twin LandingOptional Activity

    Franz Josef Glacier Hot PoolsOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Fox Glacier

Day 15

Drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth & Take the TranzAlpine Scenic Train

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Drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth & Take the TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Your drive today takes you north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika, a seaside town dating back to the 1860s. Take in the sea views before moving on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point of the next leg of your journey. You'll drop your rental car at Greymouth Station and board one of the most spectacular trains in the world to Christchurch, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your accommodation.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Distinction Christchurch 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.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hokitika

    TranzAlpine Scenic Train Greymouth to Christchurch

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Franz Josef Glacier to Greymouth

    Private Driver from Christchurch to Distinction Christchurch Hotel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Hokitika

    Greymouth

    Christchurch

Day 16

Departure from Christchurch

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Departure from Christchurch

This concludes your 2 weeks in New Zealand. After breakfast, you'll be collected and taken to the airport for your departure flight.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Christchurch to Christchurch International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

Included in Price

  • 15 nights accommodation
  • 7 activities
  • 15 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

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