15 day self drive holiday New Zealand
North and South Islands (NZ15)

Introduction:

The New Zealand holiday for visitors wanting the get the very most out of their two weeks holiday in New Zealand, great scenic diversity islands, mountains, volcanic wonders, alpine passes, glaciers and fiords, stunning scenic drives. Plus The TranzAlpine Train, quality time in key city and village locations, culture and adventure. Enjoy activities and experiences to really get an appreciation of the best of New Zealand.

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland and stay overnight
Day 2 - Auckland to Bay of Islands
Day 3 - Bay of Islands
Day 4 - Bay of Islands to Auckland and on to Rotorua
Day 5 - Rotorua
Day 6 - Rotorua fly to Christchurch
Day 7 - Christchurch
Day 8 - Christchurch to Fox Glacier incl TranzAlpine Train
Day 9 - Fox Glacier
Day 10 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown
Day 11 & 12 - Queenstown
Day 13 - Queenstown to Te Anau Fiordland
Day 14 - Te Anau & Milford Sound
Day 15 - Te Anau and end trip

Itinerary map

Itinerary details:

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland and stay overnight
Located on the waterfront Auckland city enjoys wonderful views across the harbour to the popular seaside village of Devonport. Auckland is a cosmopolitan city that  benefits from its mix of Pacific and European cultures, take time to enjoy these influences and the resulting art and cuisine.

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 2 - Auckland to Bay of Islands
Travel via the west coast through the magnificent Waipoua Kauri Forest, wonder at "Tane Mahuta' the 'father of the forest' the largest Giant Kauri. Stop at Hokianga Harbour where the harbor entrance features enormous sand dunes. Then on to finish the day in the stunning Bay of Islands, beautiful with cultural and historic significance

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 3 - Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands incorporates a beautiful, jagged coastline of around 800kms and encompasses 150 islands. Activity options include sailing, Maori concerts, scenic flights, snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, big game fishing, boat trips around the bay and excellent sea kayaking.

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 4 - Bay of Islands to Rotorua
Take the direct route south today that passes by the city of Whangarei with its lively Quayside basin, also the attractive village of Warkworth. Another glimpse of Auckland city as you make your way towards Hamilton alongside the Waikato River. Cambridge and Tirau provide excellent opportunities for a 'refreshment' stop as you near your destination, the lakeside city of Rotorua. Here you will find a fantastic diversity of scenery and activities to suit all interests.

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 5 - Rotorua
Full day in Rotorua to enjoy the many thermal and cultural sights, Rotorua also has excellent fishing, an interesting golf course with mud pools and Geysers, mountain bike tracks and forest trails. Scenic drives to stunning lakeside picnic spots and summer swims. Enjoy a Maori Cultural Evening, helicopter flights over the volcanoes or out to White Island, ride the Zorb, and the Luge for great family fun.

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 6 - Rotorua fly to Christchurch
Take an 'island hopping' flight today to the largest city in the South Island. Christchurch is an eclectic mix of colonial heritage and new world modernism. The Avon River, with its cascading willows, cuts through the city and provides the setting for parks and gardens. Bounded by hills, river plains and the sea the city and its greater area has an abundance of activities and points of scenic interest

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 7 - Christchurch
Consider an early morning balloon flight the ideal way to experience stunning views across the plains to the Southern Alps and Pegasus Bay. Spend the day visiting galleries and gardens or take a nature cruise on nearby Lyttelton Harbour. Beyond the harbour you will find the intriguing volcanic land form of Banks Peninsula with its many sheltered bays and settlements including picturesque Akaroa where you can enjoy lunch in the village and swim with dolphins in the sheltered waters.

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 8 - Christchurch to Fox Glacier including the TranzAlpine Train
Travel aboard the TranzAlpine Train, famous for its breathtaking scenery during its dramatic cross island journey, arriving on the temperate West Coast early afternoon. Pick up your rental car and head south along the coastal route that will take you through historic towns, past bush clad lakes and wild beaches. This region is packed with natural features including the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 9 - Fox Glacier
A day at Fox Glacier for a guided walk onto the glacier, maybe take a Fox Glacier HeliHike for an exhilarating and memorable experience. Time for a leisurely walk around Lake Matheson with it's stunning reflections of Mount Cook, visit the wild west coast beach at Gillespie's Beach and an evening visit to the Glow Worm forest

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 10 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown
Leaving behind the lush vegetation of South Westland you will travel the hills and valleys of the Haast Pass where roadside walkways provide easy access to a number of waterfalls and mountain pools. Emerge into the tussock country of the Southern Lakes district as you pass lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. The fruit and wine growing region around Cromwell leads you to the craggy confines of the Kawarau Gorge famous for its historic bridge and some spectacularly located vineyards. Finish this full day of sightseeing in beautiful Queenstown

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Days 11 & 12 - Queenstown
Journey up the Dart River into the stunning scenery of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Then free time to enjoy some of the many other Queenstown activities. Ride the Gondola for spectacular views over the town and across the lake to the mountains, Bungy jump, take one of the many hikes including the famous Routeburn Track for a day. Catch a fish, white water rafting, horse treks, winery visits, the possibilities are endless!

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 13 - Queenstown to Te Anau
 A two and a half hour drive today means you can spend the morning in Queenstown or the afternoon in Te Anau, allowing time to visit the amazing glow worm caves. The journey today begins with a scenic drive beside Lake Wakatipu before crossing predominantly grazing country, then to the boundary of the Fiordland National Park.

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 14 - Te Anau day trip to Milford Sound
Drive from Te Anau taking in the sights of the Milford Road, stop for short walks, before cruising the wonderful Milford Sound with its soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls. Watch for seals, dolphins and penguins as you make your way to where the fiord meets the sea and back. If you don't want to drive then we recommend a small group guided trip. Visit the Te Anau glow worm caves, take a cruise on Doubtful Sound, walk the Milford track or several others we recommend. Try Milford Sound sea kayaking for a fantastic day amongst nature.

Accommodation: Options
Activities: Options
Day 15 - Te Anau and end trip
Flights to return you to all main centres depart from Queenstown throughout the day . Your departure time from Te Anau will be subject your onward travel arrangements, allowing for the return drive back to Queenstown. We can assist with these connecting flights or build them into your international ticket arrangements.

Remember the above itinerary can be amended to fit your schedule and interests.

If you have more days available - there's plenty more to see and do!

Please contact us to enquire about this itinerary