New Zealand Australia Holidays
Because not everybody wants the same holiday

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22 day self drive holiday New Zealand North and South Islands (NZ22) 

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



Itinerary O
verview:
 
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland and stay overnight
Day 2 - Auckland to Rotorua
Day 3 - Rotorua
Day 4 - Rotorua to Napier/Hawkes Bay
Day 5 - Napier/Hawkes Bay
Day 6 - Napier to Wellington
Day 7 - Wellington to Nelson incl Interislander cruise
Day 8 - Nelson
Day 9 - Punakaiki
Day 10 - Punakaiki to Fox Glacier
Day 11 - Fox Glacier
Day 12 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown
Day 13 & 14 - Queenstown
Day 15 - Queenstown to Te Anau/Fiordland
Day 16 - Te Anau & Milford Sound
Day 17  - Te Anau to Dunedin/Otago Peninsula
Day 18 - Dunedin/Otago Peninsula
Day 19 - Dunedin to Mount Cook
Day 20 - Mount Cook to Christchurch
Day 21 - Christchurch
Day 22 - Christchurch and end trip

Please Note: this itinerary and its inclusions can be customised to suit your particular requirements including your interests, accommodation, route variations, lengths of stay, transportation and activities.


Prices and Inclusions:

You have four choices to select from, Hotel Silver Gold or Platinum More >


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:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
 

1 night
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 2 - Auckland to Rotorua

From Auckland city 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:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 3 - 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.

Activity included:
Hotel -
Maori Concert & Hangi Feast More >
Silver
-
Maori Concert & Hangi Feast More >
Gold
- Maori Concert & Hangi Feast More >
Platinum - Mt Tarawera scenic flight & landing More >
Day 4 - Rotorua via Lake Taupo to Napier/Hawkes Bay

Travelling via Lake Taupo, our largest lake,  you may be rewarded with views across to the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park. Then head south east to Hawkes Bay, famous for the Art Deco architecture of Napier and Hastings and the production of premium wines.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 5 - Napier/Hawkes Bay

Wine and food, art, nature, cultural and architectural tours are a great way to get the most from your stay in Hawkes Bay. At nearby Cape Kidnappers take a tour to the world's largest, most accessible Gannet nesting place or play golf at the spectacular golf course.
 

Day 6 - Napier/Hawkes Bay to Wellington

A highlight of today's journey is a stop at the Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre with its breeding program for the conservation of some of our most endangered wildlife, predominantly birds. Later in the day pass through the historic villages of the Wairarapa Region and perhaps visit the Martinborough Wine Centre that showcases this regions excellent wines. Finish the day in the harbourside city of Wellington.
 

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
1 night
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 7 - Wellington to Nelson incl Interislander cruise

More than just a ferry crossing, the trip from Wellington to Picton is an experience in itself.  A leisurely cruise out of Wellington Harbour offers wonderful city and coastal views, before crossing  the straight and entering Queen Charlotte Sound. Cruising through the sheltered waters you will be treated to fantastic Marlborough Sounds scenery and perhaps a dolphin escort. The drive from Picton offers more photo opportunities as you head for Nelson.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 8 - Nelson

Nelson is renowned for its artisans and galleries including the highly regarded Hoglund Art Glass studio. Local  produce including wines are also a feature of the region. Nelson is a popular base from which to venture into the Abel Tasman National Park just over an hour from the city, where you can spend a day on the walking track also sail, cruise or kayak the sheltered waters. Day kayaking trips are suitable for novice or experiences paddlers.

Day 9 - Nelson to Punakaiki

From the sheltered haven of Tasman Bay travel south through the inland Nelson Lakes region before heading west to the dramatic and rugged scenery of the 'coast road'. Winding its way between the bush clad slopes, studded with Nikau Palms and the surf of the Tasman Sea this has to be one of New Zealand's most beautiful drives. Your overnight stop is Punakaiki where you will find the intriguing Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
1 night
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 10 - Punakaiki to Fox Glacier (Lake Moeraki for Platinum)

A day packed with features today as you travel south through historic 'gold rush' towns and settlements, past bush clad lakes, wild beaches and onwards to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Platinum package continues through to Lake Moeraki for an eco-lodge experience.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 11 - Fox Glacier (Lake Moeraki for Platinum)

Fox Glacier based stays include a guided walk onto the glacier for an exhilarating and memorable experience.
Platinum package includes wilderness experiences from the temperate rainforest/coastal location near Lake Moeraki.

Activity included:
Hotel -
Half day guided glacier walk More >
Silver
-
Half day guided glacier walk More >
Gold
- Half day guided glacier walk More >

 
Day 12 - 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:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
3 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Days 13 & 14 - 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!

Activity included:
Hotel -
Dart River Safari More >
Silver
-
Dart River Safari More >
Gold
-
Dart River Safari More >
Platinum
- Ultimate Nature Experience Incl Dart River Safari More >
Day 15 -  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:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 16 - 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.

Activity included:
Hotel -
Milford Sound Nature Cruise More >
Silver
-
Milford Sound Nature Cruise More >
Gold
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise More >
Platinum - Milford Sound Small Boat Cruise More >
Day 17 -  Te Anau to Dunedin

The journey east today takes you through the verdant grazing countryside of the Southland Region. The numerous valleys and their streams feed the rivers that are treasured by  fishing enthusiasts from around the world.  Dunedin, dotted with architectural examples of the economic boom that started with the Otago gold rush, is a mix of staid Scottish heritage and the present day vitality of a university town.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 18 - Dunedin

Close to Dunedin is the Otago Peninsula popular for its wildlife attractions. Home to colonies of nesting yellow-eyed penguins and Royal Albatross, join Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours for a day trip that visits these colonies and includes a visit to Larnach Castle.

Activity included:
Hotel -
Monarch Wildlife Cruise 3L More >
Silver
-
Monarch Wildlife Cruise 3L More >
Gold
- Monarch Wildlife Cruise 3L More >
Platinum - Monarch Wildlife Cruise 3L More >
Day 19 -  Dunedin to Mount Cook

From Dunedin travel north to the town of Oamaru with its majestic white stone buildings and historic precinct. Turn inland to follow the Waitaki Valley and pass the hydro lakes of Aviemore and Benmore before making your way along the shores of Lake Pukaki
to the Mount Cook National Park. Mount Cook Village enjoys fabulous mountain views and a number of short walks from the village are ideal for taking in the scenery and clear mountain air.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
1 night
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 20 - Mount Cook to Christchurch

Enjoy the return trip beside Lake Pukaki then pass iconic Lake Tekapo, these glacial lakes are often a stunning azure blue, setting off the snow capped peaks beyond. Then take the 'Inland Scenic Route' as a peaceful alternative to the main highway and includes the dramatic Rakaia Gorge, great mountain and rural vistas are enjoyed most of the way. 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 numerous parks and gardens.

Accommodation:
Hotel - More >
Silver - More >
2 nights
Gold - More >
Platinum - More >
Day 21 - 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.

Day 22 - Christchurch and end trip


 

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!

 


 

 



Regions
(Click on names to go there or click here for map)

 

Bay of Islands/Northland - Auckland/Waiheke/Great Barrier - Waitomo Caves - Coromandel Peninsula - Rotorua
Taupo/Tongariro - Napier/Hawkes Bay - Wellington - Picton/Blenheim/Marlborough Sounds - Kaikoura
Christchurch/Akaroa/Arthurs Pass - Mount Cook/Tekapo - Nelson/Abel Tasman/Golden Bay - West Coast/Glaciers - Wanaka - Queenstown - Dunedin/Oamaru/Catlins - Te Anau/Fiordland/Milford Sound/Doubtful Sound - Stewart Island

 

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