DAY 1 Arrive Auckland
Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self-drive to your accommodation.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, located between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight: Auckland
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Te Wao Nui at Auckland Zoo
Auckland Sky Tower
Orbit Restaurant Sky Tower
Auckland Harbour Sailing
DAY 2 Auckland - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Rotorua
Journey through the rolling green hills of Waitomo and enjoy a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Continue to Matamata for a charming tour of unique, character Hobbit homes, gardens and the watering hole just as you see in the movies. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, continue on to Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else. Overnight: Rotorua
Auckland-Waitomo: 195km (approx 2hrs, 30mins)
Waitomo-Matamata: 102km (approx 1hr, 20mins)
Matamata-Rotorua: 67km (approx 55mins)
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Secret Spot Hot Tubs
DAY 3 Rotorua
Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Today you'll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest. Overnight: Rotorua
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
Waimangu Geothermal Valley
Redwoods Nightlights
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Gondola Ride + 3 Luge
National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
DAY 4 Rotorua - Queenstown (Flight Not Included)
Depart on your domestic flight to Queenstown. (Airfare is NOT included). Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World. Overnight: Queenstown
Flight Time Rotorua to Queenstown is approx. 3 hours
DAY 5 Queenstown
Today’s gondola ride will take you high above Queenstown for an expansive view of stunning Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Remarkables mountains. Then enjoy a scenic cruise on the vintage TSS Earnslasw steamship across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an insight into farm life in New Zealand. Overnight: Queenstown
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
Gondola Ride
Walter Peak Farm Excursion
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Shotover Jetboat Ride
Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool
DAY 6 Queenstown - Tekapo/Mt Cook
Today’s journey takes you to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. Hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki and embrace the dramatic vast landscape. Travel to a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple giant peaks including New Zealand's highest mountain. Overnight: Tekapo or Mt Cook Queenstown - Aoraki Mt Cook 256-266km (approx 3hrs, 15 mins)
DAY 7 Tekapo/Mt Cook - Christchurch
Be sure to stop for a while at Lake Tekapo where the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Continue north-east where braided rivers and a fertile patchwork of plains made with every shade of green will signal your arrival into Christchurch. Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch Tekapo/Mt Cook - Christchurch: 230-330km (approx 3-4hrs)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Dark Sky Experience
Antarctic Centre
DAY 8 Depart Christchurch
Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Christchurch Airport.
