Classic New Zealand self-drive
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Itinerary
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.
On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.
On arriving in Auckland you're welcomed by an Audley representative and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation in the central city. The rest of the day is at leisure. Relax after your flight, or start exploring the city by taking a trip up the Sky Tower for 360-degree views over the city and harbours.
Enjoy a day at leisure around Auckland. We recommend taking a stroll along the waterfront and enjoying a bite to eat at one of the cafes on Viaduct Harbour. In the afternoon, you might like to take a Maori guided tour of One Tree Hill, an important cultural site for b...
Today you collect your hire car from the downtown depot and make your way to the Coromandel Peninsula. You can take the shorter drive, crossing the flat plains of the northern Waikato region and arriving at your accommodation in around two and a half hours. You could ...
Today you explore the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula with one of our best-loved guides, Kiwi Dundee. The guides will take you around the peninsula as part of a small group, showing you sights such as historic gold-mining caves, Maori sites, and Hot Water Beach (tide permitting). You'll enjoy a picnic lunch on this full day tour, and be dropped back at your accommodation at the end of the day.
Depart the Coromandel Peninsula this morning and make your way to Rotorua. The drive takes around three hours or you can take it at a more leisurely pace and explore the sights along the way. At Tauranga and Mount Maunganu you can take a hike that gives great views of...
A day at leisure to explore Rotorua. You may like to visit Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu for a chance to see some fascinating geysers and for an opportunity to learn a little more about the Maori culture (at Te Puia). In the evening you will experience a traditional Maori feast and performance.
Make your way to Napier in the heart of the Hawke's Bay region today. The journey will take you via Lake Taupo where you may like to stop for lunch. The whole route lasts about four hours, passing through varied scenery including plantations and vineyards, as well as some wilder, more remote stretches.
A day at leisure to explore Napier and the Hawke's Bay area. You may like to take a tour of the local winelands where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the country's finest wines. At Cape Kidnappers, you can visit a huge colony of nesting gannets. Alternatively, explore the Art Deco architecture of Napier.
Leave Hawke's Bay this morning and make your way to the capital city of Wellington. This five and a half hour drive passes through rolling countryside, sheep farms, and the town of Norsewood. Drop off your hire car upon arrival and you'll have the rest of the day to e...
Today is yours to explore New Zealand's capital under your own steam. We highly recommend spending several hours in the national museum, Te Papa, where you have the opportunity to learn a little more about New Zealand's history and Maori culture. The museum features an excellent Maori meeting house and even a reconstruction of natural wonders such as a glow worm cave.
Make your own way to the ferry terminal this morning for your Interislander ferry journey to the South Island. This is a stunning journey that will take you through the Marlborough Sounds and you will be rewarded with some fabulous photo opportunities en route. The cr...
This morning go for a walk to explore the beautiful scenery that Hanmer has to offer and then enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs before driving down to Christchurch this afternoon.This evening, try one of the city's many excellent restaurants. We can book you a m...
You will have time at leisure to explore the 'Garden City' of Christchurch today. We recommend visiting the ingenious cathedral made of cardboard and ambling around Cashel Street's vibrant pop-up mall. You could also take a gondola ride to the top of Port Hills for panoramic views over the city and the Banks Peninsula.
Drop your car off at the airport and take a taxi to the train station this morning for your scenic TranzAlpine rail journey to the West Coast. The journey normally lasts four and a half hours as you travel through the farmlands of Canterbury, then traverse the mountai...
You will have today at leisure on the West Coast. You may like to visit Lake Matheson at sunrise, New Zealand's most photographed lake where you will have some fantastic views of the surrounding Southern Alps. You could also take a scenic helicopter ride over the glac...
Today you drive through the magnificent Haast Pass and make your way to Wanaka. This journey will take you through forests, coasts and mountains, and along the northern edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. There are lots of short walks and scenic viewpoints along th...
Spend today at leisure in Lake Wanaka. There are some excellent short and more strenuous walking trails here. Adrenaline-seekers will also find much to enjoy: jet boat rides, paragliding, white water rafting and rock climbing. Wanaka also has fine restaurants, bars and cafes, some with a view over the willow-lined lake.
Depart Lake Wanaka and make your way to Te Anau. This four and a half hour drive takes you past Queenstown (where you may wish to stop) and Lake Wakatipu, through apricot orchards and vineyards, and over New Zealand's highest public road. After arriving in Te Anau, en...
This morning you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Manapouri. You will be taken by boat across Lake Manapouri where you will meet another coach that will take you across a mountain pass to Doubtful Sound. Here you will board your day cruise....
Drive about two and a half hours to Queenstown this morning and enjoy a day at leisure here. Although Queenstown is known for its high-risk activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving, these are certainly not the only ways to enjoy the area. You could drive up to ...
Another day at leisure to explore Queenstown and its surroundings. Today you might wish to take a 4x4 safari into the remote backcountry to see the wilderness that is Mount Aspiring National Park. For something a little more pulse-racing, try jet boating on the Dart River. There are also several excellent Pinot Noir wineries in the area.
Today you take a two hour flight from Queenstown to Auckland in order to connect with your international return flight.
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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