Luxury New Zealand self-drive

17 days
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Private Guided
New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy ...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy lights. Stratovolcanoes rise above grassy plains. Ice fields career down almost to the edge of the Tasman Sea. And that’s just for starters. Whether you’re keen to explore on foot or by car, bicycle or even helicopter (or a combination of them all), our specialists can help. They’ll devise a New Zealand holiday that allows you to take in the major destinations, as well as more out-of-the-way spots or lesser-known activities. They can recommend everything from the best Maori guides to the best places for viewing New Zealand’s unique panoply of birdlife.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityAuckland
End CityQueenstown

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • History
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Sailing

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 2 : International outbound flight

On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 3 : Auckland

You will be met upon arrival in Auckland and privately transferred to your accommodation where you will stay for two nights. The day is at leisure to explore the city.

Day 4 : Auckland

Enjoy a day at leisure in Auckland. You may like to take a stroll down Queen Street, the main shopping area, or enjoy a boat trip out onto the harbour.

Day 5 : Taupo

You collect your hire car from the city car depot and head south to Lake Taupo. We recommend making a stop in Rotorua for lunch.

Day 6 : Taupo

You have today at leisure in Lake Taupo. This is the thermal centre of New Zealand - here you can see bubbling mud-pools, steaming lakes and impressive geysers.

Day 7 : Napier & Hawkes Bay

Make your way east to Napier today, at the heart of the Hawke's Bay region where you will stay for two nights.

Day 8 : Napier & Hawkes Bay

Today you have a day at leisure in Napier. Hawke's Bay is famous not only for its wine production but also for the outstanding examples of Art Deco architecture in Napier. Guided tours can be arranged for either of these interests.

Day 9 : Blenheim

Today make your way to the airport and drop your vehicle at the airport car depot in time for your short flight to Blenheim, via Wellington. In Blenheim please collect another vehicle at the airport and make your way to your accommodation where you will stay for two nights.

Day 10 : Blenheim

Blenheim and the Marlborough region is New Zealand's most renowned for wine production. Known for its rich volcanic soil, the Sauvignon Blanc made here is considered some of the best in the world. You will spend the day on a gourmet tour of the area's best wineries, learning of the area's history and development of its wine production.

Day 11 : Christchurch

Today you make your way south to Christchurch. This is a lovely garden city and many of the main attractions are close to each other in the city centre.

Day 12 : Christchurch

Spend today at your leisure. Although Christchurch is still undergoing reconstruction from an earthquake in 2011, there is still loads to see and do. Enjoy a walk through Hagley Park on your way to the Central Business District, where you'll find an abundance of shops and restaurants.

Day 13 : Glenorchy

Today make your way to the airport and drop your vehicle in time for your flight to Queenstown. On arrival you collect a car and drive to the beautiful setting of Blanket Bay lodge in Glenorchy.

Day 14 : Glenorchy

Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience today with a scenic helicopter flight over Milford Sound and the surrounding scenery of Fiordland National Park.

Day 15 : Glenorchy

Get ready for a day of exhilarating day of fun! You will be collected from your hotel in the morning and begin your day on the Dart River. You will head up the river in a jet boat and after a leisurely walk through the forest then you will kayak back down the Dart River.

Day 16 : International return flight

Make your way back to Queenstown today for your flight to Auckland. Later join your onward flight to return home.

Day 17 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $17,511
Price per day$1,030
Last Updated: 1/11/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

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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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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