Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand Self-Drive Tour: New Zealand - The Grand Tour

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Auckland City, across harbour, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland City Harbour
New Zealand
Photographer: Scott Venning
(scottv@ihug.co.nz)

DAY 1 - Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland, collect your rental car and make your way to your accommodation. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy the 'City of Sails'. Auckland's highlights include the city's Skytower, the sparkling harbour, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and the America's Cup Yacht Marina.
Stay: Auckland (1 night)

DAY 2 - Auckland to Rotorua
Drive through the city of Hamilton en route to Rotorua. You may wish to visit the Glow-worm Caves at Waitomo which would add a few hours to your travelling day.
Stay: Rotorua (2 nights)

DAY 3 - At Rotorua
A free day to enjoy Rotorua and its thermal parks and Māori culture. We suggest a visit to the Te Puia Thermal Reserve and maybe a visit to the Polynesian Hot Pools Spa.

DAY 4 - Rotorua to Tongariro National Park
Pass through Taupo on your way south where you will enter the Desert Road and the Tongariro National Park. Stay overnight in the midst of the park where many alpine walks are available.
Stay: National Park (1 night)

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Tongariro Crossing, Ruapehu, New Zealand
Tongariro Crossing, Ruapehu
New Zealand
Photographer: Rob Suisted
(www.naturespic.com)

DAY 5 - Tongariro National Park to Wellington
Continue your journey through farmlands to New Zealand's capital city – Wellington. We suggest a visit to our national museum - Te Papa.
Stay: Wellington (1 night)

DAY 6 - Wellington to Nelson
Cross Cook Strait, the channel of water that separates New Zealand's two islands and arrive in the picturesque village of Picton. Collect your South Island car and journey through vineyards and farming countryside to Nelson, considered New Zealand's sunniest destination.
Stay: Nelson (2 nights)

DAY 7 - At Nelson
A free day to enjoy this region. We suggest a visit to the Abel Tasman Park, sea kayaking with one of the many kayaking operators in the region, or a visit to the Wearable Arts Museum, and Arts and Crafts outlets.

DAY 8 - Nelson to Greymouth
Continue down the West Coast along dramatic countryside and coastlines. We suggest a stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks en route. Overnight in Greymouth.
Stay: Greymouth (1 night)

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Climbing the Franz Josef, West Coast, New Zealand
Climbing Franz Josef
West Coast, New Zealand
Photographer: Adventure Films
(www.nzphotography.com)

DAY 9 - Greymouth to Franz Josef
Pass through the township of Hokitika and enter the lush rain forest of Southern Westland. Once you have arrived at Franz Josef you may chose to take a walk along the marked tracks to the face of the glacier. Scenic flights are also available.
Stay: Franz Josef (1 night)

DAY 10 - Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Today the scenery changes dramatically as you journey through the Haast Pass to the high-country grasslands of Otago. Pass by Lakes Hawea and Wanaka before arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Stay: Queenstown (2 nights)

DAY 11 - At Queenstown
Today is a free day in Queenstown. Optional activities available in this region include bungy jumping, jetboat rides, lake cruises, white water rafting, snow skiing (in winter only), golf, shopping and much more.

DAY 12 - Queenstown to Milford Sound to Te Anau
Drive through Fiordland National Park and the Homer Tunnel to Milford where you will join a cruise on the fiord. View towering peaks rising from the sea floor and tumbling waterfalls. Return to Te Anau in the afternoon.
Stay: Te Anau (1 night)

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Christchurch Gardens, Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch City Gardens
New Zealand
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)

DAY 13 - Te Anau to Lake Tekapo
Today's relaxed drive will take you through the high country region of North Otago to Lake Tekapo where you will stay overnight. We suggest a visit to Mount Cook National Park en route.
Stay: Twizel (1 night)

DAY 14 - Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Leave the Mackenzie Country and descend Burkes Pass to the South Canterbury foothills and the towns of Fairlie and Geraldine. Continue on across the Canterbury Plains to the city of Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)

DAY 15 - Depart Christchurch
Your tour finishes this morning when you return your car to the rental car depot in the city or at the airport.

New Zealand - The Grand Tour Self-Drive Holiday Package Prices

01 May 2015 - 30 September 2015 - Tour prices start from NZ$1,601.00 per person, share twin.
01 October 2015 - 30 April 2016 - Tour prices start from NZ$1,827.00 per person, share twin.

  • Prices based on budget accommodation and two persons travelling together
  • Prices based on 1.3 litre manual rental car
  • Costs do not include international or domestic airfares

Popular (mid range) and superior accommodation options available on request. Different car categories available on request (see self-drive intro details).

Booking Code: SD-11

Enquire Now

 

[North Island Nature] [South Island - Vineyards, Glaciers and Lakes] [Southern New Zealand - Fiords and Nature] [New Zealand - The Grand Tour] [Great New Zealand] [Spirit of New Zealand]

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