Arrive Auckland
Arrive Auckland and collect your rental car before making your way to your accommodation. New Zealand’s largest city has an idyllic setting, overlooking the forested Waitakere Ranges, sheltered Manukau Harbour and the island studded Hauraki Gulf to the north. No wonder over a million people choose to live there and enjoy the benefits of nature on the doorstep. Beautiful beaches and dreamy offshore islands are just half an hour from the city. In fact the sea is so much a part of the place that an unusually high number of people own their own boat giving the city its name of ‘City of Sails’. Stay: Oaktree Motel
Day 2
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo
Today make your way south through the lush Waikato farmlands south of Auckland to Waitomo, where entrance to the caves is included. Continue on to Rotorua, set in a tranquil lake studded basin among forested hills, the town is centre for a region where one surprise follows another. Geysers spout 15 metres into the air, bubbling cauldrons spit out mud and steam vents hiss to an all-prevailing odour of sulphur. Stay: Six on Union (2 nights)
Day 3
Rotorua
Free time to explore Rotorua this today. You may like to visit the Agrodome or take a gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongotaha for spectacular views of Rotorua. Later this afternoon visit Te Puia geothermal area to view the boiling mudpools and cascading Pohutu geyser that make Rotorua famous as New Zealand’s thermal city. This evening experience Te Po, Te Puia’s cultural experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai (indigenous food). After a formal Maori welcome, relax and enjoy a performance including the beautiful songs, haka and poi dance. After dinner you will be transported by people movers to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and hot chocolate. (D)
Day 4
Rotorua to Wellington
Today make your way south to New Zealand’s capital city Wellington. Nestled between a stunning natural harbour on the southern coast of the North Island and the forested hills of the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and proud of it. The population is considerably smaller than that of Auckland, but it certainly matches the larger city for amenities. The city’s cheerful wooden homes are spread over its hilly surrounds, providing some of its residents with superb views over the sheltered harbour and an easily accessible venue for a whole host of outdoor leisure activities. Stay: Capital Gateway Motor Lodge (2 nights)
Day 5
Wellington at leisure
Good views of the city and harbour are available from the lookout at the top of Mt Victoria, or from the top cable car terminal. Very much part of the character of the city, the cable car is a must do attraction and links nicely with the Botanic Gardens and the Carter Observatory. The interactive museum, Te Papa is a major feature of the city and is located on the waterfront – itself pleasant to stroll along whilst pondering any number of dining experiences. The museum is a testament to the country’s very proud heritage, both Maori and European.
Day 6
Wellington to Christchurch
Please return your rental car to the depot at the Wellington ferry terminal prior to boarding the Interislander
ferry and crossing the Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival in Picton collect a new rental car and journey south along the west coast to Christchurch. With it’s international airport, Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and the country’s second largest city. It is the hub of the Canterbury region and offers an environment that is both laid-back and action-packed. Possessing a stable sunny climate, the city’s parks and gardens are a key attraction year round and are renowned for their beauty, especially in spring. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge
Day 7
Christchurch to Mount Cook
Today journey to Mount Cook, known to the Maori as Aoraki, Mt Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand and standing at an imposing 3754m dominates the Southern Alps that separate Christchurch from Queenstown. Certainly an icon of New Zealand, Mt Cook has long attracted climbers and mountaineers, wishing to scale its heights. However, many of the people visiting Mt Cook have less lofty ambitions, choosing simply to enjoy the impressive views on clear days or on scenic flights, which are a great way to appreciate the grandeur of the place. Stay: Hermitage (Motel Units)
Day 8
Mount Cook to Queenstown
This morning enjoy a glacier tour from the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, afterwards journey onwards to Queenstown. Some might say the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is the place where just about everything is possible and anything is likely. Boasting an incredible location on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, in front of the impressive Remarkables mountain range, nature has purpose built this area for adventure. Stay: Sherwood Manor (2 nights)
Day 9
Queenstown at leisure
Today is at leisure to explore Queenstown and the surrounding areas, although there is a wide variety of adrenaline fuelled activities that will not disappoint even the most fearless visitor, such as bungy jumping, white water surfing, jet-boating, canyoning, luging and parapenting there is also plenty for those wanting indulgence and relaxation, from the fine wines of the region to the many shops. The best mountain views are to be had from the Skyline Gondola, which has a panoramic restaurant, overlooking the town and Lake Wakatipu, where scenic cruises on a historic steamboat are on offer.
Day 10
Queenstown to the Glaciers
Today make your way through Wanaka and up the West Coast to the Glaciers, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are without doubt the greatest lure of this region. Nestled on the edge of the rainforest and descending 2500m over 13kms, these great cascading frozen rivers are only 6kms from the Tasman Sea and in this respect are unique. They are also amongst the fastest moving glaciers in the world with Franz Josef known to move up to 5m per day on occasions. Stay: Glacier View Motel (2 nights)
Day 11
Glaciers at leisure
Day at leisure to explore the surrounding areas. Time permitting, both glaciers are worth seeing, but understandably with only two nights time is a bit limited. Both are remarkably accessible and can be explored on guided walks, heli-hikes and scenic flights. One of the ‘must do’s’ of the area is a visit to the iconic Lake Matheson. Lying just west of the Fox Glacier township, this lake is famous for offering idyllic views of the surrounding mountains, almost perfectly reflected in the mirror-smooth waters.
Day 12
Glaciers to Christchurch
This morning make your way to Greymouth and return your rental car to the depot at the rail station. Join the TranzAlpine train to journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch, on arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred by shuttle to your accommodation. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge
Day 13
Depart Christchurch Today is at your leisure until your departure when you will be transferred by shuttle from your accommodation to Christchurch airport for your onward flight.
Note: The Glacier Explorer Tour at Mt Cook, does not operate between May-September so is replaced with the Shotover Jet in Queenstown.
Note: This self drive tour can be completed in reverse order, the tour cost remains the same.To view tour prices or to make an enquiry, please click on the Tabs at the top of this itinerary.Top
from NZ $2,54813 Day Brief Encounter134.55
13 Day Brief Encounter Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 13 Day Brief Encounter.
Our tour was truly delightful. Toni helped us choose all kinds of different activities which made the trip have a lot of variety, catering at one time or another for each one of us (my husband, my three-year old and me). Every motel room was exactly what we needed and, with the very complete information package that we were handed, it all went really smoothly. Perhaps the only suggestion I have is that if someone were to ask about options when traveling with a three-year old or so, you should let them know earlier (probably before paying) what kind of distances they would be looking at as the number of hours spent in a car when traveling between the bigger cities might be a bit much for some small kids to deal with. We personally didn't have any problems as my daughter is used to traveling distances of anywhere between 400 and 800 kilometers over a weekend every two weeks, but at a certain point I did get a bit stressed about how she would manage these four to five hour trips three days in a row. As a matter of fact, she did great, but other parents could end up having a harder time if their kids are not so used to traveling so much on such short periods of time, specially if they don't get this information until everything has already been arranged. Other than this suggestion, we have nothing but good things to say. We will certainly recommend you if anyone we know wants to travel to New Zealand and we really want to thank you for playing such a big part in helping us enjoy our holiday so much.
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Value For Money Accommodaton Tour Pace Our Service
Lorena Varela Flores (Mexico) Tour Date 11/01/2012
Thank you for organising the tour of your remarkable country, New Zealand. Lesley, Sam, Ally and myself had a wonderful unforgettable holiday. There wasn't a single hiccup, your recommendations were great, accomodation good and the weather not too bad. We hope that one day we will be able to return to your beautiful country. We will certainly recommend your tour.
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Value For Money Accommodaton Tour Pace Our Service
Alan Pearson (South Africa) Tour Date 05/12/2011
A short note to say we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to New Zealand and all the effort Jarrod put into this for us. Everything went like clockwork and all accommodation was of a great standard. All the official trips organised were well thought out and really appropriate to what we wanted out of our trip to New Zealand. One small gripe. I was not too impressed that there was no one from Thrifty car rentals at Wellington to receive us when we had to return the hire car there. Although insrtuctions had been given for this eventuality, the fact that no one was there caused undue stress. The scenary in New Zealand is spectacular.
Patrick & Shirley McAvoy (United Kingdom) Tour Date 06/02/2011
Thank you to Jarrod for organising this tour. It definitely gave us a flavour of what New Zealand has to offer. The itenerary was well planned and everything ran smoothly. It provided structure while allowing flexibility to do our own thing. Jarrod was prompt in responding to few queries that we had. We enjoyed the whale watching experience in Kaikoura. We were lucky to go on this tour. Only one tour ran that day due to adverse weather conditions. We saw both killer and sperm whales. We also enjoyed our overnight cruise of Milford Sounds. Spending the evening in Te Puia's world was an unforgettable experience, it was really good to experience Maori culture up close. The tour involved a lot of driving and most of the accommodation was clean and functional however the accommodation in Kaikoura and Queenstown was somewhat disappointing. The only other comment we have is that we would have preferred to keep one car throughout instead of dropping it off at Wellington and picking up one in Picton, is it not possible to take the car on ferry? Perhaps car rental firms have restrictions? (RJ - Yes they do). Once again thank you for organising a pleasant holiday.
Parveen & Narinder Sharma (United Kingdom) Tour Date 19/01/2011
I can not stress enough how great service has been delivered from the team of Relaxing Journeys. They have fulfilled every single expectation and needs of a free stress holiday. Our program had specific needs and Toni has helped to tailored a perfect holiday since the first contact we had 6 months prior departure answering every single question and doubts about New Zealand. Thank you so much for all your assistance, hope to talk with you again soon.
Alessandro Rosenbaum (Australia) Tour Date 18/12/2010
Just a quick note to thank you very much for organising our recent trip to New Zealand. Everything went like clockwork and all the accommodation venues were great. All the vouchers were accepted and all the timings were spot on. The people we stayed with were very friendly and professional and I want to give a special mention to Sue and Paul at Six on Union in Rotorua who went beyond the call of duty to make our stay special. I want to thank Relaxing Journeys for a great holiday and you for your professional service . We are really glad we went with your Company and would not hesitate to use you again or recommend you to other travellers. We think this trip was very good value for money and given our time restraints we managed to see quite a lot of NZ . Thrifty were great and they even gave us an upgrade in Picton. You have a beautiful country with equally beautiful people. Many thanks again.
Chris & Irene O'Malley (Australia) Tour Date 09/10/2010
The service provided by Jarrod Scharvi when booking this tour was first rate. The arrangements for the accommodation, hire car, the included functions and the extra functions added by us were done precisely. We did not have any problems what so ever with the vouchers set up to present at each location for hotels and admissions etc and made things so much easier. This great service helped make our 13 day Brief Encounter tour of New Zealand absolutely fantastic.
Michael & Colleen Walden (Australia) Tour Date 04/01/2010
What a great vacation! It may have been a 'self-drive' tour, but definitely not 'self service' - everything was taken care of. We spent 10 days touring the North Island and most of the South Island. Even though the car rental involved picking up a car in Auckland, dropping it off in Wellington (to get on the ferry), picking another one up in Picton, dropping it off in Greymouth (to get on the train) and picking up yet another in Christchurch, we didn't encounter any problems. Accommodations were clean and friendly. They were spread all over NZ, and again, no problems. Transfers were all on time. Vouchers for all shows and activities were also accepted with no problems. Let me see if I can find something that didn't go according to plan! 1) The GPS didn't know where the car rental firm was in Greymouth, so we actually had to ask someone. It was a block from the train station. 2) The car was supposed to be dropped off to us at the hotel in Christchurch, but it was a holiday in NZ, so only one person was working at the office and he couldn't leave. He sent (and paid for) a cab to pick us up, and the car was ready to go when we got there. In other words, there is just nothing to complain about! I would (and will) recommend Relaxing Journeys to anyone that wants to travel to New Zealand for a drama-free vacation.
Richard & Deborah LeBlanc (United States) Tour Date 27/12/2009
Wow, What a amazing place. The sites were beautiful and each city had it's own flare. Relaxing Journeys did an exceptional job with the setup and execution of the tour. We did not encounter any problems with the hotels or excursions. Some of our drives were long, but you don't even know it. With all the sights along the way, the time just goes by. We would love to get back one day and see more. Thank you Relaxing Journeys for such a memorable honeymoon.
Kenn & Clare Cunningham (United States) Tour Date 28/10/2009
Well what can I say, tremendous time in a beautiful country. Please thank you and all of the of the staff at Relaxing Journeys, for my wife and myself we could not of had a better holiday. The way that everything was put together from the start with the cars to the motels we stayed in and the friendliness of the staff of the motels, to the functions and trips that you said would be of interest we couldn't of asked for anything more. If anyone ever asks about driving in your own country please ask them to do it, because it gives you time to stop and look around and photograph some of the dramatic countryside we have ever seen. Thank you for the best 50th birthday and wedding anniversary ever.
Dale & Caroline McKenna (United Kingdom) Tour Date 13/10/2009
We has a wonderful tour. We thoroughly enjoyed out time in New Zealand and wish to come back some day. Only negative was weather at Mount Cook which cause the cancellation of the Glacier Explorer tour.
Raymond & Julie Collins (Canada) Tour Date 10/05/2009
We were very impressed with all the things that had been pre-booked and organised for us. Everything was as stated in the information and everywhere we went our vouchers were accepted without fuss. The chosen hotels were clean and comfortable and the hire cars reliable. The only two suggestions (and these weren't really a major problem) 1. The pick up point for the Dart River Safari in Queenstown was stated as the entrance to our hotel (Sherwood Manor Hotel Goldfield Heights Frankton Road Queenstown). We were waiting at the front for about 30 mins and the bus was waiting on the highway. In the end they rang the hotel to see where we were. If any future people do this tour it could just be stated that the pick up point is at the bus stop on the main highway travelling towards Queenstown). 2. The GPS was fantastic, but some of the accommodation addresses did not include street numbers. This sometimes resulted in not knowing what end of the street to go to and with long streets it sometimes took a while to find the accommodation. So if street numbers could be included, the GPS would take you straight there. Thank you for a fantastic holiday itinerary and organisation. We had a fantastic time and wouldn't hesitate to use your company again. Kia Ora Laurie and Barbara.
Laurie & Barbara Carter (Australia) Tour Date 13/04/2009
I can't thank Relaxing Tours enough for organising our fly/drive holiday. The itinerary went according to plan and I felt we had the time to do the things we wanted to do. The tours included in the itinerary were all great. There was only one minor problem in that Europcar did not deliver the car to the hotel in Auckland but they ended up paying for the taxi fare to get to them. All other changeovers went smoothly. My main suggestion for improvement would be to have a map with the full route highlighted to show which road to travel on. There were a couple of places where there were two routes that could be taken and the itinerary didn't suggest which one to use. Both take about the same amount of time so it would only be if one route was more interesting than the other. I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending Relaxing Tours or the tour we went on.
David Hope & Alison Yardley (Australia) Tour Date 10/04/2009
* 1 & 2 Bedroom motel units are all self catering.
** 2 Bedroom motel prices based on 4 adults travelling.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Season Sale! Save 5% off the prices shown on our website, for all 2012 departures. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking.
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.
Self Drive Tour Notes
Prices above are per person & valid till September 2012.
2 Bedroom motel prices above are based on 4 adults travelling.
Some motel studios may not have full self catering facilities. If self catering is required then please request a 1 or 2 bedroom room.
If a property listed on our itinerary is unavailable at the time of booking we will replace it with a equivalent accommodation, and let you know, to ensure it is to your satisfaction.
Please note this itinerary was updated 5 July 2011.
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