Tour Type: Budget Self Drive Tour
Duration: 26 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $4293 pp
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26 Day Kiwi Experience Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
Arrive Auckland and collect your rental car before making your way to your accommodation Auckland, New Zealand’s largest population centre, is poised between two enormous harbours and dotted with extinct volcanic cones. The region is a fusion of four cities – Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere – with cultural elements that span from Polynesia and Asia to the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe. While Auckland acts as a gateway to New Zealand, it’s also a destination in its own right. Stay: Oaktree Motel (2 nights) |
Day
2 |
Auckland at leisure
Today is at leisure to relax or explore what Auckland has to offer. Perhaps visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter, take a cruise on Auckland Harbour or make your way to the top of the Sky Tower for spectacular views of Auckland city. Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, with the cosmopolitan city centre complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown. |
Day
3 |
Auckland to Coromandel
Depart Auckland today as you travel south along the Southern Motorway to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe. Then continue on to reach your destination of the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches. Your destination in the Coromandel is the town of Whitianga. Stay: Aotearoa Lodge (2 nights) |
Day
4 |
Coromandel at leisure
Today is at leisure to enjoy the best that this region has to offer. Perhaps a picnic at the beach or in the bush, a relaxing day at the stunning beaches or take a 20 minute drive to Hot Water Beach which is one of the region’s most fascinating places. For two hours either side of low tide, you can dig in the sand for hot spring water and make your own spa pool. |
Day
5 |
Coromandel to Rotorua
Today travel along the Bay of Plenty Coastline before heading inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, passing many of the regions crystal clear lakes en-route. Best known for its geysers, boiling mud pools, crystal lakes teeming with trout, steaming cliffs and volcanoes, Rotorua is also the home of Maori culture. Stay: Six on Union (2 nights) |
Day
6 |
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) |
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Day
7 |
Rotorua to Napier
Depart Rotorua and continue south through the large Kaingaroa man made forest to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo. The area owes its landscapes to its dramatic volcanic origins. Lake Taupo fills two of these vast former volcanoes and is New Zealand's largest lake. Taupo is also home to the spectacular Huka Falls. Then depart for the Hawke’s Bay town of Napier. The major entertainment on the road from Taupo to Napier is the fantastic scenery. There’s a bit of everything - rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas. The town of Eskdale heralds your arrival in Napier. Stay: Bella Tuscany Motor Inn (2 nights) |
Day
8 |
Napier
This morning enjoy a guided walk where your accredited guide will bring Napier’s fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre. Afternoon at leisure. |
Day
9 |
Napier to Masterton
On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and Waipawa as well as Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians. Stay: Masterton Motor Lodge |
Day
10 |
Masterton to Wellington
Spend the day enjoying the clean, green Wairarapa scenery as you drive south. Carterton is a good place to shop for paua shell souvenirs, while Greytown has many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and a quaint museum – take yourself on a self-guided walk. At Featherston, which has an interesting locomotive museum, you’ll turn left towards Martinborough - a region famous for it's wineries and vineyards. Less than 2 hours drive away, Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital beckons. Climb up and over the Rimutaka Range - great views in every direction. Once the mountains are behind you, it’s easy driving for the rest of your journey. You’ll wind through the picturesque Hutt Valley then a fast moving motorway will whisk you towards the city. Stay: Capital Gateway Motor Inn (2 nights) |
Day
11 |
Wellington
Today is at leisure to explore what Wellington has to offer. Downtown Wellington on Lambton Quay is popular with shoppers. Perhaps take a trip on the Cable Car which takes you from Lambton Quay to Kelburn or enjoy a visit to the Botanic Gardens. For a different perspective of the city, take a harbour cruise or a ferry trip to Eastbourne, where there are craft shops, galleries and cafes. Highly recommended is a visit to Te Papa Museum. |
Day
12 |
Wellington to Nelson via Picton
This morning return your rental car to the depot at the ferry terminal and board the Interislander
ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton, on arrival collect your new rental car and make your way to Nelson. Stay: Parkside Motel (2 nights) |
Day
13 |
Nelson at leisure
Today is at your leisure and there are lots of options including beaches to explore, harbour cruises, walks or adventure activities. Nelson is also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views. Perhaps enjoy a cruise in this spectacular park. |
Day
14 |
Nelson to Westport
Today you travel south through the Nelson Lakes region and navigate the awesome Buller Gorge across to the rugged West Coast. At Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock – you’ll drive under a dramatic overhang! Travel along the Tasman Sea coastline to reach Westport. At Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay you can explore the coastline and visit the seal colony. A close but safe view allows you to watch the seals swimming, dozing in the sun and feeding their young. Stay: Buller Bridge Motel |
Day
15 |
Westport to Franz Josef
The road to Greymouth is breathtaking. White capped breakers and rugged rocks on one side, bush-clad mountains on the other side. Travel south along the dramatic West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era for the 1800’s, and enjoy views of the Southern Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west as you make your way to the Glacier township of Franz Josef. Stay: Glacier View Motel (2 nights) |
Day
16 |
Franz Josef at leisure
Today is at leisure to explore and enjoy what this beautiful region has to offer. Perhaps take a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers including a snow landing, or enjoy a half day guided walk on the glaciers. |
Day
17 |
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Depart Franz Josef and travel down the West Coast, alongside braided riverbeds, native forests and roadside waterfalls before climbing up over the Haast Pass and through Mount Aspiring National Park, with its impressive mountains sculpted by glaciers during the Ice Ages. Then follow the shores of Lakes Hawea towards your destination of Wanaka. Stay: Archway Motel |
Day
18 |
Wanaka to Queenstown
The shortest route to Queenstown is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you’ll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way. Stay: Sherwood Manor (3 nights) |
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Day
19 |
Queenstown at leisure
Today is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown. Whether it's bungy jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, fly-fishing, hang gliding, horse riding or scenic flights, you will find thrills and excitement in every way imaginable. Meanwhile, other activities such as exploring historic Arrowtown, scenic walks, eco-tours, shopping, galleries, cafes and an exciting nightlife provide something for everyone all year round. Queenstown is unique in comparison to other international resorts by virtue of its distinct four seasons giving pleasant temperatures with plentiful sunshine, accompanied by abundant activities and sports to match the season. |
Day
20 |
Milford Sound
This morning depart on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound as you journey along the edge of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau by coach. The road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. The rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. At Milford Sound, board your boat for a spectacular cruise in New Zealand’s most famous waterway, a dramatic 22 kilometre fiord carved by glaciers during the last ice age. After your cruise you join your coach back to Queenstown. |
Day
21 |
Queenstown to Dunedin
The vineyards of the Gibbston area are the first temptation on your journey. Then the restored heart of Cromwell is a treasure for visitors. Just before Alexandra, you’ll encounter the charming, historic town of Clyde and the huge Clyde Dam. From here there are three ways to get to Dunedin. The fruit route follows the Clutha River through the orchards of Roxburgh. The other two routes take you north through the art deco town of Ranfurly. And just after Ranfurly you can choose to travel via Dunback, or via Middlemarch through the Rock and Pillar Range to reach your destination of Dunedin. Stay: Adrian Motel (2 nights) |
Day
22 |
Dunedin
Enjoy a one hour Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock. Experience unrivalled viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head; the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world, and home to NZ fur seals, and eight other nesting bird species. You may also see, dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds including other species of albatross, penguins and marine mammals in their natural environment. |
Day
23 |
Dunedin to Mount Cook
Leaving Dunedin, travel towards Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Highly recommended en route is a visit to the famous and mysterious spherical boulders at Moeraki Beach. Then follow the Waitaki River, passing some of the country’s hydro-electric dams before arriving in Mt Cook National Park where you will find New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook which stands at 3754 metres. Stay: Hermitage (Motel Units) |
Day
24 |
Mount Cook to Christchurch
This morning enjoy a glacier tour from the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, afterwards journey onwards through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Centred around the willow-lined River Avon, Christchurch is compact and easy to explore, with a refreshingly friendly buzz. But far from being a quiet backwater, this is a vibrant city where there is seldom a dull moment. There are numerous street performers, lively markets, music venues and theatres, as well as more cafés, bars and restaurants than any other New Zealand town, not to mention at least a dozen annual festivals. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge (2 nights) |
Day
25 |
Christchurch at leisure
The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch has had 2 earthquakes in the last year, and as a result the central CBD district has been damaged. However many of the activites in and around Christchurch are still operating as normal, and there is plenty to experience and see. Today, relax and explore this most English of New Zealand cities. Alternatively you could take a day tour and visit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. Lunch in the naturally picturesque setting of Akaroa Village at the popular Bully Hayes. The day’s activities can include your choice of the Akaroa Harbour Cruise, swimming with the dolphins, a game of golf on the picturesque Akaroa Golf Course with beautiful sea views, or simply explore and enjoy the charm and serenity of Akaroa. |
Day
26 |
Depart Christchurch
Today your holiday comes to an end, please return your rental car to the depot at Christchurch airport prior to your departure flight. |
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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 |
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26 Day Kiwi Experience Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
1 Reviews,
Average Rating 5.0
of 5.
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We had a great time and special thanks to Jarrod for all his hard work and prompt responses to our many queries in putting the package together for us. We liked the flexibility you offer enabling us to mix and match various types of accomodation and it was good to deal with 'local' specialists who clearly know their country so well. The end result was a well balanced tour that ensured we saw as much as possible within our timeframe but without feeling that we were rushing from one place to the next. Thanks for everything, we hope we get the opportunity to come back again.
[More+]
Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Paul & Mary Wyatt (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 24/01/2012 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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| Compact Car |
NZ $4,293 |
NZ $4,701 |
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| Intermediate Car |
NZ $4,373 |
NZ $4,781 |
NZ $3,099 |
| Full Size Car |
NZ $4,532 |
NZ $4,940 |
NZ $3,177 |
| Mid Size 4WD |
NZ $4,753 |
NZ $5,161 |
NZ $3,288 |
| People Mover (MPV) |
NZ $4,992 |
NZ $5,400 |
NZ $3,408 |
* 1 & 2 Bedroom motel units are all self catering.
** 2 Bedroom motel prices based on 4 adults travelling.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012/13 Season Sale! Save 10% off the prices shown on our website, for 01 May to 31 Aug 2012 departures. Save 5% on all other departures. Deposit this month to qualify! |
*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 2013. |
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- Frequently Asked Questions.
- 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 last amended 5 April 2012.
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