Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland airport, please collect your rental car and make 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 basinamong 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 Queenstown
Today please return your rental car to the depot at Rotorua airport prior to your flight to Queenstown. On arrival in Queenstown collect your new rental car and make your way to your accommodation. 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 (3 nights)
Day 5
Milford Sound Day Tour
Today we've included the Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board our vessels, the Milford Mariner or Milford Wanderer which are designed along the lines of traditional trading scows; purpose built to operate in the fiords and offering a laid back, extended, 2.5 hour cruise. Explore dramatic, moody Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous waterway. Throughout your cruise, our nature guide provides an engaging commentary about the magnificent scenery and wildlife (English only). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and penguins. Return by coach to Queenstown or weather permitting, you can choose to fly back to Queenstown. Please ask your consultant about this option.
Day 6
Queenstown at leisure
Although Queenstown is known for its adventure activities you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to appreciate Queenstown’s appeal. There is also much available 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 7
Queenstown to Christchurch, via Mount Cook
Today journey through the centre of the South Island through the vast rolling landscapes of Mackenzie Country and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, arriving late afternoon. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge
Day 8
Depart Christchurch
Sadly, your holiday is at an end, please return your rental car to the depot at Christchurch airport prior to boarding your onward flight, we bid you a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
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
8 Day North & South Highlights Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
2 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.5
of 5.
Everything was well taken care of by Relaxing Journeys. The itinerary was very helpful and considered 'our bible' on our trip as many tips were on it to see and do along the way. Voucher system made it that much easier and stress free checking in..out..getting tickets, etc. Jarrod was very helpful and planned our family a great vacation of New Zealand.
Tara & Greg Huss (China) Tour Date 21/12/2011
We had a wonderful time in NZ. In fact, the trip surpassed our expectations. The motel accommodations were comfortable and within easy access to everything. The itinerary with planned stops and free time were exactly what we were looking for. We especially loved the South island, our favorite stop being Queenstown. We decided to include a GPS with our car rental, which really made getting around worry free. You might like to offer a GPS option as part of your car rental service. The people were friendly and welcoming. The sites were awesome! Thank you for making our trip truly amazing. We will definitely recommend Relaxing Journeys to our friends.
Yin Wu & Jacqueline Ries-Wu (Hong Kong) Tour Date 07/03/2009
* 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.
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.
