Tour Type: Budget Self Drive Tour
Duration: 23 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $3513 pp
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23 Day Scenic New Zealand Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland airport, join your shuttle transfer to your inner city accommodation. Auckland – the “City of Sails” – is New Zealand’s largest city and surrounded by two harbours. While Auckland acts as a gateway to New Zealand, it’s also a destination in its own right. Stay: Grand Chancellor Auckland City (2 nights) |
Day
2 |
Auckland at leisure
Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel this morning. The day is free to relax and 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 the Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland make your way north over the Harbour Bridge to the Bay of Islands. A must for anyone visiting Northland, the aptly named Bay of Islands is a great place to combine adventure and relaxation. Offering some of the most scenic coastal scenery in New Zealand, 150 islands are nestled within the picturesque bay, providing the setting for activities including sailing, big game fishing and swimming with wild dolphins. The Bay of Islands is also one of New Zealand’s most historically significant areas, most notably for the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the Maori chiefs and the British. The reserve also houses the Whare Runanga, a Maori meeting house and the 100ft long war canoe or waka. Stay: Averill Court Motel (2 nights) |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands at leisure
Today is at leisure to enjoy the many activities the Bay of Islands has to offer. You may like to take a trip to Cape Reinga – the northernmost point of New Zealand, where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet; take a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock” or explore the historic areas of Russell and Kerikeri. |
Day
5 |
Bay of Islands to Takapuna
Today return south to Auckland, you’ll be staying in Takapuna a northern suburb in Auckland. Takapuna Beach is just a few steps from the bustling but laid-back shopping centre of Takapuna. It not only offers beautiful views across the harbour, fine white sand and safe swimming but also some excellent examples of lava-encased fossilised trees – covered by one of Auckland’s many volcanic eruptions, 150’000 years ago. From Takapuna Beach you can walk south to Narrow Neck Beach or North to Milford Beach. Stay: Parklane Motor Inn |
Day
6 |
Takapuna to Rotorua via Waitomo
Today make your way south through the lush Waikato farmlands south of Auckland to Rotorua. On the way you may which to stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, (admission not included - please ask if you wish to add this to your itinerary). 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) |
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Day
7 |
Rotorua at leisure
You have a day free to explore this exciting thermal region – there are many activities to enjoy. Why not visit Te Puia, where you can experience the raw power of Rotorua's main geothermal valley including bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and the world famous Pohutu Geyser. Perhaps visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and sheep shearing. Or Rainbow Springs to see rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. Another option is the spectacular Skyline Gondola offering superb views over the city, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding mountains. |
Day
8 |
Rotorua to Wellington
Drive south through steam clad Wairakei, to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, across the volcanic plateau past the cones of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Cross the Manawatu plains then along the rugged Kapiti coastline to our capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. Overnight in Wellington. Stay: Capital Gateway Motor Inn |
Day
9 |
Wellington to Blenheim 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 Blenheim. Blenheim is the main town in the Marlborough region. Its lovely sunny climate makes Blenheim an ideal wine growing region. Stay: Colonial Motel |
Day
10 |
Blenheim to Kaikoura
Today you travel from Blenheim to Kaikoura. The road is dominated by the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. In the township of Seddon you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts. Before the small town of Ward you’ll come to the Lake Grassmere saltworks - an interesting stop, particularly in late summer when the ponds turn coral pink. Quinnat salmon are known to run in the Clarence River and just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge. Kaikoura, located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean, is a place of unparalleled wildlife experiences. Stay: Willowbank Motel |
Day
11 |
Kaikoura to Christchurch
This morning is your chance to go on a Whale Watch Cruise or a Wings Over Whales flight to see the giant sperm whales, dolphins, fur seals and depending on the season, you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. From Kaikoura it’s two hours direct to Christchurch or you may like to take a more scenic inland route via Hanmer Springs to bathe in the mineral pools in their alpine setting. Make your way south to Christchurch – the Garden City, and the largest in the South Island. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge (2 nights) |
Day
12 |
Christchurch at leisure
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
13 |
Christchurch to Mt Cook
Head south today across the Canterbury Plains, through the picturesque town of Geraldine. Be sure you make a photo stop at Lake Tekapo, a beautiful turquoise coloured lake. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of the lake. This is one of the most photographed churches in the world made of stone and sand from around the lake. You are now in Mackenzie Country and the scenery is fantastic as you drive to Lake Pukaki and turn towards the Southern Alps and Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Follow this glacier-fed lake and the Tasman River all the way up to the alpine village of Aoraki-Mount Cook. Stay: Hermitage (Motel Units) |
Day
14 |
Mt Cook to Dunedin
Time to enjoy some of the nearby bush walks in the park before heading west to the coastal town of Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Be sure to stop at Moeraki Beach with its mysterious, spherical, 60 million year old boulders. Continue on to Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Stay:
Adrian Motel (2 nights) |
Day
15 |
Dunedin at leisure
Take the opportunity to enjoy the cities cultural riches and its abundant nature & wildlife. If you wish, visit New Zealand's oldest brewery for an entertaining and enlightening heritage tour, enjoy guided tours of Larnach Castle and the stately home of Olveston House, play around of golf at Balmacewan, the oldest course in New Zealand and enjoyed by many of the sports greats, both past & present. You could also make the short journey to Portobello Peninsula to enjoy seals, the Albatross Colony and visit the Yellow-eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve. |
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Day
16 |
Dunedin to Te Anau
Drive through the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, cross the Waimea plains towards Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau. Stay:
Aden Motel (2 nights) |
Day
17 |
Milford Sound
The road from Te Anau 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. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. Then the rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Make sure you allow for plenty of time to stop at the numerous viewing points or short walking opportunities en route. 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 make your way back to Te Anau. |
Day
18 |
Te Anau to Queenstown
Trout fishing rivers and high country scenery are features of the drive to Queenstown. The small towns of Mossburn and Lumsden can be explored for unique shopping opportunities – a farm tour is another possibility. Leave time to take a break in Kingston, the home of a remarkable vintage steam train. From here, the rest of your journey clings scenically to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Stay:
Sherwood Manor (2 nights) |
Day
19 |
Queenstown at leisure
Today is at your leisure to explore Queenstown and the surrounding areas. It has a well earned reputation for offering adrenaline fuelled activities and will not disappoint even the most fearless visitor, from bungy jumping to white water surfing, jet-boating, canyoning, luging and parapenting. Added to that the more traditional pursuits of rafting, wind-surfing, horse riding, mountain biking and skiing in winter and the only problem is finding the time to fit it all in. |
Day
20 |
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Drive to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lakes district to the Haast Pass then north, through dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. A short side trip will take you to view one of these massive rivers of ice. Stay 2 nights at the Franz Josef township. Stay: Glacier View Motel (2 nights) |
Day
21 |
Glaciers at leisure
A full day to explore this remote and beautiful area. You can take your own time walking up to the glacier, going to the Okarito Lagoon; or join a guided walk on the glacier, take a heli-hike adventure, or a scenic flight over both glaciers. We also recommend a visit to the colony of the beautiful white heron (Kotuku). |
Day
22 |
Franz Josef to Christchurch
This morning make your way to Greymouth and return your rental car to the depot at the rail station. Join the famous TranzAlpine train to journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch, on arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your accommodation. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge |
Day
23 |
Depart Christchurch
Today is at your leisure until your departure when you will be transferred from your accommodation to Christchurch airport for your onward flight. |
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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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23 Day Scenic New Zealand Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
7 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.3
of 5.
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Thanks Jarrod for a wonderfully planned holiday to your very picturesque country. The trip and connections went like clockwork, the weather was great as well the timing worked out spot on and we never missed a day with bad weather. What a great idea the tour information provided, particularly the Road Atlas included in the package and your recomendations also were spot on. We even happened to be in Christchurch on the last day - access to the cathedral was open prior to being closed for demolition. The only hiccup was in the accomodation in Dunedin where we would have had to move rooms for the second day, but they transferred us to the Alcala Econo Lodge in the city which was great and suited us as well. Thanks again Jarrod we could not have improved on the trip with the time available and will not hesitate to recomend Relaxing Journeys to any of our friends visiting your wonderful country.
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Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Jim Middleton (Australia)
Tour Date 06/03/2012 |
I really enjoyed the holiday. This was our first time doing a self drive and I was a little anxious. But, everything was organised beautifully and I was very impressed by your company and how smoothly changes were made when necessary. For example, our glacier trip was cancelled but you contacted us in good time and gave us other options. The penguin trip was an excellent substitute and for the first leg of the tour, we were the only clients so we had a guide all to ourselves! I think Blenheim was the only stop we didn't enjoy as neither myself or my sister are wine drinkers so there was very little to do here. We did find the chocolate factory (where I ended up spending a small fortune) and the fudge factory but, it is a thought if other guests are not appreciative of wine! Overall the pace of the holiday was good, the travelling distances were fine as they were broken up with many places to stop. I loved New Zealand and thought the roads and the well sign posted stops (mostly with toilet facilities) were a dream to travel on. Most of the motels were well equipped, some were a little tired and dated but all were clean. The big difference I noticed from UK, was that there was no free Wi-fi. Most places either charged or had a PC in reception available to use. I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone that wanted to go to New Zealand.
Anna Sallis (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 15/08/2011 |
First of all thanks for all the arranging. Everything went to plan and we had a fantastic time. Would have loved longer in New Zealand. Only a couple of comments. The motels were all very good and some more than very good! We did find that the Aberdeen Motel in Dunedin was a little damp and we wouldn't want to stay there again. It may be worth looking at others that are may be near the coast but then maybe that would alter the cost. Also we do realise that Fairlie was a late addition but after visiting it we think we would have preferred to have had an extra night in Hanmer Springs and drive the extra next day. Obviously we were lucky that there was four of us to drive which made a big difference. Other than that it was superb and we would recommend you to anyone. We were really impressed. The tours you arranged for us were excellent too. Anyway thank you again and we hope to go back to NZ and maybe try out Australia too. If we do, we will certainly call on you again.
Sue & Ivor Ramsey (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 06/03/2011 |
We had a fantastic time, you are very lucky to live in such a wonderful country. Your organisation of our tour was exceptional, not withstanding the absence of our intinerary and vouchers on our arrival in Auckland. Albeit this problem was sorted out by Jarrod immediately and we were able to start our journey with time in hand. The voucher system worked exceptionally well, with the exception of one motel, and we were comfortable and well catered for at each stopover. The exception was at the booked motel in Te Anau where we were double booked, by the owner it would seem, but within minutes of arriving the lady on duty managed to get us booked into a motel across the road which was of an equal quality. Our only other gripes, I'm sounding like a right moaner but I'm not really, is why does the town of Fairlie exists? I obviously understand that Jarrod had his work cut out trying to rearrange our 2 night stay in Chistchurch, after the earthquake disaster. In hindsight we could have stood the extra travelling if it meant we could have had 2 nights in Hanmer Springs, instead of only one. Perhaps this was not possible? Secondly, upon exploring Dunedin we felt that a motel on the south side of town, possibly near the beaches with would have been a better option. We thought the motel provided was very dated and basic? We were pleased with the car hire, on both islands, and thankfully we opted for the large 4x4 suv which just had enough room for our luggage. Finally our thanks to Jarrod, whom we found to be exceptional from our very first enquiry about our holiday plans. Relaxing Journeys is very lucky to have such a talented individual in place. Best wishes to you all, needless to say we have already bored all our friends to death about our adventure but we have always sung your company's praises to whomever we have spoken to.
Jim Linehan (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 06/03/2011 |
We were delighted with the planning of our holiday and very grateful for Jennifer's prompt action, when we got stuck in Picton. The motels in the North island were extremely good, particularly Siebel Suite. Those in the South Island were Ok though Te Anau was slightly shabby. We did some wonderful walks. We loved the opportunity to dine at wineries, something we cannot do in our climate. We certainly would use your service again, if we were lucky enough to revisit your beautiful country.
Helen Field (Ireland)
Tour Date 15/02/2011 |
At first we had some apprehension in using Relaxing Journeys to arrange our holiday in New Zealand as there was little evidence available of their reliability other than statements on their own website. However the website is well presented and comprehensive and following some reassuring dialogue with Jarrod Schavri we decided to go ahead. We can now say that we are very pleased that we did so; we had a fantastic holiday and were very pleased with the service provided by Relaxing Journeys and especially with the support they were able to provide following the Christchurch disaster. In the initial booking stages Jarrod was most helpful in answering our queries and tailoring the holiday to our needs. The original tour did not include the Coromandel area but our change to include this worked very well. Jarrod kept us informed with regular communications while making all the arrangements and the holiday was very soon booked. We were very pleased with the Super Shuttle service in all locations. They were always expecting us and at Christchurch Railway Station they even held up a board with our names. Their friendly door to door service was very good. The Rav 4 car from Thrifty was excellent ? pleased we chose that option. In general the accommodation was up to the standard we expected, some better than others. The worst was in Paihia, a two flight staircase and a kitchen past its best. At all locations the people were exceptionally helpful and kind. The voucher system worked well for all accommodation and excursions. As the dreadful events in Christchurch unfolded we were very pleased with the immediate help provided by Debbie Smith. We were re-routed around the affected area and Debbie provided us with very satisfactory alternative accommodation in difficult circumstances when accommodation was no doubt in relatively short supply. Debbie kept us well informed and quickly provided amended instructions and itinerary. We were very pleased and grateful for her services. The Relaxing Journeys information pack was very good and included a good quality map book. The driving time and distance notes were useful except the time for the journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound at 1h 40m is a little short. Our motelier fortunately advised us to allow 2 hours and we were glad she did. The road is spectacular and morning stops are recommended when the light is best. Without doubt the highlight of our holiday was the overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. This was very well organised especially by the crew on board and everything including the food and cabin accommodation was to a very high standard. The experience was almost priceless. The heli-hike was also a most enjoyable excursion. We would certainly recommend Relaxing Journeys to others.
Alan & Iris Casey (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 15/02/2011 |
We are now back in dear old blighty and just about over the jet lag, but our memories are still very vivid! What a fabulous trip. The accommodation was very comfortable and every proprietor was friendly and helpful. We probably could have done with two or three more days in the North Island to cover a little more of the southern region. Comparative to the South the North Island seemed a little rushed. That being said we thoroughly enjoyed the holiday, the people, the scenery and the wildlife were amazing. Everything was well organised and ran so smoothly. We appreciated the knowledge that was added into the itinerary about each of the areas we were driving through. The pack we received on arrival was informative, and the communications we received from yourselves when changes were necessary were always received in good time. We found your services from the very start to be extremely efficient and we would not hesitate to recommend them to our friends and family. Thank you Jarrod to you and the team.
Alan Chown & Sharon Hawkins (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 05/02/2011 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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| Compact Car |
NZ $3,513 |
NZ $3,931 |
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| Intermediate Car |
NZ $3,577 |
NZ $3,995 |
NZ $2,517 |
| Full Size Car |
NZ $3,705 |
NZ $4,123 |
NZ $2,581 |
| Mid Size 4WD |
NZ $3,884 |
NZ $4,301 |
NZ $2,671 |
| People Mover (MPV) |
NZ $4,076 |
NZ $4,493 |
NZ $2,767 |
* 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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