Arrive Auckland
After clearing customs and immigration you will pick up your rental car from Auckland Airport and then make your way to your hotel in the central City. Auckland - the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and surrounded by two harbours. Stay: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 2
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves
Continue south through Hamilton today to Rotorua. On the way stop off at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves (included in the tour price). For over 100 years Waitomo Glowworm Caves have attracted millions of people from all over the world. This evening you will be picked up and taken to the Mitai Village for a unique and unforgettable cultural experience. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress, paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream to see glow worms in their natural habitat. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. During the cultural performance, you'll learn about our past, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art). Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Rotorua (2 nights) (D)
Day 3
Explore Rotorua
Rotorua has been known for its geothermal activity for over 150 years now and today you are able to see, feel, smell and hear some of this wonder of nature. At Te Puia, experience the raw power of Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and the world famous Pohutu Geyser. Take a journey into the heart of Maori culture, arts and crafts. Then take a ride on the new 8 seater gondola which climbs up the side of Mt Ngongotaha and experience Rotorua's most spectacular views with Skyline Skyrides. This is a fun, all age, all weather attraction with views of the City and Lake Rotorua. You can have lunch here at the café or restaurant, and enjoy the fresh air a little more if you decide to ride a cart down the Luge. At the end of the day you can relax at the Polynesian Spa where you have the choice of 7 hot mineral spring pools – or upgrade to some wonderful treatments from the Spa such as the Aix Massage.
Day 4
Rotorua to Taupo
Depart the "thermal city" of Rotorua and continue south through the large man made forest Kaingaroa 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, Taupo Bungy, DeBrett’s Thermal Pools and fantastic fishing on the Lake. You may also like to take a drive through the Wairakei Geothermal area. Stay: Wairakei Resort
Day 5
Taupo to Wellington
This morning depart Taupo and travel along the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi, before travelling over the Desert Road, dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, to arrive at the small town of Taihape. Continue south through lush farmland to reach the city of Palmerston North, famous for its agricultural University, before arriving in the "capital city" of Wellington. Stay: Ibis Wellington
Day 6
Wellington to Picton and Marlborough Sounds
Today you will travel across Cook Strait, the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The journey across Cook Strait has a dramatic beauty all of its own. Both islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikoura ranges and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca. On arrival in Picton, join the water taxi for a short cruise to Kenepuru Sound where a warm welcome at your resort awaits you in this remote, picture-perfect bay. Stay: Portage Resort (2 nights)
Day 7
Stunning Kenepuru Sound
A day to relax & marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Resort staff will share their love of the Sounds with you through the range of water and nature based experiences they put at your fingertips. The wide beach access is great for fishing, boating, sailing, swimming & sea-kayaking and there is a wealth of walks and meanderings in the immediate vicinity. There is also the opportunity to visit the vineyards & wineries that are located in the famous Marlborough wine region.
Day 8
Marlborough Sounds to Christchurch
After breakfast, return to the picturesque fishing village of Picton, pick up your new rental car and travel south through Blenheim to Kaikoura, world renowned as the whale watching centre of New Zealand. Optional excursions include the opportunity to view giant sperm whales by boat or air; see dolphins, fur seals & Royal Albatross at close range in their natural habitat; or swim with pools of Dusky Dolphins - wetsuits provided! Later, continue south to the “Garden City” of Christchurch, thought of as the most English of New Zealand cities. Stay: Pavilions
Day 9
Christchurch to Mount 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 Chalets
Day 10
Mount Cook to Queenstown
Leave New Zealand’s highest mountain behind today as you drive through Twizel and Omarama before heading up over the Lindis Pass – this is the area where gold was first discovered in the Central Otago region in 1861. Central Otago has a harsh but beautiful landscape due to its summer heat and winter cold. A lot of gold was discovered in the area in the late 1800’s. More recently in the late 1900’s it’s been discovered as a great place for growing grapes so there are some good reasons for exploring this area. Continue on through the Kawarau gorge to get to the alpine town of Queenstown where you are staying for three nights. Stay: Copthorne Queenstown Lakeviews (3 nights)
Day 11 &
12
Queenstown at Leisure
Enjoy two full days to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, raft the white water rapids, take a wine trail, fish for trout, play golf or 4WD sheer canyons. It is also a great base from which to explore the Fiordland National Park, gateway to the awesome Milford & Doubtful Sounds.
Day 13
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
This morning, journey up the West coast of the South Island to Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers. Drive to Cromwell, Wanaka 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. Stay: Punga Grove (2 nights)
Day 14
Franz Josef Glacier at Leisure
There’s lots to explore in this 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.
Day 15
Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch
Continue north to Hokitika where you can see some great Pounamu (Jade) shops, before turning inland to travel over the beautiful Arthur’s Pass. Along the way you’ll see the awesome engineering feats of the Otira Viaduct and Tunnel. You’ll have time to stop and look around before descending through some fantastic alpine scenery and on down to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. (If you have time you may wish to add a day here and stay at Punakaiki instead).
Relaxing Journeys also provides you with the option (additonal cost) of dropping off your car in Greymouth and heading to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine Train.
The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see lush beech rainforest, lakes, mountains and tunnels as you ascend towards Arthur’s Pass at 737m above sea level. All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your central city accommodation. Stay: Pavilions
Day 16
Depart Christchurch
After breakfast this morning, please make your way to the airport where you will return your car in time for your onward flight.
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
16 Day Essence Of New Zealand Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
1 Reviews,
Average Rating 5.0
of 5.
We had a fantastic holiday and Toni was wonderful to work with. Most of the accommodations were great but some were a little less than expected - especially for the amount of money we paid for the trip. The biggest disappointment (which turned out to be fine, but was a shock at first) were our accommodations on the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. We were separated from the other passengers via a curtain and had to share bathrooms and showers with 8 other 'cabins'. Not exactly what we're used to. Both of our hotels in Queenstown were fantastic. We loved the excursions and the travel arrangements (planes, trains and automobiles) were great.
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Value For Money Accommodaton Tour Pace Our Service
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.
International flights to & from New Zealand are not included.
Breakfasts are optional for mid range self drive tours, please select your preference when requesting a quote.
Mixed accommodation pricing is available on request.
For families we can also price our mid range self drive tours using self catering apartments.
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.
