Arrive Christchurch
"Haere Mai" Welcome to Christchurch - the Garden City. On completion of formalities, pick up your rental car and travel onto your centrally located accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore what Christchurch has to offer. The city 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. Stay: Pavilions
Day 2
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 (2 nights)
Day 3
Aoraki-Mount Cook at Leisure
There are many tracks for walking and tramping in this area – you can find the most suitable for you by going to the Visitor Centre. There are scenic flights available by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, and if you wish to have a glacial adventure there is the Glacier Explorers excursion on Lake Tasman at the base of the Tasman Glacier.
Day 4
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 5
Queenstown at Leisure
There are a huge number of activities to choose from here in Queenstown – for the adventurous there is bungy jumping, jet boating, skiing, 4WD Safaris snow boarding, rafting and skydiving to name a few. There are also some less adrenaline producing activities such as a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, a ride up the Skyline Gondola, or even a great day out on the Dart River Wilderness Safari.
Day 6
Milford Sound
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. (L)
For something a little different you have the option of substituting this tour for another to Doubtful Sound (additonal cost). Or you can choose to stay overnight on the Sound! See 'Optional Extras' on the right.
Day 7
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 8
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 9
Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki
There are some neat old towns to visit on the way north today as well as some great places to photograph the scenery and take a look at the dramatic coastline. Our experience tells us that it really is worth the drive north of Greymouth to stay the night at Punakaiki, best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes - both of which are spectacular and a must-see when visiting the West Coast. Other activities include canoe adventures, horse trekking, caving and guided tours to name just a few. Punakaiki has many colourful local crafts people - jewellers, carvers, painters and potters. Stay: Punakaiki Resort
Day 10
Punakaiki to Greymouth and Christchurch
Once you’ve finished your morning exploration of this area make your way back to Greymouth then turn 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.
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 11
Fly Christchurch - Rotorua
Drop your car at the airport today for your flight north to the geothermal city of Rotorua. Pick up your car at the airport. 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 12
Rotorua Sightseeing
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 13
Rotorua to Waitomo and Auckland Head north-west to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves this morning (included in the tour price). For over 100 years Waitomo Glowworm Caves have attracted millions of people from all over the world. The moment you enter this subterranean wonderland you'll discover an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos. You’ll experience a boat trip like no other, journeying through the starry expanse of the Glowworm Grotto, while your way is lit by a multitude of tiny glowworm lights. This afternoon you’ll drive north through Hamilton and in to New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland – the City Of Sails. Stay: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 14
Depart Auckland After breakfast this morning, please make your way to the airport where you will return your car in time for your onward flight.
Note: You can add a Bay of Islands Extension to this tour if you wish. The itinerary will be based on either the Bay of Islands Tourer or the Top Of The North tours, depending on your time constraints. Please let us know when completing the enquiry form.
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 $3,55114 Day New Zealand Drive & Fly64.75
14 Day New Zealand Drive & Fly Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 14 Day New Zealand Drive & Fly.
Best two weeks of my life. I have never been less stressed on vacation, despite being much further from home than I usually travel. It is obvious that so much thought and care went into the package we got from Relaxing Journeys - everything we needed was right there, from food and photo suggestions to the vouchers in chronological order to an atlas and brochures. And even on our last day when we were headed out, they were still taking care of us, with suggestions on where to get gas near the airport and NZ departure cards for the aiport included. New Zealand is more than enough to stand on its own, with friendly people, fantastic food, so much to do and learn, and of course, all that incredible scenery. But seeing it this way - with relaxed days and short, easy drives always ending at a clean and safe and pre-arranged, pre-paid hotel - it was just fantastic. I have raved about this tour to anyone who will listen and when (not if!) we come back to NZ, it will be with Relaxing Journeys. Thanks finally to our enthusiastic booking agent Jarrod, who went out of his way to answer my questions, provide advice, and make the adjustments we needed. He suggested this itenirary for us when we were struggling with how to fit everything into our time and budget, and it was perfect. Special thanks for handling unexpected planning bumps with such a friendly spirit.
Rachel Hull & Jennifer Lowrance (United States) Tour Date 21/03/2011
The tour was fantastic and all bookings made by Relaxing Journeys were in place, with absolutely no problem faced anywhere. My family and I had a great relaxing two weeks in NZ. We'd like to return some day, again, to visit other places that we could not visit this time. Thanks for making all the travel and stay arrangements!
Vinay Kulkarni (India) Tour Date 26/10/2010
We had a great trip. All of the accommodations were excellent. Really enjoyed your great country. Hot Air Ballooned in Queenstown. Took helicopter to Fox Glacier. Even the 5.0 aftershock we experienced our first day in Christchurch will make a great story!
James, Jack & Bernie Lear (United States) Tour Date 20/10/2010
Excellent tour which was flawlessly arranged. I only really have a couple of comments. Firstly I would have liked the option to upgrade to better class hotels on this tour in the same way as is possible on other tours you offer (I only had limited time so the 14 day tour was all I could fit in). The accommodation was generally good but in particular I would have liked a better hotel in Queenstown (facilities at Kingsgate OK but rooms are faded and it is quite a walk to town centre). Secondly the itinerary instructions are very good, but a note on parking possibilities at hotels in Christchurch and Auckland would have been useful.
Graham Eaton & Ghislaine Bradley (United Kingdom) Tour Date 01/01/2010
A lot of companies back in the UK only seemed to offer one night in each location which would seem that you're living out of a suitcase. Thankfully after a short search online we found your website, which offered everything that we needed! I sent off an information request and Cam quickly got back to me. Over a couple of emails we arranged all the finer details, because this was to be our honeymoon Cam made some provisions for a few extra tours (overnight on the Milford Sound and the Lord of the Rings tours) and had them listed on the itinerary as mystery tours so that Sam would be surprised. We also took a few extra trips once we arrived, I can highly recommend Horse Trekking in Punakaiki, Glacier Explorers at Mount Cook, Shotover Jet at Queenstown and a Heli flight over the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
The tours that we'd also arranged with Cam were fantastic and we really enjoyed the Mitai evening in Rotorua. I'm glad that we also extended a day and the start and the end so that we had extra time to explore Christchurch and Auckland as we were really tired from the flight when we arrived into Christchurch. In summary, Relaxing Journeys is a company that I'd recommend to anyone for arranging great tours in New Zealand. Cam was excellent in answering all of our questions prior to leaving the UK and it was great to meet up with a bottle of wine at the end of the tour so that we could say thank-you for arranging a great honeymoon for us! Thank-you for providing us with a really 'Relaxing Journey' and memories that we'll treasure for the rest of our lives!
Kev & Sam Matthews (United Kingdom) Tour Date 27/10/2008
We were beautifully catered for. The car, hotels, travel routes and special events were all excellent. I would certainly (I already have) recommend you to friends and perfect strangers, as well. The trip was more than we expected and we are pretty damn fussy. It felt like a good friend had made arrangements for us.
Kay & Janis Lindbergs (Australia) Tour Date 15/10/2008
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.
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 updated 5 July 2011.
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