Tour Type: Premium Self Drive Tour
Duration: 21 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
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from NZ $8436 pp
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21 Day Kiwi Adventurer Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
"Haere Mai" Welcome to Christchurch - the Garden City. Upon arrival at Christchurch airport, you will be personally met by our representative & transferred in an executive sedan to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore what Christchurch has to offer.
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Day
2 |
4WD High Country TranzAlpine Experience
Your Alpine Safari Adventure begins in Christchurch, where you are picked up from your accommodation, and taken across the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat through the gorge deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Flock Hill Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After lunch, travel by road to Arthur's Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch aboard the famous TranzAlpine Train. (B/L) |
Day
3 |
Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura
Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel this morning. Leaving Christchurch, travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest clad hills. Relax in the hot thermal pools of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve before continuing on to Kaikoura, located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. (B)
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Day
4 |
Whale Watch Kaikoura, Nelson
This morning, board your boat & enjoy the awesome experience of a 3-hour whale-watch excursion. Every whale watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrel & 7 types of Shearwater. Later, continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. (B)
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Day
5 |
Abel Tasman Seals and Beach Excursion
Cruise to the golden expanse of Onetahuti beach via the Seal Colony at Tonga Island. Walk 1.5 hours over a forested saddle to the picturesque estuary and calm waters of Bark Bay. If you are feeling energetic and have the time, continue walking a further 2 hours to Torrent Bay, the most varied section of the track with vegetation ranging from dappled sunny regenerating Kanuka forest to dense temperate rainforest, including the Swing Bridge over Falls River. Join the Vigour Water Taxi from Torrent Bay back to Kaiteriteri and then take a leisurely drive back to Nelson. (B) |
Day
6 |
Nelson Lakes, Punakaiki Rocks
Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowhole. (B)
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Day
7 |
Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier
The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860's. Our stay for the next 2 nights is in the village of Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. (B)
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Day
8 |
Glacier heli-hike
Today you’ll combine the thrills of a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier with a unique guided walk amongst the ice caves, pinnacles and crevices of this pristine, alpine environment. Your professional guide will lead you into the most spectacular icefall terrain that is usually seen only by experienced mountaineers. With a spotless safety record, rigid assessments, and using exclusive quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment is taken care of. All equipment is provided (glacier boots, Talonz, socks, an ice axe, waterproof jacket). This afternoon is free for further exploration or relaxation. (B) |
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Day
9 |
Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown
Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. Travel over the magnificent Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes District. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside township of Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination. (B)
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Day
10 |
Mighty Dart River Wilderness Safari
This morning, you are collected from your hotel & travel to Glenorchy to join your Dart River Wilderness Safari. Here you jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst towering peaks, glaciers and the ancient rainforests of the Mt Aspiring National Park. This is far more than a jet boat ride … it's a rare journey into the enchanted wilderness of a World Heritage area. This afternoon is free for further sightseeing. (B) |
Day
11 |
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Travel by coach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.
(B/D)
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Day
12
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13 |
Explore Queenstown & its surrounds
Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight back to Queenstown this morning by light aircraft (subject to weather conditions). You have the rest of today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. (B)
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Day
14 |
Fly Queenstown - Rotorua
This morning, drop off your car at Queenstown airport & board your aircraft for the flight north to the geothermal city of Rotorua. On arrival, collect your new rental vehicle & make your way to your hotel. Rotorua’s raw beauty has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. Here you can stand upon volcanoes, peer into massive craters, see boiling mud, exploding geysers and marvel at the unspoiled native forests that cloak the land. (B)
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Day
15 |
Rotorua Sightseeing
Enjoy a cruise on the beautiful fresh waters of Lake Rotoiti this morning on board a luxury sailing catamaran. You have the chance to hoist the sails and grind the winches, try your hand at trout fishing, leap off to swim in the fresh water or soak in the natural mineral hot pools that are only accessible by boat. Your skipper and crew will share local legends with you and point out some of the many historic and culturally significant sites of Lake Rotoiti.
Free time to explore Rotorua this afternoon. 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. (B) |
Day
16 |
Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula
Travel north this morning to the Bay of Plenty. Travel the coastline to Tairua Harbour on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, a region where many kiwis choose to escape the bustle and stress of city life. (B)
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Day
17 |
Coromandel Town, Auckland
Today's journey takes you over the divide to the quaint gold mining township of Coromandel and on down the Thames Coast. On to Auckland, the 'City of Sails', New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences. (B)
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Day
18 |
Auckland, Bay of Islands
Travel north over the Harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast to arrive in Paihia, Bay of Islands, a seaside town nestled on the shores of this National Maritime Park. Check in early afternoon for your overnight cruise on board Ipipiri. As you cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands, afternoon tea will be served. With 144 islands and abundant marine and bird life, the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s finest sub-tropical marine parks, stunning during the day and unforgettable at night. This afternoon you have the choice of doing as much or as little as you like. Take a kayak tour, go snorkelling, enjoy a guided nature walk and tree planting, take a leisurely stroll on a secluded beach or simply relax and soak up the views from the sundeck.
As the sun sets behind the islands of the Bay and your cruise ship finds a sheltered cave to moor overnight, the ambience transforms aboard Ipipiri. New Zealand wines, local cuisine and knowledgeable crew help create the perfect setting. (B/D)
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Day
19 |
Bay of Islands day of leisure
Disembark from your cruise late morning. The rest of your day is free enjoy all that this natural playground has to offer. Steeped in history & culture, a visit to the Waitangi Treaty House (admission price included) & the village of Russell, New Zealand's first capital city, are highly recommended. This tranquil place was once known as "the hell hole of the Pacific" when it was the shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders during the 19th century. Historic buildings to visit include the Catholic Mission "Pompallier" and Christ Church, which still carries the bullet holes from the Maori Wars. Discover Russell's exciting past by visiting the museum, cafés, restaurants and craft galleries, while appreciating its colonial architecture. (B)
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Day
20 |
Northland, Auckland
Travel west through Kaikohe to the Hokianga Harbour to visit the great Waipoua Kauri forest. Continue south through Dargaville and back on to State Highway 1 to return to the 'City of Sails' today. A chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing or maybe stop off for a relaxing swim in one of the beautiful sandy beaches on the coastal drive back to Auckland. (B)
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Day
21 |
Depart Auckland
Sadly your holiday is at an end and you drop off your vehicle at Auckland airport to connect with your onward flight. Here we bid you farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. (B) |
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Note: The Antipodean Tourer tour is identical to this tour except it does not include the Bay of Islands.
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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We received the refund for the two cancelled trips, so though we would have loved to go on them, we are grateful for your promptness. The trip went really well and we all 4 enjoyed breathtaking experiences and loved most of the accommodation tremendously. Thanks for all your trouble especially with the delay due to M's accident and you having to rearrange the whole trip. Highglights were seeing the whale, the tree houses and the Bay of Islands sailing trip. Low points were only the bad weather in the South but then again the Milford experience with masses of waterfalls was unmissable. Thanks again.
John, Marie, Nigel & Susie Gregory (United States)
Tour Date 29/11/2009 |
Craig of Relaxing Journeys organised our trip starting in Christchurch and ending in Sydney twenty two days later. His service was immaculate. Each hotel or bed & breakfast greeted us warmly and made us feel right at home. All the owners went out of their way to ensure that we had places to visit and restaurants to sample. They were all genuinely concerned that we should have a good experience travelling around New Zealand and offered their thoughts on our itinerary and suggested extra stops on route that enhanced our time there. Although the weather in South Island was not always great and prevented us from exploring Frans Josef Glacier that was more to do with our choice of when to go which had been dictated by our unfortunate delay from the previous January and February. Our final stop in Aukland at the Aachen House was amusing in hindsight with a 2am fire alarm that the night manager slept thru but as we were able to evacuate everybody ourselves and the alarm was a false one no harm was done. The award for best overnight went to the Tree House hotel which was an absolute treat and anybody visiting that part of South Island to see the whales and dolphins should be directed there. The Bay of Islands and Russell where we hired a yacht for the day was another big highlight. The car hire in Christchurch was well executed but the handover when we arrived at Rotarua was botched - a case of miscommunication between the car hire firms offices but sorted out by Craig yet again with speed and charm. Thanks for a flawless performance on your part and please feel free to use me as a reference for your top class service.
Nigel & Susie Lilley (United States)
Tour Date 29/11/2009 |
Well, back from “down under” yesterday after a 25 hour flight! We wish to inform you that we had an excellent time in New Zealand and thank you so much for all your professional arrangements transfer and tour arrangements, which worked out perfectly! New Zealand is an extremely beautiful country and you must feel very lucky living there!
Chris Panagiotopoulos (Greece)
Tour Date 13/12/2006 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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| Intermediate Car |
NZ $8,913 |
NZ $8,436 |
NZ $12,041 |
| Full Size Car |
NZ $9,029 |
NZ $8,552 |
NZ $12,157 |
| Mid Size 4WD |
NZ $9,233 |
NZ $8,756 |
NZ $12,361 |
| Full Size Wagon |
NZ $9,233 |
NZ $8,756 |
NZ $12,361 |
| Full Size 4WD |
NZ $9,417 |
NZ $8,940 |
NZ $12,547 |
| People Mover (MPV) |
NZ $9,417 |
NZ $8,940 |
NZ $12,547 |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
Earlybird Special! Save 5% off the retail prices shown! Departures to 31 March 2011.
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 September 2010 and 30 September 2010
. 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 August 2011. |
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- Frequently Asked Questions.
- International flights to & from New Zealand are not included.
- Single, Triple & Quad prices are available on request.
- If you would prefer a mix of the accommodation listed we can arrange this.
- For families we can also price our premium self drive tours using self catering apartments.
- Our premium B&B's do not cater for children.
- 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 22 July 2010.
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