Tour Type: Premium Self Drive Tour
Duration: 16 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $5275 pp
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16 Day New Zealand Highlights Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland airport, you will be personally met by our representative & transferred in an executive sedan to your accommodation. The 'City of Sails' is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences. Built on an isthmus of 48 volcanoes, Auckland's fertile valleys and islands are home to award-winning wineries. Family attractions abound and the city has plenty of adrenaline for adventure lovers. Indulge in auckland's shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine. Discover why Auckland is one of the best places in the world to live - and visit.
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Day
2 |
Auckland - Ruakuri Cave - Rotorua
Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel this morning. Farewell the "City of Sails" as you travel south along the Southern Motorway to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe. Continue through Hamilton - New Zealand's fourth largest city and the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Ruakuri Caves. Newly reopened after an interval of 18 years, Ruakuri cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. in any one sightseeing tour, your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. On completion continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the "thermal city" of Rotorua. (B)
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Day
3 |
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/D) |
Day
4 |
Rotorua - Taupo
This morning depart Rotorua and head to Wai-O-Tapu. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserve’s unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. 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. (B)
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Day
5 |
Lake Taupo - 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. (B)
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Day
6 |
Wellington - Picton - Kenepuru Sounds
Please return your rental vehicle to the Wellington Interislander
Terminal at this time and check in for your journey across Cook Strait to Picton on the Interislander
Ferry. A voucher for the ferry is included in your tour documents. 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. (B)
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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. (B) |
Day
8 |
Kaikoura Coast, 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. (B)
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Day
9 |
Chirstchurch - Mt Cook
Drive through the MacKenzie Country to Lake Tekapo, where you stop view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of local stone and oak in 1935. Then it’s on to the Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site. Mt Cook is Australasia's highest mountain at 3764 metres. The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery and is also home to the Tasman Glacier; the longest in the Southern hemisphere (optional ski-plane & helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions). (B)
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Day
10 |
Mount Cook - Queenstown
Depart Mt Cook today and continue on to the world-heritage listed Mt Cook National Park. The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery and boasts Australasia’s highest mountain, Aoraki or Mt Cook, at 3,764 metres. There are a further 140 peaks over 2000 metres high and the Tasman Glacier, the longest in the southern hemisphere. Optional ski plane and helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions. After your visit to Mount Cook travel south through Twizel, Omarama and the Lindis Pass to the Central Otago town of Cromwell. From here it’s a short journey across to Queenstown – South Island’s Alpine Resort. (B)
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Day
11
to
12 |
Explore Queenstown
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. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your hotel staff will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection. (B) |
Day
13 |
Westland, Franz Josef Glacier
Depart Queenstown this morning, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Then continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to Franz Josef Glacier. (B)
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Day
14 |
Franz Josef Glacier
Endless opportunities exist to allow you to take in the beauty of this special part of the South Island's West Coast. Take a guided walk or heli-hike to explore the spectacular ice formations; experience the thrill of a scenic flight and place your footprints onto a high alpine snowfield; feel your adrenaline rush on New Zealand's most scenic skydive; visit New Zealand's only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting colony; take in the scenery as you kayak the stunning Okarito lagoon or visit Lake Matheson, renowned for its mirror images of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, New Zealand's highest peaks. (B) |
Day
15 |
TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch
On arrival in Greymouth return your rental car to the Greymouth depot before checking in for your train journey to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine is described as "The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure" and is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world. Ascend through lush beech forests past the beautiful Lake Brunner via the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass situated 737 metres above sea level, before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine then winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley & across the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch. (B)
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Day
16 |
Depart Christchurch
Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. (B) |
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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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from NZ $5,275
16 Day New Zealand Highlights
18
4.3
5
16 Day New Zealand Highlights Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 16 Day New Zealand Highlights. |
Kia Ora (see, we did learn something!) We are very happy to rate the tour you arranged for us as 'Excellent'. The hotels were excellent, with the exception of the hotel in Mount Cook which was, unfortunately, mediocre. We understand you probably didn't have a choice of where we could stay, particularly with the incredible view of Mount Cook from our bedroom window. As we only stayed one night we were OK with that, and the view was wonderful. The food on the evening of our stay (a buffet) was pretty awful! We particularly loved The George Hotel in Christchurch (could you take time to pass our thanks to all the staff who coped so well. We arrived during an earthquake, and they did everything possible to ensure our safety and comfort. I understand the hotel is privately-owned and it would be good if the owner could be told how great his staff are!). The hotel was lovely, with beautiful rooms, and excellent food. We also loved our stay in Lake Taupau. The Soak and Sail (even though it was pouring with rain it didn't spoil anything but the view) was wonderful, and Matt (skipper) was brilliant. Browns Boutique Hotel in Queenstown was fantastic - peaceful and yet only 5 minutes walk to the main town centre. The Christmas stay in Kenepuru Sound was idyllic, and the staff excellent. The food was wonderful, and the place and views just wonderful - we didn't want to leave! The Holiday Inn in Rotarua was, well, a Holiday Inn. However, the Maori experience was very good, and the food better than expected (when having to serve so many people in that kind of environment it can be difficult to maintain food quality). We enjoyed the North Island very much, but South Island is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited. The people are lovely, and we loved everything about it. One note to bear in mind is Auckland at Christmas and New Year. An awful lot of shops and restaurants were closed during our stay there (31st December thru' to 4th January). We found that a bit difficult, as it was the last leg of our stay and we'd planned to visit restaurants and shops. However, more opened up on the 3rd and 4th January, and some restaurants were open in the Viaduct area. Just worth mentioning to visitors. Wellington (only one night there) was also a bit like a ghost town (I think we were there on the 27th December), though we persevered and found a very nice Italian restaurant. The support we had from you both before we left the UK and whilst in NZ was much appreciated. Thank you again for arranging such a wonderful 'epic' trip for us. We have already recommended your company to everyone we know, and have told them they have to go to New Zealand at least once!
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Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Peter & Serena Page (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 18/12/2011 |
It was a great trip. It all came together very well. We had a wonderful time! We were fortunate the sun always came out when it absolutely needed to. Everything went very smoothly. The B&Bs were all great; very warm & helpful hosts, locations excellent, nice variety. We enjoyed each place we went to and don't know if we would change anything. I should however comment on the B&B in Wellington. I believe it was a substitute as the one you would normally use as this was not available. It wasn't of the same calibre as the others. There were a number of issues; one that probably says it best - I found a used tissue in the pocket of the bath robe in my room. The place has the potential to be a great B&B and although the hostess was nice she probably needs to brush up on how to present & run a welcoming, comfortable & clean B&B. Thank you Jarrod for organizing our trip!
Lillian Dueckman (Canada)
Tour Date 04/11/2011 |
The 16 Day New Zealand Highlights self-drive was a fantastic way to see New Zealand. Everything went smoothly. All the hotels that were chosen were great and we felt warmly welcomed at all of them. The scheduled prepared made it easy to follow and the suggested sights were all worth visiting. A wonderful experience!
Robert & Randal Hengal (United States)
Tour Date 13/06/2011 |
Our customised trip was terrific. The accomodations were welcoming and comfortable, the sights were jaw droppingly gorgeous and the attractions that we visited were interesting and informative. The rental cars and other voucher transactions were seemless. Our only regret was that we didn't stay a week to 10 days longer. We would have liked to have visited the Bay of Islands and the far north of the North Island, Dunedin and the far south of the south island. We wish we had cruised Doubtful Sound as mell as Milford Sound and gone to Stewart Island. We could have spent a few days just touring more vineyards. The wine making regions are so gorgeous. Driving on the left side of the road was a new and exciting challenge for a couple of days. We really have nothing negative to say and little to add to suggest improvement. The only lodging we did not necessarily like was Peppers Resort outside Christchurch. This was a replacement property from where we were orginally supposed to stay before the tragic earthquake. We didn't particularly like the place because the staff seemed to be disinterested, the suite although roomy was not particularly comfortable and the food was pretty pedestrian. But traveling, particularly to a new place for the first time, is always an adventure and ours was great because Jarrod and Relaxing Journeys did a terrific job of structuring a trip that met with what I am sure was our less than complete description of what we were looking for. Thank you all for a great trip.
Thom & Sandy Sheets (United States)
Tour Date 02/03/2011 |
All went very well, we thought that the standard of accommodation was good and the journey timings realistic. The only minor niggles were being told twice by the DeBrett staff in Auckland that a second coffee at breakfast would be extra! Very irritating, and the transfer pick up van in Christchurch was filthy internally. Otherwise, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will definitely return to New Zealand at some time to see the things we missed.
Alan Crabb (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 28/01/2011 |
We were very impressed with the voucher system and that at each venue we were expected, regardless of the time we arrived. In Rotorua 5 attractions were too many for the time allocated, we managed 3 and forwent 2 others plus the night out. Glacial walks should explain that a medical questionaire is required prior to participation, and exclusion results with a failure of such. The upgrades in some hotels were wonderful, as was the use of the lounge on the ferry across Cook Straight. Lakefront rooms would be nice at Queenstown as they were at Taupo and Tekapo. Overall a wonderfully organized holiday, we will recommend it to our friends without hesitation.
Ian & Pip Hart (Australia)
Tour Date 08/02/2010 |
We absolutely loved our trip and were impressed with how smoothly everything went. All was in order; there wasn't a single glitch with any of our reservations or vouchers. We stayed the perfect amount of time at each stop. Never did we feel we were someplace too long or not long enough. We were a little disappointed with a couple of the Heritage Hotels particularly in Rotorua. There were no towels in the room, the air conditioner didn't work well and at one point the elevator wasn't working. The staff were the least hospitable of all the hotels we visited, although the man who brought up a fan was very kind and helpful. We absolutely loved the Country Retreat at Franz Josef and Raetihi Lodge. What disappointed us with the Heritage Hotels was more than compensated for by the incredible staff and hospitality of these two hotels. Also, our Bed and Breakfast Inns were AWESOME. The experience added much to our New Zealand experience. We have friends who are planning a New Zeland trip early next year. We have highly recommended them to you. We thank you again for organizing everything so beautifully. We were just looking at our pictures tonight and savoring the many memorable days and moments. Our sincerest thanks and appreciation.
Dede & Kraig Kelly (United States)
Tour Date 30/01/2010 |
We had the best time ever! It was a great experience from the begining, driving on the right side of the road, the fashion city Auckland, the city built from a dream - Christchurch, the Maori culture at Rotorua, to walking on Franz Josef Glacier. The people were very kind and friendly. We definetly have to go back! The hotels were so beautiful, they were a very important part to make this trip an extraordinary experience. Only at the hotel in Taupo were the crew a little bit rude. They told us breakfast wasn't included when every hotel in our tour was. Also it would be nice that the tour included a few more activities pre-booked like they were in Rotorua - maybe something at Queenstown and Franz Josef. That way it is easier to plan a day and know the best places in NZ. Thank u a lot for everything, it is a trip that we will never forget. NZ is incredible! we want lo live there!
Paola & Hector Bastida (Mexico)
Tour Date 02/12/2009 |
Excellent thanks, we had wonderful time. From my first last minute enquiry to Jarrod I was given help and advice with the planning and booking, through to a telephone call part way through the trip to check everything was OK, this is a very good idea. Everything booked by yourselves worked smoothly, from the car hire to hotel bookings. The Heritage Hotels were good although we felt the Scenic were of a lower standard, although of course they had wonderful views! The travelling time between destinations was just right and the activities excellent.
Christine & Terence Little (Australia)
Tour Date 20/11/2009 |
We would like to thank you and your staff (Ms Debbi Smith) for putting together a wonderful self drive package for my wife & I. All went according to plan including the professional pick up at the Auckland airport till our departure 20 days later from Christchurch. The hotels, motels and resorts that we stayed at were first rate and the itinerary was well diversified. The only glitch in the program was our rental car reservation in Auckland was nowhere to be found, but a call to your office got Ms Smith involved in the problem and we were on our way in a short time. We also had a problem turning in the car at Wellington as there was no agent at the Europcar booth to take the key and paperwork as well as receive the GPS unit. We ended up turning in the GPS at Picton as we didn't want to carry it around everywhere we travelled. On their behalf, we received a 'goodie' package from Europcar when we stopped overnight in Christchurch as a peace offering for the mix up. Overall, our trip was a wonderful 50th wedding anniversary adventure, and we have told our travel agent that she should have no qualms recommending your company to other customers. Again thank you for a great trip.
John & Yvonne Ammerall (United States)
Tour Date 03/03/2009 |
Thank you so much for the wonderful holiday! It was a shame that we could not make the Milford Sound cruise due to the landslide but we did have a fantastic day anyway. We went to see some snow (not often seen by us Queenslanders) at Coronet Peak, Remarkables and Cardrona and visited Arrowtown. Thank you so much for the dinner and the wine for our anniversary. It was a fantastic unexpected extra! I must mention that our 4 favourite parts were Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, the heli hike and Raehiti Lodge. Nick and Pip were absolutely wonderful hosts and, as we were the only ones there on our last night, we got spoilt rotten. We took over 500 photos so there are lots of memories. I will recommend your company to all our friends and family. Thank you so much again.
Teresa & David Cordwell (Australia)
Tour Date 10/06/2008 |
Although it's some time since we concluded our tour with you, we have only just returned home having extended our stay on the North Island for the test cricket series, but we did want to write to you and let you know that we had a fabulous holiday and we really appreciate the work that you had put into our itineraries. Your route, your recommended accommodation and your excursions were of the highest quality. Having met many other visitors during the course of our tour and discussed their experiences we were always confident that the arrangements you'd made on our behalf were at least as good and on most occasions better than those who had made their own plans or had relied upon other agencies for their itineraries. Even your choice of hire car company was commendable. During our South Island tour we managed to break a windscreen and sustain a puncture within 48 hours of each other but they could not have been more helpful and came to our assistance quickly and efficiently on both occasions. We enjoyed all your excursions and perhaps surprisingly, our favourite was the Mount Cook Glacier Explorers trip which provided a glimpse of a world so alien to us it is difficult to describe. We received a warm welcome in all the selected hotels and lodges and we particularly enjoyed the smaller, boutique style of accommodation. Everyone was expecting us and had a room ready for us despite being exceptionally busy. In closing, may we thank you and all your colleagues at Relaxing Journeys once again. Our experience of New Zealand was just wonderful and we would not hesitate in recommending you and your services to any other Brit planning to visit your great country.
Gordon & Lynn Harrison (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 09/02/2008 |
There was great value in booking the self drive trip through you. The itineraries and B&Bs you selected were outstanding, and there was the added advantage of having you and Rochelle there when our baggage went astray. All the places either had a fantastic view or were extremely high class small hotels. In particular the Charlotte Jane is a super place with our special Valentine's dinner (which you booked for us) as an added highlight. We will recommend your operation to our friends when we show them our great pictures.
James Fein & Marie Barr (United States)
Tour Date 09/02/2008 |
No mistake this time with the photo I just wanted to thank you both for your kind attention to us regarding our NZ holiday, we were pleased to do business with you and?say thank you , it has been a pleasure. See you next time. Kia-ora,?
Eric & Gloria Mc Mullen (Australia)
Tour Date 02/09/2007 |
We have been in the US for a few days and are settled into our everyday life. I just wanted to let you that we had a wonderful experience in NZ. The weather contributed considerably to show New Zealand at its best. The schedule could not have been bettered. Thanks for your all your help. The personal touch made it so much easier to deal with this trip. Having you as a contact person was invaluable. We appreciated your prompt responses to our inquiries. Again, thank you. We had a wonderful time and can recommend you to everybody willing to listen.
Josef & Marilyn Schmee (United States)
Tour Date 23/02/2007 |
Just to let you know the self drive itinerary that you arranged for us went like clockwork. At every point, things were taken care of and the voucher system worked perfectly. Our problem was we didn?t have enough time to do all the things that NZ has to offer. Anyway we want to thank you for a good job and wish you a very Happy New Year.
Bill Hill & Lam King Yue (Hong Kong)
Tour Date 02/01/2007 |
Just wanted to send you a note thanking you for your assistance in planning my trip in December. The trip went really well and I was blessed with great weather almost the entire trip. I was really impressed with your country and hope to visit again in the future. Take care and Happy New Year.
Gregg Waligroski (United States)
Tour Date 15/12/2006 |
We would like make some comments on our recent trip with you. We did the New Zealand Highlights holiday. The experience you provided us with seeing your country was the very best, a 5 star trip. The whole trip was excellent. We have only been back less then 2 weeks but we have already told many people that if they plan to travel to New Zealand, this was the way to go with a first class operation all the way. The accommodations were way beyond what we thought we were going to get. They were all spotlessly clean. The value of the accommodations were way beyond what we thought we were getting, we would rate you a 10. We have already recommended to friends and family and colleagues if you go to New Zealand you need to go with your group. We've given copies of trip plans that you gave us to people to show how excellent a job you do. The ferry between the north and south island was a great experience and thank you for putting the Tranz-Alpine train on the tour. It was a must do item. Thanks again.
Wayne & Doris Albrecht (United States)
Tour Date 26/11/2006 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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| Intermediate Car |
NZ $5,417 |
NZ $5,275 |
NZ $6,513 |
| Full Size Car |
NZ $5,476 |
NZ $5,335 |
NZ $6,573 |
| Mid Size 4WD |
NZ $5,645 |
NZ $5,503 |
NZ $6,741 |
| Full Size 4WD |
NZ $5,741 |
NZ $5,600 |
NZ $6,839 |
| People Mover (MPV) |
NZ $5,791 |
NZ $5,648 |
NZ $6,887 |
| Premium Full Size 4WD |
NZ $5,868 |
NZ $5,725 |
NZ $6,964 |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
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. |
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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 2 December 2011.
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