8 Day North & South Highlights
Auckland city at night
8 Day North & South Highlights
Want to see some of the North Island and some of the South Island but don't have a lot of time? This is the tour for you. Highlights include a Maori cultural evening, entry to the Te Puia geothermal region and a cruise on New Zealand's majestic Milford Sound.
Tour Info
| Tour Type: | Self Drive Tours |
| From: | Auckland to Christchurch |
| Departures: | Jan 2019 - March 2020 |
| Price: | From (NZD) $1525 per person |
| Tour Operator: | Relaxing Journeys |
| Duration: | 8 Days |
| Tour Code: | GNNSH |
Inclusions
| 7 nights accommodation |
| Rental vehicle of your choice |
| Entry to Waitomo Glowworm Caves |
| Te Po - Maori cultural experience with traditional hangi |
| Admission to the Te Puia geothermal region |
| Milford Sound Scenic Coach & Cruise |
Conditions
Prices are per person based on twin-share, and are subject to availability. Prices are correct at the time of submission but are subject to change without notice. Valid for travel January 2019 – March 2020. Blackout periods may apply. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at time of booking.
Click here for our full terms and conditions.
Day by Day Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Auckland! On arrival at Auckland airport, please collect your rental car and make your way to your accommodation. New Zealand’s largest city has an idyllic setting, overlooking the forested Waitakere Ranges, sheltered Manukau Harbour and the island studded Hauraki Gulf to the north.
No wonder over a million people choose to live there and enjoy the benefits of nature on the doorstep. Beautiful beaches and dreamy offshore islands are just half an hour from the city. In fact the sea is so much a part of the place that an unusually high number of people own their own boat giving the city its name of ‘City of Sails’.
Today make your way south through the lush Waikato farmlands south of Auckland to Waitomo, where entrance to the caves is included. 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. (2 nights)
Free time to explore Rotorua today. 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. (D)
Today please return your rental car to the depot at Rotorua airport prior to your flight to Queenstown. On arrival in Queenstown collect your new rental car and make your way to your accommodation.
Some might say the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is the place where just about everything is possible and anything is likely. Boasting an incredible location on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, in front of the impressive Remarkables mountain range, nature has purpose built this area for adventure. (3 nights)
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.
Upgrade your itinerary to include a return to Queenstown via a scenic flight. Take in the magnificent views of the alps, glaciers, lakes and forests of Fiordland National Park – a quick and convenient way to return to Queenstown. (Duration 35mins)
The flight shaves off approximately 4 hours off a return by coach. It is however very weather dependent, so if the weather doesn’t play ball, then you will need to return by coach and we will refund the upgrade price.
Although Queenstown is known for its adventure activities you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to appreciate Queenstown’s appeal. There is also much available for those wanting indulgence and relaxation, from the fine wines of the region to the many shops.
The best mountain views are to be had from the Skyline Gondola, which has a panoramic restaurant, overlooking the town and Lake Wakatipu, where scenic cruises on a historic steamboat are on offer.
Today journey through the centre of the South Island through the vast rolling landscapes of Mackenzie Country and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, arriving late afternoon.
Sadly, your holiday is at an end, please return your rental car to the depot at Christchurch airport prior to boarding your onward flight. We bid you a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
There are 25 reviews of this tour from past clients of Relaxing Journeys, averaging 4.5 out of 5.
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Optionals
New Zealand has a great deal of things to see and do, why not add one of our optional sightseeing activities to your trip. Prices are per adult (we'll adjust your quote for any children).
Enquire about our 8 Day North & South Highlights
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Want to see some of the North Island and some of the South Island but don't have a lot of time? This is the tour for you. Highlights include a Maori c... Read More
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