North & South Island Self-Drive Tour
Daily.
SELF-DRIVE tour
- Room only.
- 4* Rydges Auckland; 4* Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands; 4* Castaways Resort, Waiuku; 3*Plus Distinction Rotorua; 4* The Crown, Napier; 4* Rydges Wellington; 3*Plus Saxton Lodge, Nelson; 4* Copthorne Hotel, Greymouth; 3*Plus Glenfern Villas, Franz Josef; 4* Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown; 3*Plus Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas; 4* Distinction Dunedin; 4* Crowne Plaza, Christchurch.
- The price shown includes international flights, accommodation as shown, ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton, Milford Sound Nature Cruise from Te Anau on day 20 and 22 days compact all inclusive car hire.
- This tour is also available by motorhome from £2949 per person. This price includes return international flights to Auckland and from Christchurch, one pre-night at Rydges Auckland, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, and an Apollo Euro Tourer motorhome with value pack for 21 days. See pages 8-9 for motorhome options and details. Note: One way drop fee NZD189 payable locally.
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Days 1-2 Fly to Auckland
Days 3-4 Auckland
On arrival pick up your hire car and head to your hotel. The next morning, explore the harbour, browse the shops or perhaps take a day trip to Waiheke Island to sample wines.
Days 5-6 Bay of Islands
Enjoy a scenic drive to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. En route you may wish to visit Waipoua Kauri Forest and Hokianga Harbour (147 miles). At leisure to explore the area’s spectacular natural beauty, amazing beaches and 150 mostly uninhabited islands. See also the historic sites of Waitangi and Russell, New Zealand’s first capital.
Day 7 Waiuku
Maybe take a cruise to Cape Brett, watching for dolphins and later, drive to Waiuku near Auckland (184 miles).
Days 8-9 Rotorua
Perhaps take a guided tour of the Waitomo Caves to seethe glowworm caverns plus a boat trip through the underground grottos. Continue to Rotorua (129 miles). Explore the town’s spouting geysers and bubbling mud pools. It’s also a top spot to discover Māori culture.
Days 10-11 Napier
Travel south, skirting Lake Taupo and on to Napier, set amid the renowned Hawke’s Bay wine region (135 miles). Admire the town’s beautifully preserved 1930s architecture or, visit nearby wineries to sample the wine.
Day 12 Wellington
Drive south to Wellington, recently named “the coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet (199 miles).
Days 13-14 Nelson
Take a ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton on South Island, then drive on to Nelson absorbing the lovely views along the way (125 miles land only). Explore picturesque Abel Tasman National Park; try a sea kayak tour; or perhaps you fancy giving sky diving a go?
Day 15 Greymouth
Drive via Punakaiki to see the aptly named Pancake Rocks, and Paparoa National Park for its many natural attractions and wilderness areas. Continue to Greymouth. (175 miles).
Day 16 Franz Josef
Visit Franz Josef to see the mighty glaciers. Optional glacier walks and heli-hikes available at extra expense (106 miles).
Days 17-18 Queenstown
Next up is Queenstown known for its adrenalin activities (218 miles). Options include the Skyline Gondola for far-reaching views then, if you’re up for adventure, why not try bungee jumping, or a thrilling jet boat ride on the lake?
Days 19-20 Te Anau
Travel to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland, where you may wish to take a cruise on Lake Te Anau (106 miles). Set off on a full day excursion, taking in the scenic views en route to Milford Sound before a nature cruise to see the picture-perfect fiords. Return to Te Anau by coach.
Day 21 Dunedin
Drive to Dunedin, known for its Scottish feel along with its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Visit Larnach Castle, Speights Brewery or see penguin colonies (179 miles).
Days 22-23 Christchurch
Travel to Christchurch pausing in Oamaru or Timaru. Alternatively, you may wish to overnight in Oamaru or Mount Cook. Please ask for details (224 miles). At leisure to explore the city with its English feel and gardens. Alternatively, extend your stay and venture up to Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs for glorious views, whale and dolphin watching boat trips and thermal hot pools.
Day 24 Departure
Return your car to Christchurch airport where your tour concludes.
Need to know
Departures
Daily.
Meals
Room only.
Accommodation
4* Rydges Auckland; 4* Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands; 4* Castaways Resort, Waiuku; 3*Plus Distinction Rotorua; 4* The Crown, Napier; 4* Rydges Wellington; 3*Plus Saxton Lodge, Nelson; 4* Copthorne Hotel, Greymouth; 3*Plus Glenfern Villas, Franz Josef; 4* Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown; 3*Plus Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas; 4* Distinction Dunedin; 4* Crowne Plaza, Christchurch.
Tour price
The price shown includes international flights, accommodation as shown, ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton, Milford Sound Nature Cruise from Te Anau on day 20 and 22 days compact all inclusive car hire.
Notes
This tour is also available by motorhome from £2949 per person. This price includes return international flights to Auckland and from Christchurch, one pre-night at Rydges Auckland, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, and an Apollo Euro Tourer motorhome with value pack for 21 days. See pages 8-9 for motorhome options and details. Note: One way drop fee NZD189 payable locally.
