Luxury New Zealand self-drive

17 days
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USTOA

Private Guided
New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy ...
From$17,511
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy lights. Stratovolcanoes rise above grassy plains. Ice fields career down almost to the edge of the Tasman Sea. And that’s just for starters. Whether you’re keen to explore on foot or by car, bicycle or even helicopter (or a combination of them all), our specialists can help. They’ll devise a New Zealand holiday that allows you to take in the major destinations, as well as more out-of-the-way spots or lesser-known activities. They can recommend everything from the best Maori guides to the best places for viewing New Zealand’s unique panoply of birdlife.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityAuckland
End CityQueenstown

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown
  • Wellington

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • History
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Sailing

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 2 : International outbound flight

On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 3 : Auckland

You will be met upon arrival in Auckland and privately transferred to your accommodation where you will stay for two nights. The day is at leisure to explore the city.

Day 4 : Auckland

Enjoy a day at leisure in Auckland. You may like to take a stroll down Queen Street, the main shopping area, or enjoy a boat trip out onto the harbour.

Day 5 : Taupo

You collect your hire car from the city car depot and head south to Lake Taupo. We recommend making a stop in Rotorua for lunch.

Day 6 : Taupo

You have today at leisure in Lake Taupo. This is the thermal centre of New Zealand - here you can see bubbling mud-pools, steaming lakes and impressive geysers.

Day 7 : Napier & Hawkes Bay

Make your way east to Napier today, at the heart of the Hawke's Bay region where you will stay for two nights.

Day 8 : Napier & Hawkes Bay

Today you have a day at leisure in Napier. Hawke's Bay is famous not only for its wine production but also for the outstanding examples of Art Deco architecture in Napier. Guided tours can be arranged for either of these interests.

Day 9 : Blenheim

Today make your way to the airport and drop your vehicle at the airport car depot in time for your short flight to Blenheim, via Wellington. In Blenheim please collect another vehicle at the airport and make your way to your accommodation where you will stay for two nights.

Day 10 : Blenheim

Blenheim and the Marlborough region is New Zealand's most renowned for wine production. Known for its rich volcanic soil, the Sauvignon Blanc made here is considered some of the best in the world. You will spend the day on a gourmet tour of the area's best wineries, learning of the area's history and development of its wine production.

Day 11 : Christchurch

Today you make your way south to Christchurch. This is a lovely garden city and many of the main attractions are close to each other in the city centre.

Day 12 : Christchurch

Spend today at your leisure. Although Christchurch is still undergoing reconstruction from an earthquake in 2011, there is still loads to see and do. Enjoy a walk through Hagley Park on your way to the Central Business District, where you'll find an abundance of shops and restaurants.

Day 13 : Glenorchy

Today make your way to the airport and drop your vehicle in time for your flight to Queenstown. On arrival you collect a car and drive to the beautiful setting of Blanket Bay lodge in Glenorchy.

Day 14 : Glenorchy

Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience today with a scenic helicopter flight over Milford Sound and the surrounding scenery of Fiordland National Park.

Day 15 : Glenorchy

Get ready for a day of exhilarating day of fun! You will be collected from your hotel in the morning and begin your day on the Dart River. You will head up the river in a jet boat and after a leisurely walk through the forest then you will kayak back down the Dart River.

Day 16 : International return flight

Make your way back to Queenstown today for your flight to Auckland. Later join your onward flight to return home.

Day 17 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $17,511
Price per day$1,030
Last Updated: 0/11/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Our trips don’t come off the shelf. There’s no set recipe. Each itinerary is tailor-made down to the finest detail, built around your tastes and interests. Quite simply, we listen to what you want and then carefully design an individual trip to match, working to your budget and with an absolute commitment to quality.

We have experts for each and every one of our destinations, with the knowledge that comes from having visited many times or even lived there. Our specialists will design a trip around you, show you the highlights from a different angle, and introduce you to places and experiences that others might miss.

Our flexibility promise

As the world adjusts to travel in times of uncertainty, we want you to be able to look ahead to your next trip knowing you can change your plans if needed. And, with specialists who are experts in their destinations and remain your single point of contact before and while you travel, we promise you can book with us in absolute confidence.

Our flexibility promise

Change your plans free of charge up to 30 days before departure

We’ll move your travel dates or switch the value of your booked trip to another destination at no expense to you up to 30 days before you’re due to depart. You’ll receive a 100% travel credit equivalent to the amount you paid toward your original booking.

Valid for new bookings made on or before October 31, 2020, for travel by Dec. 31, 2021. Travel dates may be moved to departures up to December 31, 2022. Excludes select cruises and airfare. Additional charges may be incurred based on changes to your trip such as accommodation and/or seasonality.

Full-refund guarantee on trips close to home

14-day cancellation policy for trips to the US, Canada or Caribbean

We want to help you navigate the uncertainty that remains around travel by giving you the flexibility to book a trip to any of our destinations in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean this year in complete confidence. With our 14-day cancellation policy, you can cancel your trip up to two weeks before you’re due to depart for any reason and receive a full refund, when you book your trip on or before October 31, 2020 for travel before December 14, 2021**.

Valid on new bookings within the US, Canada or Caribbean made on or before October 31, 2020 for travel by December 14, 2021. Certain policy variations may apply dependent on property selection and dates. Specific details will be provided by your specialist. Any portion of a new booking paid with an existing travel credit will be refunded in the form of a travel credit. Excludes flights and select properties.

 

Set your travel plans in motion with a video appointment

 

Talking face to face with your specialist can be an invaluable starting point for sharing thoughts and ideas as you begin to imagine your next trip. You can take as much time as you need to speak to your specialist and discuss all your plans with one of our video appointments. Just think of it as your own personal webinar — your specialist will share a wealth of insight, aided by images, maps and other visuals, to inspire you and provide advice for your trip, based on what you want to experience.

It's easy to arrange

  • Book a video appointment (we’ll ask you for a few details about your travel plans).
  • One of our specialists, who’s an expert in your chosen destination, will get in touch to arrange a time and date to suit you. If your travel companions are in different households, we’ll invite them to join, too, so you can all chat together.
  • Your specialist will send you a link to your video appointment by email. We suggest using a computer or laptop, which means there’s no software to download.
  • Settle down with a drink, click on the link to join the appointment and your specialist will be there to welcome you.
 

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
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