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Cultural New Zealand self-drive
Preferred
Overview
Short Description
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.
Destinations
New ZealandActivities & Interests
Bird watching Culture Dolphin Swim Hiking History Kayaking Mountaineering Nature SailingItinerary
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 : Paihia & The Bay of Islands
Upon arrival in Auckland you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred by private vehicle to the domestic terminal. Here you will fly to Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. Collect your hire car from the airport and make your way to the coastal town of Paihia.
Day 4 : Paihia & The Bay of Islands
Spend the day at leisure exploring the Bay of Islands. Pay a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic location of the treaty signed between the Maori chiefs and the British Crown or take a boat trip through the 'Hole in the Rock'.
Day 5 : Auckland
Today you will drive down to Auckland, the 'City of Sails'. You might like to stop in the delightful town of Matakana en route; with a number of boutique shops and cafes this is a great place to have lunch with the locals.
Day 6 : Auckland
Today you will be collected from your hotel by a guide from Time Unlimited for a morning City Highlights tour. Your guide will cater the trip to your interests, all the while telling you of Auckland's natural and social history. This is a great opportunity to get a great seafood meal in, so make sure to mention it to your guide and you won't be disappointed!
Day 7 : Waiheke Island
This morning you take the ferry over to Waiheke Island, just a short journey away from Auckland downtown. From the boat enjoy scenic views of the harbour.
Day 8 : Waiheke Island
Enjoy a day at leisure on Waiheke, explore some of the beautiful beaches or visit one of the award-winning wineries.
Day 9 : Taupo
Take the ferry back to Auckland today, rejoin your vehicle and make your way south to Lake Taupo. Stop off in Rotorua to see some of the geothermal activity on the way.
Day 10 : Taupo
Join a cruise on Lake Taupo to see the famous Maori rock carvings then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit Huka Falls or the interesting Wairakei Terraces thermal area.
Day 11 : Wellington
Today you make your way down to Wellington through some lovely little country towns and return your hire car on arrival.
Day 12 : Wellington
Enjoy a day at leisure in Wellington, the country's capital. Be sure to spend some time in Te Papa - a combination of museum, art gallery and cultural centre all under one roof.
Day 13 : Picton & The Marlborough Sounds
Make your way to the ferry terminal this morning and take the Interislander to the South Island. You will stay in the waterfront town of Picton for a couple of nights. This is a great place to enjoy the famous New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels.
Day 14 : Picton & The Marlborough Sounds
Today you will enjoy a Maori Cultural tour of the Picton area; a fascinating insight into the historic and cultural significance of the area.
Day 15 : Hanmer Springs
You collect your car this morning and make your way south and inland to Hanmer Springs via the Lewis Pass. On arrival head to the hot springs and relax in the naturally geothermal heated pools.
Day 16 : Hanmer Springs
Today is at leisure in Hanmer Springs, enjoy a lovely walk through the Alpine village or perhaps drive round to Kaikoura and spend the day exploring there.
Day 17 : Lake Tekapo
Today you make your way to Lake Tekapo, skirting around Christchurch then heading inland across the Canterbury Plains.
Day 18 : Lake Tekapo
You have the day to explore Tekapo. One of the most famous viewpoints in New Zealand - from the Church of the Good Shepherd - is found here and there are some fantastic walks along the lakeside. This evening journey up to Mt John Observatory and observe a myriad stars in the night sky. As a UNESCO designated Dark Sky Area this is one of the best places in the world to go stargazing.
Day 19 : Queenstown
Continue your journey today through the spectacular Lindis Pass to the Southern Lakes Region. Make your way to Arrowtown, an old gold mining settlement and now a quaint little town with many cafes and art galleries to enjoy.
Day 20 : Queenstown
This evening I have included a trip on the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steam ship that cruises on Lake Wakatipu. You will cross the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you will enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner and embark on a farm tour where you will get an insight into New Zealand's farming culture.
Day 21 : Queenstown
Enjoy a final day exploring this area. You might like to visit Lake Wanaka and soak up the cafe culture there. If you didn't visit Arrowtown on your way from Lake Tekapo, we suggest you do so today on your way to Lake Wanaka.Alternatively you might like to drive along Lake Wakatipu to the quaint old village of Glenorchy, they have a lovely village shop & cafe and some of the most magical scenery in New Zealand to explore on foot.Alternatively you might like to drive along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, a tiny old village with a lovely shop & cafe and some of the most magical scenery in New Zealand to walk through.
Day 22 : International return flight
Take an internal flight from Queenstown to Auckland where you catch your onward flight.
Day 23 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Availability
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Cultural New Zealand self-drive
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Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal transport included (including local flights)
Group Size
Intimate Group - 12 max
Trip ID#:
audley-travel-39924
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