Cultural New Zealand self-drive

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

On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.

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.

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'.

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.

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!

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.

Enjoy a day at leisure on Waiheke, explore some of the beautiful beaches or visit one of the award-winning wineries.

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.

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.

Today you make your way down to Wellington through some lovely little country towns and return your hire car on arrival.

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.

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.

Today you will enjoy a Maori Cultural tour of the Picton area; a fascinating insight into the historic and cultural significance of the area.

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.

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.

Today you make your way to Lake Tekapo, skirting around Christchurch then heading inland across the Canterbury Plains.

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.

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.

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.