New Zealand's Wildlife self-drive
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Itinerary
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.
On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.
On arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representatives and have a private transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight to the Bay of Islands. Once in Kerikeri you pick up a hire car and make your way to your accommodation.
This morning you join a Dolphin swim cruise which will take you out into the bay to look for dolphins. What a way to start your holiday!
Make your way south from the Bay of Islands to the international city of Auckland where you will stay for two nights. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city. I recommend making a stop at the Viaduct Harbour region to have a nice meal or stop my the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about the New Zealand war history.
Today you'll be collected from your hotel in the morning and enjoy a full day tour of the Tiritiri Matangi Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary. This is an excellent chance to learn of the history and evolution of New Zealand's birds and animals. Along with time to independently explore, the day includes a guided walk through the native bush.
Make your way southeast to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula today. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Coromandel Peninsula. I recommend going to Hot Water Beach to make your own hot water hole or head to the mining region of the peninsula.
You will be collect from your accommodation for a full day tour of the Coromandel. You will tour around the entire peninsula, visiting beautiful coastline and seemingly endless mountains. Your guide will ensure you learn of the Coromandel's significant Maori cultural ...
Make your way south to Rotorua, the thermal centre of New Zealand. Here you can see bubbling mud-pools, steaming lakes and impressive geysers. In the evening you will be collected from your accommodation and head to a local Maori cultural center. Enjoy a traditional...
Today you will go on an adventure to see volcanoes and rainforests on a guided walk around the Rotorua area. You will also learn lots about the native bird life on this trip.
Head out early today and make your way south to the capital city of Wellington. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Wellington. We recommend stopping at the famous Te Papa Museum, to learn all about the country's Natural, Maori, and European history.
Spend the day at leisure exploring the capital city before taking a trip out to Zealandia tonight for a night tour - the reserve is home to plenty of native species which had originally been wiped out from the mainland. There is a great chance to see Tuatara and Kiwi birds here.
Journey across the Cook Strait and through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds today, looking out for dolphins and seals as you cruise through the tranquil waters. Drive south to Murchison, an overnight stay on your way to Kaikoura.
Drive to Kaikoura this morning and go for an afternoon walk around the peninsula, where you will see the extensive seal colonies and can also see how much of the sea bed has raised up with the recent earthquake.
This morning you join the Whale Watch trip, departing from the Whale Way Station in Kaikoura. You will hopefully encounter the majestic sperm whales, as well as dolphins, albatross and seals, all of which make these waters their home.This afternoon, drive to 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.
Make your way down to Dunedin today, and you might like to stop for a break at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders, just north of Palmerston.
You join a wildlife cruise today that will allow you to see the fantastic wildlife of this area in its natural environment. The trip includes a visit to the yellow-eyed penguin colony, an extremely rare species, where you can get very close to the penguins via some specially designed underground walkways.
Continue to make your way south to Invercargill in time for your short flight over to Stewart Island, a pristine island which is mostly national park where you will stay for two nights.
Today you have a full-day tour of Ulva and Stewart Islands with a knowledgeable local guide, on which you will learn all about the resident fauna and flora.
You return to Invercargill by light aircraft today and continue onto Te Anau where you will stay for one night.In the evening make your way down to the Real Journeys Visitor Centre for an evening excursion to the renowned Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, one of the few places on earth to see these bioluminescent creatures!
This morning you will be collected from your hotel and driven to Manapouri, where you'll get a ferry across to the Manapouri Power Station and then board another coach, bringing you to the Doubtful Head via Wilmot Pass, allowing you to see the Sound from far above. Yo...
You will return from the cruise late this morning to collect your car and make your way to Queenstown for your last night stay.
Today you will fly from Queenstown to Auckland to connect with your onward flight.
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
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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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