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North and South Island New Zealand
Check air fares to QueenstownDescription
There is no better way to fully appreciate the natural beauty of New Zealand than to drive through it. And on this exciting two week self-drive tour you will see all the main highlights of both North and South Island as you travel from Auckland down to Christchurch. Lord of the Rings country never fails to delight visitors and with the freedom you have by driving yourself you will have plenty of opportunities to make the most out of your 14 day itinerary by finding places where other tourists can't reach.
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland airport you will be met and transferred to your Auckland hotel. Enjoy this bright and buzzing city with its exclusive waterfront area and go exploring before eating out in one of a number of fine restaurants.
Day 2
Auckland / Rotorua
This morning collect your rental car& say farewell to Auckland and drive south over the Bombay Hills and through the lush Waikato pasturelands to the famous geothermal centre of Rotorua, where you spend the next two nights. The journey is around 200 miles and, of course, you drive on the left just like in England.
Day 3
Rotorua
Geysers, mud pools and thermal springs have been attracting visitors to Rotorua since the 1800s and the living, breathing landscape never fails to amaze. A faint sulphur scent lingers in the air, a constant reminder of the thermal activity that is visible in pockets scattered around the region. Clouds of steam drift from Kuirau Park, home to boiling mud pools and crater lakes. Fumaroles and silica terraces displaying amazing colours can be found at the region’s various thermal parks – a must-see for any visitor.
Day 4
Rotorua / Napier
Today you leave the steamy wonderland and Maori culture of Rotorua and travel south-east today towards Napier, known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand and a well known wine region. This journey is again around 200 miles but the driving is easy and the rolling countryside a delight.
Day 5
Napier
A full day today at leisure with time to explore the lovely parks, gardens, shoreline and wineries of Napier, one of New Zealand's most attractive cities, located at the south of the Hawkes Bay and capital of the country's wine growing industry. Palm trees line the inner-city streets and the wonderfully sculpted Marine Parade runs along the shore. Known as the Art Deco City, Napier has the most comprehensive collection of inner-city art deco buildings in the world.
Day 6
Napier / Wellington
Back in the car today for the 300 mile journey south through the Manawatu Gorge, horticultural farms and the rocky seascapes to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Wellington is also the country's arts and cultural capital. Visit the galleries, see the world-class New Zealand Symphony Orchestra or the Royal New Zealand Ballet and on the waterfront you’ll find Te Papa Tongarewa, a presentation of New Zealand’s story through art and interactive display. Wellington has a vibrant café scene and some of the best restaurants in the country.
Day 7
Wellington / Picton / Blenheim
Today it is time to change islands. Drop your car off at the rental car depot at the Wellington Ferry Terminal and board the Interislander Ferry for your journey across Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival in South Island collect your rental car and make your way to Blenheim, a drive of around 100 miles.
Day 8
Blenheim / Kaikoura / Christchurch
There is another long and picturesque 300 mile drive today from Picton. Journey down the coast past the towns of Kaikoura, which is famous for whale watching and Cheviot before arriving in Christchurch, one of New Zealand's most beautiful and relaxed cities. Time to relax in the wonderful parks or go shopping.
Day 9
Christchurch / Mt Cook
It will be hard to tear yourself away from Christchurch as there is so much to see and do there, but today you begin another 300 mile drive to majestic Mount Cook. While in Mount Cook National Park you may want to make time for a scenic skiplane or helicopter flight over the Tasman Glacier.
Day 10
Mt Cook / Queenstown
This morning travel south over the Lindis Pass and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. This journey is also around 300 miles but the scenery is so stunning that the time will pass in a flash. Once you have arrived in the adrenalin junkies capital of the world it is up to you which adventure you try.
Day 11
Queenstown
A full day at your leisure to select your optional sightseeing or thrilling experience. There is bungee jumping, jet boating and white water rafting to name but a few and for a more relaxed time, vintage steamer lake cruises, visits to high country sheep stations, mountain gondola rides - the list is endless. You should also make time to relax and simply marvel at the beautiful mountain scenery.
Day 12
Queenstown / Dunedin
Depart this morning for the 250 mile drive to Dunedin through the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell, following the Clutha River down through Alexandra via the rich farmlands of South Otago. Dunedin - the Edinburgh of the South - is a fascinating place. Visit the railway station, the world's steepest street, the Otago Peninsula - home of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Penguins or historic Larnach Castle.
Day 13
Dunedin / Christchurch
This morning you drive the 250 miles heading north to Moeraki to view the unique outdoor beach boulders. Continue via Oamaru and Timaru across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where you will have time to see some of the sights you missed earlier in your trip.
Day 14
Christchurch
Today your wonderful self drive tour of New Zealand comes to an end. Time for some more sightseeing and shopping in Christchurch before you return your rental car directly at the airport and prepare for your onward flight or journey back home having seen for yourself why New Zealand is a paradise for tourists.
Tour details 14 days
Tour Highlights
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Napier
- Wellington
- Picton
- Blenheim
- Christchurch
- Mt Cook
- Queenstown
Included:
- 13 nights accommodation-room only
- Rental car for duration-CDAV (Compact vehicle)
- Admission to sightseeing activities in Rotorua
- Maori Hangi dinner and concert
- Interislander Ferry crossing Wellington to Picton
Not included:
- Options Tours & Sightseeing
Sadie planned my flights to and from Queenstown. I was able to have a small amount of time in between flights to stretch out, enjoy food and drink and indulge myself shopping. Really great service again!
Christopher Wilkins| Posted on 05 Mar
Flew to Queenstown
Made the decision to send my sons to Queenstown NZ so much easier knowing everything was sorted with the flights. No hassles and questions answered without issue. Awesome service.
Stephen Heap| Posted on 04 Feb
Flew to Queenstown
As always, everything very smooth and efficient with right level of support as and when needed. Thank you Jarvis!
Ailsa Mainman| Posted on 02 Jan
Flew to Queenstown
As usual Dennis was as helpful as possible
John Taylor| Posted on 05 Dec
Flew to Queenstown
Sophie was first class in all respects
Trevor Burgess| Posted on 29 Nov
Flew to Queenstown
An amazing trip thanks.
Martin Speed| Posted on 26 Jul
Flew to Queenstown
I have used DialAFlight for all my longhaul travel for more than a decade. My trips usually include groups with varied travel and accommodation requirements. I have never been let down. In fact many of the highlights of the trips have been suggested by DialAFlight. Morgan, my travel manager, is the ultimate professional
Raymond Cosgrove| Posted on 25 Jul
Flew to Queenstown
Ashley was amazing with his knowledge and we were so at ease with our flights and pleased to be recommended to your company. Will use you all the time now.
Russell Shelswell| Posted on 08 Jun
Flew to Queenstown
Due to my wife breaking her ankle our holiday had to be reorganised completely. Karina, as usual, did an excellent job.
John Couldstone| Posted on 27 Apr
Flew to Queenstown
Took the panic away about travelling alone
Catherine Bayliss| Posted on 15 Apr
Flew to Queenstown
Once again many thanks.
John Taylor| Posted on 30 Mar
Flew to Queenstown
Everything worked out fine with the flights and the on board service from Qantas was excellent.
Philip Whitworth| Posted on 23 Feb
Flew to Queenstown
Lee always delivers
Phil Simmonds| Posted on 18 Jan
Flew to Queenstown
I recommend you to people all the time. Luke has looked after us for so many years getting us the best deals with super efficient care. He even phoned to find out if my family were OK after the recent earthquake in NZ
Christina Metcalfe| Posted on 30 Nov
Flew to Queenstown
As usual our travel manager Nicole was as wonderful as ever. All we had to do was sit back and all our travel arrangements were done for us from booking our flights to where we were going to stay on our return stopover in Sydney
Brenda Blackmore| Posted on 22 Nov
Flew to Queenstown
Always my first call
Phil Simmonds| Posted on 20 Sep
Flew to Queenstown
Gavin's advice was extremely helpful. Thanks.
Ashley Krais| Posted on 23 May
Flew to Queenstown
I was very pleased with your service. It was so helpful to have someone to arrange everything for me and sort out different schedules and prices. Many thanks.
Valerie Hibberd| Posted on 24 Apr
Flew to Queenstown
Dylan was a great support with our booking. Many thanks
Anne Dobson| Posted on 28 Mar
Flew to Queenstown
Carter did everything to make it a good flight for us.
Jean Mann| Posted on 18 Mar
Flew to Queenstown
Very pleased to be able to speak to or email a named person and feel we always get friendly and personal attention
Dorothy Williams| Posted on 05 Mar
Flew to Queenstown
Just to advise that Etihad in Sydney only opens its lounge three and a half hours before the flight. I arrived with 5 hours to kill and no lounge! If you can prompt them that this is not very good customer service!
Mark Adams| Posted on 29 Feb
Flew to Queenstown
Excellent service with knowledgeable staff
David Briggs| Posted on 28 Feb
Flew to Queenstown
Harry was brilliant, excellent customer service and very responsive to requests.
James Nisbet| Posted on 26 Feb
Flew to Queenstown
Eric was incredible, rising to the challenge of booking our adventure with almost no notice and easily navigating the complications of booking things with a twelve hour time difference. Thank you so much for helping us sort the adventure of a lifetime!
Rob Prestage| Posted on 26 Feb
Flew to Queenstown
I would have liked to be able to print my boarding passes a little earlier.
Jean Atkins| Posted on 23 Feb
Flew to Queenstown
Very good and everyone was happy to help with my (probably) silly or basic questions as it was completely new to me booking a holiday. It helped make my holiday so special. Thank you.
Michael Carter| Posted on 06 Feb
Flew to Queenstown
Everything was perfect. Thankyou
Sally Whines| Posted on 19 Nov
Flew to Queenstown
Thanks for all your help and for arranging car hire...most enjoyable journey
Kenneth Knowles| Posted on 15 Oct
Flew to Queenstown
Great service - very helpful and friendly. Sorted out my flights from Glasgow to Queenstown with minimum waiting times. Everything worked perfectly. Thank you DialAFlight
Arthur MacLean| Posted on 16 Sep
Flew to Queenstown