Self-Drive Tour
Spectacular scenery, stunning rail journeys, icy blue glaciers cascading through verdant rainforest; stunning lakes reflecting amazing mountain peaks, powder puff clouds and clear blue skies. Silent fiords with cascading waterfalls and playful marine life, vineyards producing the crispest wines; bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers, sparkling glow worms and verdant fields. Magical cities and wonderful people, amazing food and a relaxed way of life – you’ll experience all this and more on this spectacular adventure.
Arrive into Christchurch and transfer independently to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore. Christchurch is one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity.
Early this morning board the TranzAlpine Train, New Zealand’s premier alpine rail journey, and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Arthur’s Pass. After exiting the Otira Tunnel and the forests of the West Coast reach Greymouth, a town with a history of jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. Pick up your car at Greymouth Rail Station and drive south to the West Coast Glaciers.
Drive south past tranquil lakes and towering mountains with cascading waterfalls. Leave the West Coast rainforest for the arid Central Otago, journey past the shores of Lake Wanaka. Nestled below towering mountains, Wanaka is the most tranquilly set of the South Island lakes. Continue your journey to Queenstown.
This morning you’ll head through spectacular scenery to Milford Sound and join a cruise along this magnificent fiord. Marvel at the waterfalls tumbling thousands of feet down sheer rock faces to the sea below, at the bird and marine life that is so prevalent and at the sheer primeval beauty of the region.
Today is free to explore this alpine resort. We have included a ride on the Skyline Gondola. Sit back and relax as you’re taken 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy the best views.
Today drive east through the Kawarau Gorge; its towering cliffs and rugged hillsides takes you through the heart of one of New Zealand’s most historic gold mining regions. Continue on past the Clyde High Dam and follow the peaceful scenery of the Clutha River towards the coast and Dunedin.
This morning drive to the end of Otago Peninsula, home of the Royal Albatross colony. The tour incudes a presentation on the amazing life of these giants of the Southern Ocean. Afterwards continue north and follow the Waitaki River inland to the aqua blue Lake Tekapo.
Drive over Burkes Pass to the small farming village of Geraldine. Geraldine is a pretty country town with an artistic streak. Shop for arts and crafts, refresh at a friendly café and take a stroll around the historic trail. Cross the Canterbury Plains; a patchwork quilt made with every shade of green lay serenely between the mountains and the sea.
Board the Coastal Pacific Train and skirt the South Pacific Ocean to Kaikoura, before journeying north through the Wairau Valley to Blenheim, Marlborough’s wine capital and on to Picton in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. Board the Interislander ferry for a cruise through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds and on to Wellington.
Today is free for you to explore Wellington. Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, New Zealand’s capital city is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty and sits between rolling hills and stunning coastline. Friendly and compact, Wellington is easily explored on foot and is home to a great cafes and restaurants.
Journey north through the pastures of Manawatu and on to the Volcanic Plateau in the centre of the Island. Skirt Mt Ruapehu to Whakapapa Village located at its western foot.
Take some time this morning to explore this unique alpine region. The Tongariro National Park is home to the three mountains of Ruapehu; the largest mountain in the north island, Ngauruhoe the youngest volcano and Tongariro, whose landscape has developed over the last 300,000 years.
This morning explore the beautiful Lake Taupo before heading north. Perhaps call at Taupo’s “tropical prawn park” where a constant supply of thermally heated water helps produce 32 tons of prawns a year. Continue on through the world’s largest man made forest to the geothermal city of Rotorua.
Enjoy a day of sightseeing incorporating Rotorua’s best attractions. From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all.
This morning leave Rotorua and drive over the Mamaku Ranges to the Waitomo Caves. Carved by centuries of water, the Glow Worm Grotto is illuminated by the light from millions of tiny glow worms (caves entrance cost is included). Afterwards head north through Hamilton to Auckland, where the rest of the day is free.
Your tour ends with checkout from your hotel this morning; depending on your plans, perhaps make a trip to Waiheke Island, home to some of the best vineyards and wineries around before returning your car at the airport and taking your onward flight.
Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don't include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment's notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.
