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15 day self drive holiday New Zealand
North and South Islands (NZ15)
Introduction:
The New Zealand holiday for visitors wanting the get the very most out of their two weeks holiday in New Zealand, great scenic diversity islands, mountains, volcanic wonders, alpine passes, glaciers and fiords, stunning scenic drives. Plus The TranzAlpine Train, quality time in key city and village locations, culture and adventure. Enjoy activities and experiences to really get an appreciation of the best of New Zealand.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland and stay overnight
Day 2 - Auckland to Bay of Islands
Day 3 - Bay of Islands
Day 4 - Bay of Islands to Auckland and on to Rotorua
Day 5 - Rotorua
Day 6 - Rotorua fly to Christchurch and on to Hokitika
Day 7 - Hokitika to Fox Glacier or Lake Moeraki
Day 8 - Fox Glacier or Lake Moeraki
Day 9 - To Queenstown
Day 10, 11 & 12 - Queenstown
Day 13 - Queenstown to Te Anau Fiordland
Day 14 - Te Anau & Milford Sound
Day 15 - Te Anau and end trip
Itinerary details:
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Located on the waterfront Auckland city
enjoys wonderful views across the harbour to the popular
seaside village of Devonport. Auckland is a cosmopolitan
city that benefits from its mix of Pacific and European
cultures, take time to enjoy these influences and the resulting
art and cuisine. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Travel via the west coast through the
magnificent Waipoua Kauri Forest, wonder at "Tane Mahuta'
the 'father of the forest' the largest Giant Kauri. Stop
at Hokianga Harbour where the harbor entrance features enormous
sand dunes. Then on to finish the day in the stunning Bay
of Islands, beautiful with cultural and historic significance Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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The Bay of Islands incorporates a beautiful,
jagged coastline of around 800kms and encompasses 150 islands.
Activity options include sailing, Maori concerts, scenic
flights, snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, big game fishing,
boat trips around the bay and excellent sea kayaking.
Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Take the direct route south today that
passes by the city of Whangarei with its lively Quayside
basin, also the attractive village of Warkworth. Another
glimpse of Auckland city as you make your way towards Hamilton
alongside the Waikato River. Cambridge and Tirau provide
excellent opportunities for a 'refreshment' stop as you
near your destination, the lakeside city of Rotorua. Here
you will find a fantastic diversity of scenery and activities
to suit all interests. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Full day in Rotorua to enjoy the many
thermal and cultural sights, Rotorua also has excellent
fishing, an interesting golf course with mud pools and Geysers,
mountain bike tracks and forest trails. Scenic drives to
stunning lakeside picnic spots and summer swims. Enjoy a
Maori Cultural Evening, helicopter flights over the volcanoes
or out to White Island, ride the Zorb, and the Luge for
great family fun. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Take an 'island hopping' flight today
to Christchurch Pick up your rental car and head inland
across the Canterbury Plains and into the foothills of
the Southern Alps. Cross the Alps via Arthurs Pass
famous for its breathtaking scenery, arriving on the
temperate West Coast late afternoon. Head south a short
distance along the coastal route to the historic sea
side town of Hokitika. Evening sunset on the beach
before heading to the town's famous Glow Worm Dell Accommodation: Options |
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Spend the morning in the many
interesting art and craft galleries around Hokitika,
visit the West Coast Historical Museum or stroll the
wild West Coast beach and maybe find a piece of
greenstone. Lunch at one of the cafes before driving
south this afternoon, pass bush
clad pristine lakes, remote farms, wild rivers and
native forests. This region is packed with natural
features, at days end arrive at Westland National Park
including the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Option of
heading a bit further south to the Wilderness Lodge Lake
Moeraki Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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A day at Fox Glacier for a guided walk
onto the glacier, maybe take a Fox Glacier HeliHike for
an exhilarating and memorable experience. Time for a leisurely
walk around Lake Matheson with it's stunning reflections
of Mount Cook, visit the wild west coast beach at Gillespie's
Beach and an evening visit to the Glow Worm forest. From
Lake Moeraki enjoy this pristine temperate rainforest
lake side preserve on guided or self guided nature
experiences, visit the stunning wilderness coast. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Leaving behind the lush vegetation of
South Westland you will travel the hills and valleys of
the Haast Pass where roadside walkways provide easy access
to a number of waterfalls and mountain pools. Emerge into
the tussock country of the Southern Lakes district as you
pass lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. The fruit and wine
growing region around Cromwell leads you to the craggy confines
of the Kawarau Gorge famous for its historic bridge and
some spectacularly located vineyards. Finish this full day
of sightseeing in beautiful Queenstown Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Journey up the Dart River into the stunning
scenery of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Then free time
to enjoy some of the many other Queenstown activities. Ride
the Gondola for spectacular views over the town and across
the lake to the mountains, Bungy jump, take one of the many
hikes including the famous Routeburn Track for a day. Catch
a fish, white water rafting, horse treks, winery visits,
the possibilities are endless! Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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A two and a half hour drive today
means you can spend the morning in Queenstown or the afternoon
in Te Anau, allowing time to visit the amazing glow worm
caves. The journey today begins with a scenic drive beside
Lake Wakatipu before crossing predominantly grazing country,
then to the boundary of the Fiordland National Park. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Drive from Te Anau taking in the sights
of the Milford Road, stop for short walks, before cruising
the wonderful Milford Sound with its soaring peaks and cascading
waterfalls. Watch for seals, dolphins and penguins as you
make your way to where the fiord meets the sea and back.
If you don't want to drive then we recommend a small group
guided trip. Visit the Te Anau glow worm caves, take a cruise
on Doubtful Sound, walk the Milford track or several others
we recommend. Try Milford Sound sea kayaking for a fantastic
day amongst nature. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Flights to return you to all main centres
depart from Queenstown throughout the day . Your departure
time from Te Anau will be subject your onward travel arrangements,
allowing for the return drive back to Queenstown. We can
assist with these connecting flights or build them into
your international ticket arrangements. Remember the above itinerary can be amended to fit your schedule and interests. If you have more days available - there's plenty more to see and do! |