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22 day self drive holiday New Zealand
North and South Islands (NZ22)
Introduction:
The New Zealand holiday for visitors wanting the get the very most out of their three weeks holiday in New Zealand, great scenic diversity islands, mountains, volcanic wonders, alpine passes, glaciers and fiords, stunning scenic drives. With quality time in key city and village locations, culture and adventure, food and wine. 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 Rotorua
Day 3 - Rotorua
Day 4 - Rotorua to Napier/Hawkes Bay
Day 5 - Napier/Hawkes Bay
Day 6 - Napier to Wellington
Day 7 - Wellington to Nelson incl Interislander cruise
Day 8 - Nelson
Day 9 - Punakaiki
Day 10 - Punakaiki to Fox Glacier
Day 11 - Fox Glacier
Day 12 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown
Day 13, 14 & 15 - Queenstown
Day 16 - Queenstown to Te Anau/Fiordland
Day 17 - Te Anau & Milford Sound
Day 18 - Te Anau to Dunedin/Otago Peninsula
Day 19 - Dunedin/Otago Peninsula
Day 20 - Dunedin to Mount Cook/Lake Tekapo
Day 21 - Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Day 22 - Christchurch 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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From Auckland city 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. Opportunities
to head out over the volcanoes by helicopter including White
Island, and to visit the cathedral like Whirinaki Forest
a remnant of giant podocarp forests Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Travelling via Lake Taupo, our largest
lake, you may be rewarded with views across to the volcanoes
of the Tongariro National Park. Then head south east to
Hawkes Bay, famous for the Art Deco architecture of Napier
and Hastings and the production of premium wines. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Wine and food, art, nature, cultural and
architectural tours are a great way to get the most from
your stay in Hawkes Bay. At nearby Cape Kidnappers take
a tour to the world's largest, most accessible Gannet nesting
place or play golf at the spectacular golf course. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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A highlight of today's journey is a stop
at the Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre with its breeding
program for the conservation of some of our most endangered
wildlife, predominantly birds. Later in the day pass through
the historic villages of the Wairarapa Region and perhaps
visit the Martinborough Wine Centre that showcases this
regions excellent wines. Finish the day in the harbourside
city of Wellington. Accommodation: Options |
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More than just a ferry crossing, the trip
from Wellington to Picton is an experience in itself. A
leisurely cruise out of Wellington Harbour offers wonderful
city and coastal views, before crossing the straight and
entering Queen Charlotte Sound. Cruising through the sheltered
waters you will be treated to fantastic Marlborough Sounds
scenery and perhaps a dolphin escort. The drive from Picton
offers more photo opportunities as you head for Nelson. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Nelson is renowned for its artisans and
galleries including the highly regarded Hoglund Art Glass
studio. Local produce including wines are also a feature
of the region. Nelson is a popular base from which to venture
into the Abel Tasman National Park just over an hour from
the city, where you can spend a day on the walking track
also sail, cruise or kayak the sheltered waters. Day kayaking
trips are suitable for novice or experiences paddlers. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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From the sheltered haven of Tasman Bay
travel south through the inland Nelson Lakes region before
heading west to the dramatic and rugged scenery of the 'coast
road'. Winding its way between the bush clad slopes, studded
with Nikau Palms and the surf of the Tasman Sea this has
to be one of New Zealand's most beautiful drives. Your overnight
stop is Punakaiki where you will find the intriguing Pancake
Rocks and blowholes. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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A day packed with features today as you
travel south through historic 'gold rush' towns and settlements,
past bush clad lakes, wild beaches and onwards to the Franz
Josef and Fox Glaciers. Or continue through to Lake Moeraki for an eco-lodge experience at the Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Fox Glacier based stays can include a
guided walk or guided HeliHike onto the glacier for an exhilarating
and memorable experience. Or from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki wilderness experiences in the South Westland World Heritage temperate rainforest and isolated beaches on the rugged coastline. 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.
Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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The journey east today takes you through
the verdant grazing countryside of the Southland Region.
The numerous valleys and their streams feed the rivers that
are treasured by fishing enthusiasts from around the world.
Dunedin, dotted with architectural examples of the economic
boom that started with the Otago gold rush, is a mix of
staid Scottish heritage and the present day vitality of
a university town. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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Close to Dunedin is the Otago Peninsula
popular for its wildlife attractions. Home to colonies of
nesting yellow-eyed penguins and Royal Albatross, join Monarch
Wildlife Cruises and Tours for a day trip that visits these
colonies and includes a visit to Larnach Castle. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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From Dunedin travel north to the town
of Oamaru with its majestic white stone buildings and historic
precinct. Turn inland to follow the Waitaki Valley and pass
the hydro lakes of Aviemore and Benmore before making
your way along the shores of Lake Pukaki to the Mount
Cook National Park. Enjoy the return trip beside Lake
Pukaki then on to iconic Lake Tekapo, the glacial lakes
in this region are often a stunning azure blue, setting
off the snow capped peaks beyond. Accommodation: Options |
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Take the 'Inland Scenic Route' as a peaceful
alternative to the main highway and includes the dramatic
Rakaia Gorge, great mountain and rural vistas are enjoyed
most of the way. Christchurch is an eclectic mix of colonial
heritage and new world modernism. The Avon River, with its
cascading willows, cuts through the city and provides the
setting for numerous parks and gardens. Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |
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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! Accommodation: Options Activities: Options |