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Join us in New Zealand!
This self-drive holiday of a lifetime includes both islands of New Zealand. Driving in New Zealand is easy as there are far fewer cars on the road than here, they drive on the same side of the road as us and it gives you flexibility with the security of a booked hotel every night.
We will use Air New Zealand to fly there and back. Includes 3 extra days in Christchurch after the tour! Fantastic value or money!
18 Day Kiwi Experience
31Jan: NZ1 from Heathrow via Los Angeles to Auckland
2nd Feb: Auckland to Omapere (178 miles / 3 hours 30 minutes driving time)
Travel north from Auckland through the giant kauri forests, past indented Kaipara Harbour and the dunebacked beaches of Northland.
Stay overnight in the peaceful resort of Omapere, on the shores of Hokianga Harbour.
Overnight at Copthorne Hokianga (Standard Room)
Feb 3 & 4: Omapere to Bay of Islands (58 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes driving time)
Today’s short drive takes you right across New Zealand, from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean! You have two whole days to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands, browsing the pretty villages of Russell and Kerikeri and visiting the Treaty House at Waitangi. If you choose to pre-book our sightseeing package (see below), you will enjoy a half-day cruise around the island-strewn waters of the bay, keeping a lookout for dolphins and other marine life.
Overnight: Copthorne Waitangi (Garden View)
Feb 5: Bay of Islands to Auckland (149 miles / 3 hours driving time)
Return to Auckland today, with free time to explore all the sights. Auckland is by far the largest city in New Zealand, and home to more than 30% of the country's population.
Overnight: Mercure Windsor
Feb 6: Auckland to Rotorua (145 miles / 3 hours driving time)
If you choose to book our optional sightseeing package, your first stop today will be the impressive Waitomo Caves, en-route to an overnight stay in the resort of Rotorua. This region is famous for its geothermal activity, hot springs and traditional Maori culture.
Overnight: Ibis Rotorua
Feb 7: Rotorua to Taupo (51 miles / 1 hour driving time)
Make an early start this morning to see the dailyeruption of Lady Knox Geyser at Wai-O-Tapu (entrance is included if you pre-book our sightseeing package). It’s a short drive today but there’s plenty to see, including awesome Huka Falls, where the full force of the mighty Waikato River is squeezed through a narrow chasm before plunging into the maelstrom below. Spend this evening in the relaxed lakeside resort of Taupo.
Overnight: Copthorne Taupo
Feb 8 & 9: Taupo to Wellington (236 miles / 4 hours 50 minutes driving time)
Your drive today could take you along the dramatic and isolated Desert Road, or you could detour via the trio of volcanic peaks that dominate breathtaking Tongariro National Park. Arrive into Wellington this afternoon, and spend the next day discovering New Zealand’s capital city, which has a buzzing atmosphere and plenty to explore including Te Papa, the state-of-the-art National Museum of New Zealand.
Overnight: Ibis Wellington
Day 10: Wellington to Nelson (70 miles / 1 hour 20 minutes driving time)
Drop off your rental car at the ferry terminal inWellington, and relax on the scenic Interislander ferry crossing from the North to South Island (included), taking in the fresh air and lovely views as you sail through the convoluted Marlborough Sounds. On arrival into Picton, collect your new rental car, and head east for a two-night stay in Nelson.
Overnight: Trailways Hotel
Feb 11: Nelson & Abel Tasman
A full day to explore delightful Nelson, which is known for its vibrant arts & crafts scene. Alternatively, head into Abel Tasman National Park, where some of the best walking trails in New Zealand will take you to deserted golden beaches lapped by calm turquoise waters.
Feb 12: Nelson to Punakaiki (164 miles / 3 hours 30 minutes driving time)
Travel across the relatively unexplored north-west corner of the South Island to the unique Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Here, through the thin layers of weathered limestone, the boundless power of crashing waves has formed spectacular blowholes.
Overnight: Punakaiki Resort (Hotel Room)
Feb 13: Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier (147 miles / 2 hours 50 minutes driving time)
Travel on down the West Coast into Westland National Park, dominated by its dramatic twin glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef. Our optional sightseeing package includes a rewarding half-day guided walk here at Franz Josef, or there's time to explore at your own pace. Tonight, you may wish to relax with a soak at the Glacier Hot Pools, which boast a tranquil rainforest setting.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef (Graham Wing, incl breakfast).
Feb 14 & 15: Franz Josef to Queenstown (218 miles / 4 hours 20 minutes driving time)
Drive over the Haast Pass through breathtaking scenery for a two-night stay in the alpine resort of Queenstown. This is New Zealand's premier outdoors playground, and there are plenty of activities on offer - rafting, hiking and bungy jumping. If you choose to pre-book our optional sightseeing package, you can enjoy an exciting highspeed jetboat ride through the narrow canyon walls along the Shotover River.
Overnight: Copthorne Lakefront
Feb 18 & 17: Queenstown to Te Anau (116 miles / 2 hours 20 minutes driving time)
You'll enjoy more alpine scenery today on the drive south to Te Anau, the gateway to the stunning wilderness of Fiordland National Park. The silent grandeur of Milford Sound leaves many visitors speechless, and on our optional sightseeing package we've included an idyllic nature cruise to get you up close to the waterfalls and wildlife of this majestic fiord.
Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel
Day 18: Te Anau to Twizel (231 miles / 4 hours 40 minutes driving time)
Make an early start today for the relatively long drive to Twizel, from where a side road hugs the shoreline of Lake Pukaki en-route to the base of Mount Cook. It's well worth making the detour to stand at the base of this, New Zealand's highest peak. Activities available include boat rides to the ice-face of the Tasman Glacier or exploring the new Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Overnight: Mackenzie Country Inn (Superior Room).
Day 19: Twizel to Christchurch (248 miles / 5 hours driving time)
En-route to Christchurch today, stop for a photograph at the tiny, stone-built Church of the Good Shepherd, by the shores of Lake Tekapo.
Day 20, 21 and 22 Christchurch
Rydges hotel Christchurch – deluxe city view room
Feb 23: Fly home rom Christchurch via Auckland and Los Angeles
The cost is £2964 per person based on two people sharing one car.
Premium economy upgrade £1455 per person return.
Optional sightseeing package: £264gbp per person to add on the optional sightseeing – Half-day 'Hole in the Rock' cruise in the Bay of Islands,
Entrance to Rotorua's geothermal Wai-O-Tapu, Half-day guided glacier walk on Franz Josef Glacier, Shotover Jet boatride in Queenstown, Milford Sound nature cruise in Te Anau
Book on 01582 752 752 now to avoid disappointment! Prices correct at time of going to press 02Jul10.
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