Kiwi Explorer
Tour #WWSD16S
A complete NZ tour including 5 days in the North and 11 in the South Island. Visits all the top tourist sites. Features almost a complete circuit of the Southern Alps...
16 Day Self Drive Tour with your choice of Boutique or Self catering Accommodation for 15 nights.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On your arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation. Overnight in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland – Rotorua
Travel south through lush Waikato farmland, perhaps via Waitomo Caves, to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight experience a Maori hangi (feast) amongst the surroundings of an authentic village. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.
Day 3: At Rotorua
A day free to explore this exciting thermal region – there are many activities to enjoy.
Day 4: Rotorua – Napier
Drive south through steam clad Wairakei, to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the Rangitaiki Plains to the wine producing region of Hawkes Bay. Overnight in Napier.
Day 5: Napier – Wellington
Pass the many vineyards and orchards of the Hawkes Bay, as you make your way south to our capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. Overnight in Wellington.
Day 6: Wellington – Picton – Nelson
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Blenheim. Continue past vineyards built on rich alluvial plains, which produce world class wines, to Nelson. Stay 2 nights in Nelson.
Day 7: At Nelson
A full day to explore the Nelson area known for it’s gourmet wine and seafood, and the abundance of local artisans and craft people. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers opportunities to walk or cruise it’s beautiful coastline.
Day 8: Nelson - Greymouth- Glaciers
Travel through the Buller Gorge to Westport, and down the coast to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Continue past Greymouth and Greymouth to the Glaciers. We recommend a guided walk to the terminal face of a glacier. Overnight at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.
Day 9: Glaciers- Queenstown
Continue south into dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas. Reach Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon. Pass through the rugged Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown for 2 nights.
Day 10: At Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.
Day 11: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Drive south following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Te Anau, then travel through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. We have included a cruise to enable you to appreciate the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Return to Te Anau.
(For an additional charge you may choose to Coach from Te Anau to Milford Sound).
Day 12: Te Anau - Dunedin
Drive across the Waimea plains towards the farming community of Gore, then travel through the rolling hill country of South Otago to Dunedin. Stay 2 nights in Dunedin
Day 13: At Dunedin
Know as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ take time to enjoy the rich historical architecture and abundance of wildlife to be found in this fascinating area.
Day 14: Dunedin - Mount Cook Region
Drive north to historic Oamaru and turn inland. Cross the barren MacKenzie Country to reach the glacial lakes at the foot of the Southern Alps. Overnight at Mt Cook
Day 15: Mount Cook Region – Christchurch
Travel north across through Fairlie and Geraldine , then across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 16: Depart Christchurch
Return your car at the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
Prices valid for travel between 01 October 2009 - 30 September 2010. Quoted per person. Please note a surcharge of NZD$6.00 per day applies to bookings travelling during February 2010.
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