Kiwi Gourmet
Tour #WWSD18N
A complete tour of NZ from Christchurch to Auckland featuring the best of the Southern Alps including Queenstown, Milford Sound, Glaciers, plus fiery Rotorua and more...
18 Day Self Drive Tour with your choice of Bed & Breakfast or Self catering Accommodation for 17 nights. This tour visits many of the wine producing regions of New Zealand giving you the opportunity to sample the best of our food & wine.
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On your arrival in Christchurch you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation. Overnight in Christchurch
Day 2: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – "the Edinburgh of the South". Stay 2 nights in Dunedin.
Day 3: 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. You may like to take a tour of the historic Speights Brewery.
Day 4: Dunedin - Te Anau
Drive through the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, cross the Waimea plains towards Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.
Day 5: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Climb out of Milford Sound back to Te Anau, then turn north, following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.
(For and additional charge you may choose to swap one night in Queenstown and your Milford afternoon Cruise for a night aboard the Milford Wanderer in Milford Sound).
Day 6 & 7: At Queenstown
Two days free for you to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort.. There are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping. The surrounding vineyards are known for their Pinot Noirs.
Day 8: Queenstown - Mount Cook Region
Pass through the Kawarau Gorge with it’s historic gold mines, then past the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell to the Lindis Pass. Cross the spectacular Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Overnight at Mt Cook
Day 9: Mount Cook Region – Blenheim
Continue north through Burkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine, then across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Northwards the road south hugs the coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific before heading inland to Blenheim, surrounded by vineyards built on rich alluvial plains. Stay 2 nights in Blenheim
Day 10: At Blenheim
A day to explore and sample the local produce of Marlborough, known mainly for white wines, primarily Sauvignon Blanc.
Day 11: Blenheim – Picton – Wellington
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to our capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. Overnight in Wellington.
Day 12: Wellington – Wairarapa
Then drive north to the Wairarapa wine producing region gaining an international reputation for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling Overnight in Wairarapa
Day 13: Wairarapa – Napier
Drive north through to Hawkes Bay which is one of New Zealand's largest and longest established wine growing regions. It’s capital, Napier, was rebuilt in Art Deco style after being flattened by an earthquake. Stay 2 nights in Napier
Day 14: At Napier
A day to soak up the atmosphere of our ‘Art Deco Capital’ as well as try some of the local Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah
Day 15: Napier – Rotorua
Cross the Rangitaiki Plains and skirt Lake Taupo, then continue through steam clad Wairakei 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 16: At Rotorua
A day free to explore this exciting thermal region – there are many activities to enjoy.
Day 17: Rotorua – Auckland
Travel north through lush Waikato farmland, perhaps via Waitomo Caves, to the cosmopolitan city of Auckland. Overnight in Auckland
Day 18: Depart Auckland
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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