NEW ZEALAND SELF DRIVE 8 Nights 9 Days
New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. Capital Wellington, on the North Island, is home to Te Papa Tongarewa, the expansive national museum. Wellington’s dramatic Mt. Victoria, along with the South Island’s Fiordland and Southern Lakes, stood in for mythical Middle Earth in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” films.
NEW ZEALAND [8 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS ] :
Day 01 : Arrive in Auckland
Arrive in beautiful Auckland, a harbour side city known as the ‘City of Sails’. Pick up your rental car at the airport before checking into your hotel and venturing out to explore. Take a boat cruise and head out on the harbour – see if you can spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the water. Head up the iconic Sky tower for huge views of the city and beyond. At 328 metres high, it’s the tallest structure in New Zealand. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dining experience in the viaduct, Auckland’s hub of delicious restaurants.
Day 2 : Auckland – Waitomo Caves – Rotorua
4 HRS 9 MINS 341 KM 212 MI
This morning, drive south of Auckland towards the magical Waitomo Caves. Here, enjoy a guided tour through the huge chambers of the fascinating caves. Enjoy the magic of thousands of twinkling glowworms above you as you float by boat through the underground waterways. After your tour, stop for lunch at the cafe before continuing to Rotorua, where you’ll stay the night.
Day 3 : A day exploring Rotorua
Enjoy a day exploring the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Begin your day with a visit to Te Puia to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. From here, visit Rainbow Springs to experience New Zealand wildlife – including theendangered Kiwi bird – up close, before continuing on to Agrodome for an
entertaining New Zealand farm show. Featuring talented sheep dog emonstrations, cow milking and some talented sheep, the Agrodome offers a fascinating insight into the farming lifestyle – as well as the laughs that go along with it. At the e n d of the day, relax with your loved one in the Polynesian Spa’s naturally heated mineral pools before enjoying the restaurants and nightlife of Rotorua.
Day 4 : Rotorua – Queenstown
1 HR 25 MINS
This morning, drive to the airport, drop off your rental car and catch your flight from Rotorua to Queenstown. On arrival, pick up a new rental car from the airport and settle in to explore the beauty of Queenstown. Sitting on the shores of crystalclear Lake Wakatipu and nestled under a towering mountain
range, Queenstown is simply breath taking. Enjoy a gentle walk around the lake front with your loved one and explore the beautiful restaurants on offer. This region has a reputation for award-winning Pinot Noir and is the perfect place to take a winery tour.
Day 5 : A day exploring Queenstown
Explore the beauty of Queenstown at your leisure today. Visit Queenstown Hill, the first of several photo stops and enjoy the vista that extends to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range. Then, follow a route along the Frankton Arm and into the Wakatipu Basin, past stunning Lake Hayes and
into the mouth of the Kawarau Gorge – one of many filming locations for The Lord of the Rings, where you can take a short stroll with spectacular views around every corner. Stop in at a winery or two for some wine tasting; or indulge in a scenic flight over the region – the lakes, mountains and rivers viewed from the sky is a beautiful memory to share with your loved one.
Day 6 : Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
6 HRS 58 MINS 578 KM 359 MI
Today you’ll visit the world-famous Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. Here, glacier-carved cliffs soar out of inky black waters and waterfalls tumble down rocks hundreds of metres high – best experienced on a boat cruise. Choose to either self-drive or go by coach to get to Milford Sound before boarding your cruise. Don’t forget your camera, and make sure to look out for the pods of dolphins that frequent the waters of the fiord. After your cruise, return to your accommodation in Queenstown.
Day 7 : Queenstown – Franz Josef
4 HRS 26 MINS 355 KM 221 MI
Today you’ll drive north to New Zealand’s famous glacier region. Arrive at Franz Josef and take a walk from the carpark to the glacier terminal. Here, you’ll find impressive views and be able to gain an idea of the huge size of this ancient piece of ice. Choose to take a glacier tour or scenic flight to get even closer to the glacier itself. Enjoy a night it the township of Franz Josef.
Day 8 : Franz Josef Glacier – Christchurch
4 HRS 31 MINS 379 KM 236 MI
Today head east over the South Island and back towards Christchurch. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and is home to English heritage and architecture. Explore the willow and oak tree-lined river
Avon as well as the boutique cafes. If it’s sunny, take a punt down the river – it’s a relaxing, romantic experience for your final day in New Zealand.
Day 9 : Depart Christchurch
Today, enjoy breakfast before heading to Christchurch Airport to catch your flight home. You can drop your rental car here too.
