NEW ZEALAND SELF DRIVE 9 Nights 10 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 [9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS ] :
Day 01 : Arrive in Christchurch
Christchurch is known as New Zealand’s garden city and is home to a mix of elegant, historic buildings and exciting new developments. Check out Christchurch’s cardboard cathedral, take a punt on the River Avon or a ride in a historic tram. To see dolphins, visit the French colonial settlement of Akaroa, about an hour’s drive away.
Day 2 : Christchurch – Greymouth – Franz Josef Glacier
4 HRS 37 MINS 380 KM 236 MI
Today, you have two different transport options. You could catch the Tranz Alpine train – known as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – from Christchurch to Greymouth, pick up your rental car and drive down the West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier.
Or pick up your rental car in Christchurch and drive over the Canterbury plains and Arthur’s Pass, and on to Franz Josef Glacier. Both transport options offer spectacular scenery. Take time to stop along your journey, and get ready for a big day of glacier exploring tomorrow.
Day 3 : A day exploring the glaciers
27 MINS 24 KM 15 MI
Today offers plenty of opportunities for exciting adventures and exploring. To see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, you can walk to the terminal faces – following the tracks – independently. But if you want to really experience these ancient ice structures, a guided heli-hike on the glacier itself, or a scenic flight for a bird’s eye view, are both unforgettable experiences.
A 45 minute drive separates the two glaciers, and you’ll spend the night in Fox Glacier township.
Day 4 : Fox Glacier – Queenstown
4 HRS 6 MINS 330 KM 205 MI
Enjoy breakfast before departing Fox Glacier and heading south to Queenstown. You’ll drive through the beautiful South Westland Heritage Park and across the rugged Haast Pass before stopping in gorgeous Lake Wanaka for lunch. Continue over the Crown Range (for dramatic views) or through the Kawerau Gorge (for flatter, easier driving) to reach Queenstown later in the afternoon. Tonight, enjoy Queenstown’s delicious food and wine.
Day 5 : A day exploring Queenstown
Enjoy a day to explore all of the exciting adventures that Queenstown has to offer. One of the most famous is bungy jumping – jumping off a platform head-first with a bungy cord attached to your legs. Queenstown is home to the world’s first commercial bungy, located above the Kawerau River. Other thrill-seeking activities abound – go for an exciting jet boat ride on bright-turquoise rivers; go skydiving or rafting or even canyon swinging. Catch a gondola up to Bob’s Peak and fly down on the luge. If you’re after fun and adventure, Queenstown is the place you’ll find it – all set amongst spectacular alpine scenery.
Day 6 : Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
6 HRS 44 MINS 578 KM 359 MI
Today you’ll visit magical Milford Sound. The drive from Queenstown is long and technical, so if you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery, book a coach tour. You’ll head along Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Enter Fiordland National Park and travel through beech forest, passing majestic mountains on the way. You’ll pass through the manmade Homer Tunnel before catching your catamaran for your cruise on Milford Sound.
Named as the eighth wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling, MIlford Sound is home to soaring granite cliffs, sky-scraping peaks and towering waterfalls. Your cruise will take you past Mitre Peak, the highest mountain in the world to rise vertically straight out of the sea.
View the Stirling and Bowen falls as you cruise out to the Tasman Sea. Once your cruise finishes, make your way back to Queenstown for the night.
Day 7 : Queenstown – Rotorua
2 HRS 35 MINS
Today you make your way to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Depending on your flights, you’ll be travelling via Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland, with the total trip taking 3-4 hours.
Once in Rotorua, it’s time to explore. This area is packed with geothermal parks, adventure activities and beautiful nature reserves.
The evening is also full of possibilities. Enjoy a Maori culture show followed by a traditional hangi meal, or take a hot soak. The Polynesian Spas, located on the lakefront, offer naturally heated mineral pools and are a great way to unwind.
Day 8 : A day exploring Rotorua
Today, enjoy a full day exploring the fascinating adventures that the Rotorua region has to offer. The thermal valley of Te Puia is spectacular; witness roaring geysers, steaming rivers and boiling mud pools.
Rainbow Springs is also a fantastic opportunity to view endangered New Zealand wildlife, including the Kiwi bird. Agroventures Adventure Park is perfect if you’re after an adrenaline rush – bungy jumping, the schweeb, and jet boating are all on offer here.
Day 9 : Rotorua – Waitomo Caves – Auckland
4 HRS 10 MINS 333 KM 207 MI
En route to Auckland, you’ll find the spectacular Waitomo Caves – an underground wilderness of huge caverns and twinkling glow worms. Adventure opportunities abound – choose to take the standard tour through the caves followed by a short boat ride; go black water rafting or take a caving adventure. All are unforgettable, otherworldly experiences.
You’ll arrive in Auckland in late afternoon, just in time to start exploring the vibrant food and restaurant scene in the central city
Day 10 : Depart Auckland
Enjoy breakfast in the viaduct overlooking Auckland harbour before heading to the airport to catch your return flight home.
