| Duration: | 19 Day(s) - 18 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Family Tours |
Kia ora - welcome to New Zealand
Auckland to Christchurch Family Adventure Nationwide Self-Drive
This 19-day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch
Personal airport meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation
Sample itinerary, please note - we will add, and include accommodations once we have discussed with you your preferences -
All-inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand-based specialists - so you sit back and relax
An exciting itinerary will be customized to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
We offer Self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accommodations, activities, and attractions (you select) we book your rental car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day, or perhaps you prefer a Private driver trip (fully guided) or, Escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
Explore Auckland the ‘City of Sails’ before venturing south to magnificent Waitomo and the world-famous unique Glow worm caves.
Experience Lake Rotorua (35% of the population here are native Maori) and immerse yourself in our famous Maori culture and adventure activities next before spending a night at the rural retreat of Tarata Fishaway. You have 2 nights in the funky capital city of Wellington (capital city) - must see is Te Papa and a drive up to Mount Victoria is well worth the time before crossing Cook Strait to the South Island on the Interislander Ferry.
A whale-watching cruise in the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura is included before arriving in Christchurch ( a brand new vibrant city). Akaroa next and swim with the world's smallest dolphin, Hectors. Continuing south you reach mighty Mount Cook Village National Park (world heritage site) with its towering mountains and enjoy an iceberg encounter on the Tasman glacier lake by customized boat.
In the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown you have time to explore the many activities on offer or simply enjoy the atmosphere and relax. The wild rugged and remote West Coast is next where ancient rainforests meet mighty glaciers and a helicopter trip here will be a highlight of your trip. Next, you return to Christchurch on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train (rated top 10 in the world!).
Quick Summary
Auckland to Christchurch Family Adventure
Day 1: Auckland City
Arrive in Auckland City
Accommodation: CityLife Auckland
Day 2: Auckland
Explore Auckland or maybe take a cruise around the harbor.
Accommodation: CityLife Auckland
Day 3: Waikato
Travel south through the lush Waikato countryside to the limestone formations of Waitomo.
Accommodation: Palm Court Motel Otorohanga
Day 4: Rotorua
Head to Rotorua and maybe tonight take in a Maori cultural experience.
Accommodation: Bella Vista Rotorua.
Day 5: Rotorua
Your day in Rotorua could be spent discovering the thrilling adventure rides.
Accommodation: Bella Vista Rotorua
Day 6: Rangitikei
Travel to the Rangitikei and the rural retreat of Tarata Fishaway.
Accommodation: Tarata Fishaway
Day 7: Wellington
Continue south through the Manawatu, then follow the Kapiti Coastline as you approach Wellington.
Accommodation: CityLife Wellington
Day 8: Wellington City
Uncover the charms of Wellington City, including the hidden filming locations for Lord of the Rings
Accommodation: CityLife Wellington
Day 9: Cook Strait
Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds.
Accommodation: Bella Vista Blenheim
Day 10: Kaikoura
Take the coastal road to Kaikoura.
Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura
Day 11: Canterbury to Christchurch
Continue south through the countryside of Canterbury to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch
Day 12: Bank's Peninsula
Travel to Bank's Peninsula and the idyllic village of Akaroa where you'll swim with the rare hector's dolphin.
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch
Day 13: Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country.
Accommodation: Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
Day 14: Lindis Pass
Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Garden Court Suites and Apartments
Day 15:
The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown.
Accommodation: Garden Court Suites and Apartments
Day 16: Wanaka
Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before traveling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast.
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 17: Westland National Park
Get a bird's eye view of the untouched wilderness that is Westland National Park.
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 18: TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch
Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch
Day 19: Departure
Depart Christchurch today.
