| Duration: | 16 Day(s) - 15 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
Kia ora - Welcome to New Zealand and Our World
Auckland to Christchurch 16-Day Explorer
Self Drive
This 16-day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch
Travel the best of our beautiful North Island exploring Auckland city (city of sails) Lake Rotorua and Wellington (capital city) before crossing to the South Island. Continue down the East Coast via Marlborough (our major wine-growing region) and arrive in delightful Kaikoura and Christchurch (brand new city) before crossing the plains and into our mighty Southern Alps and magnificent Mount Cook.
The magical alpine resort of iconic Queenstown is next before heading north through Lake Wanaka and onto the wild rugged remote West Coast glaciers. Return to Christchurch via the famous TranzAlpine train.
All-inclusive detailed customized tour package prepared by New Zealand-based specialists - so you can sit back and relax
An exciting itinerary will be customized to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
Personal airport meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation.
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).
Either way, you will have an awesome time exploring our beautiful country with Real New Zealand Tours -
This sample itinerary below shows you the very best of our North and South Islands. Please note we have deliberately included some two and three-night stays - in some premier locations so that you can immerse yourself into, and enjoy, some real Kiwi culture - with the locals!
Quick Summary
Auckland to Christchurch 16-Day Explorer
Day 1: Arrival - Auckland
Arrive in Auckland then spend the rest of the day exploring the city
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Day 2: City of Sails
A full day to discover the delights of the ‘City of Sails’. Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Waikato Farmland
Drive south through rich Waikato farmland, then stop at Hobbiton on your way through to Rotorua.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Rotorua
Spend the day in Rotorua discovering Maori Culture and thrilling adventure activities.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Wellington
Today you’ll drive to Wellington through spectacular scenery including Lake Taupo, the Desert Road, and along the Kapiti Coastline.
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Marloborough
Cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton.
Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Kaikoura
Travel the Coastal Pacific Highway to Kaikoura.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Kaikoura
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Christchurch
Continue through the North Canterbury countryside to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Fable Christchurch
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Christchurch
Spend the day exploring Christchurch, and perhaps take a trip to charming Akaroa.
Accommodation: Fable Christchurch
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Mackenzie Country
Enjoy a scenic drive to Mount Cook through Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Wakefield Wing Superior Room
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11: Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown
Head over the Lindis Pass to Central Otago, then on through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Day 12: Queenstown
Discover the scenic delights and fun activities on offer in New Zealand’s ‘Adventure Capital’.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13:
Take the Crown Range road to Wanaka before continuing on through the spectacular Haast Pass.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14: Glacier Region
Discover the remarkable glacier region.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15: TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road then take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Fable Christchurch
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 16: Depart Christchurch Today.
