Auckland To Queenstown Southbound Explorer Tour

Kia ora - Welcome to New Zealand

Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer Tour

Nationwide Self Drive

This 20-day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Queenstown

Personal airport meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation

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).

Starting in beautiful Auckland (city of sails) with time to truly explore the region’s many natural features this tour then travels through the heart of the North Island by scenic train—the South Island impresses with a host of natural and picturesque locations and inclusions.

From Abel Tasman National Park's golden sandy beaches to stunning Kaikoura's giant Sperm whales to the West Coast's unique ancient rain forests and spectacular glaciers and geology, the diversity is outstanding. In the deep south, you’ll discover the diverse wildlife of the Otago Peninsula and spend a night in the remote Doubtful Sound (true wilderness) before returning to iconic Queenstown.

Sample itinerary, please note - we will add, and include your accommodations once we have discussed with you your preferences -

Quick Summary

Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer

Day 1: Auckland

Welcome to Auckland the 'City of Sails'
Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Day 2: Auckland

Explore Auckland 'The City of Sails'
Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Wine Tour

Explore the best of the city in the morning and this afternoon indulge in the local food and wine
Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Wellington

Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer scenic train
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Wellington City

Explore the capital Wellington City
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Abel Tasman National Park

Catch the Interislander Ferry to the South Island then drive to Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Abel Tasman National Park

Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Nelson Lakes

Pass through the Nelson Lakes region which leads you to Kaikoura
Accommodation: Bendamere House B&B

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9: North Canterbury to Christchurch

Head south through North Canterbury to Christchurch
Accommodation: The Muse Christchurch

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10: Christchurch to Greymouth

Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, then onto Punakaiki
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11: West Coast Road

Drive south along the stunning West Coast Road with its rugged coastline and mountain backdrop
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12: Glaciers Flight

Get up close to the glaciers on a spectacular scenic flight
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13: Haast Pass to Wanaka

Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to Wanaka, then take the Crown Range Road to Queenstown
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14: Queenstown

Explore the beautiful scenery of Queenstown and sample the amazing range of activities on offer
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15: Arrowtown and Wanaka

Today explore historic Arrowtown and Wanaka, then tonight cruise across Lake Wakatipu for dinner
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 16: Cruise Tour

Travel to Doubtful Sound for your overnight cruise
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator Overnight Boat in Doubtful Sound

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Central Otago to Dunedin

Enjoy today's drive through Central Otago to Dunedin
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18: Otago Peninsula

A day to explore the wildlife and history of Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 19: Queenstown

Return to Queenstown from Dunedin
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 20: Departure

Depart for home.