Auckland To Queenstown Southbound Explorer Tour

Kia Ora - Welcome to New Zealand

Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer Tour

Nationwide Trains & Self Drive

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).

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

Starting in Auckland with time to truly explore the region’s natural features, Sky City tower, beautiful Waiheke Island, Mission Bay, Via Duct Basin, etc this tour then travels through the heart of the North Island by scenic train. The South Island beckons with a host of natural and scenic locations and inclusions. From the stunningly beautiful golden sandy beaches of Abel Tasman National Park to delightful Kaikoura's giant Sperm whales, playful acrobatic Dusky dolphins, Albatross, and hundreds of Fur seals next to the West Coast's unique glaciers, ancient rain forests, and geology, the diversity is truly breath-taking.

In the deep south, you’ll discover the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula and spend a night in the remote Doubtful Sound (a very special experience indeed!) - before returning to iconic Queenstown.

Quick Summary:

Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland the 'City of Sails'

Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Day 2: Explore Auckland 'The City of Sails'

Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Auckland

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: Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer Scenic Train

Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: 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: 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

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: Cruising

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: Return to Queenstown from Dunedin

Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 20: Depart for Home

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).