SELF DRIVE 1
Auckland – Queenstown via West Coast
This 13 day journey, from Auckland in the North Island through the volcanic plateau and lakes, across Cook Strait to the northern coastal and lands of the South Island, including the Abel Tasman National Park and through the stunning mountain settings along the West Coast to Queenstown, lets you experience the true diversity of this breathtaking country. History, culture, scenery & adventure, they all feature on this trip designed to give you a brief insight into the land they call Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. You'll enjoy travelling with several days at leisure and relaxing in stylish accommodation at day’s end.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland. Stay at Hotel DeBrett in one of Auckland’s inner city or The Boatshed on Waiheke Island, a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
The Boatshed rates include full breakfast. Renowned for its fine cuisine, we recommend booking dinner ahead at The Boatshed. Cars are not necessary on Waiheke Island as there is good public transport.
Day 2: A day of leisure to enjoy the sites of your choosing in the City of Sails or Waiheke Island.
Day 3: Drive south to Rotorua. Visit the thermal reserves and Maori cultural sites. Stay at Solitaire Lodge, absolute lake edge luxury accommodation. Rates include pre dinner drinks and canapés, four course dinner, full breakfast and use of
all lodge facilities including motorized dinghies, kayaks and fishing gear. Complimentary on site parking.
Day 4: Drive to Taupo. Stay at Point View Lodge. Rates include full gourmet breakfast, pre dinner drinks and aperitifs and complimentary on site parking. Gourmet dinner available by prior arrangement. Relax in the lodge’s natural thermal pool and enjoy local hosts superb hosting.
Day 5: Go fishing on Lake Taupo. Stay at Point View Lodge. The lodge can arrange fishing trips.
Day 6: Drive to Wellington. Stay at one of the many hotels in Wellington. Visit Te Papa museum.
Day 7: Cross Cook Strait by ferry to Picton then explore Nelson and drive to Bronte Country Estate at Nelson.
Stay at Bronte. Rates include full breakfast and complimentary on site parking.
Day 8: A day of leisure to enjoy Abel Tasman National Park and its many activities. Stay at Bronte Country Estate.
Day 9: Drive down the West Coast. Visit Punakaiki and shop for greenstone in Hokitika. Stay at Rimu Lodge, like its name set among native Rimu trees. Rates include full breakfast and free on site parking.
Day 10: Visit the glaciers. Drive to Wanaka and stay at Lime Tree Lodge. Rates include full gourmet breakfast, evening aperitifs, home baking, free on site parking and free airport transfers (8AM-8PM). Again superb hosts, local, knowledgeable and friendly.
Day 11: Drive to Queenstown. Stay at Azur Lodge or Queenstown Park Boutique hotel. Day of leisure for some adrenalin boosting activities.
Azur Lodge features stand alone villas with privacy and fabulous views. Rates include full a la carte breakfast, airport & town transfers, pre dinner drinks & canapés, mini bars in villas with complimentary beer, soft drinks, juices, snacks and water. Free on site parking.
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is 300 meters walk to town. Rates include pre dinner drinks and canapés and complimentary on site parking.
Day 12: Day of leisure. Possibly a day trip to Milford Sound. Stay at Azur Lodge or Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel.
Day 13: Fly out ex Queenstown or to Auckland to connect to international flights.
Rates include NZ tax of 12.5%.
*Queenstown Park Hotel is not B&B. Extra charge for breakfast.
Transfers: Auckland - Waiheke Island ferry: From $32 return
Wellington to Picton ferry: From $63pp or $202 for 2 people + car.
Abel Tasman Day Trip: 30 minute drive to Stephens Bay to meet boat. Boat trip from $215 pp including lunch, towels, snorkeling gear & sea kayaks.
Glacier Hikes: 3 - 4 hour heli-hike from $390pp
½ day hike – 4 - 4.5 hours from $95pp
Full day hike 6-8 hours from $145pp
Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown:
Coach – cruise – coach: from $155p
Coach – Cruise – fly: from $475pp
Fly – cruise – fly: from $429 pp
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