SELF DRIVE 2
Auckland – Queenstown via Kaikoura
This 13 day journey, from Auckland in the North Island through the volcanic plateau and lakes through to the northern coastal and alpine lands of the South Island from Abel Tasman National Park to Kaikoura and Christchurch and then through the stunning mountain settings of the South Island, 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 days end.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland. Stay at Hotel DeBrett in one of Auckland’s inner city or at The Boatshed Seaside Boutique Hotel 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 lodge. 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 Hawkes Bay and stay at the very beautiful Glen Aros Lodge. Rates include full gourmet breakfast, pre dinner drinks and aperitifs and complimentary on site parking. Gourmet dinner available by prior arrangement. Relax and enjoy the spacious grounds and pool.
Day 5: Explore the local region Enjoy the local wineries and the art-deco city of Napier. Stay Glen Aros Lodge
Day 6: Drive to Wellington. Stay at hotel of your choice. Visit Te Papa museum.
Day 7: Cross Cook straight 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 to Kaikoura. Stay at Kincaid Lodge. Rates include full breakfast, complimentary port, laundry service, home made cookies and free on site parking.
Day 10: Whale watching in Kaikoura. Stay at Kincaid Lodge. (Or drive to Christchurch & stay at The Charlotte Jane. Rates at Charlotte Jane include full gourmet breakfast, NZ wine & hors d’oeuvres 5-6PM, complimentary port & sherry and free on site parking.)
Day 11: Drive to Queenstown (or drive to Christchurch and fly to Queenstown). Stay at Azur Lodge or Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel.
Azur Lodge features stand alone large luxurious villas. 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 only 300 meters from central Queenstown. Rates include pre dinner drinks and canapés and complimentary on site parking.
Day 12: Day of leisure for some adrenalin boasting activities. 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: Waiheke Island ferry: From $32 return
Wellington to Picton ferry: From $63pp or $202 for 2 people + car.
Bronte to Abel Tasman National Park: 30 minute drive to Stephen’s Bay. 6 hour day trip to Abel Tasman including lunch, towels, kayaks & snorkel gear from $215pp
Kaikoura Whale Watching & Dolphin Swimming – 3-3.5 hr boat trip:
From $80pp watching and from $150 for swimming
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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