SELF DRIVE 3
Auckland – Christchurch via West Coast & Queenstown
This 13 day journey takes you from Auckland in the North Island through the volcanic plateau and lakes through to the northern coastal lands of the South Island and Abel Tasman National Park and then the stunning mountain settings and glaciers along the South Island’s West Coast to Wanaka and Queenstown and then across the mountains to Christchurch. This trip 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 or The Boatshed on Waiheke Island, a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
The Boatshed Seaside Boutique Hotel overlooks the Pacific Ocean. 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, an 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 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 the experience of being with friendly professional local hosts. The lodge can arrange fishing trips on Lake Taupo.
Day 5: Drive to Wellington. Stay at a hotel of your choice or contact us for a booking. Visit Te Papa Museum.
Day 6: 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 7: A day of leisure to enjoy Abel Tasman National Park and its many activities. Stay at Bronte Country Estate.
Day 8: Drive down the West Coast. Visit Punakaiki and shop for greenstone in Hokitika. Stay at Rimu Lodge. Rates include full breakfast and free on site parking. Enjoy the location of this lodge among native trees and overlooking a river.
Day 9: 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). Superb friendly local hosts will make your stay here a fabulous experience.
Day 10: Drive to Queenstown. Stay at Azur Lodge or Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel.
Azur Lodge features large luxurious stand alone 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 downtown Queenstown. Rates include pre dinner drinks and canapés and complimentary on site parking.
Day 11: Day of leisure for some adrenalin boasting activities or a day trip to Milford Sound. Stay at Azur Lodge or Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel.
Day 12: Drive or fly to Christchurch. Stay at the historic Charlotte Jane Boutique Hotel. Rates include full gourmet breakfast, NZ wine & hors d’oeuvres 5-6PM, complimentary port & sherry and free on site parking.
Day 13: Fly out ex Christchurch or connect to Auckland.
Rates include NZ tax of 12.5%.
*Queenstown Park Hotel is not B&B. Extra charge for breakfast.
Transfers:
Auckland – Waiheke Island ferry - $32 round trip
Ferry: Wellington – Picton – 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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