Classic Both Islands Self-Drive

On this 15 day best of both islands self drive tour, you will experience the best that our amazing country has to offer. Highlights include: Auckland ‘The City of Sails’, Rotorua, the hub of New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Maori Culture, Franz Josef Glacier – one of the only glaciers in the world to be surrounded by rainforest, the beautiful shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Tekapo, a day cruise through some of our majestic fjords and Queenstown – ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’. The best part is that this is your tour done your way. Sit back relax and experience the real New Zealand through your own personally curated route notes and explore its majestic hidden spots of beauty.

Day 1 – Arrival in Auckland

You will be welcomed to NZ by one of our friendly company representatives who will show you to your rental car and explain your detailed personalised travel guide, and ‘The Road Trip’ begins. Sights on your self-guided city tour today could include a visit to one of Auckland’s inner city beaches, Mission Bay where it is possible to see stunning Pohutukawa trees. The trip could also take in sights such as Mt Eden, a stunning viewpoint and one of Auckland’s most famous volcanic craters, and perhaps a gander at one of The Road Trip’s favourite look out spots that boasts great views of both Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. This evening you will take a trip to the top of the Auckland Skytower and view the City of Sails from above while enjoying exquisite local produce at Sugar Club with a 3 course dinner experience like no other.

Budget Family Accommodation: Nesuto Stadium Apartments or similar

Classic Accommodation: Cordis Auckland or similar

Dinner included today

Day 2 – Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton (250km – 3.5 hours drive)

Today you farewell the ‘City of Sails’ and head south to Rotorua; a hot spot for Maori culture and thermal activity. En route you will visit Hobbiton and The Shire’s Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies (included activity). Arrive in Rotorua in the late afternoon and perhaps take a city tour featuring Kuirau Park mud pool reserve and view the stunning government gardens and lakefront. This afternoon/evening you could experience a relaxing soak in the thermal waters of the famous Polynesian Spa (optional – extra cost).

Budget Family Accommodation: Silver Fern Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua or similar

Breakfast included today

Day 3 – Rotorua

This morning you will take a guided walk around Te Puia and experience mud pools and geysers and visit the Maori Weaving School and Kiwi House (included activity). This is a chance to see our national bird up close. This afternoon is free for leisure activities. Options include: Rotorua Gondola and Luge, a trip to Rotorua Agrodome to experience zorbing, a visit to a kiwifruit farm, a trip to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, or a visit to the spectacular Redwoods Treewalk! (all activities listed are optional – extra cost). Tonight you will enjoy a Hangi and cultural performance with our native Māori people (included activity).

Budget Family Accommodation: Silver Fern Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua or similar

Breakfast included today

Day 4 – Rotorua to Tongariro National Park (145km – 2 hours drive)

You leave Rotorua today and head south towards one of New Zealand’s three Unesco World Heritage sites; Tongariro National Park. Your first stop for the day is Waimangu Volcanic Valley – a wonderland of stunning geothermal activity. You will see the world’s largest hot spring, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours, as well as enjoy a cruise on Lake Rotomahana above the once famous Pink and White Terraces (included activity). Heading south and stopping at the mind-blowingly powerful Huka Falls en route, you will reach Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Arriving in Tongariro National Park, you are surrounded not only by active volcanoes and the beautiful Mangawhero Falls but several LOTR filming locations, including areas used to portray Mordor, the rocky wasteland of Emyn Muil and the stunning volcano of Mount Ngaurauhoe, known by LOTR fans as the one and only Mount Doom!

Budget Family/Classic Accommodation: Chateau Tongariro or similar

Breakfast and dinner included today

Day 5 – Tongariro National Park to Wellington (331km – 5 hours drive)

If you are feeling active this morning there is a possibility of doing one of the many stunning short walks in the Tongariro National Park. One of The Road Trip’s favourites is 2 hours long featuring native bush, volcanic views and stunning waterfalls. Heading south you arrive in Wellington in the afternoon to discover New Zealand’s capital city. You can take a city tour taking in sights such as Mt Victoria – Wellington’s most spectacular viewpoint with 360 degrees of the city, harbour and mountain ranges in the background, Te Papa – our national museum, or Zealandia – A huge wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of the city.  In the evening perhaps have a wander through the bustling streets of Wellington where you can enjoy a meal on the waterfront (optional – extra cost).

Budget Family Accommodation: CityLife Wellington or similar

Classic Accommodation: Bolton Hotel or similar

Breakfast included today

Day 6 – Wellington to Christchurch (35 minute flight)

This morning you will catch a domestic flight to Christchurch. In the afternoon you could take a Christchurch city tour. Christchurch is known throughout New Zealand as ‘The Garden City”. This city tour could include a stroll in the botanic gardens and drive around the bays of Christchurch taking in Lyttelton which was the gateway for many of Christchurch and the Canterbury region’s first settlers. Perhaps go for a punt on the Avon River or visit the International Antarctic Centre. Tonight serves up the opportunity to enjoy dinner in one of the city’s many fantastic restaurants (all activities optional – extra cost).

Budget Family Accommodation: Colombo in the City Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch or similar

Breakfast included today

Day 7 – Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier (450 km – 5 hours drive)

Today you will take a journey across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass. Keep a look out for the Bealey River and Lakes Pearson and Lyndon with the towering Alps above. You can stop in Arthurs Pass where there is the opportunity of taking one of the many short nature walks in the national park and looking overhead for the Kea (New Zealand’s native alpine parrot). Our favourite spot features a stunning 150 metre waterfall and spectacular views of the mountains as you peek through native beech forest. Driving further you can stop in Hokitika to have a look at the greenstone factory, where you can view up close how the local people carve necklaces and sculptures from the precious stone. Next up check out the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest. Tonight perhaps enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the Glacier Hot Pools, surrounded by native rainforest (optional – extra cost).

Budget Family Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Aspen Court Franz Josef or similar

Breakfast included today

Day 8 – Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka (250 km – 4 hours drive)

This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy a short scenic helicopter flight with snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier, or a 3 hour guided heli-hike on the ice of glacier itself! (Optional – Not Included in Quote). One of the prettiest and most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on this tour over the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. En route you will visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and you can do one of or several walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite spots at The Road Trip is Ship Creek, an isolated beach featuring native totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Tonight you stay in Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday spots.

Budget Family Accommodation: Clearwater Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel Wanaka or similar (lakeview)

Breakfast included today

Day 9 – Wanaka

Today is a chance to explore the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka. Options include: A walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River, a visit to Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World, a kayak tour on the lake, a visit to a winery, a visit to the Warbirds and Classic cars Museum or even fishing on the lake to take a chance at catching fresh trout. Perhaps take on the Rob Roy Glacier hike or Roy’s Peak if you’re feeling especially fit! (all activities optional – extra cost for some).

Budget Family Accommodation: Clearwater Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel Wanaka or similar (lakeview)

Breakfast included today

Day 10 – Wanaka to Te Anau (260 km – 3 hours drive)

This morning after further exploring Wanaka, your South Island tour takes you over The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway to Arrowtown, an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer. Your next stop is Amisfield Winery where you will enjoy a 4 course degustation lunch overlooking the stunning Lake Hayes. This afternoon you will drive a further 2.5 hours to Te Anau.

Budget Family Accommodation: Bella Vista Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Radfords on the Lake or similar (lake view)

Breakfast and lunch included today

Day 11 – Milford Sound Day Cruise plus return to Te Anau (240km – 4 hours return drive)

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot). This morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea (included activity). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to take some short walks in the Fiordland National Park.

Budget Family Accommodation: Bella Vista Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Radfords on the Lake or similar (lake view)

Breakfast and lunch included today

Photo: shirophoto / Adobe Stock

Day 12 – Te Anau to Queenstown – (184 km – 2 hours drive)

This morning in Te Anau you will take a tour by boat across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to view the shimmering light of thousands of luminous glow-worms in a 12,000 year old grotto (included). Following this, you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish in Queenstown, and there is plenty to see and do!

Budget Family Accommodation: Alexis Motel or similar (lake view)

Classic Accommodation: The Rees Hotel or similar (lake view)

Breakfast included today

Day 13 – Queenstown

This morning you will enjoy an exhilarating ride on the famous Shotover Jet! The rest of the day is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Canyon Swings, White Water Rafting, Flyboarding and Paragliding. If you feel like taking a more relaxed approach to the day, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw 100 year old steam ship or a walk through Queenstown’s Botanic Gardens are not to be missed. Perhaps drive out to the head of Lake Wakatipu and experience the breath-taking scenery of the Glenorchy area. A popular option with our clients is a helicopter flight to the top of Coronet Peak, where passengers are able to get out on the snow 365 days a year! (Weather permitting).

Budget Family Accommodation: Alexis Motel or similar (lake view)

Classic Accommodation: The Rees Hotel or similar (lake view)

Breakfast included today

Day 14 – Queenstown to Tekapo via Mt Cook (280 km – 4 hours drive)

You leave Central Otago today through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell where you can make a stop en route and visit a local fruit shop for a chance to try real fruit ice cream and perhaps sample New Zealand famous manuka honey products. From there, cross the Lindis Pass (965m) to the Mackenzie Country, known for its Merino Sheep and wool industry. Weather permitting you can take a short walk at the foot of Mt Cook – New Zealand’s highest mountain. En route to Lake Tekapo, perhaps take a trip to the top of Mt John to experience the feeling of being on top of the world. This boasts stunning 360 degree views of the Mountains and turquoise coloured lakes (Road open until 5pm – $8 entry fee). Tonight you will stay in the town of Lake Tekapo and enjoy its turquoise coloured waters. Tonight you will enjoy a guided tour at Mt John Observatory to be amazed by Tekapo’s spectacular night sky (included).

Budget Family Accommodation: Lake Tekapo Village Motel or similar

Classic Accommodation: Peppers Bluewater Resort or similar (lake view)

Breakfast included today

Day 15 – Lake Tekapo to Christchurch plus departure (243 km – 3 hours drive)

This morning you will drive through to Christchurch where you will transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust you’ve had a memorable tour with us and wish you safe travels to your next destination.

Breakfast included today

We are glad we opted for the customised itinerary and the Road Trip Team had put together a near perfect plan. On a scale of 1 to 10, I will give it a ten!”

 

Dato & Vija Kandan – Malaysia, November 2017