Day notes
Arrive at Auckland Airport, meet your private driver and check-in, at your hotel. Explore the America's Cup village. Absorb the views of the city and harbour from the Sky Tower. You’ll get great views of the city and harbour from the Sky Tower. Take a boat trip to across to Devonport.
Check-in to QT Auckland
Transfer from Auckland Airport [AKL] to QT Auckland
Transfer
Auckland Airport [AKL]
QT Auckland
Day notes
Travel via the Waikato region to the famous Waitomo caves (225 km, 140 miles, 3 hours). See the architectural beauty of the stalactites then go on an exhilarating adventure the Ruakuri Cave. Continue in the afternoon to Rotorua (140 km, 87 miles, 2 hours).
Check-out from QT Auckland
Check-in to Regent of Rotorua
Self Drive from QT Auckland to Regent of Rotorua
Self Drive
QT Auckland
Regent of Rotorua
Day notes
Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland. Located within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a region of bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs. Immerse yourself in the otherworldly atmosphere of volcanic activity within a geothermal park and be pampered in a luxurious spa. Rotorua offers a spiritual journey into Maori culture with village and performance experiences. For outdoor adventures, rejuvenate your spirit with a spot of trout fishing, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking. If it’s adrenaline you crave, try sky-diving, jet boating and zorbing.
Day notes
Drop-off your rental car off at the airport and take a domestic flight to Invercargill. Collect another rental car outside the airport terminal carpark. We recommend the Southern Coastal route to via Riverton and Tuatapere where the scenery is rugged, untamed and beautiful. The villages and small but this is classic New Zealand heartland at it’s best!
Check-out from Regent of Rotorua
Check-in to High Leys Lodge
Self Drive from Regent of Rotorua to Auckland Airport [AKL]
Self Drive
Regent of Rotorua
Auckland Airport [AKL]
Scheduled Flight from Auckland Airport [AKL] to Queenstown International Airport [ZQN]
Scheduled Flight
Auckland Airport [AKL]
Queenstown International Airport [ZQN]
Self Drive from Queenstown International Airport [ZQN] to High Leys Lodge
Self Drive
Queenstown International Airport [ZQN]
High Leys Lodge
Day notes
Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park and New Zealand's hiking capital. Fiordland features a variety of unique wildlife, including penguins. Waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres into enormous fiords. Milford Sound is a fusion of spectacular natural features. The fiord cliffs rise vertically, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls are giant canons of power. Join a cruise in the fjord.
Self Drive from High Leys Lodge to RealNZ Milford Sound Cruise
Self Drive
High Leys Lodge
RealNZ Milford Sound Cruise
Self Drive from RealNZ Milford Sound Cruise to High Leys Lodge
Self Drive
RealNZ Milford Sound Cruise
High Leys Lodge
Day notes
It’s a short drive from Te Anau to Queenstown (2.5 hrs), so there is plenty of time to spend on more Fiordland walks or ‘action time’ in Queenstown. Arrive in Queenstown, the ‘adventure capital’ of New Zealand! Enjoy a vibrant nightlife, world-class dining and great action tours. Queenstown is one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations and it’s easy to see why. The adventure is endless - bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking, wine tasting and river rafting, it's all here!
Check-out from High Leys Lodge
Check-in to Mount Rosa Lodge
Self Drive from High Leys Lodge to Mount Rosa Lodge
Self Drive
High Leys Lodge
Mount Rosa Lodge
Day notes
Queenstown is one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations. You'll be spellbound by the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and it’s dramatic alpine surrounds. Queenstown is also home to the ultimate adventure bucket list
Day notes
Skiers love the winter months and all visitors love activities like bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting. Queenstown is now a famous cycling destination with different graded scenic track and backcountry trails.
Day notes
From Haast to Jackson Bay there are empty shingle beaches, dunes, lakes and wetlands, all with the backdrop of the Southern Alps. For an authentic insight to this area, join the Waiatoto River Jet Boating Safari to explore the local rivers. Join a wildlife tour to see fur seals, Hector's Dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. A helicopter flight over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier is a major highlight!
Check-out from Mount Rosa Lodge
Check-in to Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel
Self Drive from Mount Rosa Lodge to Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel
Self Drive
Mount Rosa Lodge
Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel
Day notes
There are very few towns on the 600 kms of coastal road between Karamea and Jackson Bay. However your attention will be focused on the beauty of native forest, beaches and lagoons. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a must-do! The second largest town in the area is Hokitika, famous for New Zealand Pounamu (Jade) and the gold rush from 1860-80. Stop at Hokitika - it’s a great atmosphere! The Lonely Planet lists the Great Coast Road as one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world!
Check-out from Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel
Check-in to Breakers Boutique Accommodation
Self Drive from Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel to Breakers Boutique Accommodation
Self Drive
Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel
Breakers Boutique Accommodation
Day notes
The TranzAlpine scenic train runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing from one coast to the next (Greymouth to Christchurch: 250 km, 155 miles, 4.5 hours). From the comfort of modern carriages you can see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Continue on through the Canterbury Plains, a vast quilt of agricultural land. Arrive at Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city.
Check-out from Breakers Boutique Accommodation
Self Drive from Breakers Boutique Accommodation to Eliza's Manor
Self Drive
Breakers Boutique Accommodation
Eliza's Manor
Check-in to Eliza's Manor
Day notes
Depending on your flight, you may have plenty of time to relax or the explore the Christchurch region before leaving. If leaving in the evening, Akaroa would be a perfect day trip (only a 1.5 hour drive away (one-way). Feel free to extend your stay in Christchurch or any other location.
Check-out from Eliza's Manor
Self Drive from Eliza's Manor to Christchurch Airport [CHC]
Self Drive
Eliza's Manor
Christchurch Airport [CHC]
