LONG SOJOURN IN NEW ZEALAND

On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation at Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart.

The next few days are free to explore Auckland at your leisure and there are many options available.

Take a day trip out to Rangitoto or Waiheke Island. Rangitoto Island is an extinct volcano and iconic Auckland landmark. Walk over lava crops and through native bush to the summit for panoramic views of the city and out to the Hauraki Gulf or visit Waiheke Island with its beautiful beaches, vineyards, olive groves and laid back villages. Regular passenger ferries to each depart from central Auckland and guided tours are also available.

The Auckland Art Gallery has a wide ranging permanent collection of national and international art, both historical and contemporary and hosts a programme of touring exhibitions.

Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, located underneath the Auckland waterfront, aims to display the Southern Ocean marine life from the perspective of a diver. Here you can travel along a 110 metre see through tunnel surrounding by ocean water and creatures of the deep.

Auckland War Memorial Museum introduces you to the people of the Pacific and New Zealand, the natural history of our country, and tells the stories of wars which have helped shaped the New Zealand national identity. There are also galleries devoted to New Zealand design and decorative arts and special exhibitions.

Auckland Zoo is home to over 1300 animals and is recognized as one of the most progressive zoos in the world. Set in 16 hectares of parkland, the zoo provides exciting visitor experiences aimed at inspiring people to take action to support the wildlife and environment.

5 Nights at Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart in a Double One Bedroom Apartment

Drive Auckland to Whitianga (191 kms/119 miles - 2 hours 45 minutes non-stop drive time)

Today you will make your own way to the Budget Rent a Car depot.

Leaving the City of Sails, cross the Bombay Hills and head East around the base of the Hauraki Gulf - the Firth of Thames. Travelling over the historical Kopu bridge, you will now be taking on some true New Zealand country roads. Wind your way around the Kopu-Hukuai road whilst taking in the breath- taking forest scenery of the Coromandel to the East Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. As you approach the East coast of the Peninsula, take in the scenic views of the white sand beaches and the beautiful views of Mt.Paku from Tairua. Here is a great place for a quick stop to break up the drive if you are looking for a quick coffee or lunch stop. The final leg up to Whitianga, takes you around hilly, windy roads surrounded by beautiful New Zealand native bush. Stop off at some of the many lookout points that offer breath-taking ocean views. Whitianga is located on the eastern coast of the peninsula on Mercury Bay, the home of the world renowned Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. The town offers a range of bars, cafes and restaurants. If you have some time to spare, we recommend a visit to the Lost Spring Geo-Thermal Ocean Resort.

A series of small, friendly coastal towns and white sand beaches are dotted around the Coromandel Peninsula, linked by the Pacific Coast Highway. Rising up behind them is the jagged Coromandel Range, which runs down the interior of the Peninsula and is cloaked in regenerating native bush. Once exploited for timber, gold and kauri gum, one third of land in the region is now administered by the Department of Conservation, ensuring the natural beauty of the Coromandel is preserved.

5 Nights at Mussel Bed B&B and Cottage in a Mussel Bed Cottage - Self Catering

The next few days are free for you to spend at leisure in the Coromandel. The area is home to a large number of talented artists and craftspeople whose studios are often open to the passing visitor. Numerous walking tracks throughout the area provide great opportunities to explore the native bush and coastline, and admire the scenery. Other attractions include golf, game fishing, swimming, kayaking or just relaxing on the beach. Nearby, at the aptly named Hot Water Beach, hot springs seep through the sands which can be scooped out for an individual thermal pool.

(Note: Due to potentially dangerous sea conditions we strongly advise you to avoid swimming at Hot Water Beach.)

Drive Cooks Beach to Rotorua (221 kms/137 miles - 3 hours 40 minutes non-stop drive time)

Today you will depart Cooks Beach, and travel along the scenic Coromandel Peninsula and through the Bay of Plenty to Rotorua. You will pass the picturesque seaside town of Whangamata and Waihi, both established during the mining and logging days. If time allows, we recommend a visit of popular Waihi Beach with its inviting white sandy beach, located a 15 minute drive off the main driving route. The scenery changes from rugged natural bush scenery to large large kiwifruit and dairy farming country as you leave the Coromandel Peninsula and reach the Bay of Plenty. You may like to stop in Mount Maunganui for lunch and admire its famous ocean beach and distinctive volcanic cone. As you leave Mount Maunganui and head along the coast, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the smouldering marine volcano of White Island. As you cut back inland, take in the pungent smell of Sulphur as you drive around the lake edge into the Geo-thermal Wonderland, Rotorua.

5 Nights at Regal Palms Resort in a One Bedroom Luxury Apartment

The next few days are free to explore Rotorua at your leisure. Rotorua, in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island is an adventure playground, geothermal wonderland and a hot spot for experiencing traditional Maori culture.

To find your bearings, take a walk along the lakeshore, through government gardens and the casual dining hot spot that is Eat Streat. 

For the adventurous, Rotorua isn’t short of adrenaline activities and superlatives. River raft down the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Or roll down grassy tracks inside a big, inflatable plastic ball (and proud New Zealand invention). Take a journey through prehistoric native forest exploring the canopy as you fly on a network of ziplines (the highest, the longest and the scariest...), swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree top platforms and more.

To find out why Rotorua was declared one of only six gold level mountain bike ride centres in the world, head out on the mountain bike trails in the Redwoods Forest or the Gravity Skyline Park. Whether you are a novice or experienced biker, there are suitable options, including family-friendly trails.

For another fantastic family activity, jump on board Skyline Gondola and enjoy a few luge (part go- kart, part toboggan) rides. A visit of the Jelly Bean Store at the top of the gondola is a must! Right next door to the Skyline's base terminal, you will find Rainbow Springs where you can witness conservation in action and learn about New Zealand's natural history, native flora and fauna.

Maori culture can be experienced in many ways in Rotorua. One of the most popular ways being a visit of an authentic traditional Maori village for an interactive cultural performance and traditional hangi meal.

Rotorua’s geothermal features range from volcanic crater lakes, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and colourful sinter terraces. These can be seen in a number of geothermal parks in the wider Rotorua region, including Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Orakei Korako Hidden Valley or Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.

To round off a busy day, visit Polynesian Spa for a relaxing geothermal bathing experience or head to Redwoods Forest for an enchanting, magical, mesmerising treewalk and lights display.

Drive Rotorua to Napier (218 kms/135 miles - 3 hours non-stop drive time)

Depart the thermal town of Rotorua and first head to through Taupo. The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. You may like to take a side road to the geothermal park of Wai-o-Tapu, where you'll discover geysers, silica terraces and crates of boiling mud. Towards the end of the drive to Taupo, you'll encounter the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, where steam is harnessed to provide electricity from forty deep bores. If time permits, you may also like to take a short stop off at Huka Falls - here you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per second barreling over 11 metre high waterfall. As you come over the hill into town, you will see the amazing view of Great Lake Taupo - New Zealand's largest lake. The major entertainment on the road from Taupo to Napier is the fantastic scenery..

There's a bit of everything - rugged hills beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas. A great place to stop along the way is Waiarua Falls lookout, to view the twin waterfalls. The town of Eskdale heralds your arrival along the beachfront to the Art Deco Capital of the World, Napier

5 Nights at Quest Napier in a Double One Bedroom Apartment

The next few days are free to explore Napier and the Hawke’s Bay at your leisure.

One of the world’s most complete collections of Art Deco-styled buildings have made Napier an iconic visitor destination. The best way to explore the small city and learn about its history while marvelling at the Art Deco structures is by guided walking tour. These depart from the Art Deco Centre multiple times a day.

Along Marine Parade, you will find the National Aquarium of New Zealand and the MTG (Museum, Theatre, Gallery), Napier’s award-winning museum including an extensive exhibition on the city’s devastating earthquake of 1931 as well as Maori taonga (treasures). While the Napier’s beach is stunning to look at and is a fantastic spot to watch the sun rise, it is unsafe to swim. The Ocean Spa on Marine Parade offers seaside heated pools.

Ahuriri, a former fishing village, today is Napier’s hip suburb and located on the other side of Bluff Hill. The settlement has its very own marine vibe and a growing number of cafes, restaurants, galleries and boutique stores.

Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region and has over 200 vineyards, close to 80 wineries and 40 cellar doors, so the toughest decision you will have to make is where to start. Half and full day guided tours are available. A fantastic way to explore the region and visit some of the wineries is by bicycle. The Hawke’s Bay offers a network of 200km of easy and mostly flat cycling trails. Bikes are available for hire both in Napier and Ahuriri.

A little further afield, lies the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. It is situated on private land and can be visited by overland safari tours.

Drive Napier to Wellington (329 kms/204 miles - 4.5 hours non-stop drive time)

Head south today climbing out of Hawkes Bay and into the rolling sheep and cattle farmland that characterises much of your journey today. Just south of Eketahuna is the Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, a worthwhile stop on your journey. The road eventually converges on the rugged Rimutaka Ranges before joining the motorway system into Wellington, New Zealand's Capital - a truly energetic, cosmopolitan city set around the shores of a pretty harbour.

5 Nights at U Residence Hotel Wellington in a One Bedroom Apartment 

The next few days are free to explore Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, at your leisure.

Wellington is a compact city and best explored on foot. A good place to start is vibrant Cuba Street and down Wellington’s waterfront. Take a stroll to Oriental Bay or hire a bicycle if you wish to venture further along the bays.

The most prominent building on the waterfront and difficult to overlook is Te Papa Tongarewa museum. The national museum is a must-do with six storeys of interactive exhibitions on Maori and Polynesian history, geology, flora and fauna, and much more in an architectural wonder of a building.

Take the iconic cable car ride up into the Kelburn Hills. On a beautiful day, the views from up there are stunning and a stroll through the botanic gardens is a great way to make your way back down the city.

A little known fact is that Wellington is the heart of New Zealand’s film industry with Miramar, a seaside suburb, home to world-class movie making talent and technologies. A must-do for film fans is a visit of the Weta Studios and Weta Cave. A range of tours to various film locations around town are also on offer.

A magical place worth a visit at daytime and night time alike is ZEALANDIA, the world’s first fully- fenced eco sanctuary, located just a few minutes’ drive outside the city centre. More than 140 rare Little Spotted Kiwi live in the sanctuary and they can often be seen on night tours.

This morning you will drive to the Interislander Ferry Terminal where you will drop off your rental car and check in for a sailing to Picton.

Ferry Service Wellington to Picton Ferry

Check-in at the Interislander ferry terminal and board your vessel for the journey across Cook Strait. Depart Wellington and arrive into Picton harbour. The 92 kilometre voyage takes approximately three hours and is described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Drive Picton to Nelson (133 kms/83 miles - 2 hours non-stop drive time)

Today collect your rental vehicle from Budget Rent A Car. Depart the picturesque seaside town of Picton and travel via the outskirts of sunny Blenheim - chief town of the Marlborough wine growing region. Continue on past Mount Cullen until you begin to approach Havelock. The lookout viewpoints along this drive are plentiful, so give yourself time to stop at each of them and take in the beautiful scenery. Take a small detour to the Cullen Point Lookout and breathe in the fresh air whilst overlooking Pelorus Sound. Continue on, following the Pelorus River (another filming location from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) where you will meet the Pelorus Bridge. In the Summer months, a great swim spot! And in the Winter, a nice spot to stretch your legs! As you leave the Marlborough region and enter the Nelson region, the road becomes hilly and sweeps up and over the Rai Saddle and Whangamoa Hill before running down to Tasman Bay and the City of Nelson.

5 Nights at Abel Tasman Lodge in a Double One Bedroom Chalet

The next few days are free to explore Nelson at your leisure and there are many options available. The vibrant city of Nelson is alive with boutique art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Various regional markets are held on a weekly basis. Don't miss the Nelson Farmer's Market if your stay includes a Wednesday morning or the Motueka Sunday Market for fresh local produce and crafts.

The wider region boasts craft breweries and wineries as well as a number of scenic and adventure activities. Visit some of them on a guided tour or hire a bike and explore them at your own leisure while cycling along Tasman's Great Taste Trail.

Nelson is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand's most popular visitor destinations. Take a day trip out to the park with its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters and lush New Zealand bush. Explore the park on foot, by kayak or opt for a leisurely cruise.

Situated by the Waimea Estuary, just a short drive off the main coastal highway Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park, lies Mapua Wharf with a range of craft shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes. Mapua Wharf is also where the ferry departs from, connecting Rabbit Island with Tasman's Great Taste Trail.

For two extraordinary collections representing innovation, design and wonder, visit the World of WearableArt Museum (WOW) showcasing some 50 wearable garments and the adjoining Classic Car Collection with some 140 veteran, vintage and classic cars near Nelson Airport.

Drive Nelson to Punakaiki (265 kms/165 miles -3.5 hours non-stop drive time)

Depart Nelson and journey into the fertile farmlands of pine forested hills around Murchison. Pass through the mighty Buller Gorge which is the gateway to the West Coast and from there it is on to the incredible drive down the coast. The mighty rollers from the Tasman Sea crash and thunder endlessly onto the rocky shore. Arrive at Punakaiki and view the geographical oddities of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, where countless years of wind and water have weathered the coastline into pancake-like formations.

3 Nights at the Havenz Punakaiki in a Double Rimu Treehouse Studio Apartment

Today and tomorrow are days of leisure for you in Punakaiki. Explore the Pancake Rocks and blowholes or take a walk through the bush. Wander along the beach on foot or on a horse trek.

Drive Punakaiki – Franz Josef (220 kms/135 miles - 3 hours non-stop drive time)

Depart Punakaiki and head south on State Highway 6, passing through large areas of land that have been worked over for alluvial gold by panning, sluicing and dredging. We recommend to pause in Hokitika to visit the various jade and gold factories or take a stroll along the beach. From here, the road dips in and out of dense bush for many miles, crossing beautiful stretches of countryside scattered with farming settlements to Franz Josef, the first of the West Coast's two well known glacier settlements.

3 Nights at Glenfern Villas in a Double One Bedroom Villa

Today and tomorrow are days of leisure for you in Franz Josef. The only way to access the ice of the glacier is by helicopter flight. Several flight options are available including a helihike where you get to spend a couple of hours walking on the glacier. Fixed wing plane flights are also available but do not give access to the ice. At nearby Fox Glacier the walk around Lake Matheson is a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery and see the mountains reflected in the lakes surface. Lake Mapourika is a great place for kayaking.

Drive Franz Josef to Wanaka (287 kms/178 miles - 4 hours non stop drive time)

Depart Franz Josef heading through a mountainous section of road before entering Fox Glacier. Cross the Cook River Bridge and travel through forests of red and white pine to Bruce Bay, an old goldmining settlement. Continue through attractive bush scenery until you pass tranquil Lakes Paringa and Moeraki, the haunt of the fabulous White Heron, to the township of Haast.

From here, drive through the Haast Pass Highway, viewing en route Mount Brewster, towering 2423 metres and the Brewster Glacier. Descend 82 kilometres, past the Lake Hawea Dam, water storage for the Roxburgh Hydro Electric Station, to Wanaka.

3 Nights at Edgewater in a Double Lake View One Bedroom Apartment

Today and tomorrow are at your leisure to explore Wanaka and its surrounds. Due to its location at the southern tip of Lake Wanaka with the Southern Alps as a backdrop, Wanaka is a fantastic outdoor playground. One of the best ways to this area is on the water; explore the lake by kayak or stand-up paddle board. If you want to take it a little further, choose between a guided kayak trip up the Clutha River, an entertaining eco tour to Mou Waho Island in Lake Wanaka, or a spectacular jetboat ride to Mount Aspiring National Park on the braided Matukituki River.

If you prefer to spend the day ashore, walking tracks and bike trails are plentiful with short, easy options as well as half day and full day hikes and rides easily accessible. Another, less physical way to see the region is by off-road excursion to one of the iconic high country stations. If you simply can't get enough of Wanaka's panoramic views, book in for a skydive or scenic helicopter flight.

For a great indoor activity and unusual experience, visit Puzzling World on the outskirts of town. The Illusion Rooms, Puzzle Centre and Maze will leave you baffled. This makes for a fun family experience. Warbirds and Wheels, another indoor exhibition, houses a large collection of luxury American Classic cars, vintage vehicles and fighter aircraft.

In winter, Wanaka becomes a ski resort with two main world-class ski fields, Treble Cone and Cardrona, in easy reach. Single and multi day passes are available and gear and clothing can be hired if you decide to take to the slopes.

Drive Wanaka to Queenstown (117 kms/72 miles 1.5 hours non-stop drive time)

From Wanaka, travel to Cromwell and through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge to follow the river into Queenstown.

5 Nights at Garden Court Suites & Apartment in a Double One Bedroom Apartment with Balcony

The next few days are free to explore Queenstown at your leisure. Queenstown and its surrounds are a true outdoor playground with much to offer for adrenaline-seekers, the active, wine lovers, and families alike.

Known as the adventure capital of the world, thrill-seekers have an abundance of options to choose from. Queenstown is ground zero for commercial bungy jumping anywhere in the world. Choose between Kawarau Bridge, where it all started, or head to the Nevis Bungy site for the most daring and highest bungy jump in the world (134m high!) – or go for a combination of the two and supplement it with a canyon swing or catapult experience. Experience the excitement of a high speed jet boat ride: skim across the water, whizz round corners and shoot through narrow rocky gorges!

A busy soft-adventure playground is located on top of Bob’s Peak, high above town. It can be reached by the iconic Skyline Gondola and offers activities like lugeing (part go-kart, part toboggan), zip lining (flying fox), dining with a view and stargazing.

There is no better way to appreciate Queenstown's location amid the Southern Alps than from a bird's eye perspective. Take a scenic helicopter flight, paraglide flight or take to the skies with a tandem skydive.

If you feel more comfortable on the ground, activities are plentiful, too. Cycling tours and mountain biking trails in Queenstown are a great way to explore and discover remote parts of this beautiful region! Or take to one of the many walking and hiking trails along the lakeshore or up the many hills and mountains.

For heritage-lovers, a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on board the iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw is a must as is a visit of the historic town of Arrowtown, a gold-rush village.

A little further afield lies scenic Glenorchy that can be reached by a 45-minute drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The views are spectacular and Glenorchy itself offers a range of activities, including walks, scenic jetboating, horse-riding and film locations from Lord of the Rings and Narnia. These are best be visited by 4x4 tour.

Wine devotees should not miss a trip out to nearby Gibbston Valley, home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, to explore cellar doors and restaurants to find your favourite vintage. This can be done independently by car or bicycle or as part of a guided tour.

In winter, Queenstown transforms itself into a ski resort. Ski fields like The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona offer options for experienced skiers and snowboarders and novices alike. Or, if you would like to try something new, why not head out for a snow shoeing experience?

Drive Queenstown to Te Anau (170 kms/105 miles - 2.5 hours non-stop drive time)

Today, leave the picturesque resort town of Queenstown and make your way to the gateway of the Fiords, Te Anau. The first part of your journey will skirt Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the rugged Remarkable Ranges until you arrive in Kingston, the home of a remarkable vintage steam train. From here, continue on through to Mossburn and into the tussock covered hills. Once the highest point is reached there are magnificent views of the mountains of Fiordland to the north, south and west. After a few miles the wide panorama of Lake Te Anau comes into view.

3 Nights at Radfords on the Lake in a Superior One Bedroom Unit

Today and tomorrow are free to explore Te Anau at your leisure and there are many options available.

A true outdoor playground, Te Anau’s location on the shores of Lake Te Anau offers a stunning backdrop for local activities. Being the closest town to Milford Sound, Te Anau is regarded as the gateway to Fiordland. It is also the gateway to three of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks.

Take a day trip to Milford Sound, rated as one of New Zealand’s must-sees. The journey along Milford Road, a stunning alpine drive, takes approximately two hours by coach and is a highlight in itself with numerous scenic stops along the way. Various cruise operators take visitors on the approximately 16 kilometre/10 mile journey from the fiord’s head to the open sea.

Not less spectacular but more remote and visited by fewer travellers is Doubtful Sound, also known as the Sound of Silence. The spectacular journey to Doubtful Sound involves a short coach transfer to nearby Manapouri followed by a cruise across Lake Manapouri, a scenic drive over Wilmot Pass and down to the head of Doubtful Sound for a scenic cruise on the fiord.

If you are into hiking or walking, various sections of the Kepler Track, Routburn Track and Milford Track can easily be reached from Te Anau by road transfer, water taxi or jetboat. There are options to hike segments of these three Great Walks guided or unguided. Other activities include cycling along the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail along the Upper Waiau River that connects Lake Te Anau with Lake Manapouri. This is a great family activity given the easy trail grade.

Another great family activity is a guided visit of the nearby glowworm caves on the western shores of Lake Te Anau, accessible only by boat.

Not to be missed is a visit of the local Fiordland Cinema to watch Ata Whenua – Fiordland on Film and enjoy a drink in the adjacent bar. Inspired by the breath-taking aerial footage, why not take a scenic flight by helicopter, floatplane or fixed wing aircraft to see more of Fiordland from above?

Drive Te Anau to Dunedin (289 kms/180 miles - 4 hours non-stop drive time)

Today, depart the small township of Te Anau and head towards the East Coast of the South Island through farmland and tussock country. You will pass through picturesque Lumsden which sits at the elbow of the Oreti River in the upper reaches of Southland. After Lumsden, you'll travel across the river plain to Gore. Stop in Mandeville if you'd like to fly in a Tiger Moth, or by the Mataura River if you want to catch a trout. Fresh, green farmy scenery will accompany you to Balclutha, which has a distinctive arched concrete bridge and an interesting museum. Milton is the last sizeable settlement before Dunedin - the unusual kink in the main road is where two surveyors didn't quite meet.

5 Nights at Quest Apartments in a Double One Bedroom Apartment 

Today next few days are free to take in Dunedin’s wide range of attractions and experiences. Among the best known is Larnach Castle, a private mansion with an intriguing history and built at a beautiful, isolated site on Otago Peninsula. Whilst out on the Peninsula, a wildlife tour or visit to the albatross and penguin colonies is recommended and you may like to include a stop at Glenfalloch Gardens, one of New Zealand’s finest woodland parks. Back in the city, head to the Octagon with its many bars and cafes, or explore the boutique fashion stores for which the city is gaining a reputation.

A short walk from the Octagon, The Speights Brewery, situated on the same site since 1876, offers behind the scenes tours giving a background to this famous New Zealand beer. Other heritage buildings worth a visit are Olveston House, an elegant Jacobean style home, and the distinctive and grandiose Dunedin Railway Station. The Taieri Gorge train departs here daily for a scenic journey inland through the spectacular Taieri Gorge, a route originally planned to give the city access to the gold mines and rich farmland of Central Otago.

Drive Dunedin to Lake Tekapo (287 km's/178 miles – 3.5 hours non-stop drive time)

Depart Dunedin and travel north up the coast to Oamaru, a town noted for the predominance of white stone buildings. The stone is Oamaru Stone - a white granular limestone for which the area is known. From here, turn inland and follow the Waitaki River past a series of lakes to Omarama. Omarama, translates from Maori to mean ‘place of light’ and refers to the clear and pure sky of the surrounding countryside. These clear skies contribute to the conditions that make this a world class gliding area and it is common to see gliders soaring high above you on the short journey to Twizel. Twizel was constructed as a base for the Waitaki Power Scheme, and today is a service and tourist town. From Twizel continue to Lake Tekapo.

3 Nights at Peppers Bluewater Resort in a Double One Bedroom Lake View Villa

Today and tomorrow are days of leisure for you at lake Tekapo. This grand and spectacular region offers many sightseeing and recreational activities, such as bush and alpine walks along well marked tracks and ski-plane flights landing on the high glacier snowfields. During the winter months Mount Cook is popular for skiing and during summer it is used for mountaineering and high alpine climbing. There is also an excellent plantarium and a number of guided excursions into the dramatic alpine scenery.

Drive Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (230 kms/143 miles - 3.5 hours non-stop drive time)

Leave the high Mackenzie Country behind, after passing through Burkes Pass. Continue on into rolling farmlands which surround the country townships of Fairlie and Geraldine. Cross over the Rangitata River and enter the vast and varied landscape of the Canterbury Plains. On through Ashburton, the centre of a large sheep and wheat farming area and across the Rakaia River where the Highbank power station is located. Soon you will enter the 'Garden City' of Christchurch.

Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch features many majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, the most notable of which is expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. Bordering the park you will find the botanical gardens and the Gothic revival building which houses the Canterbury Museum. The Avon River gently winds its way around these inner city landmarks and out through sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean.

5 Nights at Heritage Christchurch in a Double One Bedroom Suite

Relax and enjoy a few days at leisure in the Garden City.

With the rebuild of Christchurch following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the urban city centre today is full of new secrets to discover. Prepare for new architecture, bustling restaurants, laneways, large, green public spaces and immense street art. To find out more on the street art, visit watchthisspace.org.nz.

The flat city scape makes it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Alternatively, the hop on hop off sightseeing buses or the city tour tram are great options for exploring Christchurch. Hagley Park is home to some of the city's attractions, including the large Botanical Gardens, the fascinating Canterbury Museum and the tranquil Avon River. Punting is an iconic activity and popular way to discover the park in a relaxed way. The inner city retail precinct with a wide range of boutiques and contemporary shops is found down Cashel, High and Colombo Streets.

Foodies will find an array of restaurants along Victoria Street and New Regent Street, trendy bars on The Terrace and casual eateries at Little High off High Street or at Riverside Market.

Great family attractions around the city also include the interactive Turanga Central Library, the International Antarctic Centre (near the airport), Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and the Air Force Museum. For adrenaline-seekers, a visit to the Christchurch Adventure Park offers great mountain biking and ziplining (with New Zealand's longest flying fox). Further afield, you can take a scenic drive out over Banks Peninsula to the quaint French settlement of Akaroa.

Unfortunately today marks the end of your time in New Zealand. You will drive to Christchurch airport where you will drop off your rental car.

End of Arrangements