New Zealand 13N/4D
Overview
Tour Details
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1/ Auckland (Arrival):
Welcome to the island nation of New Zealand! You will arrive in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city & proceed to collect your rental vehicle & self drive to hotel for check-in. Overnight in Auckland.
Day 2/ Auckland - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Rotorua:
Today embark on a journey through the rolling green hills of Waitomo and enjoy a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Continue to Matamata for a charming tour of unique character Hobbit homes, gardens and the watering hole just as you see in the movies. After visits, proceed to Rotorua. Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 3/ Rotorua:
In the afternoon you'll visit one of the local geothermal attractions for a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley. Then enjoy a Hangi Dinner overlooking the valley and geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance. Overnight in Rotorua. (D)
Day 4/ Rotorua - Napier:
Drive through the forested road from Rotorua to arrive in Taupo. Continue your scenic journey to Napier & enjoy a guided tour of Napier's unique history & architecture. Overnight in Napier.
Day 5/ Napier - Wellington:
Today travel down to South via the spectacular Manawatu Gorge or through the beautiful Tuki Tuki Valley and Wairarapa Wine region to reach Wellington. Overnight in Wellington.
Day 6/ Wellington - Picton - Blenheim:
Today depart Wellington on a ship that will ferry you across the Cook Strait, past the beautiful beaches, bays and coves of the Marlborough Sounds to the historic port town of Picton. A short drive takes you to the compact town centre of Blenheim. Overnight in Blenheim.
Day 7/ Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch:
Depart from Blenheim viathe Pacific Coast Road to Christchurch Pass by the seaside settlement of Kaikoura which is set midway and overlooked by majestic mountains. Reach the 'Garden City' of Christchurch & check in. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 8/ Christchurch - Greymouth:
Today depart from Christchurch enroute the spectacular scenery of the Arthurs Pass national Park & on to the West Coast. Reach Greymouth & check in to the hotel. Overnight in Greymouth.
Day 9/ Greymouth - Glacier Region:
Today depart to Glacier Region. Enjoy the entire day at leisure to explore the magnificent glaciers of the mighty Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Overnight in Glacier Region.
Day 10/ Glacier Region - Queenstown:
Today depart from Glacier Region & travel through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on today's scenic journey to Queenstown. After reaching Queenstown, make your way to the Skyline Base for a Gondola Ride to the top of Bob's Peak and enjoy some spectacular panoramic views high above Queenstown. Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 11/ Queenstown:
A free day to explore the magnificent vistas and majestic mountains that dominates this compact alpine resort town. With such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World. Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 12/ Queenstown - Tekapo/Mt Cook Region:
Today depart from Queenstown to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snowcapped mountains & turquoise lakes. After that, follow the stunning Lake Pukaki shoreline to a rugged land of ice and rock, home to Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Overnight in Tekapo or Mt Cook.
Day 13/ Tekapo/ Mt Cook - Christchurch:
Today you'll enjoy admission to the Darky Sky Project for a greater understanding of the night sky. Depart Mt Cook and stop on the shores of Lake Tekapo where the 'Church of the Good Shepherd' takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Then continue north east where braided rivers and familiar plains will signal your arrival back into Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 14/ Christchurch (Departure):
Your tour concludes today with the return of your rental car to Christchurch Airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation for 13 nights in well-appointed 3★ / 4★ hotels (or similar) on twin/double sharing basisDaily breakfast at hotels (except on arrival day, if applicable)
- ✔️ Rental vehicle for the complete duration (Auckland pick-up & Christchurch drop-off)
- Unlimited mileage
- Standard insurance (with excess as per rental terms)
- ✔️ Inter-island ferry from Wellington to Picton (vehicle included)
- ✔️ Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour
- ✔️ Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour at Matamata
- ✔️ Rotorua Geothermal experience including:
- Maori Arts & Crafts Institute
- Kiwi Conservation Centre
- Geothermal Valley visit
- ✔️ Traditional Maori Hangi Dinner with cultural performance in Rotorua
What's Not Included
- International airfare to Auckland / from Christchurch
- New Zealand visa fees and processing charges
- Fuel, parking, tolls, traffic fines & personal driving expenses
- Optional activities such as adventure sports, glacier heli-hike, whale watching, jet boating, etc.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses such as laundry, minibar, phone calls, tips, shopping, etc.
- Early check-in / late check-out at hotels
- Insurance excess/deductible in case of rental vehicle damage
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
