Best of New Zealand  Self-Drive Vacation

Price Includes

• 11 nights accommodation
• Arrival and departure transfers
• 2 nights in Napier - “Wine Country”
• Helicopter flight to Mokoia Island
• 4x4 Offroad Adventure
• Visit Montana Brancott Winery
• Cruise on Milford Sound
• 2 dinners (D)

DAY 1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Welcome to Auckland—City of Sails! On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The rest of your day is at leisure. Overnight: Auckland, Heritage Hotel (Superior), Aachen House (B&B) or Langham Hotel (Luxury)

DAY 2: AUCKLAND—WAITOMO—ROTORUA

(226 miles/41/2 hrs)

Today, travel to the captivating Waitomo Caves and experience a guided tour through the limestone caves and a boat trip through the Glow Worm Grotto. Continue on to Rotorua. In the evening, enjoy a Maori “Hangi” (feast) and concert. Overnight: Rotorua, Millennium Hotel (Superior), Hamurana Country Estate (B&B) or Treetops Lodge (Luxury) for 2 nights (D)

DAY 3: ROTORUA

Today you will experience the sights of Rotorua, starting with a thrilling helicopter flight to the crater of an active volcano. Then, test your 4-wheel drive skills amongst the forest or in off road sprint cars. An unforgettable day of activities!

Day 4: ROTORUA—TAUPO—NAPIER

(132 miles/3 hrs)

Travel through forest plantations to Lake Taupo. Visit Huka Falls for a jetboat ride (optional). Continue on to Hawkes Bay, a region where orchards and olive groves are interspersed with award-winning vineyards, and the boundless Pacific delivers fresh seafood daily. Overnight: Napier, Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel (Superior), Mon Logis (Boutique B&B) or Greenhill the Lodge (Luxury) for 2 nights

DAY 5: NAPIER AT LEISURE

Explore Cape Kidnappers Reserve, where the largest gannet colony in the world is located. Enjoy lunch at one of the many wineries in the region, or enjoy an optional guided walking tour of central Napier to view the many Art Deco buildings.

DAY 6: NAPIER—WELLINGTON VIA MARTINBOROUGH

(212 miles/41/2 hrs)

Travel south to Martinborough, home to more than 25 boutique vineyards. Continue on to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, which is compact, cultured and full of character. Overnight: Wellington, Duxton Hotel (Superior), The Villa Karaka Bay (B&B) or Wharekauhau Country Estate (Luxury)

DAY 7: WELLINGTON—BLENHEIM

(79 miles/11/2 hrs) excludes ferry crossing time

Visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, before taking the ferry across to the South Island and continue on to Blenheim—the heart of Marlborough. Overnight: Blenheim, Hotel D’Urville (Superior), Old St Mary’s Convent (B&B) or Bay of Many Coves (Luxury)

DAY 8: BLENHEIM—CHRISTCHURCH

(193 miles/4 hrs)

Stop at the Montana Brancott Winery and acquire some of New Zealand’s most famous wines for your collection. Travel on to Christchurch via Kaikoura, famous for whale watching. Overnight: Christchurch, Heritage Hotel (Superior), Charlotte Jane (B&B) or Claremont Country Estate (Luxury)

DAY 9: CHRISTCHURCH—AORAKI MT COOK

(206 miles/4 hrs)

Today you will cross the Canterbury Plains, through MacKenzie Country via Lake Tekapo. Continue on to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Dinner is included tonight at the Hermitage Hotel’s award-winning Panorama restaurant. Overnight: Aoraki-Mt Cook, Hermitage Hotel (Superior, B&B and Luxury) (D)

DAY 10: AORAKI MT COOK—QUEENSTOWN

(163 miles/31/2 hrs)

During summer, we recommend an optional morning tour with Glacier Explorers to experience the Tasman Glacier aboard an inflatable raft. Later, travel through Lindis Pass to Queenstown, stopping at Mrs Jones’ Fruit Orchard in Cromwell. Overnight: Queenstown, Heritage Hotel (Superior), The Dairy Guest House (B&B) or Matakauri Lodge (Luxury) for 2 nights

DAY 11: MILFORD SOUND CRUISE

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and through the Homer Tunnel. Emerge into the Cleddau Valley and join a Milford Sound Red Boat cruise for an unforgettable experience exploring this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown.

DAY 12: DEPART QUEENSTOWN

Sample the spectacular local Pinot Noirs this morning on an optional Queenstown Wine Trail before heading home. Transfer to Queenstown Airport and check in for your onward flight.

Departs: Daily