Magical New Zealand | A Friends and Family Self-Drive Adventure

Depart from your home city on your international flight(s) to Auckland.

Continue your journey as you cross the International Date Line.

Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Early check-in is available if your flight arrives in the morning.) The stylish Grand Windsor Hotel Auckland is right on Queen Street, Auckland’s main thoroughfare, an ideal location to enjoy and explore the vibrant heart of the "City of Sails." While in New Zealand, you will have 24-hour support, and you’ll receive a detailed tour pack that contains everything you need for the duration of your stay: a comprehensive version of your itinerary; clear driving instructions and maps for each leg of your journey; all reservation details for your accommodations and activities; relevant brochures and information; and 24-hour contact information. Auckland is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise is a playground for both the city-savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot or take a drive through one of the dozens of regional parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls, and native forests. This evening, you may wish to take in a unique on-water dining experience while sailing on a Waitemata Harbor Cruise (cost on own). Enjoy smooth sailing, canapés, beverages, and a delicious meal while watching the twinkling lights of this photogenic city come alive at sunset.

After breakfast and check-out, your rental vehicle. a Toyota Highlander (FFAR) large 4WD or similar (Europcar) will be delivered to your hotel. Vehicle features are as follows: 5 door, 5 passenger 4WD wagon, automatic, power steering, air conditioning, multiple air bags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, Bluetooth, remote central locking, cruise control, 3.5 liter engine, and GPS. On delivery of your vehicle, you will be required to sign a rental agreement with the car rental company. A credit card is also required at this time and an authorization will be obtained by the rental car company to cover excess (deductible amount) as specified in the car rental insurance section at the end of your itinerary. At this point you may be offered additional optional insurance coverage if necessary, by the car rental company. Note that the excess or deductible is not charged to your card; just an authorization is obtained at this stage. Each person who wishes to drive must present their driver’s license at this point and be added to the agreement. There is no charge for additional drivers. Note drivers under 21 are not permitted. Please note if you are renting from Europcar, there is an additional surcharge for drivers aged from 21 to 24 years inclusive. The cost of this is payable directly to Europcar upon collection.
Begin your journey by traveling south from Auckland, past the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and dairy pastures of the Waikato region. Stop near the town of Matamata to visit Hobbiton, the film set used in the shooting of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Tours leave daily from The Shire’s Rest every 30 minutes. After driving through a picturesque sheep farm, you’ll be taken through Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, and the Party Tree, while your guide shares stories from behind the scenes and insight into the making of the films. Allow approximately two hours, including transport to and from The Shire’s Rest. Continuing on, you’ll pass several small farming communities before the telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signal your arrival into Rotorua. Proceed to the Millennium Hotel, Rotorua’s largest 4-star deluxe hotel.

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. In addition to its geothermal landmarks, the city also has a rich indigenous history and is home to several prominent Maori tribes. This morning, you have an included visit to Te Puia to learn about both of these facets. After a ceremonial welcome, witness a stunning kapa haka cultural show that features song, dance, and traditional ancestral storytelling, with the opportunity to join in a hands-on activity. Then stroll through the geothermal valley, visit the Kiwi House to view this iconic native bird, and learn about flax-weaving and bone-carving at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Lunch will be cooked over a geothermal steam vent a traditional technique used by the Maori for centuries and served on the terrace overlooking the famous Pohutu Geyser. This afternoon is free to enjoy one of the many optional activities available. You may wish to visit one of the nearby Maori villages or the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs. Spike your adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving or a giant swing that reaches speeds of 80 miles per hour. Alternatively, head up the Rotorua Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill. For more action, embark on a three-hour adventure on a network of trails, tree platforms, zip lines, and swing bridges through native New Zealand forest at the Original Canopy Tour. (You might also wish to schedule one of their early morning slots, beginning at 7 am, so you can then fit in your Te Puia experience afterward. Please note: Minimum weight for this activity is 77 pounds; maximum weight is 264 pounds.) Another option is the National Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you can wander among native trees, ferns, and flowers, learn about kiwi conservation efforts, observe other bird species in the aviaries, and maybe see the tuatara, New Zealand’s largest reptile. This evening, return to the Millennium Hotel Rotorua, with dinner on your own.
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Today travel to Wellington; plan to take most of the day for this drive. Your first stop is 30 minutes south of Rotorua at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the area’s most colorful volcanic attractions. Next, visit Huka Falls, just off the state highway. An easy walk from the parking area leads you to a viewing platform, but if you want to get even closer, the thrilling Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride will do just that. Continuing on, as you head into the town of Taupo, its volcanic crater lake comes into view. Follow the lakeshore south, then ascend onto the central plateau and into the high country and Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, you may be able to see the peaks of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu and Mt. Tongariro. The third visible peak is Mt. Ngauruhoe, which may look familiar as it was used to depict Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies. A little further along this vast landscape, you’ll reach the military town of Waiouru. The Army Museum here holds an incredible collection of New Zealand military memorabilia and history on its servicemen. Descending from the mountain region, pass through rich farmland and rural towns before arriving on the Kapiti Coast. The coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton are worth a short detour before arriving into Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. The city center itself is quite compact (less than a square mile), so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your elegant, contemporary-style hotel, you can easily stroll along the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place or walk to the harbor and enjoy dinner overlooking the water.

Today is yours at leisure to enjoy the charms of Wellington. Head to New Zealand’s National Museum Te Papa, where you will learn the stories of New Zealand’s past, present, and future. Over 20 galleries house imaginative exhibitions and interactive experiences that explore the country’s unique natural environment, the triumphs and tragedies of colonial history, and the culture and history of the Maori people. Later jump aboard the Wellington Cable Car, the only running funicular railway in the country. Once at the top of the hill, you can walk back to the city via the beautiful botanical gardens. You can stop at the Parliament buildings for a free guided tour and later walk up Lambton Quay for shopping.
This evening, the Zealandia By Night wildlife sanctuary tour has been arranged for you. Zealandia is a fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary covering 550 acres and providing a safe haven for some of the country’s rarest native birds, reptiles, and insects. Your tour begins with an interactive exhibition before you walk through the gates of Zealandia’s predator-exclusion fence into the sanctuary. Your guide will then lead you on a walk by flashlight through the native New Zealand bush. Possible sightings include kiwi foraging on the forest floor, tuatara hunting for food, glowworms shining, tiny Maud Island frogs in their enclosure, pateke (Brown Teal) ducks feeding at night, and kaka (parrots) coming in to roost. Zealandia is one of the best places to see kiwi in the wild; over 100 of these nocturnal birds live freely inside the sanctuary.

Today begins with an iconic journey. The 57-mile, three-hour voyage between Wellington and Picton has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. Sailing from Wellington Harbour, pass points of interest like Pencarrow Head and New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse, the seal colony at Red Rocks, and Oterangi Bay, site of the country’s highest recorded wind speed (167 mph). From the Cook Strait, you’ll find spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island. Dolphins and many sea birds are often seen as well. Enter the Marlborough Sounds, a region of bush-covered mountains, small islands, crystal-clear waters, and secluded bays, offering remarkable photographic opportunities. The final leg takes you through Queen Charlotte Sound before coming to an end in the picturesque town of Picton. Continue your adventure with a 30-minute drive, following the valley south to Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region. There are many wineries in the area if you wish to pop in for a tasting. Next, cross the dry hills of Marlborough and head toward one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the Pacific shore for around 30 miles and offers many chances to view native wildlife. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants, and shops, and it’s famous for its crayfish (rock lobster). Many of the restaurants have crayfish on the menu, but for a real "Kiwi" experience we recommend The Pier Hotel.

Kaikoura is one of the only places in New Zealand you can usually spot whales year round. Sperm whales can be seen throughout the year, and depending on the season, you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales. Your choice of an early or mid-morning whale watching tour is included (check-in time 7:15 am or 10:00 am). Plan for about 2.5 hours at sea. Cruise in style on a modern catamaran specifically designed for whale watching, with a limited number of passengers to ensure a more personal experience. After your time at sea, travel down the coast before heading inland through the North Canterbury wine region of Waipara Valley—sheep country! If you have time, we recommend taking a detour to Hanmer Springs for a relaxing dip in its thermal pools. Arriving into Christchurch, you’ll see a new and improved city, steadily rising from the ruins of the 2011 earthquake. Check in at The George Hotel, an award-winning, 5-star hotel opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes’ stroll from the botanic gardens. Two award-winning restaurants are on-site for your dining pleasure. Once situated, you may wish to take advantage of the Christchurch "Hop On-Hop Off" City Tour. Listen to entertaining and informative commentary from friendly local guides and learn about the city’s fascinating history, from pioneering days to modern times.

Should you wish, you’ll have the morning to explore the city further, perhaps visiting the outstanding Christchurch Botanical Gardens or Quake City to learn about the earthquake and Christchurch’s subsequent regeneration. After lunch, drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury Plains. Ascending Burkes Pass, you’ll come to the lakeside town of Tekapo. One of the most popular landmarks in the region is the Church of the Good Shepherd, an iconic stone building that was built in 1935 to commemorate early European settlers. Nearby, a bronze sheepdog statue pays tribute to these animals’ contribution to the farming community. West of Lake Tekapo is Mt. John, and it’s here you will find the Canterbury University Observatory. Driving to the summit of this mountain is well worth the soaring views you’ll get from the top. Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki/Mt. Cook (at 12,316 feet, New Zealand’s tallest mountain) from the shores of the turquoise, glacier-fed Lake Pukaki. Continue along the lake to Mt. Cook Village. Stretch your legs on one of the many short walks around the area, and relax over dinner in Mt. Cook Village. Be sure to stop in at the new Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, showcasing the region’s contribution as a pioneer in the sport of mountain climbing. Arrive at the Hermitage Hotel, which is ringed by the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Dinner tonight is a sumptuous buffet where you can sit with stunning views of the sun setting over Aoraki/Mt. Cook.

This morning, join your exciting Glacier Explorers Tour and witness 500-year-old icebergs up-close on the Mt Cook terminal lake. Very few glaciers terminate into lakes, and even fewer of them are accessible. See the towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs around Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, from the safety of a specially designed boat. This afternoon, there are various options to explore. Take a hike on the Hooker Valley Track, which leads four miles round-trip through the sacred Topuni area toward Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Highlights include three swing bridges, impressive views of the Southern Alps as well as Mueller and Hooker Lakes, and a variety of landscapes and vegetation types. Another option is a helicopter flight over Tasman Valley and Glacier. Flight lengths range from a 10-minute overview to a 90-minute excursion to witness all the hidden gems of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and Westland National Park, featuring two glacier landings.
This evening, you have the option to take a Star Gazing tour. The hotel sits in the heart of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. You can join the experienced guides to discover the Southern Cross, seasonal ecliptic objects, planets, stunning star clusters, and even our very own galaxy, the spectacular Milky Way. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Southern Sky.

Leaving the alpine region of Mount Cook, travel south through lakeside towns and over the scenic Lindis Pass, through historic Bendigo Reserve (one of the region’s original gold mining settlements) and along the sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge toward Gibbston Valley, a premier wine-growing region. See the historic Kawarau Bridge, where you can bungee jump or relax and watch others take the plunge. Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables Mountain Range comes into view. Although celebrated as New Zealand’s "adventure capital," this alpine town on Lake Wakatipu is also surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Your options for today are virtually endless: You might wish to sample the region’s wine (we recommend Chard Farm Cellar Door, the architecturally award-winning Peregrine Winery, or the cellar cave tour at Gibbston Valley Winery) or cruise to Walter Peak Station for a farm tour and dinner on board a hundred-year-old steamship. Take a leisurely lakeside stroll, ride the gondola for breathtaking views, or wander the waterfront and grab lunch at one of the many amazing cafes and restaurants (try Vudu Café & Larder or Michelin-star chef Josh Emett’s Rata). You can also check out nearby historic Arrowtown with a four-wheel drive trip to Macetown, an abandoned gold mining settlement built in the 1800s. Venture further afield into Fiordland National Park, or head over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Drive through Lord of the Rings country or even take one of the many dedicated LOTR tours. After all of that, if you want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, zip lining, luge, or whitewater rafting. Your accommodations in Queenstown are at the Rees Hotel, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and just a short drive or complimentary shuttle ride from the town center. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, with a lounge area that opens onto a large tiled balcony. The on-site award-winning restaurant, True South, holds an impressive wine cellar and is a fabulous fine dining experience.

Get an early start, as you have a full day to experience the best of Milford Sound Scenic Flights—the Fly-Cruise-Fly & Jetboat Combo! View some of the most dramatic scenery in the world as you fly by light aircraft from Queenstown, over the Southern Alps, to magnificent Milford Sound. Upon landing, connect to your Mitre Peak Cruises vessel and travel the full length of the fiord out into the Tasman Sea. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife, as New Zealand fur seals and dolphins are often spotted from the boat. After your cruise, fly over two spectacular national parks, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, as you make your way to Glenorchy. The adventure continues with a thrilling jet boat ride. Enjoy an exciting adrenaline rush amid breathtaking wilderness, including locations used to depict Middle Earth in the “Lord of the Rings” movies, as you finish out the day.

Depending on when your flight departs, you might have time for one last Queenstown adventure before dropping your car off at the airport and catching your flight. It’s a good idea to stop at a gas station on the way to the airport to fill up your car’s fuel tank. The BP on the corner of Frankton Road and Kawarau Road is the last one before the airport. After returning your vehicle, check in for your flight(s). Welcome home!