Highlights of New Zealand Self-drive

14 Days | 12 Nights

Price per person from * $5,699pp *Based on double occupancy
Air/Land Inclusive

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Begin an unforgettable self-drive journey through New Zealand's North and South Islands, exploring vibrant cities and stunning landscapes from Auckland to Queenstown. This package covers iconic destinations like Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, and Lake Tekapo, offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty at your own pace.

  • Round-trip airfare from Seattle and New Zealand Domestic Flight
  • 12 Nights Superior/Deluxe Accommodation
  • 11 Experiences including Eco Thermal Park, Zealandia, Dark Sky Project & Milford Sound
  • 10 Day Intermediate Car Hire
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Aoraki Mt Cook, c. Miles Holden

Aoraki Mt Cook, c. Miles Holden

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Kaikoura Dolphins, c. William Patino

Kaikoura Dolphins, c. William Patino

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Tasman Glacier Explorers, c. Miles Holden

Tasman Glacier Explorers, c. Miles Holden

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Tekapo, c. Miles Holden

Tekapo, c. Miles Holden

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Zealandia, Wellington c. Camilla Rutherford

Zealandia, Wellington c. Camilla Rutherford

Description

The journey begins with an overnight flight from the USA to Auckland, where you'll enjoy a half-day tour of the city, visiting iconic sites like the Harbour Bridge and Mount Victoria. From Auckland, travel through the scenic Waikato countryside to Rotorua, where you'll explore the famous Waitomo Caves, witness geothermal activity at Wai O Tapu, and experience a traditional Māori cultural performance.

Collect your rental car and travel through picturesque landscapes from Rotorua to Wellington. The route to Wellington offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains and coastal beauty, culminating in a visit to New Zealand's vibrant capital. Here, you’ll delve into the nation’s history at Te Papa Museum and explore the nocturnal wildlife of Zealandia.

The adventure continues the South Island, with a coastal drive from Picton to Kaikoura, where you’ll embark on a whale-watching cruise. From Kaikoura, travel to Christchurch, enjoying the changing landscapes from coastal cliffs to the expansive Canterbury Plains. Your journey then takes you to Tekapo, where you can marvel at the turquoise waters and starry skies of the Mackenzie region.

Next, head to Queenstown, with a stop at Mount Cook for a glacier exploration. In Queenstown, experience the stunning Milford Sound by air and water, and enjoy leisure time in this adventure hub. The trip concludes with a scenic cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, a farm dinner at Walter Peak, and a relaxing final day before your departure back to the US. This itinerary offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation.

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Price

Travel Dates

Price*
*Based on double occupancy
Feb 17, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025 from $5,999pp *
Apr 1, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025 from $5,699pp *

Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on twin share. Single supplements apply. Advertised price valid for low season. Other date ranges are available, however seasonal surcharges apply. Black-out dates apply. Prices are not valid over special events and surcharges may apply. Airlines frequently change their prices because of fare increases.  Seats and rooms are limited and subject to availability at the time of booking. Prices are current at the time of posting (11/20/2024) and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. Airfare is non-refundable once ticketed as per airfare rules. Travel Answers terms and conditions apply to change fees and cancellations. Packages must be booked by February 28, 2025. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices based on availability. An NZeTA Visa is required to enter or transit in New Zealand. CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531

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Inclusions

  • Round-trip airfare on Hawaiian Airlines from Los Angeles to Auckland
  • One-way airfare from Auckland to Queenstown
  • One-way private arrival airport/hotel transfer, Auckland
  • 2-nights Auckland, Fable Auckland, Classic King Room
    • Auckland City Revealed Experience
  • One-way Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves tour
  • 2-nights Rotorua, Regent of Rotorua, Superior Room
    • Half-day Eco Thermal Park Tour
    • Te Pa Tu Evening Cultural Experience
  • 10 days Intermediate Car Hire includes unlimited mileage, GST, Standard Damage Waiver and Excess Reduction (Nil)
  • 2-nights Wellington, Bolten Hotel, Premier Suite
    • Introducing Te Papa
    • Zealandia by Night
  • One-way passenger ferry, Wellington to Picton
  • 1-night Kaikoura, Sudima Kaikoura, Superior King including breakfast
    • Whale Watching Cruise, Kaikoura
  • 1-night Christchurch, Sudima Christchurch City, Luxe King
  • 1-night Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort, Deluxe Lake View Room
    • Dark Sky Project Summit Experience
    • Glacier Explorer Mt Cook
  • 3-nights Queenstown, Heritage Queenstown, Studio Lakeview Room
    • Milford Sound Fly/Nature Cruise/Fly
    • TSS Earnslaw Walter Peak & Gourmet BBQ Dinner
  • US/foreign taxes and fees including September 11 Security Fee

 


Exclusions

  • New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) NZ$17 on free APP or NZ$23 if completed online. An IVL fee is NZ$100 is also payable on application.


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Map


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Itinerary

  • Plane Wing 102892839 m normal none WEB

    Day 1 - Depart USA

    This evening make your way to Seattle Airport for your flight on Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu and connecting flight to Auckland.

  • Auckland view from Mount Eden c.ATEED

    Day 2 - Arrive Auckland

    On arrival at Auckland Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle for a 2-night stay.

    • Fable Auckland  (Deluxe)
  • Auckland City Revealed Bush and Beach

    Day 3- Auckland

    For those curious about the "City of Sails," the Auckland City Revealed Tour offers a perfect half-day adventure. Begin with a drive-up iconic Queen Street, past the university, and into Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park, uniquely located on a 62,000-year-old extinct volcano.

    The journey continues through historic Ponsonby, across Auckland Harbour Bridge, and onto the North Shore for a waterfront stroll with stunning views of Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island. Enjoy local coffee and treats (own cost) before heading to Mount Victoria Lookout for the city’s best views.

    The tour concludes at Westhaven Marina, where the yachts frame a postcard-perfect view of Auckland. By the end, you might find yourself falling in love with this remarkable city.

    The remainder of your day is free to explore Auckland at your leisure.

     

    • Fable Auckland  (Deluxe)
  • Waitomo Glowworms 3

    Day 4 - Rotorua

    Your day begins with a hotel pick-up in Auckland in a comfortable minibus. Enjoy a fully guided drive through the stunning Waikato countryside to Waitomo Caves, where you'll see New Zealand's longest river, beautiful mountains, and various farm animals. At Waitomo, explore ancient caves with unique formations and experience a glowworm boat ride in the grotto. Continuing south to Rotorua, enjoy scenic views of hydro dams, rivers, and more. In Rotorua, we'll guide you past its famous sites, including Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens, and Thermal Springs, before dropping you at your accommodation

    • Regent of Rotorua  (Superior)
  • Te Pa Tu Receiving Gift 220288 c.Miles Holden

    Day 5 - Rotorua (D)

    This morning, join a guided tour of Rotorua's top geothermal parks: Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt, and the boiling mud-fields. Your local guide will explain volcanic processes as you explore volcanoes, geysers, boiling mud pools, and hot springs. Highlights include Wai-o-Tapu's colorful hot springs and the Lady Knox geyser, as well as Waimangu's volcanic landscapes and the story of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption.

    The afternoon is free before enjoying a cultural performance and a 3-course seasonal fusion feast at Te Pā Tū, featuring lesser-known delicacies. A local guide escorts you by coach to the Māori village for an immersive evening that begins with a welcome ceremony by New Zealand's indigenous people. Learn about local customs based on the Māori lunar calendar and watch a powerful display of song and dance.

    • Regent of Rotorua  (Superior)
  • Sunset over Wellington city c.Wellington Tourism

    Day 6 - Wellington

    Collect your rental vehicle this morning and travel from Rotorua to Wellington. The drive from Rotorua to Wellington is a breathtaking journey through the heart of New Zealand's North Island, taking you past rolling farmland, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and picturesque towns like Taupō and Palmerston North. As you approach Wellington, the winding roads offer stunning views of the coast, and the vibrant capital nestled between hills and harbor.

     

    • Bolton Hotel  (Deluxe)
  • Wellington Te Papa Museum Exterior c.Wellington Tourism

    Day 7 - Wellington

    Make your way to Te Papa Museum. Discover Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s premier museum in Wellington, with a personalized 1-hour guided tour. This experience offers an engaging overview of the museum’s interactive exhibits, artifacts, fine art, and natural history displays, helping you navigate the collection on your own.

    Explore Māori cultural heritage and colonial history with insights from an expert guide who provides recommendations tailored to your interests, making your visit even more enriching.

    Late afternoon, drive to Zealandia for a 2.5-hour experience.  Explore the valley by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of the endemic species found in Zealandia. Experience many of the rare and endangered species and see those who only come out at night. Your group may even see some of the 130 little spotted kiwi who call Zealandia home. Gain insights into New Zealand’s natural history and the significance within Māori culture. The tour will end with a replenishing cup of hot kawakawa tea (bushman’s tea) in the Visitor Centre.

    • Bolton Hotel  (Deluxe)
  • Dolphins swimming in kaikoura 128638 c William Patino WEB

    Day 8 - Kaikoura

    Return your rental vehicle and board the ferry to travel across Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival, collect a rental vehicle and make your way down the coast to Kaikoura. The drive from Picton to Kaikoura is a breathtaking coastal journey along the rugged eastern coastline of the South Island. With the sparkling Pacific Ocean on one side and the majestic Kaikoura Ranges on the other, this route offers stunning views of both land and sea, making it a scenic highlight of any New Zealand road trip.

    • Sudima Kaikoura  (Superior)
  • Christchurch 29296 hagley park c.Christchurch Tourism

    Day 9 - Christchurch

    This morning, board your Whale Watch Kaikoura vessel at "The Whaleway Station”, Railway Station Road, Kaikoura to commence a Whale Watch Kaikoura cruise. Prepare for exciting up-close encounters with Giant Sperm Whales. Clients may also see migratory humpback whales (June-July), Hector's and Dusky Dolphins, Orcas (December-March) and NZ Fur Seals, as well as plenty of bird species including Royal Albatross, Petrels and Shearwaters. The cruise concludes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes after commencement, back at "The Whaleway Station”.

    Continue driving through a diverse landscape, transitioning from the dramatic coastal cliffs and rolling hills of Kaikoura to the expansive plains of Canterbury. As you head south, you'll enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, lush farmland, and the distant Southern Alps, making it a serene and scenic journey to New Zealand's South Island's largest city, Christchurch.

    • Sudima Christchurch City  (Deluxe)
  • 1235 Tekapo Canterbury Julian Apse

    Day 10 - Tekapo (B)

    Your drive today from Christchurch to Tekapo offers a stunning journey through the vast Canterbury Plains, gradually giving way to the foothills of the Southern Alps. As you approach Lake Tekapo, the landscape transforms into a picturesque scene of turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking introduction to the Mackenzie region.

    Enjoy the afternoon exploring Tekapo at your leisure.  This evening enjoy the wonders of southern night sky and experience the thrill of peering through powerful telescopes. When the stars are hidden from view, you will be taken on a journey to discover the nocturnal world of an astronomer. See research equipment that is out of bounds to the public and experience the wonders of astronomy. With the use of powerful telescopes, you can view distant objects such as planets, star-clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies.

    • Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo  (Superior)
  • Queenstown in the Spring 173152 c.Queenstown Tourism

    Day 11- Queenstown

    Make your way to Mt Cook and check in for your Glacier Explorers trip. Depart by bus out to the Tasman Valley, a short drive away from Mount Cook village. Once you arrive at the Blue Lakes car park there’s a 1.5km/25-minute alpine walk through the National Park. Board the Glacier Explorers boat from the Tasman Lake jetty. The whole trip is approximately 2.5 hours, and you can expect to spend approximately one hour on the lake.

    Return to Mt Cook for lunch (own expense) before continuing to Queenstown for a three-night stay.

    • Heritage Hotel Queenstown  (Superior)
  • Air Milford Have You Ever c.Reel Factory

    Day 12 - Queenstown

    This morning, you will transfer to the departure point to experience Milford Sound. After check-in, your pilot will provide a pre-flight briefing on the scenic route, highlighting Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region, and the Donne Glacier. Your 35-minute flight concludes with an overflight of Milford Sound before landing. In Milford Sound, your pilot will escort you to the "Spirit of Milford" for a nature cruise, with a capped number of passengers for an intimate experience. The return flight showcases alpine lakes and waterfalls, including Sutherland Falls, taking another 35 minutes, with the entire trip lasting about five hours, ending back in Queenstown. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

    • Heritage Hotel Queenstown  (Superior)
  • Queenstown Walter Peak TSS Earnslaw Docking

    Day 13 - Queenstown (D)

    Today is free to relax and explore Queenstown at your leisure.

    This evening, cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once at the lakeside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant savor the delicious aromas as our chef has the best of local produce sizzling away on the grill. Overlooking Lake Whakatipu and Queenstown's alpine scenery, the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a few hours. An entertaining farm demonstration is also included, or you can explore the beautiful lakeside gardens. After dinner, cruise back to Queenstown.

    • Heritage Hotel Queenstown  (Superior)
  • Plane Wing 102892839 m normal none WEB

    Day 14 - Depart Queenstown

    Enjoy a free morning before returning your rental vehicle to Queenstown Airport prior to your return flights to the US.


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