24 days/23 nights
Fly Drive Holiday
Guide Price €8,389 per person (based on 2 adults sharing in low season)
Thoughtfully picked for their character, intimate size and warm bespoke service, this unforgettable journey pairs New Zealand’s iconic sights with its most charming and memorable properties.
- Experience unforgettable Kiwi hospitality in a range of small, boutique lodges
- Experience New Zealand’s myriad of terrains and outdoor experiences
- Indulge in fresh produce cooked to perfection at chef’s tables across the country
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Itinerary
Days 1-2 Auckland Kia Ora!
Welcome to Auckland. Known for its soaring Sky Tower, diverse foodie scene and vibrant harbour, there are plenty of urban and natural attractions to explore.
Days 3-4 Auckland to Rotorua
Pick up your car and travel to Rotorua, to explore the unique wonderland of geysers and hot pools. Your charming lakeside retreat, 4★+ On The Point boasts beautiful views over Mokoia Island. Enjoy a memorable Maori hangi feast experience.
Days 5-6 Rotorua to Turangi
Continue south past Lake Taupo to the enchanting 5★ River Birches. Poised on the banks of the Tongariro River, this delightful boutique hotel offers opportunities for fly fishing and an excellent base when you hike the Tongariro Crossing:one of New Zealand’s best ‘Great Walks’.
Days 7-8 Turangi to Wellington
Drive south to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, the cultural heart and soul of the country. Spend day 8 uncovering the highlights of this picturesque city.
Days 9-10 Wellington to Marlborough Sounds
Catch the ferry across the Cook Strait and marvel at the lush green hills rising from the water as you arrive in Picton. A short water taxi ride takes you to the incredible 5★ Bay of Many Coves, nestled amongst the forest of Queen Charlotte Sound and boasting sublime views from every angle. Enjoy stand up paddle boarding, walks along the Queen Charlotte Track and exquisite dining.
Day 11 Marlborough Sounds to Blenheim
After a water taxi back to Picton, pick up your car and continue to your guesthouse surrounded by vineyards.
Days 12-13 Blenheim to Kaikoura
Follow the coastal road to Kaikoura. Totally unique, 5★ Hapuku Lodge offers a culinary retreat surrounded by mountains and farmland. On day 13, discover the region’s marine life on a fabulous whale watch tour.
Days 14-15 Kaikoura to Christchurch
Make the short drive to Christchurch and enjoy a full day wandering the thriving Riverside Market and the arty shops of this regenerated metropolis.
Days 16-17 Christchurch to Franz Josef
Head through the rapidly changing landscapes of the Canterbury Plains and Arthur’s Pass National Park to the picturesque west coast. The next day, marvel at the spectacular scenery of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier on a helicopter tour.
Days 18-19 Franz Josef to Queenstown
Journey through the remote wilderness and river valleys of Mount Aspiring National Park en route to Queenstown. Your friendly boutique hotel is perched on a hillside and offers some of the best lake views around.
Days 20-21 Queenstown to Fiordland NP
Undoubtedly a highlight of your trip, 4★+ Fiordland Lodge boasts a traditional design and dramatic setting overlooking Lake Te Anau. This is the ideal base to explore the national park.
Days 22-23 Fiordland NP to Lake Pukaki
Continue to Lake Pukaki, where the spectacularly located 5★ Lakestone Lodge looks across the glistening turquoise waters to Mount Cook, the perfect final stop on your adventure.
Day 24 Lake Pukaki to Christchurch
Return to Christchurch for your onward travel arrangements.
Map
Price & Inclusions
- 19 days Compact Inclusive Plus car hire including a zero excess insurance, unlimited mileage, 24-hour Roadside Assistance & an additional driver
- Ferry transfer from Wellington to Picton
- Return water taxi transfer from Picton to Marlborough Sounds
- 23 nights 4★ to 5★ accommodation
- 17 breakfasts & 7 dinners
- Maori Experience & Dinner – Rotorua, Tongariro Crossing Guided Hike – Turangi, Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise & Fox and Franz Josef Glacier Landing by Helicopter
- International flights
We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.
The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/10/2024 to 31/12/2025. Guide prices are based on twn/dbl share, are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates, the itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.
Flights
As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.
Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.
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