18-DAY NEW ZEALAND SELF-DRIVE OF NORTH & SOUTH ISLANDS

Visit: Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Napier, Martinborough, Wellington. Nelson,  Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Christchurch

For a free vacation quote, send a request to: Info@YtravelC.com

This extensive itinerary provides a total view of New Zealand, and takes in all the most significant sights and attractions. In the North Island you’ll discover beautiful beaches, kauri forests, caves and phenomenal geothermal activity. In the South Island the emphasis is on grand mountain scenery, adventure activities, historic architecture and wildlife encounters. Throughout the country there are vineyards and inspired restaurants to discover, while the cities present you with cultural entertainments and the chance to buy quality, locally-made clothing, art works and home wares. By the end of your holiday, you’ll know New Zealand from top to toe.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY: Itinerary can be modified

Day 1. Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula. Depart Auckland and travel the Pacific Coast Highway touring route to the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel's dramatic and unspoiled coast, and beautiful white sandy beaches, offer endless opportunities for fishing, diving, boating, surfing and swimming.

Day 2. Coromandel at leisure. Enjoy the unique experience of Hot Water Beach where at low tide you can dig in the sand, allowing the sulphur-heated waters to rise to the top to create your very own thermal spa. Swim with dolphins, hire a kayak and explore the many offshore islands or simply let the azure water lap at your feet and marvel at the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 3. Coromandel to Rotorua (via Tauranga). Depart Coromandel and arrive in the Bay of Plenty region early afternoon, in time for a swim or lunch at one of the many restaurants. Continue on to Rotorua, famous for its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and warm geothermal ponds.

Day 4. Rotorua at leisure. Spend the day experiencing the many wonders of Rotorua. Perhaps book a 4WD trip to Mt Tarawera to see an amazing crater and hear the stories of Maori legends.

Day 5. Rotorua to Lake Taupo. Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region. Taupo is the main centre of the region and Lake Taupo is one of the North Islands most popular holiday destinations.

Day 6. Lake Taupo to Napier. Depart Taupo for the Hawke's Bay region. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke's Bay region is known for its wine, food and fabulous scenery. Over 30 vineyards offer visitors a wine tasting and indoor/ outdoor dining experience. Napier and Hastings, the two main centres in the region, have a high concentration of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the many vineyards and wonderful restaurants in the area.

Day 7. Napier to Martinborough. Today travel south, options include stopping at the small country towns of Carterton, Greytown and Featherston. Travel to Martinborough well known for the range of vineyards in the area and its growing worldwide reputation for its Pinot Noir wine. Afternoon at leisure.s

Day 8. Martinborough to Wellington. Drive over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills to Wellington. The nations capital is home to Te Papa - the interactive Museum of New Zealand, numerous art galleries and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi. A diverse range of cafes and restaurants support the city's vibrant nightlife.

Day 9. Wellington to Nelson. This morning transfer to the ferry terminal for the 3 hour scenic journey across Cook Strait on the InterIslander (depart 9:30am - arrive 12:30pm). On arrival in Picton, travel a short distance south to Blenheim.

Day 10. Nelson at leisure. Lots of options today including beaches to explore, harbour cruises, walks or adventure activities. Nelson is also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views.

Day 11. Nelson to Punakaiki. From Nelson journey through scenic reserves to Westport. Westport is a historic coal-mining settlement; the coal town museum has historical exhibitions and photographic displays. Visit the seal colony before continuing on to Punakaiki.

Day 12. Punakaiki to Franz Josef. This morning explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the Blowholes before continuing south to Franz Josef, an area of mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, tranquil lakes, raging rivers, lush rainforest and a magnificent coastline. Explore the base of the glaciers or take a scenic flight.

Day 13. Franz Josef to Queenstown. Travel through the scenic wilderness of Haast pass, stopping along the way to take advantage of many short nature walks and picnic spots before continuing to Queenstown.

Day 14. Queenstown at leisure. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. Queenstown is recognised as New Zealand's premier visitor destination.

Day 15. Queenstown to Milford Sound to Te Anau. Journey through mountains and alongside lakes to Te Anau and Milford Sound. We suggest a cruise on Milford Sound with its sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and majestic Mitre Peak.

Day 16. Te Anau to Dunedin. Today is spent driving the southern scenic route exploring the Catlins area. The Catlins is home to an abundance of wildlife, and Nugget Point is a stunning and accessible place for viewing seals and penguins. Continue to Dunedin, a historic university town, that was first settled by the Scottish as it is renowned as the "Edinburgh of the South".

Day 17. Dunedin to Christchurch. Depart Dunedin and head north to Timaru a place known for its extensive Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Stop and enjoy the coastal views from Caroline Bay before continuing on to Christchurch.

Day 18. Christchurch to your next stop. This morning at leisure before returning your rental vehicle.

DEPARTURE: Daily

PRICES 2008: From $2450.00 per person. Based on double occupancy. Please request the current prices for our published itineraries. If you require modifications to the itineraries as well as travel arrangements before and after your self-drive, please also advise.

PRICE INCLUDES: Accommodation for 17 nights, Group E Hertz car rental and co-pilot kit of goodies (maps, directions, discounts).

PRICE EXCLUDES: International airfare, Airport/Ferry Concession Fee Recovery (ACFR) - paid direct $22.50 per recovery fee includes GST