Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
2 nights Hilton Hotel, Auckland - including breakfast
Day 2 - Auckland
10.00am - 2.00pm Private sightseeing tour
 Auckland city, sprawling across the isthmus between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is noted for its extensive parks and beautiful gardens. The warm, sunny climate encourages sub-tropical growth of all kinds. Unique to this city is a large number of extinct volcanic cones thrusting sharply upward out of a sea of houses. The highest, Mount Eden, is an ideal point to view this widespread metropolis, out across the Waitemata Harbour to the east and the Manukau Harbour to the west. The beautiful Waitemata Harbour gives Auckland a nautical flavour and is the largest and busiest port in the country. In contrast, the Manukau Harbour, formed during the same geological time as the Waitemata, is an area of mud flats and tidal channels, protected by a difficult bar at its mouth. Although Auckland lost to Wellington its position as seat of Government in 1865, it is still New Zealand 's trade capital and centre of greatest population.
Day 3 - Auckland/Russell (approx. 240 km, 3.5 - 4 h)
Your rental car will be delivered to your accommodation this morning (you will find details at the end of this page).
Depart Auckland and travel north across the harbour bridge, through the modern North Shore suburbs and the Hibiscus Coast region into the country. From Paihia travel 15 minutes (approx.) to Opua and connect with the car ferry to Okiato/Russell. (cost of ferry not included). Note, the ferry operates as a  shuttle service with crossings every 10 minutes (approx.) between 6.40am & 10.00pm. The ferry is suitable for all vehicles and tickets are purchased on board. Eftpos / Credit Cards are not accepted on board.
3 nights Flagstaff Lodge, Russell - including breakfast
Day 4 - Russell - Cape Reinga by Air plus 4WD
 Flight time for the northbound journey is approximately 1 hour. The north bound flight travels over some fantastic scenery which includes bush clad hills, the deep Whangaroa Harbour, unspoilt Doubtless bay and of course the famous Ninety Mile Beach. We stop at an airfield called Shenstone Farm Airstrip, which is only 20 Km's by road from Cape Reinga. Our first stop on the vehicle tour is the Cape Reinga lighthouse with it's spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and mighty Pacific Ocean merging together. Our next stop is just around the corner at beautiful Taputoputo Bay for morning or afternoon tea and a quick swim if desired. The last stop on the vehicle tour is the Te Paki quicksand stream with it's mighty sand dunes, sand sleds are provided for the more adventurous travellers among the group to try a bit of "Sand Surfing" if desired.
The return flight follows the East coast of northland and takes in spectacular scenery such as Parengarenga Harbour, Great Exhibition Bay, Karikari Peninsula, Cavalli Islands and of course the Bay of Islands.
Day 5 - Russell - Day at leisure
 Originally called Kororareka, the township of Russell was an important whaling and trading centre, and at the height of its popularity with the rough and ready whaling crews, its waterfront boasted some 20 hotels and grog shops. The town was the scene of much bloodshed. In 1845, Russell was sacked and burned by the Maoris. In the little churchyard, the tombstones on the graves of sailors and soldiers and the bullet holes in the walls of the old wooden church offer mute evidence of the fighting that raged at this time. Overlooking Russell is the historic Flagstaff on Maiki Hill. Four Flagstaff - on which flew the Union Jack, symbol of British authority - were destroyed by Hone Heke between 1884-1845. The present flagpole was cut out of the original lower mast.
Day 6 - Russell/Tairua, Coromandel Peninsula (approx. 375 km, 5.5 – 6 h)
This morning retrace your journey back to Auckland, continue south through the widespread suburbs of Auckland and over the Bombay Hills before heading east around the base of the Hauraki Gulf. Cross the native bush clad hills of the interior range of the Coromandel Peninsula.
2 nights Colleith Lodge Tairua - including breakfast
Day 7 - Tairua - Full day private guided tour with Kiwi Dundee
 Experience a day of fun and knowledge. Take a gentle walk through regenerating Kauri forest and along the old roads of a gold mining town. Visit an underground jail and discover hundreds of glow-worms. View a spectacular collection of quartz and amethyst crystals and other treasures of this area. The day concludes with a walk along isolated sandy beaches and if the tide is right, a visit to Hot Water Beach. Lunch is included.
Day 8 - Tairua/Rotorua (approx. 190 km, 3 h)
Leaving the seaside resort of Pauanui drive back through the stunning scenery on the rugged Coromandel Peninsula. The road heads down the East coast through seaside towns and cities.  Pass through Mt Maunganui famous for its ocean beach. Drive through the farming town of Te Puke which serves the extensive kiwifruit growing area. Along the coastal road the smouldering volcano of White Island can be seen before heading inland to the Lakeside city of Rotorua.
2 nights Accolades Boutique Hotel, Rotorua - including breakfast
Day 9 - Rotorua, White Island by helicopter including landing
 Your flight takes you north over Hell’s Gate Thermal Valley to the Pacific Ocean coastline and the active volcano of White Island. Land at the crater’s rim and spend approximately one hour on a guided walk of this fascinating natural attraction. Experience the volcanic fury of the main crater, view sulphur deposits, and the remains of the old sulphur mine.
 Day 10 - Rotorua/Napier (approx. 223 km, 3 - 3.5 h)
Travel south-east today to the Art Deco town of Napier. Napier also has the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world.
2 nights McHardy's House, Napier - including breakfast
Day 11 - Napier, Day at leisure
We recommend one of the following tours:
Explore Hawke's Bay: Experience a morning of fun and adventure. Discover famous Art Deco architecture including the 'Rothmans Building' in the settlement of Ahuriri. Travel to Hasting and down Oak Avenue, then onto Havelock North to ascent Te Mata Peak to enjoy the 360 degree view - 399 metres above sea level. Experience great hospitality as you are introduced to a range of liqueur and enjoy some handmade chocolates.
 Gannet Safari Tour: Drive along the scenic coast from Napier to Te Awanga and join Gannet Safaris Overland and the worlds largest, most accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.You will travel in comfort in air conditioned 4 x 4 wheeled vehicles, through Cape Kidnappers Station - traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke Bay right across to Mahia peninsula. (approx. 3 hours)
Day 12 - Napier/Wellington (approx. 323 km, 4 - 4.5 h)
Continue your journey south on State Highway 2 over the Rimutakara Ranges to Wellington - Capital of New Zealand. It is a cosmopolitan city with the most spectacular skyline of all major cities in New Zealand. The city has a strong Victorian influence  which is testimony to Wellington 's early establishment as the country's centre of political life. Of particular note is the "Government Building" built in 1876 which is the second largest timber building in the world.
2 nights Intercontinental Hotel, Wellington - Club room including breakfast
Please leave the car keys and any required paperwork at reception, a representative from the rental car company will collect the vehicle from the hotel.
 Day 13 - Wellington, half day sightseeing tour
Enjoy the highlights of Wellington on today's half day private sightseeing tour.
Day 14 - Wellington/Picton/Kaikoura
You will be transferred from the hotel to the ferry terminal this morning.
Report to the Interislander Ferry Terminal. Check in and board your vessel for the trip across Cook Strait. Your tickets include access to the Kaitaki Plus Lounge (includes complimentary light refreshments, newspapers, magazines, Internet). Your  luggage will be checked through from Wellington to Kaikoura.
Enter the unchanged wilderness of the Marlborough Sounds, a popular resort for holidaymakers during the summer months, and haven for boatowners. Cruise through spectacular scenery into the small, picturesque settlement of Picton.
Report to the Tranzscenic counter for your train journey to Kaikoura (departs at 1.00pm).
The Coastal Pacific is a truly spectacular journey linking the port of Picton with Christchurch, the main city of the South Island. Travel the short distance from Picton to Blenheim - a burgeoning grape growing area and Marlborough 's largest town. Continue through grape country and over plains before heading south down the East Coast through salt mountains and river valleys. For over 100 kilometres the track runs along a thin ledge of land pinned between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. The township of Kaikoura received it’s name from an early Maori explorer and translates roughly as kai (to eat) and koura (crayfish). 
On arrival you will be met and transfered to your accommodation.
1 night Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura - 1-bedroom Treehouse, including dinner and breakfast
Day 15 - Kaikoura - Whale Watch, Kaikoura/Christchurch
Transfer to the "Whaleway" Station at Kaikoura's railway station. You can store your luggage at the railway station.
 This morning meet the giant sperm whales off the coast of Kaikoura on your Whalewatch cruise. Wonder at the strength and beauty of these gentle mammals. You may also have the chance to see Dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, albatross and New Zealand seals.
3.30pm - Depart Kaikoura onboard the Tranz Coastal Train to Christchurch .
 As you travel along the coast keep a watch for whale spoutings on the horizon and the seal colonies that live on the rocky coastline. Finally you cross the rolling farmland of the Canterbury Plains before reaching the elegant garden city of Christchurch.
6.20pm - On arrival into Christchurch you will be meet and transferred to your accommodation.
Christchurch, "The Garden City" has many well-tended parks, reserves and squares but the civic love of beauty is often more apparent in the fresh lawns and burgeoning gardens of the suburban streets. The pioneering folk of an earlier era took thought for the future when they planted seedlings which have grown into mighty oaks and elms, soaring poplars and graceful willows which are seen in every part of the city. Much of the charm of this city starts and finishes with the beautiful Avon River which runs through the suburbs and the city itself and provides an almost rural atmosphere in the heart of the city.  The Town Hall on the banks of the river, is a striking example of the city's progressive approach to new architectural ideas, and is a nice contrast to the many earlier colonial buildings.
2 nights The George Hotel, Christchurch - including breakfast.
Day 16 - Christchurch, Exclusive full day tour
 Hosted by award-winning writer Mavis Airey, you will be met at your accommodation and firstly taken on a sightseeing tour of Christchurch. Then travel across the patchwork fields of the Canterbury plains to Lake Ellesmere, famed for is fishing and duck shooting. Over the hill, with stunning views of Akaroa Harbour, drop down into Barrys Bay to visit the cheese factory, and have lunch at lovely French Farm Vineyard.
After lunch, wind your way around the bays to Akaroa, where there will be time to stroll around the historic  houses and browse in the shops and galleries before heading home via Tai Tapu, stopping either at the Raspberry Café for coffee and luscious berry treats, or at Rossendale Wines for a wine tasting in the delightful gatekeeper’s cottage of historic Lansdowne Estate. You should be back in Christchurch by about 5pm. (Please note the itinerary may vary slightly at the operators discretion)
Day 17 - Christchurch/Greymouth/Punakaiki
Transfer this morning to Christchurch Railway Station.
 7.45am Check–in at the Tranz Scenic Ticket counter and exchange your voucher for your boarding pass.
8.15am Depart Christchurch onboard the TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth.
The TranzAlpine is world renowned as “The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure”. Crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, The TranzAlpine winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys to the settlement of Arthur’s Pass. The pass, built by pick and shovel and completed in 1866, is named after Arthur Dudley who discovered it in 1864. Then track slowly under the country’s greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. Following rivers and skirting lakes, it descends through lush beech forest to the Tasman Sea and the town of Greymouth.
On arrival in Greymouth at 12.45pm, please collect your rental car from the depot opposite the railway station and travel north along the cost to  Punakaki (approximately 45 minutes drive). View the geographical oddities of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, where countless years of wind and water have weathered the coastline into pancake-like formations.
1 night Punakaiki Rocks Hotel - including breakfast
Day 18 - Punakaiki/Fox Glacier (approx. 255 km, 4 h)
This morning retrace your journey to Greymouth and onto Franz Josef – travel through farming districts and large areas which have been worked over for alluvial gold by panning, sluicing and dredging.  From Hokitika travel through open country into areas of bush and note the particularly beautiful stretches of countryside. Travel through dense bush for many miles, with scattered milling and farming settlements.
2 nights Te Weheka Boutique Hotel, Fox Glacier - including breakfast
Day 19 - Fox Glacier, Helicopter flight
This premier flight lets you experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier snowfields with a landing at high altitude. Step out of your helicopter and experience how it feels to stand in snow. The flight includes fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook. Duration – 40 minutes.
Afternoon at leisure
Day 20 - Fox Glacier/Queenstown (approx. 360 km, 5.5 - 6 h)
Depart Fox Glacier and travel through the forests of red and white pine to Bruce Bay, an old goldmining settlement. Pass through attractive bush scenery and see tranquil Lakes Paringa and Moeraki, the haunt of the fabulous white heron, to the township of Haast. Drive through the Haast Pass Highway viewing en route Mt Brewster Glacier. There is a long descent of 82 km to Wanaka, passing Lake Hawea Dam, water storage for the Roxburgh Hydro-Electric Station. From Wanaka, continue over the undulating countryside and skirt Lake Hayes to descend via the Lower Shotover Bridge to Queenstown.
3 nights The Dairy Boutique Hotel, Queenstown - including breakfast
Day 21 - Queenstown, Private guided sightseeing tour (4 hours)
 Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort that caters for all interests. It enjoys a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from the lake. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features over 100 restaurants. The lake was scooped out by glacial action thousands of years ago. A mysterious phenomenon causes the lake to vary several inches in depth every few minutes, giving credence to a Maori legend of an ancient Taniwha (demon) still breathing beneath the surface.
Day 22 - Queenstown, Day at leisure
Day 23 - Queenstown/Milford (approx. 291 km, 4 h)
 1 night Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise - private cabin with en-suite bathroom including dinner and breakfast.
When the day visitors depart a silence descends. An overnight cruise amidst spectacular Milford Sound, is a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. On board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. With our nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin.
Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon/fully licensed bar and observation lounge, three course evening buffet meal and breakfast, 20 kayaks and 2 tender craft, capacity: sleeps 60;
Day 24 - Milford/Te Anau (approx. 150 km, 2.5 h)
Retrace your steps to Te Anau and follow the road through Te Anau towards Queenstown.
2 nights Fiordland Lodge - including dinner and breakfast,
Day 25 - Te Anau, Day at leisure
Day 26 - Te Anau/Invercargill (approx. 152 km, 2 - 2.5 h) - Invercargill/Stewart Island
Leave Te Anau and drive through farmlands and tussock country before arriving at Lumsden. Continue south, soon passing through Winton, a prosperous town in the heart of the 'Southland Plains, and on to your destination Invercargill, New Zealand 's southernmost city.
Car parking is available at the airport terminal. This car parking is monitored by security cameras and costs approximately $15.00 for two days.
Check-in at the Stewart Island Flights counter, located in the main terminal at Invercargill Airport.
Please note, baggage allowance is 15kg per person. Excess baggage may be deferred until a later flight or unnecessary luggage can be stored free of charge.
 Depart Invercargill by fixed wing plane to Stewart Island . Flight duration is approximately 20 minutes.
You will be met on arrival by a representative of the lodge and transfered to your accommodation.
2 nights Stewart Island Lodge - including breakfast
Day 27 - Stewart Island
A day to relax and enjoy beautiful Stewart Island.
 The vivid dawn and twilight colours gave rise to the most loved Maori name for Stewart Island - Rakiura or Land of the Glowing Skies. The Island is largely remote and inaccessible with a high rainfall which produces a lush, dense vegetation. Listen to the sweet dawn chorus of tui and bellbird, the gentle "lop" of quiet water on sand, and the wind whispering in blue gums fragrant on the night air.
Day 28 - Stewart Island/Invercargill - Invercargill/Dunedin (approx. 220 km, 3 - 3.5 h)
Return by small aircraft to Invercargill Airport today. Collect your rental car and drive to Dunedin.
From Invercargill, head out through Southland's lush rolling farmlands to Gore, one of the wealthiest urban centres in New Zealand,  serving the rich agricultural hunterland. Continue on in an easterly direction to the town of Balclutha, located on the Clutha River. From here turn northward and continue on the short remaining distance to Dunedin, situated at the head of the Otago Harbour.
2 nights Corstorphine House, Dunedin - including dinner and breakfast
 Day 29 - Dunedin - Private day tour with Classic Jaguars
See many of Dunedin's highlights today, including: City sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Albatross Colony, Yellow Eyed Penguin Colony.
Day 30 - Dunedin/Mount Cook (approx. 331 km, 5 h)
Depart Dunedin and travel to Palmerston situated between the Pleasant and Shag Rivers close to the coast. Travel on to Oamaru, a town noted for the predominance of white stone buildings. The stone is Oamaru Stone - a white granular limestone for which the area is known. From here, turn inland and follow the Waitaki River past Lake Benmore to Omarama and then Twizel which was  brought into existence for the construction of the Waitaki power scheme. Follow Lake Pukaki to the Hermitage, set in a beech forest at the foot of the mountains, with Mount Cook just 8 kilometres away.
1 night Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook - including breakfast
Day 31 - Mount Cook/Christchurch (approx. 331 km, 5 h)
 Today travel the short distance from Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo, follow the Tasman River to the shores of Lake Pukaki before turning eastward to Lake Tekapo. We recommend a visit to the Church of the good Sheppard on the lakefront. Leave the high Mackenzie Country behind, after passing through Burkes Pass. Continue on into rolling farmlands which surround the country townships of Fairlie and Geraldine. Cross over the Rangitata River and enter the vast and varied landscape of the Canterbury Plains. On through Ashburton, the centre of a large sheep and wheat farming area and across the Rakaia River where the Highbank power station is located. Soon you will enter the 'Garden City' of Christchurch.
3 nights The George Hotel, Christchurch - including breakfast.
Please leave the car keys and any required paperwork at reception, a representative from the rental car company will collect the vehicle from the hotel.
 Day 32 - Christchurch, Exclusive full day tour to Hanmer Springs and the Waipara wine region
Mavis will collect you from your accommodation this morning for a ful day tour to Waipara (New Zealand’s hottest wine region) and Hanmer Springs (Alpine Village and Thermal Reserve)
Visits in the Waipara area may include a selection from: ● Bredon Downs Ostrich Farm ● Nor’Wester Café ● Athena Olive Grove and oil press ● Karikaas Cheese ● Havill’s Mazer Mead ● Springbank ● Waipara vineyards such as Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Fiddlers Green, Pegasus Bay , Canterbury House, Mountford, Daniel Schuster, Muddy Water.
 Hanmer Springs: At Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa you can unwind the way you want to - from relaxing in the natural environment of our thermal pools to splashing your way through some serious waterslide fun. Unwind in one of our many thermal mineral pools while surrounded by native landscaping. The thermal waters contain a wide variety of minerals including sulphur, sodium chloride, calcium, carbonates, magnesium, potassium and others.
The tour includes: Tastings, entrance to the thermal complex at Hanmer, lunch and morning/afternoon refreshments.
 Day 33 - Christchurch, Day at leisure
Day 34 - Depart Christchurch
You will be collected from the hotel and transferred to Christchurch Domestic Airport.
Please fill in your departure cards and pay the New Zealand departure tax at the Bank of New Zealand counter before proceeding to the customs area. Departure cards are included with your documents.
Total price : NZ$17733 per person based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room
Price is valid for travel between 01 October 2009 and 31 March 2010.
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DEPOSIT (non-refundable): NZ$500.00 per person (final payment due 45 days prior to arrival in New Zealand)
- 33 nights accommodation
- 33 breakfasts
- 9 dinners
- 25 days rental car (Auckland to Wellington, Greymouth to Christchurch)
- 7 transfers (Auckland, Wellington, Kaikoura x2, Christchurch x3)
- 11 sightseeing tours (Auckland, Cape Reinga, Coromandel, White Island, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch x2, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Dunedin)
- Ferry from Wellington to Picton
- 3 train journeys (Picton to Kaikoura, Kaikoura to Christchurch, Christchurch to Greymouth)
- Return flights Invercargill / Stewart Island / Invercargill
Important note if you are travelling with children: Some properties featured in this itinerary do not cater for children under the age of 15 years. We would make other recommendations.
Do you like the itinerary, but would prefer a different accommodation and/or car category? Or would you like to take out some parts or add others - we will create an itinerary specifically taylored to your personal interests and requirements.
Rental Car
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Group FFAR - Toyota Prado or similar
4.0L, V6 large sized 4WD, automatic, 5-door. Air-condition, radio with CD player, air bag(s), ABS brakes, central locking.
Luggage: 3 small and 2 medium suitcases.
Renter qualification: All intending drivers must present a valid full national driving licence, which has been held for at least one year . A current international driving licence must accompany driving licences issued in a language other than English. There is no extra charge for additional drivers. Minimum rental age and other requirements for additional drivers will be the same as for the renter. Additional authorised drivers must be notified to Thrifty and listed on the rental agreement.
Motor Vehicle Insurance: Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance (MVI) including third party and public liability, is included in our rates. An Accident Damage Excess (ADE) of NZD2813.00 does apply however. This excess may be reduced (at the renter's option) at the time of rental by purchasing Accident Excess Reduction.
Restricted Roads: Thrifty vehicles are prohibited from the following roads:
North Island: Ninety-Mile Beach (Northland) / South Island: Skippers Canyon Road (Queenstown)
Driving on these roads constitutes a breach of the rental agreement and the renter would be fully liable for any damage to the Thrifty vehicle or Third party property occurring as a result.
Fuel: Fuel is not included in the rates. Each vehicle is supplied with a full tank of fuel, which is refilled at the renter's expense on return. If the vehicle is not returned with a full tank, the renter will be charged for the fuel required to refill the tank at the prevailing rate applicable by Thrifty Car Rental at the time.
Airport / Ferry Terminal Service charges: Rentals initiated by or commencing from airports or Interislander ferry terminal locations are subject to a nominal Airport/Ferry Service Charge (AFSC), which the hirer will pay directly to Thrifty Car Rental. |
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