New Zealand Independence

New Zealand Independence

This 21-day self drive cuts through the heart of both the North and South Islands, spanning top to bottom, and takes in many of New Zealand’s most iconic sights.

Head north from Auckland to the Bay of Islands at the top of the North Island with plenty of opportunities to take to the waters, before heading south to Coromandel peninsula. Here you have free time to take up a number of activities that take advantage of the epic scenery like driving or hiking.

Next you'll visit Rotorua with a rich Maori culture and more natural splendours such as roaring geysers and boiling mud pools. Enjoy the grand Tongariro National Park on your way to new Zealand's Cosmopolitan Capital.

On the South Island you'll be treated to even more untamed, raw, and extreme natural wonder, epitomised by the jets of water that shoot high out of the famous Pancake rocks at Punakaiki.

Spend several nights at Wanaka, with more chances to go fishing, hiking, climbing and skydiving, and drive on to Queenstown with an included thrilling jet boat ride in the Canyon.

More natural wonders for you to find in the South Island include vivid blue fjords at Milford Sound, the eerie lights of Glowworm Caves, and fascinating birdlife at Dunedin.

Finally you will travel to the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and behold the towering snowy mountain before returning your car at Christchurch.

What’s Included:

• Return flights.
• 20 nights in hotels and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar).
• Self catering basis.
• 21 days car hire.
• Selected activities, excursions and entrance fees.
• Interislander Ferry crossing.
• Rotorua sightseeing attraction pass.
• Franz Josef Glacier guided walk and hot pools.
• Shot over Jet boat ride.
• Maori Hangi Dinner and other meals as specified.

Days 1-2: London - Auckland

On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Tour documentation will be handed over by your driver.
Overngiht - Auckland

Day 3: Auckland - Bay of Islands (230km)

Collect your rental car and drive to the beautiful Bay of Islands with the option of travelling via the Waipoua Kauri Forest (approximately 385km).
Overnight - Bay of Islands

Day 4: Free Day at Bay of Islands

Embark on a voyage of discovery and enjoy the beauty of this area. You could choose to join a daily cruise, charter a yacht or hire a sea kayak.
Overnight - Bay of Islands

Day 5: Bay of Islands - Coromandel Peninsula (380km)

Overnight - Coromandel Peninsula

Day 6: Free day at Coromandel Peninsula

Activities and attractions are plentiful, from fishing and diving to hiking and cycling. You might choose skydiving in Whitianga or a guided sea kayak tour around the coast.
Overnight - Coromandel Peninsula

Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula - Rotorua (185km)

At Rotorua there’s time to explore this thermal wonderland before your evening Maori Hangi dinner and concert.
Overnight - Rotorua Meals - Dinner

Day 8: Rotorua

A full-day Rotorua tour includes Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools and Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park where you’ll see New Zealand native wildlife plus crystal clear pools teeming with trout. Next, visit the Agrodome, a working farm where you can see a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials.
Overnight - Rotorua

Day 9: Rotorua - Tongariro National Park (180km)

Make your way to the Tongariro National Park via Lake Taupo.
Overnight - Tongariro National Park

Day 10: Tongariro National Park - Wellington (332km)

Drive to the capital city of New Zealand and spend the afternoon exploring.
Overnight - Wellington

Day 11: Wellington - Picton - Nelson (Picton to Nelson 135km)

Return your rental car to the ferry terminal depot then board the Interislander Ferry for your journey across Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival, collect your rental car and make your way to Nelson.
Overnight - Nelson

Day 12: Nelson - Hokitika (340km)

Journey through Paparoa National Park, stopping at Punakaiki to visit the famous Pancake Rocks.
Overnight - Hokitika

Day 13: Hokitika - Franz Josef (135km)

Travel to Franz Josef for a guided Glacier Valley Walk. Later, relax in the Glacier Hot Pools.
Overnight - Franz Josef

Day 14: Franz Josef - Wanaka (287km)

In winter, skiers flock here from all over the world for superb skiing and snowboarding at Cardrona and Treble Cone, cross-country skiing at Snow Farm and heli-skiing high in the Harris Mountains. But Wanaka, New Zealand, is much more than a winter destination. Year round activities include fishing, hiking, canyoning, climbing and skydiving.
Overnight - Wanaka

Day 15: Wanaka - Queenstown (117km)

Overnight - Queenstown

Day 16: Queenstown

Transfer to the Shotover River for a thrilling jet boat ride in the canyon. The afternoon is free at leisure.
Overnight - Queenstown

Day 17: Queenstown - Te Anau (170km)

Travel via Milford Sound and make time for a scenic cruise.
Overnight - Te Anau

Day 18: Free Day at Te Anau

Options include a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves or Doubtful Sound.
Overnight - Te Anau

Day 19: Te Anau - Dunedin (290km)

Once in Dunedin, you may like to visit the Otago Peninsula, home to a colony of Royal Albatross, the Yellow Penguins or historic Larnach Castle.
Overnight - Dunedin

Day 20: Dunedin - Mount Cook (331km)

Travel via Moeraki and Oamaru to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Overnight - Mount Cook Meals - Dinner

Day 21: Mount Cook - Christchurch (331km)

This morning you may like to take an optional Tasman Glacier scenic flight before making your way to Christchurch, the Garden City.
Overnight - Christchurch Meals - Breakfast

Day 22-23: Christchurch - London

Return your rental car to the city or airport depot, ready for your return flight home.