Kiwi Epic
Tour #WWSD23S
A monster holiday in NZ featuring top tourist spots in the North - Paihia, Rotorua and Coromandel, and a complete South Island circuit - lakes, mountains, wilderness, forests, glaciers, ...
23 Day Self Drive Tour with your choice of Boutique or Self catering Accommodation for 22 nights.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On your arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation. Overnight in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands
Cross the Waitemata Harbour and travel north through the sprawling coastal suburbs of Auckland to Whangarei and Paihia. We recommend you take a route through Waipoua Forest. Stay 2 nights in Bay of Islands
Day 3: In Bay of Islands
Today is at your leisure for optional activities, such as a visit to quaint Russell or the Waitangi National Reserve. Or you may prefer to join a full day coach tour to Cape Reinga or board a cruise to the intriguing Hole in the Rock.
Day 4: Bay of Islands – Coromandel
Return towards Auckland via the alternative route and then across the Hauraki Plains to the Coromandel Peninsula. Stay 2 nights in Coromandel Peninsula
Day 5: At Coromandel
Explore this region, known for its beautiful beachs & coastline, or relax and enjoy the local cafes and shops displaying the wares of local crafts people.
Day 6: Coromandel - Rotorua
Travel south, to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight experience a Maori hangi (feast) amongst the surroundings of an authentic village. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua
Day 7: At Rotorua
A day free to explore this exciting thermal region – there are many activities to enjoy.
Day 8: Rotorua – Wellington
Drive south through steam clad Wairakei, to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, across the volcanic plateau past the cones of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Cross the Manawatu plains then along the rugged Kapiti coastline to our capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. Overnight in Wellington.
Day 9: Wellington – Picton – Blenheim
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Blenheim, surrounded by vineyards built on rich alluvial plains, which produce world class wines. Overnight in Blenheim
Day 10: Blenheim – Nelson
Continue through the Rai Valley to Nelson, known for it’s gourmet wine and seafood, and the abundance of local artisans and craft people. Stay 2 nights in Nelson.
Day 11: At Nelson
A full day to explore the Nelson area. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers opportunities to walk or cruise it’s beautiful coastline.
Day 12: Nelson - Greymouth- Glaciers
Travel through the Buller Gorge to Westport, and down the coast to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Continue past Greymouth and Greymouth to the Glaciers. We recommend a guided walk to the terminal face of a glacier. Overnight at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.
Day 13: At the Glaciers
A full day to explore this remote and beautiful area. Walks are available to the glaciers or we recommend a visit to the colony of the beautiful white heron (Kotuku)
Day 14: Glaciers – Wanaka
Continue south into dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas. Follow the Haast River inland through the Haast Pass, to reach Lake Wanaka. Overnight in Wanaka.
Day 15: Wanaka – Queenstown
Continue this afternoon through the rugged Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown for 2 nights stay.
Day 16: At Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.
Day 17: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Drive south following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Te Anau, then travel through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. We have included a cruise to enable you to appreciate the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Return to Te Anau. Stay 2 nights in Te Anau.
(For and additional charge you may choose to swap one night in Te Anau and your Milford afternoon Cruise for a night aboard the Milford Wanderer in Milford Sound).
Day 18: At Te Anau
A free day to explore the region surrounding Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri.
Day 19: Te Anau - Dunedin
Drive across the Waimea plains towards the farming community of Gore, then travel through the rolling hill country of South Otago to Dunedin. Stay 2 nights in Dunedin
Day 20: At Dunedin
Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ take time to enjoy the rich historical architecture and abundance of wildlife to be found in this fascinating area.
Day 21: Dunedin - Mount Cook Region
Drive north to historic Oamaru and turn inland. Cross the barren MacKenzie Country to reach the glacial lakes at the foot of the Southern Alps. Overnight at Mt Cook
Day 22: Mount Cook Region – Christchurch
Travel north across through Fairlie and Geraldine , then across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 23: Depart Christchurch
Return your car at the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
Prices valid for travel between 01 October 2009 - 30 September 2010. Quoted per person. Please note a surcharge of NZD$6.00 per day applies to bookings travelling during February 2010.
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