GRAND EXPLORER

25 or 21 days Auckland to Christchurch

PRICE INCLUDES:

» 20/24 nights accommodation in the style of your choice

» 18/22 days car rental including full insurance, unlimited kms

» Entry to Matakohe Museum

» Waipoua Forest Twilight Encounter

» Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock Cruise

» Guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set

» Daytime Redwood tree walk

» Locally guided Art Deco walk

» Scenic Interislander cruise including car

» Return water taxi transfers to Marlborough Sound

» Kaikoura Whale Watch cruise

» Entry to Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve and Pools

» Monarch Wildlife cruise, Dunedin

» Milford Sound Nature Cruise, including picnic lunch

» World-heritage Westland National Park

» Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

» Award-winning TranzAlpine train journey through the Southern Alps

» Airport transfer on departure

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Auckland

Welcome to Auckland. Having completed arrival formalities take delivery of your rental car and make your way to your chosen accommodation. The rest of today is free to explore “City of Sails”.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland City

Apartment: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland

Day 2 – Matakohe, Hokianga Harbour

Head North out of Auckland today for about an hour and a half before turning west and taking a step back in time. A stop at the Matakohe Kauri Museum gives you some great insight to the area you are traveling through. Continue in to Paihia, a popular seaside resort nestled on the shores of this National Maritime Park.

All categories: The Heads Hokianga

Day 3 – Kerikeri, Paihia

After a leisurely start to the day, travel east to the Bay of Islands. Take some time to visit KeriKeri on the way for arts, crafts, antiques and see one of the oldest buildings in the country, the Stone Store. Continue on to Paihia, a popular seaside resort nestled on the shores of this National Maritime Park.

Hotel: Paihia Resort Hotel (2 nights)

Apartment: Sea Spray Suites (2 nights)

Day 4 – Cape Brett Cruise, at leisure

This morning you will head out on a comfortable journey through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukokako Island and the famous “Hole in the Rock” where we make a passage through the Hole and on to the Grand Cathedral Cave. On the return journey the cruise takes it time and meanders through the inner islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife. Included is an island stopover on a beautiful Urupukapuka Island.

Day 5 – Matakana, Takapuna

Matakana’s beautiful beaches, boutique vineyards and local arts scene make this area a great place to visit. Nearby Warkworth is a captivating historic village in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here a short drive brings you to Takapuna, a vibrant seaside suburb home to stylish shops, swanky cafes and a bustling Sunday market.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor (21 Day)

Apartment: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland

(This is start of Day 1 for the 21 day itinerary)

Day 6 – Hobbiton, Rotorua

An easy drive south of Auckland will take you to the Waikato town of Matamata, home to Hobbiton. The region has attracted Lord of the Rings enthusiasts from all over the world since a local farm became the setting for “The Shire” in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbiton. Here you will enjoy a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, including the hobbit holes, and discover middle-earth movie magic. Continue on to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

All categories: Sudima Lake Rotorua

Day 7 – Discover Rotorua (D)

Discover the delights of Rotorua. There are many activities available including visits to thermal reserves, rafting, kayaking, cruising, spa treatments, adventure and general sightseeing activities.

Day 8 – Wai-O-Tapu, Lake Taupo, Napier

Breathtaking, immersive and extraordinary the Redwood Treewalk offers an eco tourism experience that spans across 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms in the beautiful Redwood Forest. A short drive out of town this evergreen forest invites you to visit with a unique birds’ eye perspective. Stop at the mighty Huka Falls, then wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities.

All categories: Quest Napier (2 nights)

Day 9 – Explore Hawke’s Bay Wine Country

This morning, enjoy a short, locally guided walk that will bring this fascinating architecture alive. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the Hawke’s Bay, often referred to as the “Tuscany of the South Pacific”. You can explore the countryside and city pathways on your late model, mountain bike enjoy a game of golf, visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, tour local wineries, ride a hot air balloon or simply take in the local city sights.

Day 10 – Martinborough, Wellington

Drive south today into the Wairarapa, a rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand. We suggest stopping at Martinborough, a boutique wine village, before continuing onto Wellington, the nation’s capital. A visit to Te Papa, the national museum, is highly recommended.

Hotel: Atura Wellington by Rydges

Apartment: Citylife Wellington

Day 11 – Interislander ferry, Marlborough Sounds

This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise across Cook Strait by the Interislander to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Transfer by water taxi to your remote resort located in the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

All categories: Punga Cove Resort – Summer (2 nights)

Day 12 – Enjoy Kenepuru Sound

A free day to relax and marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Lodge staff will share their love of the area with you through the wide range of water and nature-based experiences they put at your fingertips.

Complimentary fishing tackle, kayaks and mountain bikes are provided at the lodge and there are a number of bush walks to enjoy.

Day 13 – Picton Kaikoura

After a leisurely start, return to Piton and pick up your rental car and join the Coastal Pacific highway for the drive to Kaikoura, a coastal town located on a thin strip of coastal land between the Kaikoura mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel: White Morph Motor Inn

Apartment: Kaikoura Gateway

Day 14 – Whale Watching, Hanmer Springs

Enjoy a morning Whale Watch adventure. Every trip is a unique experience and sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migration Hump Back whales, Pilot whale, Blue whales and Southern Right whales. Later, head inland to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled amongst the foothills of the Southern Alps. End your day with a relaxing soak in the thermal mineral pools.

Hotel: Hanmer Springs Hotel

Apartment: Clear Ridge Hanmer Springs

Day 15 – Banks Peninsular, Akaroa

Continue your drive south towards Christchurch before turning east and travelling over the Banks Peninsular to the quaint and historic seaside village of Akaroa. Settled in the early 1860’s, it has retained its French flavour through its street names and architecture.

Hotel: Akaroa Criterion

Apartment: Akaroa Village Inn

Day 16 – Moeraki Boulders, Dunedin

Follow the coastal route to Oamaru, widely regarded as housing some of the nation’s finest architecture. The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is New Zealand’s largest. Stop to view the mystical and fascinating Moeraki Boulders as you continue your drive into Dunedin, the Edinburgh if the South. It is a city of rare charm set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea and boasts many activities for lovers of nature and wildlife.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross Dunedin (2 nights) Apartment: Distinction Dunedin (2 nights)

Day 17 – Portobello Peninsular, Dunedin at leisure

This morning cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour with Monarch Cruises and enjoy unrivalled viewing of the exiting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head – the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world, home to NZ fur seals and eight other nesting bird species. You may also see dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds. This afternoon explore the city and surrounds of Dunedin. Highlights include the Dunedin Railway Station, Chinese Gardens, Otago Museum, the Octagon and Olveston House.

Day 18 – Central Otago, Te

Anau

Travel through the Central Otago townships of Balclutha, Gore and Lumsden as you make your way to Te Anau, located on the shores of the largest of the southern glacial lakes and gateway to the spectacular Fiordland National Park, home to the spectacular fiord of Milford and Doubtful Sounds.

All categories: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 19 – Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Queenstown (L)

Travel by coach along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board your vessel for a relaxing nature cruise along the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. You will view the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak, spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Collect your vehicle on return to Te Anau and drive on to Queenstown.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites (3 nights)

Apartment: Garden Court suites & Apartments (3 nights)

Day 20 and 21 – Explore Queenstown and surrounds

Enjoy two free days to experience this magnificent alpine resort regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration.

Day 22 – Arrowtown, Wanaka

Set beneath the rugged Crown Range is Arrowtown, a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of the nineteenth century. Enjoy some time to stroll through this historic village, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s. The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are simply stunning. Wander around this popular lakeside resort and enjoy the relaxed vibe of this peaceful and picturesque location.

All categories: Edgewater Wanaka

Day 23 – Haast Pass, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

View the incredible scenery as you drive past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the Westland National Park and Haast Pass. On to the twin West Coast glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef. There is an opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region this afternoon, weather permitting.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Apartment: Glenfern Villas

Day 24 - TranzApline Train, Christchurch

Drive along the rugged West Coast highway to Greymouth. Check in for your TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch, rated as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. It crosses over the spectacular Southern Alps before winding its way over massive viaducts, through scenic river gorges and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

All categories: Ramada Christchurch

Day 25 – Depart Christchurch

Sadly, your holiday is at an end, and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport today to connect with your onward flight.

21 Day option from Per Person, Twin Share Hotel - UKNZB2321GEH $4,412 Apartment - UKNZB2321GEA $5,163

25 Day option from Per Person, Twin Share Hotel - UKNZB23255GEH $5,400

Apartment - UKNZB2325GEA $5,511