Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is poised between two large harbours...
Read more >This extensive itinerary is an ideal
introduction to New Zealand for firsttime visitors looking to explore the
country at their own pace. Travel the
length of New Zealand to visit the main
sights, with plenty of opportunities
to explore each area further and
excursions that can be tailored to your
own preferences.
On arrival, transfer to the M Social Auckland for 2 nights. Following day at leisure or take an optional excursion. (N) (B)
Days 3-4: Bay of IslandsCollect your hire car and drive north to the Bay of Islands. On arrival, stay 2 nights at Arcadia Lodge in Russell. Suggested excursions include a cruise out on the Bay of Islands to spot dolphins or visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the historic town of Russell. (B) (N)
Day 5: RotoruaDrive south to the volcanic town of Rotorua and stay 2 nights at the Peppers on the Point. This long journey can be broken up with a stop for lunch in the pleasant town of Cambridge, with tree-lined streets and many well-preserved heritage buildings, or Matamata, home of the Hobbiton film set. Alternatively, shorten your day’s drive by taking an overnight stay in Auckland, which is approximately the halfway point of this journey. (N)
Day 6: RotoruaDay at leisure to explore the volcanic attractions of Rotorua. (N)
Days 7-8: WellingtonDrive south to Wellington and stay at the Bolton Hotel for 2 nights. Following day at leisure to explore New Zealand’s capital city, with time to visit the National Museum Te Papa or join a guided walking tour. (N)
Day 9: BlenheimDrop off your hire car and board the Interislander ferry for the journey to South Island. On arrival in Picton, collect a new car and drive south through the Marlborough wine-growing region to Blenheim. Stay overnight at the Chateau Marlborough. (N)
Day 10: KaikouraContinue south this morning along the beautiful east coast to Kaikoura. Stay 1 night at Fyffe Country Lodge. Afternoon whale-watching cruise off the Kaikoura coast. (N)
Days 11-12: ChristchurchDrive south to Christchurch and stay 2 nights at the The George. The following day is at leisure to explore Christchurch. (N)
Day 13: Aoraki / Mount CookDrive to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and stay overnight at the Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook Hotel. Spend the afternoon walking in the park or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Option to extend your stay and explore further. (N)
Day 14: Te AnauDrive to the lakeside town of Te Anau and stay overnight at Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas (or similar). (N)
Day 15: Milford SoundDrive to Milford Sound, where you will board the Milford Mariner† for an overnight cruise in this spectacular fiord. (D)
Days 16-17: QueenstownDrive to Queenstown and stay at the QT Queenstown (or similar) for 2 nights. Following day is at leisure to enjoy one of the many outdoor activities available. (B, N)
Day 18: Franz JosefDrive north through the Mount Aspiring National Park to the small town of Franz Josef. Stay 1 night at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Optional guided walk to the face of the Franz Josef glacier, or take a scenic flight for an aerial view. (N)
Day 19: ChristchurchDrive north up the rugged west coast to Greymouth, drop off your hire car and board the TranzAlpine train for a journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. On arrival, you will be transferred to the Sudima Christchurch Airport hotel for 1 night. (B)
Day 20: Onward travelTransfer to the airport to fly home or continue your holiday. (N)
Meal basisAs per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important information Superior tourThis tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.
FlightsInternational flights are not included with this itinerary.
†The Milford MarinerThis cruise does not operate between mid-May and mid-September; however, we are able to tailor your itinerary should you wish to travel during this period.
Tailor-made travelFor a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
The 3-star The White Morph is located on the sea front Esplanade just a short walk away from the shops and restaurants of this small town. The 24 rooms have en suite bathrooms, a minibar and tea & coffee making facilities.
Originally opened to adventurous travellers in 1884, the Hermitage Hotel has since been rebuilt, modernised and refurbished to offer a range of comfortable accommodation options in a world heritage wilderness playground. With the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park as its alpine backdrop, the onsite restaurant offers buffet meals, with each seat providing a view of New Zealand's tallest mountain. Features: 164 rooms & 20 chalets, restaurant, cafe, lounge, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Television, fridge, tea & coffee facilities.
Located 500 metres from Christchurch airport and 15 minutes' drive from the centre of the city, the 3 star Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport is a useful base for visitors passing through the city. The property has 208 rooms each with modern amenities. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and a communal barbeque.
The SKYCITY Hotel is located in the central business district of Auckland. It is situated in the SKYCITY complex which has many restaurants, bars, a theatre and casinos. The hotel offers 344 rooms, each equipped with a writing desk, cable television, internet access and 24-hour room service. Leisure facilities include complimentary wireless internet, rooftop pool and gymnasium.
The Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a contemporary and stylish property centrally located in the small town of Blenheim. The 54 rooms have modern amenities and air conditioning, and hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, spa, restaurant and a bar.
The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is located on the edge of the village and Westland World Heritage Park. The hotel comprises three separate wings, each with its own atmosphere and offering alpine views. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and four spa pools.
Located on Cathedral Square at the centre of Christchurch, the Novotel Christchurch is a modern 4-star property. The hotel has 154 spacious rooms each with modern amenities. Facilities include a fitness centre, restaurant and bar. The Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square is located in the city centre, which as a result of the February 2011 earthquake is both a demolition and a construction zone. It is possible that the surrounding area will be noisy, dusty and for some it may even be distressing.
The Millennium Hotel Rotorua is located on Lake Rotorua, near to the thermal pools at Polynesian Spa. The 227 rooms all have modern decor and amenities. Facilities include a bar, a gym, swimming pool,sauna and two restaurants (one of these is not open during winter months),
The 4-star Millennium Hotel Queenstown is located in the heart of Queenstown close to the central shopping and entertainment area. The hotel has 220 rooms, each elegantly decorated with modern furnishings including a minibar, air conditioning, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities. Other hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and spa.
The Milford Mariner provides a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience, when the daytime visitors depart and a silence descends on the Sound. The vessel has been purpose built to accommodate passengers in 30 private cabins with en suite bathrooms. It has a spacious dining room, observation lounge and large open deck areas for viewing the scenery of Milford Sound. <br/><br/> The Fiordland's scenery never fails to impress. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres; ancient rainforests cover the mountains; lakes shimmer and granite peaks look just like they did a thousand years ago. Milford is by far the best known of all of the fjords. <br/><br/> Departing from the Milford Wharf, cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Leisurely explore many points of interest and view waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with the experienced nature guide on board. Activities include kayaking and exploring the shoreline on the tender ...
Located in Te Anau town centre, just a short stroll away from New Zealand's second largest lake, the Distinction Luxmore Hotel is a comfortable 4-star hotel and an ideal base for exploring the Fiordland region. The hotel has 180 rooms, two restaurants and a gym.
Located on Wellington's Oriental Parade, with many of the hotel rooms overlooking the spectacular inner harbour, the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay is within walking distance of many of the city's finest restaurants and tourist attractions. The 118 rooms have modern decor and amenities. Facilities at the property include a restaurant, cocktail bar and an indoor swimming pool.
Just a short drive from Paihia town centre and located on the waterfront next to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the 4-star Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Bay of Islands region. The property has 180 rooms, each with an individual patio or balcony, and modern amenities. Facilities include a restaurant, cafe, bar, swimming pool, spa pool and tennis court. Complimentary transfers to and from Paihia town centre are available at set times between 7.30am and 5.30pm.
AOT2020
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Please call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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