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Auckland to Christchurch
17 Days / 16 Nights from $4319
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Package Name
The Great Outdoors
Duration
17 days, 16 nights
Description
This is the perfect vacation package for travelers who love to be outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. A self-drive tour, "The Great Outdoors" allows you to travel at your own pace and see what really matters to you. Additionally, some of your favorite memories of your trip might include your stays at some of New Zealand's best boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts. Our itinerary listed-below is just one way to see New Zealand's many nature wonders and beautiful gardens. Ask a Travel Team agent for help planning your New Zealand outdoor adventure!
Package Inclusions
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16 nights accommodation in Boutique properties (2 nights Auckland, 1 night Cambridge, 2 nights New Plymouth, 2 nights Wellington, 2 nights Nelson, 1 night Fox Glacier, 2 nights Queenstown, 2 nights Dunedin, 2 nights Christchurch)
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16 days full-size sedan car rental
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16 breakfasts
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Guided Coast and Rainforest Walk in Auckland
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Entrance to Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
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Half day sightseeing tour in Wellington
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Interislander Ferry crossing
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Half day Gardens Tour in Christchurch
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Entrance to Larnach Castle Gardens in Dunedin
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and catch a taxi to your hotel. Today is your day to explore as you wish. Take is easy and adjust to the time difference, or head out on the town! Try to see to The Auckland Domain - a 75 hectare park filled with gardens, hiking trails, and a large pool.
Overnight in Auckland.
Day 2 - Auckland Coast and Rainforest Tour
This morning, you will be picked up for a full-day Coast and Rainforest walk. Visit Auckland's West Coast and see an area of untouched original rainforest with native Kauri Trees over 1000 years old. The evening is at your leisure.
Overnight in Auckland.
Day 3 - Auckland to Cambridge (240km, 149 miles)
Begin the self-drive part of your trip as you pick up your rental car from the Auckland city depot and travel south to the Waitomo Caves. Following a visit to the caves, travel to Cambridge via Hamilton. Make sure to stop for a stroll in Hamilton Gardens - a great place for a picnic.
Overnight in Cambridge.
Day 4 - Cambridge to New Plymouth (231km, 144 miles)
Travel south from Cambridge to New Plymouth. Take your time, stopping for the impressive scenery along New Zealand's west coast.
Overnight is in New Plymouth.
Day 5 - Experience New Plymouth
Today is at your leisure to explore the green city of New Plymouth. Visit Pukeiti (a Rhododendron Garden) and the terrific Pukekura Park.
Overnight in New Plymouth.
Day 6 - New Plymouth to Wellington (355km, 220 miles)
On today's drive, consider a stop at the world's first urban sanctuary: Karori Wildlife Reserve. Experience an authentic glimpse of New Zealand's heritage among the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight is in Wellington.
Day 7 - Tour Wellington
Enjoy a half day city sightseeing tour, exploring the Parliament Buildings and the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, followed by fantastic views of the city from Mt Victoria. Enjoy Wellington at leisure this afternoon: Visit Te Papa (the national museum), stroll through the city, taking note of the impressive architecture, or catch an evening show at one of the city's theaters.
Overnight is in Wellington.
Day 8 - Wellington to Nelson (116km, 72 miles)
In Wellington, return your car and board the morning Interislander Ferry for your cruise across Cook Strait. Upon arrival in Picton, pick up a new rental car and finish the drive to Nelson. Overnight in Nelson.
Day 9 - Discover Nelson
Explore the Nelson region today! Go hiking on your own or with a guide, or spend the day kayaking in the world famous Abel Tasman National Park.
Overnight in Nelson.
Day 10 - Nelson to Fox Glacier (492km, 305 miles)
Travel south to Punakaiki and Greymouth, view the fascinating "Pancake" rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki, then continue to Fox Glacier. Spend the evening drinking a bottle of New Zealand wine while admiring the great views of the Glacier.
Overnight in Fox Glacier.
Day 11 - Fox Glacier to Queenstown (381km, 237 miles)
Travel south to Queenstown, through the Haast Pass. Enjoy the views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Dawea.
Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 12 - Discover Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure. From hot air ballooning, skiing and snowboarding (season permitting), jet boating to wine-tasting and world-famous spa's, Queenstown has an activity to suit everyone's fancy.
Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 13 - Queenstown to Dunedin (283km, 176 miles)
Enjoy the beautiful landscape as you travel to Dunedin, also known as the "Edinburgh of the South." The scenic Otago Peninsula is an often overlooked stop on many itineraries; enjoy your journey through the less-touristy part of New Zealand!
Overnight in Dunedin.
Day 14 - Discover Dunedin
Included today is a visit to Larnach Castle and its beautiful Gardens. The scenery is spectacular and the gardens holds a unique collection of plants rarely seen elsewhere. Spend the rest of the day exploring Dunedin: Tour the Cadbury chocolate factory, learn the history of beer at Speights Brewery, people-watch at the Octagon (the city center), and attempt to climb Baldwin Street (the steepest street in the world!).
Overnight in Dunedin.
Day 15 - Dunedin to Christchurch (365km, 227 miles)
Wake up early this morning to start your journey back north to Christchurch - "The Garden City" - traveling across the Canterbury Plains
Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 16 - Enjoy Christchurch
Included today is a half day tour of many of Christchurch's public and private gardens. Before the day is over, be sure to Tour the cathedral and visit the Art Gallery or Canterbury Museum. Or, bike up the Summit Road for fantastic views of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding Southern Alps. End the day feasting at one of Christchurch's premier restaurants.
Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 17 - Departure
You tour comes to an end as you return your rental car. |
