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> New Zealand Grand Tour - 14 days
New Zealand Grand Tour - 14 days
Combine our North and South Island self drive itineraries to create an action packed two week adventure around the whole of New Zealand.
DAY 1 - AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland International Airport and be transfered to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Auckland.
Situated on a narrow isthmus between two beautiful harbours, Auckland the “city of sails” is New Zealand’s largest city with a population of over 1 million. Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, so aptly named by the Maoris as the “sea of sparkling waters”, has brought prosperity to the city.
Besides being New Zealand’s main shipping port Auckland is also the main terminal for overseas traffic. The warm sunny climate, with its generous and evenly distributed rainfall is ideal and there are beautiful parklands and garden reserves throughout. The many miles of coastline provides Aucklanders with the means to enjoy their favourite sport of yachting.
STANDARD: Sky City Hotel
DELUXE: Cotter House (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Cotter House (B&B basis)
DAY 2 - AUCKLAND - COROMANDEL PENINSULA
This morning collect your rental car in Auckland and make your way to Pauanui on the Coromandel Peninsula (approximately 160kms). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Pauanui.
This area, about 1.5 hours drive from Auckland is renowned for its native pohutukawa trees on its West Coast and the beautiful white sandy beaches on the East Coast. The historical past of this region is evident in the mining relics, logging dams and Maori Pa sites that dot the landscape. The central ranges of native rainforest are also popular with hikers & ramblers. Many activities are possible in this area, mainly of a walking or water related nature.
STANDARD: Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge, Pauanui
DELUXE: Brenton Lodge, Whangamata (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Brenton Lodge, Whangamata (B&B basis)
DAY 3 - COROMANDEL PENINSULA - ROTORUA
Today please make your way to Rotorua (approximately 218 kms). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure Rotorua.
Rotorua is the centre of the intense thermal activity in New Zealand. The city itself is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua and excellent stream and lake fishing abounds. Geysers, pools of boiling mud, crystal springs and hot mineral water and richly coloured craters make Rotorua one of the world’s great tourist attractions.
STANDARD: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
DELUXE: Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel (B&B basis)
DAY 4 - ROTORUA - NAPIER
Make your way to Napier (approximately 225kms). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Napier.
The centre of the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand, Napier is renowned for both its Art Deco architecture and also for its wine industry. It is said to be one of the warmest regions in the country with warm summers and mild winters. There are many activities from adventure seeking and wine tasting to just browsing around the local art deco shopping areas.
STANDARD: The Nautilus Hotel
DELUXE:The County Hotel (B&B basis)
DELUXE:The County Hotel (B&B basis)
DAY 5 - NAPIER - WELLINGTON
Make your way to Wellington (approximately 334kms). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Wellington.
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand lies at the southern end of the North Island. On the shores of a magnificent harbour and surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills, it is one of the most scenic cities. Some of the best views are obtained from the hilltops especially from Mt Victoria lookout, which can be conveniently reached by a short taxi ride.
Public buildings of interest are the Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery, parliament buildings and the Alexander Turnbull library. The newest attraction in the “capital” is New Zealand’s National Museum. Named “Te Papa” (our place) it contains a wealth of information on New Zealand’s past, present and future, many interactive exhibits, multi-media databases and fascinating collections. A must see while in Wellington.
STANDARD: Ibis Hotel
DELUXE: Museum Hotel (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Museum Hotel (B&B basis)
DAY 6 - WELLINGTON - PICTON - NELSON
Today please make your way to the Budget Rental Car counter at the Wellington Interislander Ferry Terminal and return your rental car as pre-arranged.
Board the InterIslander Ferry for your journey across Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival in Picton collect your rental car and make your way to Nelson (approximately 110kms). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Nelson.
Nelson, at the top of the South Island, is an extrordinary corner of New Zealand - a beautiful region between sweeping beaches and the northern edge of the southern Alps.
STANDARD: Trailways Motor Inn
DELUXE: Cambria House (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Cambria House (B&B basis)
DAY 7 - NELSON - GREYMOUTH or HOKITIKA
Make your way to Greymouth or Hokitika (approximately 290kms to Greymouth or approximately 330kms to Hokitika). Enroute you may like to stop at Punakaiki and visit the famous “Pancake Rocks”. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Greymouth or Hokitika.
STANDARD: Ashley Hotel Greymouth
DELUXE: Kapitea Ridge Hokitika (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Kapitea Ridge Hokitika (B&B basis)
DAY 8 - GREYMOUTH or HOKITKA - FRANZ JOSEF
Today, make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef (approximately 179kms from Greymouth or approximately 161kms from Hokitika). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Franz Josef.
The best thing about the West Coast (Westland) is its ruggedness – the narrow coastal strip is still very much untamed. Here and there are patches of native forest that have escaped the axe and fire. The two glaciers Fox and Franz Josef are perhaps the major draw cards to the West Coast, but visitors soon find that the whole area is worth exploring.
STANDARD: Punga Grove Motor Lodge
DELUXE: Holly Homestead (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Holly Homestead (B&B basis)
DAY 9 - FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN
Today drive through the Haast Pass and past Lake Wanaka to Queenstown (approximately 404 kms). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Queenstown.
Queenstown nestles in Queenstown Bay, about midway along the eastern shores of the azure blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. An unusual feature of the lake is the regular “breathing”, a 3-inch rise and fall every 15 minutes. Striking mountain peaks surround Queenstown, and although still rural in character, the town has developed into a tourist resort for all seasons.
Situated more than 300 metres above sea level, it is sufficiently inland to provide a sharp contrast between the hot summer and bracing winter. The autumn colours and the Lake District are justly famous and a delight to photographers and painters. Winter brings spectacular snow scenery, ice-skating, skiing, heli-skiing and snowboarding. Year round adventure activities include world famous bungee jumping, white water rafting, parapenting and much more.
STANDARD: Mercure Resort Queenstown
DELUXE: Browns Boutique Hotel (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Browns Boutique Hotel (B&B basis)
DAY 10 - QUEENSTOWN
Full day at your leisure to select your optional sightseeing: thrilling jet boat rides, vintage steamer lake cruises, visit to high country sheep stations, mountain gondola rides — the list is endless and you also have time to relax and simply marvel at the beautiful scenery.
STANDARD: Mercure Resort Queenstown
DELUXE: Browns Boutique Hotel (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Browns Boutique Hotel (B&B basis)
DAY 11 - QUEENSTOWN - TE ANAU
Make your way to Te Anau (approximately 170kms). We suggest you travel via Milford Sound
(Approximately 420kms) where time is available to enjoy a cruise on the scenic sound (at your own expense).
STANDARD: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
DELUXE: Fiordland Lodge Log Cabins (B&B and dinner included)
DELUXE: Fiordland Lodge Log Cabins (B&B and dinner included)
DAY 12 - TE ANAU - DUNEDIN
Make your way to Dunedin - the "Edinburgh of the South" (approximately 290kms). This afternoon in Dunedin time is available to explore — you may like to visit the Otago Peninsula - home of the Royal Albatross Colony, the Yellow Penguins or historic Larnach Castle (at your own expense).
STANDARD: Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
DELUXE: Larnach Lodge at Larnach Castle (B&B basis)
DAY 13 - DUNEDIN - CHRISTCHURCH
Make your way to Christchurch (approximately 362kms). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Christchurch. Christchurch is known as the “most English City outside England” or the “garden city”.
From the unique Summit Road there is a magnificent view of the Canterbury Plains, bounded on the west by the Southern Alps and on the east by the Lyttleton Harbour and the Banks Peninsula.
STANDARD: The Chateau on the Park
DELUXE: Elm Tree House (B&B basis)
DELUXE: Elm Tree House (B&B basis)
DAY 14 - CHRISTCHURCH
Tour ends with returning your rental car to the Christchurch airport depot. Depart Christchurch.
14 day self drive tour - Standard from £882 or Deluxe from £1652
Standard tours include accommodation in comfortable touring hotels. Deluxe tours include more intimate accommodation in lodges, country houses and small hotels offering a warm welcome and personal service. With Deluxe hotels breakfast is included.
Accommodation is subject to availability and may be changed for one of a similar standard if necessary.
Standard tours include accommodation in comfortable touring hotels. Deluxe tours include more intimate accommodation in lodges, country houses and small hotels offering a warm welcome and personal service. With Deluxe hotels breakfast is included.
Accommodation is subject to availability and may be changed for one of a similar standard if necessary.
For help, advice or to make a booking, call 0844 567 8050
Click here to a request a free brochure packed with ideas and suggestions for an incredible Australian holiday.
Click here to a request a free brochure packed with ideas and suggestions for an incredible Australian holiday.
Tailor Make your perfect Australia Holiday
With Freedom Australia you can enjoy the type of holiday you are looking for - with the help of our Free Planning Service.
You can mix and match any of the hotels, resorts and touring options in our Free Brochure to
create your perfect holiday experience.
For Expert Help & Advice
Call 0844 567 8050 or enquire online
Call 0844 567 8050 or enquire online
