Jan
min : 16°C
max : 23°C
We Love —
- Explore the diverse and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of New Zealand on this unforgettable 14 or 18-night Fly Drive Tour from Auckland to Christchurch.
- Encounter beaches, geothermal sites, iconic filming locations and bustling cities in your very own rental car and take part in astonishing optional excursions along the way!
- Stay in a variety of charming hotels and enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast each morning, ensuring a comfortable break!
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Destination —
On this 14 or 18-night self-drive holiday, you will travel from Auckland to Christchurch, discovering a variety of unique experiences and magnificent sights. Explore bustling cities, observe geothermal springs, soak up the sun on blissful beaches, and enjoy a ferry surrounded by stunning scenery. And, if that is not enough, you can also opt to add a variety of outstanding excursions, allowing you to cater every aspect of this trip to your needs and desires.
Our Offers —
14-Night / 15-Day New Zealand Fly Drive
18-Night / 19-Day New Zealand Fly Drive
Your Itineraries In Brief —
14 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Day 2: Hobbiton Matamata & Roturua
Day 3: Hobbiton Matamata & Roturua
Day 4: Taupo & Tongariro
Day 5: Wellington
Day 6: Picton & Abel Tasman
Day 7: Picton & Abel Tasman
Day 8: Greymouth
Day 9: Fox Glacier
Day 10: Queenstown
Day 11: Queenstown
Day 12: Te Anau
Day 13: Dunedin
Day 14: Christchurch
Day 15: Departure from Christchurch
18 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland
Day 3: Whitianga & Coromandel
Day 4: Hobbiton Matamata & Roturua
Day 5: Hobbiton Matamata & Roturua
Day 6: Taupo & Tongariro
Day 7: Wellington
Day 8: Picton & Abel Tasman
Day 9: Picton & Abel Tasman
Day 10: Greymouth
Day 11: Fox Glacier
Day 12: Queenstown
Day 13: Queenstown
Day 14: Te Anau
Day 15: Dunedin
Day 16: Dunedin
Day 17: Christchurch
Day 18: Christchurch
Day 19: Departure from Christchurch
Your Itineraries —
During their fly drive, our members will follow the itineraries as detailed below.
14-Night Tour
On arrival in Auckland Airport, after immigration services, collect your vehicle at the at the Hertz car rentals counter located in the arrival hall. You will pick up car group D (CDAR) Toyota Corolla Hatch/Sedan or similar, from Hertz Rentals Airport Auckland and return to Christchurch Airport (change of car between Wellington/Picton).
Auckland "Sailing City", cosmopolitan Auckland, relaxing Auckland, sparkling Auckland, so many names that carries the largest metropolis of the country. Many Polynesian, Asian and European cultures blend together to make the city attractive, diverse and full of life! With the mild climate, the omnipresence of the sea and its many beaches, the city constantly invites to enjoy the joys of the outdoors. There are about 102 almost deserted beaches within 1 hour of the centre and 1 in 4 people owns a boat.
The city is also very volcanic and has 60 extinct volcanoes some of which have been converted into a park. Mt Eden, whose summit rises to 196m is the highest in the city and will offer you a spectacular panorama of the region. West of Auckland, crossing the Waitakere Ranges where you can enjoy the landscapes of huge kauris and ferns, you can relax or surf the black sand beaches such as Piha and Karekare. Take the time to enjoy the city and all its neighborhoods more attractive than each other. New Zealand's 'take it easy' way of life will not leave you indifferent!
Suggested:
- Take a walk on the volcanoes of Mt Eden or one Tree Hill
- Dinner in one of the many restaurants of Viaduct or Ponsonby
- Climb to the top of the Sky Tower and observe the city and its surroundings at 360°
- Victoria Market, the weekend to buy New Zealand crafts
1-night stay at the Bavaria B&B or Similar in Auckland in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
On your way to Rotorua, consider visiting the Hobbit Village of The Lord of the Rings movies (located at Matamata on the way to Rotorua). Arrival into Rotorua (approx. 230km). In this region, volcanoes and geothermal springs provide great landscapes, and a trip to New Zealand would not be complete without this step. The city is located on a 200 km volcanic fault from White Island to Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park and is built directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire. An unforgettable place where geothermal activity is omnipresent. The smell of sulfur and the eruption of geysers will make you feel that Rotorua is different from other places already visited. Rotorua is also the ancestral land of Te Arawa, a people who arrived more than 600 years ago, and whose presence offers many cultural experiences to visitors. It is also a great trout fishing area in the surrounding lakes and rivers.
Suggested:
- Experiment Maori culture with dances, songs and meals typical of Te Puia
- Visit the Maori Museum and the Bath House Art Gallery
- Visit the geothermal park of Wai-O-Tapu
2-night stay at the Robertson House B&B or Similar in Rotorua in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Drive towards Lake Taupo and continue to the Tongariro National Park (approx 180 km). Located in the centre of the North Island, the oldest national park of the country is spread around the Tongariro volcano. The park is full of Maori cultural and sacred places and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. It covers 7,600 km² and includes the 3 active volcanoes of Tongariro (1,968m), Ngaurhuoe (2,290m) and Ruapehu (2,797m). The latter dominates the nature reserve and is the most active volcano in the park, it erupts every 50 years on average. Here, the landscapes are breathtaking and unfold in front of you with incredible beauty.
Suggested:
- Hiking Tongariro Crossing and its emerald lakes
- Walk along Whakapapanui Gorge to Taranaki Falls
1-night stay at the Skotel Alpine Resort or Similar in Tongariro National Park in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Enjoy a morning drive to Wellington (approx 300 km). The city of Wellington is located in the centre of New Zealand. This strategic point allowed the city to become the capital of the country in 1865 (after Auckland). New Zealand has expanded its cinematographic facilities in Wellington in recent years.
Suggested:
- Te Papa Museum, the largest in New Zealand
- The Zealandia Nature Reserve where you will find many endemic species
1-night stay at the Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman or Similar in Wellington in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Leave your vehicle at the car park in front of the Interislander Ferry. Check-in with your luggage at the Ferry counter for the morning departure from Picton to Wellington (departing 0900 / arriving 1230). The crossing of the Cook Strait takes about 3 hours (92km) and is more than a means of transport between the 2 islands of New Zealand as the scenery is stunning. Collect your vehicle on arrival and drive from Picton towards Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park (approx. 180km). At the northern tip of the South Island, you will find the smallest national park in New Zealand, Abel Tasman. It is 225 km² in size and many areas are accessible only by the sea. The beauty of the beaches and the turquoise waters are surprising.
Suggested:
- Watch out for resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast
- Explore the Abel Tasman National Park by kayak and enjoy watching the antics at the seal colony on Pinnacle
2-night stay at the Avalon Manor Motel or Similar in Moteuka in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Enjoy a morning drive along the West Coast towards Punakaiki and its Pancake Rocks, and then continue on to Greymouth (approx. 320km). This region is the wettest in New Zealand, giving the wild landscapes a special glow. In the past, the West Coast was very troubled by the discovery of gold deposits and is now much quieter. The city of Hokitika is the capital of Nephrite jade or greenstone or Punamu in Maori, a stone found only in the South Island. It was formerly used to make tools or weapons and is now used for jewellery and decorative items. According to the Maori, the stone holds a certain power and is sacred. In Punakaiki you will find the Pancake Rocks, rocks with the appearance of stack of pancakes. These are limestone formations eroded by wind and water, the sight of the sea rushing is all the more beautiful at high tide.
Suggested:
- Visit a jade tailor shop
- Take a walk to Pancake Rocks in Punakaki
- Visit an old gold mine
1-night stay at the Oak Lodge B&B or Similar in Greymouth in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Enjoy a morning drive to the Fox Glacier (approx 200 km). A glacier forms when there is more snow than it melts. There are many glaciers in the Southern Alps and among the largest are Fox about 13 km long and Franz Josef about 11 km. These are the only glaciers in the world that can offer ice landscapes, subtropical vegetation and ocean temperate zones. The Fox Glacier rises down Mt. Tasman at about 2,500 m and ends at only 300 m above sea level. Although it has declined for many years, it now advances to the valley of a few centimetres or even meters per day.
Suggested:
- Helicopter overflight with landing on glaciers
- Walk to Lake Matheson where you can admire the reflection of Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and La Pérouse peaks
1-night stay at the Fox Glacier Lodge B&B or Similar in Fox Glacier in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Leave the Glacier region behind you and drive towards Wanaka crossing Cardrona before arriving into Queenstown (approx. 327km). The Central Otago region offers ever-changing landscapes creating sumptuous shades of colour. Queenstown has become one of the great tourist centres of the country with its many outdoor activities and atmosphere breathing adventure! The capital of the Southern Alps is a beautiful city surrounded by majestic mountains and located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu just as grandiose.
Suggested:
- A jet boat ride on the Shotover River
- Make the highest New Zealand elastic jump
- Take a hike to Glenorchy and admire some of the landscapes of The Lord of the Rings
- The road between Queenstown and Arrowtown (50 km) bypassing Coronet Peak and back along Lake Hayes
- Visit Arrowtown about 20 km from Queenstown, a quaint little town in the Gold Rush
2-night stay at the Bella Vista Queenstown or Similar in Queenstown in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Enjoy a morning drive towards Te Anau (approx 170 km). Fiordland Park is one of the most spectacular and largest in New Zealand. This classified site spreads its magnificent beech forests, its torrents and waterfalls thanks to its important precipitations all the year. Te Anau is the largest town near the Fiords near the largest lake on the South Island, Lake Te Anau. To reach Manapouri, starting point for fjord cruises, you will have to take a road that goes down into the mountain through lush forests, plains and beautiful lakes. Milford Sound is an unforgettable site whose highest point is Miter Peak (1,692 m). Doubtful sound, even wilder and more remote is less touristy.
Suggested:
- A cruise to admire Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
- A small plane flight over Doubtful Sound
- Take a steam train ride in the Kingston Flyer
1-night stay at the Cosy Kiwi B&B or Similar in Te Anau in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Leave Te Anau in the morning and drive towards the South East Coast, arriving into Dunedin (approx. 290km). The Otago region offers a great diversity of landscape combining a beautiful historic architecture of the cities, a strong natural heritage of remarkable beauty and a rich fauna with endemic species. The historic Victorian buildings of Dunedin are among the best preserved in the southern hemisphere and give a certain charm to the city. A little further away from the city and towards Oamaru, you will be able to see the Little Blue Penguins (the smallest penguins in the world) coming out of the water every night to climb the land. The Otago peninsula is also home to yellow-eyed penguins (one of the rarest penguins in the world), this peninsula is a great example of eco-tourism and remains very well preserved. You can also walk to Moeraki, a small fishing village to observe the Moeraki boulders, a strange natural phenomenon. They are huge spherical rocks up to 1m wide scattered on the beach of Koekohe.
Suggested:
- Walk around Portobello, a charming little village on the Otago Peninsula
- Get closer to unique southern ocean animals and penguins & furseals of the Otago Peninsula
1-night stay at The Brothers Boutique Hotel or Similar in Dunedin in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Morning drive towards Christchurch (approx. 350km). Christchurch was the second largest city in New Zealand before the devastating earthquake of February and June 2011 devastated the city. The city is recovering from this tragic accident and has rebuilt its centre with many "street arts", it still remains in reconstruction. The city is known for its beautiful gardens, museums and restaurants. It is also the starting point for many excursions in Antarctica.
Suggested:
- Visit the city and its gardens and the arts centre
- Stroll to the Akaroa peninsula to admire the wild fauna and flora
- Take a tour of the Antarctic Centre with information on Antarctica and many activities such as the simulation of a storm in Antarctica, you can also observe "blue penguins"
1-night stay at the Orari Bed and Breakfast or Similar in Christchurch in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
Day 15: Departure from Christchurch
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and head to the airport to return your rental car and board your return flight home.
End of Services.
18-Night Tour
As seen on Day 1 of 14-night tour. Enjoy an extra night in Auckland.
Day 3: Whitianga - Coromandel
Morning drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, arriving into Whitianga (approx. 190km). Located only one and a half hours travel from Auckland Airport, the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Coromandel Peninsula has a rugged range of mountains covered in natural rainforest running down the length of the peninsula.The western side has a rugged coastline, with native Pohutakawa trees growing down to the shore line. On the eastern side, are a series of large bays, with beautiful, white sandy beaches. It is no wonder that the Coromandel Peninsula is a favourite holiday destination for Kiwis!
1-night stay at the Parklands Place or Similar in Whitianga in a Standard Double Room with Breakfast Included.
As seen on Day 2 & 3 of 14-night tour.
Day 6: Taupo & Tongariro
As seen on Day 4 of 14-night tour.
Day 7: Wellington
As seen on Day 5 of 14-night tour.
Day 8 & 9: Picton & Abel Tasman
As seen on Day 6 & 7 of 14-night tour.
Day 10: Greymouth
As seen on Day 8 of 14-night tour.
Day 11: Fox Glacier
As seen on Day 9 of 14-night tour.
Day 12 & 13: Queenstown
As seen on Day 10 & 11 of 14-night tour.
Day 14: Te Anau
As seen on Day 12 of 14-night tour.
Day 15 & 16: Dunedin
As seen on Day 13 of 14-night tour. Enjoy an extra night in Dunedin.
Day 17 & 18: Christchuch
As seen on Day 14 of 14-night tour. Enjoy an extra night in Christchurch.
Day 19: Departure from Christchuch
As seen on Day 15 of 14-night tour.
Your Tour Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following hotels in Standard Double Rooms on a Bed and Breakfast Board Basis.
Your Hotels
Whitianga: 1-night stay at the Parklands Place or Similar (only with 18-night tour)
Rotorua: 2-night stay at the Robertson House B&B or Similar
Tongariro: 1-night stay at the Skotel Alpine Resort or Similar
Wellington: 1-night stay at the Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman or Similar
Motueka: 2-night stay at the Avalon Manor Motel or Similar
Greymouth: 1-night stay at the Oak Lodge B&B or Similar
Fox Glacier: 1-night stay at the Fox Glacier Lodge or Similar
Queenstown: 2-night stay at the Bella Vista Queenstown or Similar
Te Anau: 1-night stay at the Cosy Kiwi B&B or Similar
Dunedin: 1 or 2-night stay at The Brothers Boutique Hotel or Similar
Christchurch: 1 or 2-night stay at the Orari B&B or Similar
All Hotels Sleep up to
2 Adults
or
1 Adult
+ 1 Child
Please note: If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Your Optional Excursions —
Our members can choose to add the following excursions at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee - subject to availability.
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour
Dinner and Traditional Maori Show
Read more
Visit the Geothermal site of Wai-O-Tapu
Read more
Beaches, Bays and Seals
9.00 am Meet your Guide at Kaiteriteri
9.20 am Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a scenic cruise past the islands and golden coves of the Astrolabe Roadstead to Anchorage Beach.
10.05 am On the golden beach sands in front of our Torrent Bay Lodge, your friendly, expert Guide settles you into a stable double kayak with full instructions and safety brief. Then it's on to the water to paddle amongst the wondrous headlands, coves and islands of the granite coast.Your Guide will ensure you make the most of the day depending on the tides, weather conditions, and your interests and abilities. Watch out for resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast. Enjoy watching the antics at the seal colony on Pinnacle Island (weather permitting). Stop at a sheltered golden cove for a lunch break. On your return journey, in favourable winds, your Guide will hoist a sail to ride the breeze.
Read more
Flying Fox Helicopter Hike
Read more
Cruise on the Milford Sound Fjords
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Full Day Cruise
Read more
Half Day Tour: Otago Peninsula wildlife with Penguin Place
Read more
Your Journey —
Flights: You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Car Hire: Car hire is included throughout this offer.
This car hire includes a group D (CDAR) Toyoto Corolla Hatch/Sedan or similar from HERTZ RENTALS. You will pick the car up at Auckland Airport and return the car to Christchurch Airport (change of car between Wellington and Picton).
Rental Includes:
Unlimited Kilometres, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) subject to Accident Damage excess, One way rental, Admin Fee Recovery (AFR), Airport/Ferry Concession Fee Recovery (ACFR) 24Hr Breakdown Roadside Assistance, Goods & Service Tax (GST).
A Young Renter Fee of $20.00 per day, per renter will apply to all renters aged between 18-20 years. All Standard rates include Basic insurance with an excess to apply. Excess is NZ $ 4,200.00 and can be reduced to NZ $ 600.00 (supplement of NA $ 30.00 per day) or reduce to NZ $ 0.00 (supplement of NA $ 36.00 per day. Franchises are not debited, the renter takes an imprint of your credit card in case an incident occurs on the vehicle. All Excess reduction must be purchased locally with the renter.
All Renters and any additional drivers must present a full, valid national driver’s licence that meets the following requirements. The driver’s licence for all drivers must be presented at the time of rental.Driver Licence must be in English. If not in English, it must be accompanied by an International driver’s licence or permit or by a certified English translation.
