We Love —
- Explore the diverse and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of New Zealand on this unforgettable 16-night Fly Drive Tour from Auckland to Queenstown finishing back in Auckland.
- 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 3.5* or 4* hotels and enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast each morning, ensuring a comfortable break!
Your Destination —
On this 16-night self-drive holiday, you will travel from Auckland to Christchruch and Queenstown, 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 Offer —
16-Night / 17-Day New Zealand Fly Drive
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland
Day 3: Bay of Islands / Paihia
Day 4: Bay of Islands / Paihia
Day 5: Coromandel / Whitianga
Day 6: Hobbiton Matamata / Rotorua
Day 7: Hobbiton Matamata / Rotorua
Day 8: Christchurch
Day 9: Christchurch
Day 10: Mount Cook
Day 11: Dunedin
Day 12: Dunedin
Day 13: Te Anau
Day 14: Queenstown
Day 15: Queenstown
Day 16: Auckland
Day 17: Departure from Auckland
Your Itinerary —
During their fly drive, our members will follow the itinerary as detailed below.
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 G (CFAR) Compact SUV or similar, from Hertz Rentals Airport Auckland and return to Rotorua Airport.
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!
Accommodation for 2 nights in Auckland at the Hobson Auckland City Hotel (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
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
Northland is the birthplace of New Zealand because it was here that the first Polynesian explorers followed by the British centuries later. The region therefore bears the double imprint of its two peoples. Northland's rugged peninsula stretches 450km between Auckland and Cape Reinga Point. Northland is famous for the variety of its brightly colored landscapes and wild coasts where silence is king. Northland includes Bay of Islands and Far Far North. The very rugged coast of Bay of Islands encompasses 150 islands including 8 main and many desert.
This region is also home to Waitangi Reserve, a landmark for New Zealanders. It was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840 by Maori chiefs and representatives of the British crown to allow settlers access to certain lands and rights over the country. You will also be able to cross the Waipoua Forest Reserve where the oldest kauris of the country stand and see Tane Mahuta ("lord of the forest") 1500 years old, with a circumference of 13.77 m and 51.50 m high.
Accommodation for 2 nights in Paihia at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
Suggested:
- Treaty of Waitangi museum
- Poor Knights islands for scuba diving
- Cruise to swim with dolphins at Bay of Islands
- A ride on Ninety Mile beach, Cape Reinga and its lighthouse
- Walks at Cable Bay and Spirits Bay
Enjoy a morning drive to The Coromandel towards Whitianga (approx. 410km / 5h30hrs). 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!
Accommodation for 1 night in Whitianga at the Parklands Place (or similar) in 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 are great landscape designers 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.
Accommodation for 2 nights in Rotorua at the Holiday Inn Rotorua Hotel (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
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
Morning drive to the Rotorua Airport to drop off your car. On arrival in Christchurch Airport, collect your luggage and walk to the Hertz Car Rentals counter in the arrival hall.
Christchurch was the second largest city in New Zealand before the earthquakes of February and June 2011 devastated the city. The city is recovering from this tragic accident and has rebuilt its centre with "street art" - 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.
Accommodation for 2 nights in Christchurch at the Grange Christchurch (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
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
- Observe "blue penguins"
Take a morning drive towards Aoraki Mount Cook (approx. 330km). These absolutely beautiful landscapes will transport you to another world. Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest peak, 3,754m, and is surrounded by 19 more peaks of more than 3,000m and the National Park of the same name has 5 of the largest glaciers including the Tasman Glacier which is the most long and more than 200 m deep. The Maori named Mt Cook Aorangi, the "cloud borer", because of the mantle that covers it frequently. Nearby you will find the small town of Twizel and the fabulous Pukaki Lake. The intensity of the landscape and colors will make you turn your head.
Accommodation for 1 night in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park at The Aoraki Court (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included. Please note: If accommodation at the Mount Cook Village is not available, accommodation will either be in Twizel or Lake Tekapo.
Suggested:
- Helicopter flight landing on its Glacier
- Walks or hikes on Mt Cook
- A stop at Lake Pukaki to admire nature in the wild
Leave the Glacier region behind you and drive towards the South East Coast, arriving into Dunedin (approx. 320km).
Accommodation for 2 nights in Dunedin at The Brothers Boutique Hotel (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
- 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
Day 13: Te Anau
Take a drive towards the West Coast along The Catlins Forest Park arriving into Te Anau (approx. 290km).
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.
Accommodation for 1 night in Te Anau at Distinction Hotel Luxmore (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
Suggested:
- A cruise to admire Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound
- A small plane flight over Doubtful Sound
- Take a steam train ride in the Kingston Flyer
Morning drive towards Te Anau (approx. 170km)
After your day exploring Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, drive towards Queenstown (approx. 170km).
The Central Otago region offers ever-changing landscapes creating sumptuous shades of colour. Queenstown has become one of the great tourist centers 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.
Accommodation for 2 nights in Queenstown at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
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. The Central Otago region offers ever-changing landscapes creating sumptuous shades of colour.
Day 16: Auckland
Drive to Queenstown Airport to drop off your vehicle. Enjoy your final full day in Auckland and head out to explore the city or relax in your hotel.
Accommodation for 1 night in Auckland at the Hobson Auckland City Hotel (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
Day 17: Departure from Auckland
Leave for the airport and check-in 2.5 to 3 hourrs prior departure for all international flights.
Your Tour Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following 3.5* and 4* hotels in Standard Rooms on a Bed and Breakfast Board Basis.
Your Hotels
Paihia: 2-night stay in Paihia at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands or Similar
Whitianga: 1-night stay in Whitianga at the At Parklands Place or Similar
Rotorua: 2-night stay in Rotorua at the Holiday Inn Rotorua Hotel or Similar
Christchurch: 2-night stay at the Grange Christchurch or Similar
Mount Cook: 1 night in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park at The Aoraki Court or Similar
Dunedin: 2-night stay at The Brothers Boutique Hotel or Similar
Te Anau: 1-night stay at the Distinction Hotel Luxmore or Similar
Queenstown: 2-night stay at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown or Similar
Auckland: 2-night stay at the Hobson Auckland City Hotel or Similar
All Hotels Sleep up to
Your Optional Excursions —
Our members can choose to add the following excursions at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee.
Half Day Tour: Otago Peninsula wildlife with Penguin Place
Milford Sound Nature Cruise (self-drive from Milford Sound)
Daily departures: Departure at 10.30 AM (OCTOBER) then at 10.30 AM or 11.00 AM (NOVEMBER TO MARCH)
Cruise duration is 2h15 minutes)
What you need to bring:
Comfortable shoes (boots or sneakers)
A rain jacket & a warm jacket
Sun glasses & sunscreen, a camera
Cash to buy snacks & lunch on board of the boat
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Full Day Cruise
Dinner and Traditional Maori Show
Visit the Geothermal site of Wai-O-Tapu
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour
Carino Sailing Dolphin cruise (full day tour)
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. 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.
Collect your vehicle at the Hertz Rentals counter at the airport.
Your rental includes:
- Group G (CFAR) Compact SUV or similar, from HERTZ RENTALS Airport Auckland and return to Rotorua Airport
- 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)
The Mitsubishi ASX or similar Compact 2WD SUV details:
5 passengers
1 large suitcase, 1 small suitcase
Automatic Transmission
Air conditioning
Dual airbags
ABS
CONDITIONS OF RENTAL:
DRIVERS LICENCE: