We Love —
- Explore the diverse and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of New Zealand on this unforgettable 16-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 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 Christchurch to Auckland, 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: Hobbiton Matamata / Rotorua
Day 4: Hobbiton Matamata / Rotorua
Day 5: Taupo / Tongariro
Day 6: Wellington
Day 7: Picton / Abel Tasman
Day 8: Picton / Abel Tasman
Day 9: Greymouth
Day 10: Fox Glacier
Day 11: Queenstown
Day 12: Queenstown
Day 13: Te Anau
Day 14: Dunedin
Day 15: Dunedin
Day 16: Christchurch
Day 17: Departure from Christchurch
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 Airport Christchurch (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!
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
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
Drive towards Lake Taupo & continue to the Tongariro National Park (approx. 180km).
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.
Accommodation for 1 night in Tongariro National Park at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
Suggested:
- Hiking Tongariro Crossing and its emerald lakes
- Walk along Whakapapanui Gorge to Taranaki Falls
Day 6: Wellington
Enjoy a morning drive to the Captital of New Zealand, Wellington (approx. 300km).
The city of Wellington is located in the centre of New Zealand, this strategic point allowed him to become the capital of the country in 1865 (after Auckland). New Zealand has expanded its cinematographic facilities in Wellington in recent years and it has become an intriguing city to visit.
Accommodation for 1 night in Wellington at the QT Hotel Resort Wellington (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
Suggested:
- Te Papa Museum, the largest in New Zealand
- The Zealandia Nature Reserve where you will find many endemic species
Leave your vehicle at the parking 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) 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 afternoon 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. Its area is 225 km² and many areas are accessible only by the sea. The beauty of the beaches and the turquoise waters are surprising.
Accommodation for 2 nights in Motueka at the Equestrian Lodge Motel (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
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
Day 9: Greymouth
Morning drive along the West Coast towards Punakaiki and its Pancake Rocks, then continuation 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 jewelry 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.
Accommodation for 1 night in Greymouth at the Oak lodge B&B (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
Suggested:
- Visit a jade tailor shop
- Take a walk to Pancake Rocks in Punakaki
- Visit an old gold mine
Morning drive to the Glacier region into Fox Glacier (approx. 200km).
A glacier forms when there is more snow falling than melting. 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.
Accommodation for 1 night in Fox Glacier at the Fox glacier lodge B&B (or similar) in standard double room with breakfast included.
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.
Day 11 & 12: Queenstown
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 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
Morning drive towards Te Anau (approx. 170km).
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 Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound
- A small plane flight over Doubtful Sound
- Take a steam train ride in the Kingston Flyer
Day 14 & 15: Dunedin
Leave Te Anau & drive towards the South East Coast, arriving into Dunedin (approx. 290km).
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
Morning drive towards Te Anau (approx. 170km)
Morning drive towards Christchurch (approx. 350km).
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 1 night in Christchurch at the Rendez Vous Hotel 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"
Day 17: Departure from Christchurch
Drive to Christchurch international airport to drop off your vehicle. Check-in 2.5 to 3 hrs prior departure for all international flights.
Your Tour Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following 4* hotels in Standard Rooms on a Bed and Breakfast Board Basis.
Your Hotels
Rotorua: 2-night stay in Rotorua at the Holiday Inn Rotorua Hotel or Similar
Tongariro: 1-night stay in Whakapapa at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel or Similar
Wellington: 1-night stay at the QT Hotel Resort Wellington or Similar
Abel Tasman: 2-night stay in Motueka at the Equestrian Lodge Motel or Similar
Greymouth: 1-night stay at the Oak Lodge B&B Greymouth or Similar
Fox Glacier: 1-night stay at the Fox Glacier Lodge Bed & Breakfast or Similar
Queenstown: 2-night stay at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown or Similar
Te Anau: 1-night stay at the Distinction Hotel Luxmore or Similar
Dunedin: 2-night stay at The Brothers Boutique Hotel or Similar
Christchurch: 1-night stay at the Rendez Vous Hotel Christchurch 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
Cruise on the Milford Sound Fjords
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Full Day Cruise
Flying Fox Helicopter Hike
Dinner and Traditional Maori Show
Visit the Geothermal site of Wai-O-Tapu
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour
Abel Tasman: Beaches, Bays and Seals (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 Airport Christchurch (change of car between Wellington / Picton)
- 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: