Beautiful Cities of New Zealand Self Drive

Upon arrival in Auckland you will collect your rental car and make your way to your hotel.  On arrival, the day is free to enjoy the city.  Auckland, a city nicknamed “‘the City of Sails”. Sprawling across two large harbours, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is surrounded by expansive parklands and water. The sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.   

Today is at leisure for you to explore Auckland & surroundings.

Journey south via Hamilton, make sure to allow some time to take in the splendid Hamilton Gardens, where the focus is on the cultural meaning and context of gardens over time.  Continue to Hobbiton to enjoy the world famous Movie Set and Farm Tour - it’s easy to see why these green pastures and rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton  Next, you will be heading to the heartland of Maori culture and the center of New Zealand’s spectacular geothermal wonderland and discover the spirits of Rotorua. 

The morning tour departs daily between 8:00-8:30 a.m. from your accommodation and drives you through forestry and farmland to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colourful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Around 10.15 a.m. head over to see the Lady Knox geyser eruption. Next, we take you on a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park! Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols new and old, with a guided tour to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua's Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First, a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and the Pohutu geyser. Next we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs. We briefly visit Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site. Finish your day visiting the pristine and tranquil lakes of our amazing volcanic region, including views of Mount Tarawera with explanation of volcanic and Maori history.  Tonight, enjoy a visit to Tamaki Māori Village who are proud to present, TE PĀ TŪ and its Matariki feast, Tū Te Ihi. This is a uniquely Māori celebration of culture and cuisine.

Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region. The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia’s largest lake and provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout.  Visit Huka Falls, located on the Waikato River near Taupo, Huka Falls is one of the most popular natural attractions in New Zealand

You will return car this morning to Rotorua Airport.  Fly from Rotorua to Christchurch (flight not included). Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Christchurch is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. The city centre is comfortingly compact and the most delightful central feature is the gently winding Avon River.  On Oxford Terrace, beside the Avon River is the Kate Sheppard National Memorial, the work of sculptor Margriet Windhausen,  The Memorial stands in a landscaped area known as the Kate Sheppard National Memorial Reserve. It is the only National Memorial in Christchurch.

From Christchurch, head inland through the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. With its stunning turquoise water, Lake Tekapo offers a so many ways to enjoy this part of the country – hiking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, star gazing, or simply soaking up the spectacular vistas. wide range of shopping and dining options in and around the township.

Journey to Lake Wanaka, New Zealand’s fourth largest lake. Nestled below towering mountains, Wanaka is the most tranquilly set of the South Island lakes. The crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka are perfect for jetboaters, sailors and kayakers to explore.

Travel onward to Queenstown, snuggled into a picturesque valley beside Lake Wakatipu and with the Remarkables Ranges towering alongside. Known for the wide range of adventure and outdoor activities that make the most of the scenery and the environment.

The Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular Jet Boat journey through the Dart's ever-changing braided river system, where you'll be awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time. The safari includes an easy guided 30 - 40 minute walk through the "Heritage Trail" at Paradise, to view the ancient native beech forest, the unique flora and fauna and hear the fascinating Maori and colonial history. You'll also journey by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route, while hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including "The Lord of the Rings".

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Upon landing in Milford, join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot dolphins, seals and penguins. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Your vacation ends today in Queenstown.  Of course, if you have the time, why not stay longer?  Goway can customise the perfect vacation for you?