Explore Like A Local: Self Drive
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 2,659
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: This quintessential New Zealand self-drive vacation begins in Auckland to explore a few of the North Island’s most beautiful regions including the Art Deco city of Napier, and Capital Wellington. Later fly to magnificent Queenstown, gateway to magnificent Milford Sound. Stay in Bed and Breakfast accommodation along the way.
This 9-day New Zealand tour pairs local favourites like the Napier wine region with several of the country’s highlights.
Touch down in Auckland as a starting point. Then make your way to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves, known for their beautiful glow worms, or Hobbiton, the film set used in Lord of the Rings. Rotorua itself is a fascinating geothermal laboratory of bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Maori heritage. Spend a full day here to explore all Rotorua has to offer.
Go beyond most New Zealand vacations and head to Napier, where 70 odd vineyards cover the surrounding hills. Just in case that’s not enough, continue through the Martinborough region, famous for its Pinot Noir. This is also your gateway into Wellington, the country’s capital and home to its finest museums and a flourishing artistic scene.
Queenstown is the tourist hub of the South Island for good reason. Set on magnificent Lake Wakatipu, it embodies all excites and enchants about this part of the world. A trip to Milford Sound is highly recommended – though not mandatory. You may prefer to visit nearby Wanaka or historic Arrowtown. No matter how you occupy your time, you’ll spend it surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps until you depart.
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 2,659
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Auckland 226 kms (140 miles) 3 hours
Collect your rental car and travel through lush Waikato pasture lands to the Waitomo area. Visit the Waitomo Caves or perhaps travel to Hobbiton for a tour of the film set from Lord of the Rings Triology (optional). Continue to Rotorua, famous for its spouting Geysers, bubbling mud pools and warm geothermal pools.
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
The Springs |
| Location | View map |
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The Springs
The Springs was purpose built in 1998. The design is that of a 1930's New Zealand bungalow ensuring the property complemented the already established neighbourhood. The Springs is set in a simple yet elegant garden of white Iceberg roses and sasanqua camellias evoking a sense …
The Springs was purpose built in 1998. The design is that of a 1930's New Zealand bungalow ensuring the property complemented the already established neighbourhood. The Springs is set in a simple yet elegant garden of white Iceberg roses and sasanqua camellias evoking a sense of restful contentment. The Guest Wing, with four elegant rooms, is at the rear of the house ensuring a private, quiet stay.
Facilities
- Art Gallery
- Internet Access
- Library
- Lounge(s)
Rotorua Sightseeing
The day is free for Rotorua Sightseeing. Perhaps join a morning city tour or a Steambox lunch tour at Te Puia.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Rotorua to Napier 219 kms (136 miles) 2.5 hours
Depart for the art deco city of Napier, enjoy the architecture, tree lined waterfront location and many fountains and gardens.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Art Deco Masonic Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Right in the heart of 1930's Napier and opposite Hawke's Bay's MTG (museum), The Art Deco Centre and i-SITE, the Art Deco Masonic Hotel's location is perfect for exploring Napier. With a choice of stylish and individual accommodation styles your stay at Art Deco Masonic …
Right in the heart of 1930's Napier and opposite Hawke's Bay's MTG (museum), The Art Deco Centre and i-SITE, the Art Deco Masonic Hotel's location is perfect for exploring Napier. With a choice of stylish and individual accommodation styles your stay at Art Deco Masonic Hotel is guaranteed to add glamour and fond memories to your Napier experience. Guests enjoy a choice of bar and dining options including the "World's Best Bars" Emporium Eatery and Bar and the property offers all guests complimentary Wi-Fi internet.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Meeting Facilities
- Restaurant(s)
- Wedding Facilities
Napier
The day is free to spend as you wish. We suggest and Art Deco Walk around Napier. This afternoon why not enjoy a wine and gourmet food experience. Learn from a local wine maker, lear about wine and food at one of NZ's top winery restaurants.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Napier to Wellington 315 kms (195 miles) 4 hours
Depart Napier and head towards Martinborough. Discover a host of top-class vineyards in and around the area, (famed for its internationally award-winning Pinot Noir).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor |
| Location | View map |
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James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Located in the heart of Wellington on The Terrace giving access to the commercial district and with direct access to Lambton Quay and its vast array of shopping. Just a short stroll to the Wellington Convention Centre, the Cable Car, Botanical Gardens, Parliament and "Te …
Located in the heart of Wellington on The Terrace giving access to the commercial district and with direct access to Lambton Quay and its vast array of shopping. Just a short stroll to the Wellington Convention Centre, the Cable Car, Botanical Gardens, Parliament and "Te Papa", The Museum of New Zealand.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Business Centre
- Conference Facilities
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Spa
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Wellington
Known as the 'coolest little capital' Wellington offers a diverse range of sight-seeing options. Perhaps enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa Museum of Wellington, New Zealand's National Museum.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Wellington to Queenstown
Return your car in time for your onward flight (airfare not included). On arrival, collect your rental vehicle and make your way into town. The day is free to explore this quaint Alpine village.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel |
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Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is a new luxury hotel centrally located and nestled between two parks, affording expansive views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. This nineteen room boutique hotel has been designed by a leading New Zealand architect with proud New Zealand owners. The …
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is a new luxury hotel centrally located and nestled between two parks, affording expansive views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. This nineteen room boutique hotel has been designed by a leading New Zealand architect with proud New Zealand owners. The interior design will delight and excite the most discerning traveler.
Facilities
- Conference Facilities
- Internet Access
- Kitchen Facilities
- Lounge(s)
- Parking
Queenstown
At leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Optional tours include a Milford Sound Day Excursion, where you take a cruise past mile-high Mitre Peak, through glacially carved fiords and out into the open sea. Perhaps take a short drive to the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown or the town of Wanaka.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Depart Queenstown
The morning is at leisure until you return your vehicle and depart Queenstown.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 8 nights first-class accommodation
- Car rental for 9 days with unlimited kilometres and mandatory vehicle insurance
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- One Way Fees (if applicable, your Goway Agent will advise if this applies)
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
19 Feb 2024
