Green Kiwi

Green Kiwi
from £4,588 excluding flights
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Highlights

Enjoy coastal walks and secluded beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula

Stay overnight at Kapiti Island Nature Lodge

Search for whales and other marine life in Kaikoura

Explore on foot or by kayak in Abel Tasman National Park

Explore the rainforest and glaciers at Franz Josef

Spot yellow-eyed penguins on Otago Peninsula
Why this trip...

Conservation/Eco-tourism
This itinerary has a strong focus on wildlife and natural habitat conservation, one of our pillars of sustainability

Well-researched route
We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy

Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe
Overview
This road trip from Auckland to Christchurch has been specifically designed to have minimal impact on New Zealand's natural environment. With carefully selected eco-friendly accommodation and a hybrid rental car, this self-drive adventure showcases the benefits of sustainable travel and conserving resources.
Accommodation includes a mix of unique hotels, bed and breakfasts and luxury eco-lodges. Many are working conservation projects, some increasing native species by improving habitat conditions, water quality and trapping predators, others have been designed and maintained in an environmentally sensitive manner, to ensure native trees, insects and birds thrive.
In addition to the eco-friendly accommodation, you’ll explore the country’s natural beauty the eco way with a hybrid vehicle. Offering one of the best fuel economies and low emissions, this is not only a relief on your wallet, but on the environment as well.
Along the way you’ll witness stunning landscapes, from secluded beaches and bays in the Coromandel to striking mountains and marine wildlife in Kaikoura. From the geo-thermal activity and Maori culture in Rotorua to the glaciers and rainforests on the West Coast of the South Island, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing activities. There will be opportunity to include a range of eco-focused ‘hands-on’ experiences, with minimum impact to the surrounding environment.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your accommodation at The Great Ponsonby Arthotel, which was the first accommodation provider in New Zealand to extensively use eco products for guest amenities, laundry and cleaning. Being centrally located it is an easy walk or quick bus ride into town with the green link bus running every 10 or 15 minutes. We recommend a leisurely stroll along Auckland’s waterfront and dinner in one of the excellent restaurants at the Wynyard Quarter.
On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your accommodation at The Great Ponsonby Arthotel, which was the first accommodation provider in New Zealand to extensively use eco products for guest amenities, laundry and cleaning. Being centrally located it is an easy walk or quick bus ride into town with the green link bus running every 10 or 15 minutes. We recommend a leisurely stroll along Auckland’s waterfront and dinner in one of the excellent restaurants at the Wynyard Quarter.

Day 2 Auckland - Tairua, Coromandel Peninsula (260 kms)
Collect your hybrid rental car and travel along the western shores of Coromandel Peninsula to Coromandel Town. Cafés and small shops invite you for a stop. You’ll stay overnight in Tairua, where you can enjoy kayaking, play golf or simply relax at the beach. The short walk to the top of Mount Paku will reward you with a great view. Awarded a Gold Environmental Award from Qualmark, Colleith Lodge is a boutique luxury five star one level accommodation in a unique breath taking location. Set on 1½ acres amid native bush, the grounds are maintained in an environmentally sensitive way, which helps ensure native trees, insects & birds thrive.
Collect your hybrid rental car and travel along the western shores of Coromandel Peninsula to Coromandel Town. Cafés and small shops invite you for a stop. You’ll stay overnight in Tairua, where you can enjoy kayaking, play golf or simply relax at the beach. The short walk to the top of Mount Paku will reward you with a great view. Awarded a Gold Environmental Award from Qualmark, Colleith Lodge is a boutique luxury five star one level accommodation in a unique breath taking location. Set on 1½ acres amid native bush, the grounds are maintained in an environmentally sensitive way, which helps ensure native trees, insects & birds thrive.
Day 3 explore the Coromandel Peninsula
Spend time enjoying the tranquillity and quietness of the Coromandel Peninsula. The white beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing or diving. At Hot Water Beach you can dig your own thermal pool at low tide. A nice short walk from Hahei Beach takes you to the famous Cathedral Cove, one of the most interesting bays in the country. You might like to enjoy a local guided kayak tour here, operated by a small eco-friendly Kiwi company. Paddle through amazing sea caves and explore volcanic islands in the Marine Reserve.
Spend time enjoying the tranquillity and quietness of the Coromandel Peninsula. The white beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing or diving. At Hot Water Beach you can dig your own thermal pool at low tide. A nice short walk from Hahei Beach takes you to the famous Cathedral Cove, one of the most interesting bays in the country. You might like to enjoy a local guided kayak tour here, operated by a small eco-friendly Kiwi company. Paddle through amazing sea caves and explore volcanic islands in the Marine Reserve.



Day 4 Tairua - Rotorua - Taupo (270 kms)
Travel along the East Coast and pass through the Kiwi growing area of Te Puke where you can stop at the visitor centre and learn all about the national fruit of New Zealand. Later you reach Rotorua, the heartland of Maori culture and centre of thermal activities in New Zealand. On your way to Taupo, we recommend a visit to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland or Waimangu Volcanic Valley before you travel onwards to your accommodation. Tonight you will stay in a very private and tranquil location close to Whakaipo Bay, one of Lake Taupo’s most beautiful and pristine bays. Within a short distance there are spectacular volcanic, snow-covered mountains, crystal clear lakes and rivers, sandy deserts and virgin bush. If time allows we would recommend visiting Rotorua Canopy Tours for a guided eco-tour (all ages welcome, no experience required). Journey deep into ancient New Zealand forest, learn about local history and forest conservation from the top of the forest canopy.
Travel along the East Coast and pass through the Kiwi growing area of Te Puke where you can stop at the visitor centre and learn all about the national fruit of New Zealand. Later you reach Rotorua, the heartland of Maori culture and centre of thermal activities in New Zealand. On your way to Taupo, we recommend a visit to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland or Waimangu Volcanic Valley before you travel onwards to your accommodation. Tonight you will stay in a very private and tranquil location close to Whakaipo Bay, one of Lake Taupo’s most beautiful and pristine bays. Within a short distance there are spectacular volcanic, snow-covered mountains, crystal clear lakes and rivers, sandy deserts and virgin bush. If time allows we would recommend visiting Rotorua Canopy Tours for a guided eco-tour (all ages welcome, no experience required). Journey deep into ancient New Zealand forest, learn about local history and forest conservation from the top of the forest canopy.
Day 5 Taupo - Whanganui National Park (130 kms)
Weather permitting, your journey will start with spectacular views of the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. On arrival you’ll have plenty of time for one of the shorter walking options, starting from Whakapapa Village in the heart of the national park. You stay overnight at Blue Duck Station. Located in the Ruapehu District on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers, and surrounded by Whanganui National Park, it is not only a sheep and beef farm and tourism centre, but also an award-winning, working conservation project helping to increase numbers of native species by improving their habitat, enhancing water quality and trapping predators.
Weather permitting, your journey will start with spectacular views of the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. On arrival you’ll have plenty of time for one of the shorter walking options, starting from Whakapapa Village in the heart of the national park. You stay overnight at Blue Duck Station. Located in the Ruapehu District on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers, and surrounded by Whanganui National Park, it is not only a sheep and beef farm and tourism centre, but also an award-winning, working conservation project helping to increase numbers of native species by improving their habitat, enhancing water quality and trapping predators.



Prices and Departures
Price from £4,588 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £825 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in a mix of hotels, B&Bs and eco-lodges with private bathroom (except Kapiti Lodge)
- All breakfasts & 7 dinners
- Hybrid car rental throughout (subject to insurance excess)
- Interislander ferry crossing
- Boat cruise and eco experience in Wanaka
- Stargazing tour in Tekapo
- Meet and greet on arrival
- Eco pack on arrival in New Zealand
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
This itinerary starts from £4,588 per person, based on 2 sharing a room in a mix of simple motels, hotels, B&Bs and homestays, and an intermediate 4WD.
- We can also arrange the same itinerary with standard or superior hotels, and a larger vehicle. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
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Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Travelling sustainably
We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
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