Spectacular North and South

Spectacular North and South
from £4,060 excluding flights
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Highlights

Spot wildlife on a Milford Sound nature cruise

Delve into Maori culture in Rotorua

View the glaciers and rock formations on the West Coast

Experience history and heritage at Waitangi and Te Papa Museum

Explore the beaches of Abel Tasman and the Coromondel

Marvel at Mt Cook and the Southern Alps
Why this trip...

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

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

Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
Overview
This 28-day self-drive itinerary is designed for those who have a little longer to spend in the land of the long white cloud. Enjoy the glorious beaches, lush and fertile farmland, rugged volcanic scenery of the North Island before heading to the truly spectacular South Island where you can explore majestic mountain ranges, glacial valleys, alpine lakes and encounter unique wildlife in an extraordinarily diverse landscape.
Starting in Auckland, drive to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands, take in the beauty of the Coromandel, before travelling south via the dramatic scenery of Tongaririo National Park to Napier, New Zealand's famous art deco city, and on to the vibrant capital city of Wellington.
Relax on your Interislander ferry journey across the majestic Marlborough Sounds to the South Island where the you'll have time to explore Abel Tasman National Park, before travelling to the rugged and dramatic west coast and its stunning glaciers. Head further south to the Southern Lakes region, blessed with an abundance of stunning scenery. Spend time here before exploring breathtaking Fiordland National Park, home to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Your holiday ends with 2 nights in the garden city of Christchurch.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have a wide choice of hotels and a variety of 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
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city for an overnight stay. Overnight at Hotel Grand Windsor.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city for an overnight stay. Overnight at Hotel Grand Windsor.

Days 2-3 Auckland - Paihia, Bay of Islands
Collect your rental car today and travel north. Stretching 350km north from Auckland, Northland is New Zealand's only sub-tropical region and with its above average sunshine record and glorious beaches, it is popular with locals as well as visitors. From your base in Paihia, visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site, where on 6 February 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori and the British Crown. Explore the bay at leisure, perhaps taking a boat trip out to explore the many islands that make this beautiful region so special. Spend two nights at Blue Pacific Apartments.
Collect your rental car today and travel north. Stretching 350km north from Auckland, Northland is New Zealand's only sub-tropical region and with its above average sunshine record and glorious beaches, it is popular with locals as well as visitors. From your base in Paihia, visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site, where on 6 February 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori and the British Crown. Explore the bay at leisure, perhaps taking a boat trip out to explore the many islands that make this beautiful region so special. Spend two nights at Blue Pacific Apartments.

Day 4 Paihia - Orewa
Leave Paihia at your leisure today and travel to Orewa, lying on the Hibiscus Coast, just north of the base of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and 40 kms north of central Auckland for an overnight stay at Waves Motel.
Leave Paihia at your leisure today and travel to Orewa, lying on the Hibiscus Coast, just north of the base of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and 40 kms north of central Auckland for an overnight stay at Waves Motel.
Days 5-6 Orewa - Pauanui, Coromandel
Travel to the verdant Coromandel Peninsula, separated from Auckland by the broad Firth of Thames and comprising a forested backbone of mountains separating the precipitous west coast from the coves and white sand beaches of the east. Explore at leisure to experience the very best this wonderful region has to offer. Renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and lush flora, the Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to slow down, relax and unwind. Spend two nights at Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge.
Travel to the verdant Coromandel Peninsula, separated from Auckland by the broad Firth of Thames and comprising a forested backbone of mountains separating the precipitous west coast from the coves and white sand beaches of the east. Explore at leisure to experience the very best this wonderful region has to offer. Renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and lush flora, the Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to slow down, relax and unwind. Spend two nights at Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge.



Day 7 Pauanui - Rotorua
Drive south either following the coast road via Tauranga or inland via the interesting towns of Paeroa and Te Aroha, towards the active geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua. Enjoy a personal guided tour of Ohinemutu Village including the iconic St Faiths Church. Your guide will share the legends and history of the village which will give you an insight into Maori culture. Spend two nights at The Springs with breakfast included.
Drive south either following the coast road via Tauranga or inland via the interesting towns of Paeroa and Te Aroha, towards the active geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua. Enjoy a personal guided tour of Ohinemutu Village including the iconic St Faiths Church. Your guide will share the legends and history of the village which will give you an insight into Maori culture. Spend two nights at The Springs with breakfast included.
Included Activities
The activities and experiences below are included in this trip as well as a Waimangu Valley self guided walking tour and boat cruise and Okarito Wetlands Boat Tour during November to April.
You can also speak to our Travel Specialists about pre-booking other excursions during your stay.
Prices and Departures
Price from £4,060 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 rooms with private bathroom
- 6 breakfasts
- Car rental throughout
- Interislander (premium plus cabin)
- Private airport transfer on arrival
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds admission
- Ohinemutu Village Guided Tour
- Waimangu Valley self guided walking tour and boat cruise
- Orakei Korako geothermal valley admission
- Introducing Te Papa Tour
- Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk open day pass
- Okarito Wetlands Boat Tour (Nov-Apr)
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
This itinerary starts from £4,060 per person, based on 2 sharing a room in standard accommodation, and vehicle rental with GPS.
Prices may vary depending on departure date, or should you prefer alternative categories of accommodation or vehicle size. 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.
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