Complete New Zealand

Experience the urban, the cultural, the remote and everything in between. 14 days in New Zealand with a fascinating selection of visits and experiences as mentioned.

**Please note this self-drive tour finishes in Dunedin.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand.  On arrival to Auckland International Airport collect your Budget rental car and make your way to your hotel. 

AUCKLAND - an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city's many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal  for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach.  The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand's biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World. 

Within your documents there will be vouchers for the Sky Tower which you can use at your leisure. The Sky Tower which at 328 metres high offers a clear view towards the Pacific Ocean as well as of the city of Auckland.

Tourist Accommodation: The Quadrant, Studio Apartment, 1 night
Deluxe Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Superior Room 3rd-8th Floor, 1 Night

Day 2: Auckland/Waitomo/Rotorua (Approx. 367km)

Before departing Auckland, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM: Spend time experiencing this unique tribute to New Zealand's natural, Maori and European history. A recommended alternative within a short walking distance is 'The Winter Garden' Pavilion. See rare indoor plants and a spectacular fern display.

Depart Auckland city and begin your journey through the rural townships of the Waikato to Waitomo, where you will join a boat tour through the Glow worm caves.

WAITOMO GLOW WORM CAVES: Join a guided tour through this world-famous cave formation, climaxed by drifting silently in a boat through a glow worm cavern lit up with thousands of tiny glow worm lights.

Continue to Rotorua, known as 'Sulphur City', centre of Thermal activity and Maori culture. 

17.00- 17:15hrs Tamaki Tours – Hangi and Concert – Journey of Ages

This evening you will be collected from your accommodation by Tamaki Tours. The Tamaki experience begins with a journey back in time. Your driver/guide will lead you back to pre-European times with stories, history and protocols in preparation for the ceremonies to follow as you travel by coach to our village, set deep in the forest around 15 minutes South of Rotorua.  A traditional welcome ceremony signals entry in to the pre-European village. Huge crackling open fires in front of traditional whare (houses), the sound of ancient Maori instruments and the activities of the people of days gone by, create an palpable, electric atmosphere. At the heart of this village, the meeting house, Rangiatea culture group offer a special glimpse of many of the traditions, performance, songs and history of the Maori people. To top off this 3.5 hour evening experience, you will enjoy a traditionally-cooked feast from our earthen ovens and the lively entertainment and humour of your hosts, who will ultimately ensure your safe return home.

Tourist Accommodation: Ibis Rotorua, Standard Room, 1 night
Deluxe Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Superior Room, 1 Night

Day 3: Rotorua/Tongariro (Approx. 177km)

As you depart Rotorua enjoy visits to Te Puia and Waimangu Thermal valley  

Visit Te Puia (ex Whakarewarewa) where we will enjoy a guided tour through the thermal valley, including visits to the Kiwi House and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute.

This morning visit one of the most important thermal valleys in the area, Waimangu, where you will clearly see the effects of the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, which changed the landscape of the entire region. 

Depart Rotorua and travel south to the Tongariro National Park.  On the way enjoy a morning tea or lunch stop at the lakeside town of Taupo.  Take some bread along to feed the ducks.

Continue on to Tongariro.  On arrival and once you havechecked in to your accommodation you may wish to take a short walk on one of the tracks within the National Park.

Tourist Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort, Superior Room, 1 Night
Deluxe Accommodation: Bayview Chateau Tongariro, Standard room, 1 night 

Day 4: Tongariro/Wellington (Approx. 336km)

Today travel South to New Zealand’s Capital City, Wellington.  You may wish to stop at the Gumboot

capital of New Zealand, Taihape for a spot of lunch.

WELLINGTON - the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new, beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

Tourist Accommodation: Ibis Wellington, Standard Room, 2 Nights
Deluxe Accommodation: Amora Hotel Wellington, Deluxe room, 2 Nights

Day 5: Wellington

Today spend the day exploring Wellington city at your leisure.  A must is to visit the Te Papa Museum.  Admission is free.

Te Papa is New Zealand's National Museum, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience of this country's treasures and stories. Over five floors, you can explore the nation's nature, art, history, and heritage - from the shaping of its land to the spirit of its diverse peoples, from its unique wildlife to its distinctive art and visual culture.

Enjoy the rest of the day walking along Oriental Parade, travelling to the summit of Mt Victoria or relaxing with a coffee at one of the harbourside cafés.

Tourist Accommodation: Ibis Wellington, Standard Room
Deluxe Accommodation: Amora Hotel Wellington, Deluxe room

Day 6: Wellington/Picton/Kaikoura (3hr ferry + approx. 157km)

This morning return your rental vehicle to the Budget representative located at the Interislander ferry terminal.  Today board the Interislander ferry and watch the city sky line of Wellington disappear into the distance as you enter the Marlborough sounds to Picton. On arrival to Picton collect your new vehicle and travel to Kaikoura.

Tourist Accommodation: Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge, Deluxe Studio, 1 Night
Deluxe Accommodation: Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge, Deluxe Studio, 1 night

Day 7: Kaikoura/Punakaiki (Approx. 450km)

Start the morning early with a cruise with Whale Watch Kaikoura for a 3 hour cruise in the open sea.  Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary.  Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents.  A typical Whalewatch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross.  (alternatively during the summer months there is a 3.30pm departure which you may wish to join on arrival to Kaikoura).

Following your cruise depart Kaikoura and travel West to Punakaiki.

PUNAKAIKI - is the gateway to the dramatic limestone country of the Paparoa National Park. It lies halfway between Greymouth and Westport on one of the most spectacular coastal highways.

The Pancake Rocks that Punakaiki is famous for are limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago. The seabed was raised above sea level by earthquakes to form the coastal cliffs and coastline. The sea, wind and rain have since etched out the soft layers to form the unusual rock formations we see today.   When conditions are right, large ocean swells thunder into the caverns beneath the rocks and huge water spouts blast skywards through the blowholes creating a spectacular sight.  Tourism activities in the area include canoe adventures, horse trekking, caving and guided walks to name just a few.

Tourist Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort, Hotel Seaview Room, 1 Night
Deluxe Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort, Hotel Seaview Room, 1 Night

Day 8: Punakaiki/Franz Josef Glacier (Approx. 220km)

Depart Punakaiki and begin your journey south along the rugged West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier.

On arrival join Franz Josef Glacier Guides for a Valley Walk on the Glacier (Departs: 10.15am-1.15pm, 2.15pm-5.15pm) 

 Franz Josef Glacier Guides Glacier Valley Walk (departs 10.15am-1.15pm 2.15pm-5.15pm Duration 3 hours)

Report to the Franz Josef Glacier Guides Office in Franz Josef for your Glacier Valley Walk.
This is a highly informative, personalised tour to the dramatic Terminal Face of the glacier. Includes a bonus Mountains to the Sea DVD. 

Please bring:  3 - 4 warm layers for your upper body (ideally woollen or polypro, not cotton) and pair of lightweight trousers.  NO JEANS (as the get cold when wet).  A light snack and bottle of water or similar carried in a backpack with 2 shoulder straps.

Included within your documents is admission to the Franz Josef Hot Pools.

Tourist Accommodation: Punga Grove, One Bedroom Unit, 1 Night
Deluxe Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef, Douglas Wing, 1 night

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier/Wanaka (Approx. 269km)

Depart Franz Josef and enjoy the journey South to the lakeside township of Wanaka.

WANAKA - faces north across Lake Wanaka, to views of the surrounding mountains, which are often reflected on the Lake's surface on calm days. Poplars and willows grow around the Lake's edge, affording a colourful show during Autumn. Wanaka is best known for boating, fishing and skiing at the Cardrona and Treble Cone ski-fields.

Tourist Accommodation: Grand Mercure Oakridge, Standard Room, 1 Night
Deluxe Accommodation: Edgewater Resort, One Bedroom Suite, 1 night

Day 10: Wanaka/Queenstown (Approx/ 117km)

This morning you may wish to take a gentle stroll along the shores of Lake Wanaka before heading off for the day.

Depart Wanaka and travel to Queenstown.  As you approach Queenstown you will travel through the Gibbston Valley, famous for its many wineries.  You may wish to stop at one of the vineyards to sample some of their award winning wines.

Included in your documents there are return Skyline Gondola tickets to the summit of Bob’s Peak where you can enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Tourist Accommodation: Mercure Resort Queenstown, Pool View Room, 2 Nights
Deluxe Accommodation: Millennium Queenstown, Superior room, 2 nights

Day 11: Milford Sound Excursion

Today we will enjoy a full day tour to Milford Sound with Real Journeys, in the Fiordland National Park (coach transportation from Queenstown included). On arrival at Milford, a cruise on the fiord will take you to the Tasman Sea, allowing you to marvel at the size of this fiord, Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls. A picnic lunch is included on board. In the afternoon, we return to Queenstown by coach, or you may prefer an optional scenic flight which will take you high over the mountains, glacial valleys, waterfalls, rainforest, coastline, rivers and lakes, before arriving back in Queenstown. (extra cost, and subject to weather conditions)

Tourist Accommodation: Mercure Resort Queenstown, Poolview room
Deluxe Accommodation: Millennium Queenstown, Superior Room

Day 12: Queenstown/Dunedin (Approx. 286km)

Today depart Queenstown and travel along State Highways 8 & 1 via Alexandra and Milton to Dunedin.  We recommend a stop at one of the fruit stalls on the side of the road in Cromwell for some tasty treats to enjoy along the way. 

Tourist Accommodation: Quest Dunedin, One Bedroom Apartment, 2 nights
Deluxe Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Superior ROH, 2 nights

Day 13: Dunedin

Free day in Dunedin.

Natures Wonders 1 Hour Wildlife Tour in ARGO vehicle

Today Natures Wonders Naturally will show you the wild side of the spectacular Otago Peninsula with a thrilling cross-country adventure in the ultimate all terrain vehicle, an 8 wheel drive ARGO.  You'll see stunning coastal scenery and an extraordinary range of wildlife, including the rare Yellow-Eyed Penguin in its natural habitat. Get close to breeding colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals and Cormorants, and see Oyster Catchers, Gulls, Paradise ducks, hawks and Swallows.  One tour covers the Maritime and Military history of Fort Taiaroa, with visits to the wreak of the Tyrone, the largest steamship to founder in New Zealand.  A soft adventure experience combined with wildlife and stunning scenery makes it a fun family experience. At the end of the adventure you can relax in the large restaurant area and take in the stunning panoramic coastal view while enjoying some light refreshment.

$50.00 per person valid to 30 September 2012

Penguin Place Conservation Tour
(Oct-Mar every 30 mins from 10.15am to 90mins prior to sunset, Apr-Sep every 30 mins from 3.15pm-4.45pm)

Today's tour of Penguin Place is an experience made possible by the conservation work done to ensure the future of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin (one of the rarest and most endangered penguins in the world).  Covered trenches and observation huts will keep you hidden so the penguins will not be frightened and you can observe them going about their daily business in their natural habitat unperturbed by our presence. 

$43.00 per person valid to 30 September 2012

Tourist Accommodation: Quest Dunedin, One Bedroom Apartment
Deluxe Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Superior ROH

Day 14: Depart Dunedin

Today return your rental vehicle to the Budget representative at Dunedin Airport before your departure flight.

Rates are per person including GST currently at 15%, subject to change

Tourist Class

Deluxe Class

Travel is to be completed within the season.  Any travel that falls over both seasons will be priced on application.

NZD10.00 per person documentation fee to be applied to the above rates.

Costs include

• Accommodation in hotels as specified, share twin subject to availability.
• Goods & Services Tax currently at 15%, subject to change.
• Budget rental car throughout (CDAR for 2 pax / FDAR for 4 pax) 
• Basic vehicle insurance (subject to insurance excess). Full Terms & conditons of rental car will be provided at time of documentation.
• Admission to Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, Te Puia, Skyline Gondola
• Hangi & Concert Rotorua
• Whalewatch Cruise Kaikoura
• Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
• Milford Sound cruise – including return coach transport from Queenstown
• Picnic Lunch on Milford Sound Cruise
• Interislander ferry

Costs exclude

• Airfares National or International
• Airport Tax
• Personal expenses & tips
• Drinks during meals (except water/tea/coffee)
• Any items of personal nature
• Optional activities
• Foreign speaking assistance
• Fuel for car
• Additional rental car charges
• Insurance excess

Subject to

• Subject to surcharges beyond our control
• Accommodation subject to availability
• Minimum 2 pax travelling
• Increase in Goods & Services Tax, currently 15% and subject to change.
• Special Event / Holiday surcharges that may apply.