North South Highlights- SD

DAY 1

Arrive Auckland

Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self drive to your accommodation.  

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight: Auckland

DAY 2

Auckland - Rotorua

There are a number of different routes to take on the journey to Rotorua.  You might like to add one or two optional tours on your way to geothermal Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else. Overnight: Rotorua

Auckland-Rotorua: 235km (approx 3 hrs)

DAY 3

Rotorua

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.   

Today you'll visit New Zealand's most colourful geothermal park, before a sensory evening display in the forest.   Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 4

Rotorua - Queenstown (Flight Not Included)

Depart on your domestic flight to Queenstown.  (Airfare is NOT included).  

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.   Overnight: Queenstown  

Flight Time Rotorua to Queenstown is approx. 3 hours

DAY 5

Queenstown

Today’s gondola ride will take you high above Queenstown for an expansive view of stunning Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Remarkables mountains.  Then enjoy a scenic cruise on the vintage TSS Earnslasw steamship across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an insight into farm life in New Zealand.  Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 6

Queenstown - Tekapo/Mt Cook

Today’s journey takes you to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.  Hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki and embrace the dramatic vast landscape.  Travel to a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple giant peaks including New Zealand's highest mountain.  Overnight: Tekapo or Mt Cook

Queenstown - Aoraki Mt Cook 256-266km (approx 3hrs, 15 mins)

DAY 7

Tekapo/Mt Cook - Christchurch

Be sure to stop for a while at Lake Tekapo where the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake.  Continue north-east where braided rivers and a fertile patchwork of plains made with every shade of green will signal your arrival into Christchurch.  

Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch

DAY 8

Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Christchurch Airport.