North to South Spree 2012-2013

Experience the underground maze of limestone caves of Waitomo, learn and experience authentic Maori culture amongst the geysers and boiling mud pools of Rotorua, see the giant sperm whales and unique Hector's dolphin's in the waters off Kaikoura.

North to South Spree 2012-2013

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Itinerary

  • Day 1: Auckland

    Arrive Auckland and collect your rental vehicle. Today the remainder of your day is at your leisure to explore the city of Auckland known as the ‘City of Sails'.

    Accommodation: City Central Hotel, Auckland 

  • Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves – 370 kms

    Depart Auckland and travel south through the rich Waikato farming region via Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori King and Turangawaewae Marae and onto the famous Waitomo Caves. Here you glide by boat through the darkness lit by thousands of tiny glow worms. Continue your journey over the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges and on to Rotorua, which is the centre of New Zealand's thermal region. Tonight you will experience an authentic Maori concert and buffet dinner at the famous Tamaki Village.

    Accommodation: Ibis Hotel, Rotorua 

  • Day 3: Rotorua

    Today you have  a full day to explore New Zealand's thermal capital Rotorua. Today's sightseeing includes a visit to Te Puia – Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute Geothermal Valley followed by a visit to the therapeutic waters of Rotorua's Polynesian Spa complex. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax, or to explore more of this thermal wonderland..

    Accommodation: Ibis Hotel, Rotorua 

  • Day 4: Rotorua to Wellington – 460 kms

    Depart south from Rotorua through the centre of the North Island via Hukka Falls and Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. Continue on the desert road past the dramatic landscape surrounding the three volcanoes Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. After a lunch stop continue driving down the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

    Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel,Wellington 

  • Day 5: Wellington to Kaikoura via Picton – 165 kms

    Today you will need to drop off your rental vehicle and cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. On arrival in Picton collect your rental vehicle and continue to Blenheim, the largest town in New Zealand's best known wine region, Marlborough. Then onto Kaikoura, a beautiful town on the coast, famous for whale watching and great seafood. Overnight in Kaikoura. 

    Accommodation: Lobster Motor Inn, Kaikoura 

  • Day 6: Kaikoura

    Today you have the entire day to relax and enjoy the small town of Kaikoura. Included in your itinerary is a whale watching cruise which can be taken in either the morning or the afternoon. 

    Accommodation: Lobster Motor Inn, Kaikoura 

  • Day 7: Kaikoura to Christchurch - 190 kms

    Depart Kaikoura and drive south along the edge of the rugged coastal ranges. From Cheviot you can detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations or stop at Waipara a region known for its vineyards and olive groves before continuing on to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch. 

    Accommdation:The Elms Hotel, Christchurch 

  • Day 8: Christchurch

 The choice is yours to continue your journey or return home.

Total driving distance 1,185kms

Pricing

8 Day Self-Drive Tour

From $915*

Enquire Online

Includes:

  • Thrifty car hire Group ECAR with unlimited km's
  • 7 nights accommodation 
  • Waitomo Caves
  • Tamaki Village Maori Hangi & Concert
  • Te Puia Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
  • Mineral Pools at Polynesian Spa
  • Interislander Ferry Crossing
  • Whale Watching Cruise

Note: *All prices are quoted in Australian dollars per person with twin occupancy per room and are correct as at 21/03/12. Based on low season. Prices for other dates and room types are available  on request. Offers are subject to availability & can change without notification due to fluctuations in charges and currency. Cancellation and amendment fees may apply. Credit Card surcharges apply. See full terms and conditions for more details.

More Options:

Upgrade to self contained/apartment style accommodation for $60per person twin share.

Like this itinerary but need more flexibility? Contact us for alternative number of nights, room size, vehicle size and even alternative car companies and accommodation properties. Enquire

Air & Land packages are also available: Contact Value Tours for the best available airfares to New Zealand.

 

Highlights

  • Auckland "The City of Sails" 
  • Waitomo Caves
  • Tamaki Village Maori Hangi & Concert
  • Te Puia Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
  • Mineral Pools at Polynesian Spa
  • Crossing the Cook Strait
  • Whale Watching in Kaikoura