New Zealand

Islands of Discovery Self-Drive

Introduction

For the perfect exploration of New Zealand look no further than our 21 day Islands of Discovery journey which traverses both the North and South Islands and also includes the remarkable destinations of Kapiti Island and Stewart Island, renowned for their birdlife and flora and fauna.

Highlights

North & South Islands
Unspoilt landscapes
Rare native birdlife
Independent travel
Stewart Island

Outline Itinerary

Day
1. Arrive Auckland and refresh
2. Half day Waitakere Ranges excursion
3. Drive to Coromandel. Miranda Shorebird Centre
4. Guided nature experience
5. Drive to Rotorua. Mokoia Island excursion
6. A day at leisure
7. Drive to Mt Ruapehu via Lake Taupo
8. One day Tongariro Alpine Crossing
9. Drive to the Kapiti Coast
10. Full day Kapiti Island experience
11. Drive to Wellington then fly to Nelson
12. A day at leisure
13. Drive to Blenheim via the Marlborough Sounds
14. Drive to Kaikoura
15. Water based pelagic excursion
16. Drive to Christchurch. Fly to Stewart Island via Invercargill
17. Ulva Island guided experience. Kiwi spotting tour at dusk
18. Guided experiences in the Rakiura National Park
19. Return flight to Invercargill. Drive to Queenstown
20. A day at leisure
21. Fly from Queenstown to Auckland for international flight
22. Arrive UK

Cost

This suggested itinerary is just an example of possibilities available for trips to New Zealand. Price is dependant on season, standard of accommodation and length of stay. Please contact us for a tailor made itinerary.

Departure Dates

Year round. Best time to travel is October to April.

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Description

Starting in the waterfront city of Auckland, your North Island journey encompasses one of New Zealand's true wonders, the Coromandel, long revered by the locals as their 'secret'; the cultural and geothermal heartland of Rotorua and the awe-inspiring Tongariro National Park where an epic adventure awaits as you tackle the one day Tongariro Crossing. Your final days in the North Island are spent exploring the nature reserve of Kapiti Island, a haven for native rare birdlife including the little spotted kiwi. 

After a short but scenic flight across the Cook Strait, your South Island sojourn starts with the sunny climate and spectacular scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park.  Revel in the idyllic Marlborough Sounds and taste your way through the gentle rolling vineyards of Blenheim before moving down the east coast to Kaikoura for some truly magical pelagic experiences. The wildlife of the Otago Peninsula is showcased in spectacular fashion with a guided tour which includes the rare yellow-eyed penguins, New Zealand fur seals and royal albatross. After a few days exploring the remote, wild beauty of the Catlins, it's on to Stewart Island for the ultimate birding and walking experiences before spending your last days in New Zealand amidst the rugged alpine splendour of Queenstown.

New Zealand is renowned for its hospitality and throughout this itinerary, we have included some of our favourite places to stay. From charming bed and breakfasts, wilderness lodges through to a couple of stylish retreats, thrown in for good measure.

 

Inspired? To read more about this itinerary, or for us to design your own unique holiday contact us …

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