30 Day New Zealand Cruise Control Holiday Package

Fantastic value all inclusive New Zealand Self Drive Holiday Package…

Holiday Package Includes:

• 30 Nights in 4 Star Accommodation
• Car Hire: Premium Toyota Corolla Sedan Automatic, including Full Insurance (zero excess)
• Bay of Islands Dolphin Cruise or Hole in the Rock Cruise
• Entry into Rotorua’s Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve
• Te Puia Te Po Maori Evening Experience including Hangi Dinner
• Taste of Taupo Scenic Floatplane Flight
• Interislander Cook Strait Ferry (Wellington to Picton Ferry), includes passengers and vehicle
• Whale Watching Scenic Flight
• Small group Wild Life Tour of Otago Peninsula
• Return Ferry Bluff to Stewart Island
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise
• Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
• Shotover Jet
• TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak High Country Farm Evening Dining including 4 Course Meal

Day 1 Auckland

Auckland the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and is bordered by two stunning harbour’s. Pick up your rental car from Auckland Airport and drive to your accommodation. Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Bay of Islands

Driving time Auckland to Bay of Islands 219 km / 136 miles, 3 hours

Drive to the Bay of Islands, renowned for its 144 Islands and surreal maritime park where an abundance of marine life includes whales, penguins and dolphins. Relax on one of the many warm secluded beaches plus enjoy a Discover the Bay – Dolphin or Hole in the Rock Cruise. Stay 2 nights in Paihia or Kerikeri.

Day 3 Bay of Islands

Option today to experience Maori culture by visiting Waitangi’s treaty house, gardens and national marae (meeting house) or venture off-road to Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach.

Day 4 Coromandel Peninsula

Driving time Bay of Islands to Coromandel Peninsula 406 km / 252 miles, 5 hours

Renowned worldwide as a spectacular holiday destination, with white sandy beaches, misty rainforests and wilderness a-plenty, Coromandel is the ideal place to unwind. Stay 2 nights in Whitianga.

Day 5 Coromandel Peninsula

Today dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach, add on a sea kayak tour to explore volcanic reefs, caves and the world famous Cathedral Cove, or enjoy other marine eco adventures.

Day 6 Rotorua

Driving time Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua 252 km / 157 miles, 3.5 hours

Rotorua is distinguished by Maori culture and geothermal activity. Stroll through Hells Gate, a steaming thermal reserve. See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, hot springs and even try Maori weaving and wood carving! Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 7 Rotorua

Explore Rotorua. Add on a visit to the sacred Mokoia Island on a scenic boat cruise or join New Zealand RiverJet for a fantastic geothermal jet boat safari. In the evening enjoy a traditional Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner.

Day 8 Taupo

Driving time Rotorua to Taupo 76 km / 47 miles, 1 hour

Enjoy a short drive south to Taupo, rich in natural beauty providing attractions such as the Huka Falls; incredible bush walks, world-class trout fishing, and bungy jumping. Enjoy a Taste of Taupo Scenic Floatplane Flight with highlights including flying over the Craters of the Moon. Stay 1 night in Taupo.

Day 9 Napier

Driving time Taupo to Napier 142 km / 88 miles, 2 hours

Discover Napier, the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand also within the oldest and second largest wine growing region, the Hawkes Bay. If nature is of interest add on a Safari Overland to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony – the world’s largest, most accessible Gannet nesting place. Stay 1 night in Napier.

Day 10 Wellington

Driving time Napier to Wellington 319 km / 198 miles, 4 hours

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, has so much to offer. Set on the edge of a stunning harbour, surrounded by rolling hills, it’s a city rich in culture waiting to be explored. From shopping and picturesque walks, to concerts, live theatre, exhibitions, festivals, Te Papa Tongarewa the Museum of New Zealand and more – Wellington has something for everyone. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 11 Wellington

Option of Wellington Explorer Tour, Lord of the Rings Tour or Zest Food Tour.

Day 12 Kaikoura

Sailing time Wellington to Picton 70 km / 43 miles, 3 hours
Driving time Picton to Kaikoura 156 km / 97 miles, 2 hours

It’s all about the journey today as you board the Interislander Cook Strait Ferry, which will transport you and your rental car on a scenic cruise to Picton. Enjoy the coastal drive along the South Island’s east coast to Kaikoura. Stay 1 night in Kaikoura

Day 13 Kaikoura

Today experience a once in a lifetime opportunity with a Whale Watch Scenic Flight to view the majestic Sperm Whales off the Kaikoura Coast. Option in the afternoon to join a unique Maori Tour; be prepared to be entertained and enlightened when you join a local family for a half day of laughter and learning; full of the spirit of age old knowledge, yet entirely of today.

Day 14 Hanmer Springs

Driving time Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs 134 km / 83 miles, 1.5 hours

Travel on to Hanmer Springs a year round holiday destination offering a variety of outdoor activities and of course the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. As a natural spa destination, visitors have been travelling to bathe in the rejuvenating hot mineral pools for over 120 years! Relax in open-air thermal public and private pools and de-stress with spa therapies. Stay 1 night in Hanmer Springs.

Day 15 Akaroa

Driving time Hanmer Springs to Akaroa 225 km / 140 miles, 3 hours

Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of Banks Peninsula. Banks Peninsula is noted for it’s beauty and unique wildlife as craggy volcanic peaks give way to beautiful bays, sandy beaches and two magnificent harbours.

Day 16 Akaroa

Explore Akaroa village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, restaurants, cafés, cheese factory and museum. Relax or take part in the many activities including Pohatu Penguins Nature and Sea Kayak Tours – Pohatu is home to the largest Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.

Day 17 Lake Tekapo

Driving time Christchurch to Lake Tekapo 230 km / 143 miles, 3 hours

Travel south across the Canterbury Plains and inland towards the Southern Alps to reach Lake Tekapo an amazing turquoise blue lake. Tekapo presents many world class attractions from the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, to scenic flights exploring NZ’s highest mountains and largest glaciers; including Mt Cook, Tasman, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Stay 1 night in Lake Tekapo.

Day 18 Mt Cook

Driving time Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook 102 km / 63 miles, 1.5 hours

At 3754 metres, NZ’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook is truly dazzling and is a must see! Situated within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Mount Cook is surrounded by 27 other mountains, which rise over 3050m and hundreds more mountains not far short, creating the Southern Alps. Optional Scenic Helicopter Flight with snow landing. Stay 1 night in Mount Cook.

Day 19 Wanaka

Driving time Mount Cook to Wanaka 206 km / 128 miles, 3 hours

The change in landscape will amaze you as you travel down the West Coast with peeks of the Tasman Sea. Take the Haast Pass Highway and admire waterfalls and many viewing points and short walks along the way before reaching Wanaka an alpine paradise with views so good it’s hard to put down your camera. Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Day 20 Wanaka

Relax and enjoy Wanaka for the day.

Day 21 Dunedin

Driving time Wanaka to Dunedin 279 km / 173 miles, 3.5 hours

Drive through historic Central Otago; pass vineyards, orchards and farm land to reach Dunedin, one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere. Stay 2 nights in Dunedin.

Day 22 Dunedin

Join a small group wild life tour to discover the beautiful Otago Peninsula and view Hooker Sea Lions, Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, NZ Fur Seals, Royal Albatross, wading birds and so much more.

Day 23 Invercargill

Driving time Dunedin to Invercargill 210 km / 130 miles, 3 hours

Discover the Catlins Coast, an attraction in itself, whilst travelling to Invercargill, well known for it’s southern hospitality. Visit art galleries, museums, walk the paths and tracks through Queens Park, play a round of golf or discover Southland’s rugged beaches. Stay 1 night in Invercargill.

Day 24 Stewart Island

Driving time Invercargill to Bluff 29 km / 18 miles, 25 minutes
Sailing time Bluff to Stewart Island 36 km / 22 miles, 1 hour

Travel to Bluff, New Zealand’s Southern Tip where you will catch a scenic ferry to Stewart Island New Zealand’s ultimate eco- tourism destination. Its densely forested hills, and untouched coastline of rocky outcrops and creamy golden sand beaches make Stewart Island a haven for native marine and bird life. Stay 2 nights on Stewart Island.

Day 25 Stewart Island

Optional guided walk on Ulva Island.

Day 26 Te Anau -> Milford Sound

Sailing time Stewart Island to Bluff 36 km / 22 miles, 1 hour
Driving time Bluff to Te Anau 188 km / 117 miles, 2.5 hours
Driving time Te Anau to Milford Sound 166 km / 72 miles, 2 hours

Relax and take in the views of heartland New Zealand while you travel to Te Anau where you will be staying the evening. Continue on the Milford Highway, regarded as one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. Upon reaching Milford Sound a boat will take you on a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise.Make sure you keep a look out for dolphins, seals and penguins! Enjoy a new perspective of the Milford Highway as you travel back to Te Anau. Stay 2 nights in Te Anau.

Day 27 Te Anau -> Doubtful Sound

Driving time Te Anau to Manapouri 21 km / 13 miles, 20 minutes
Sailing/Driving time Manapouri to Doubtful Sound (return trip) 8 hours

Located deep in the heart of a World Heritage Area, Doubtful Sound is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here – the remoteness, the wilderness and the peace. Enjoy a full day Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise including a boat cruise on Lake Manapouri, scenic coach over Wilmot Pass, and a full three hour Doubtful Sound Cruise. Keep a look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.

Day 28 Queenstown

Driving time Te Anau to Queenstown 174 km / 108 miles, 2.5 hours

Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world and spectacular alpine resort. Explore downtown or even take a ride on the gondola to get a great perspective of Queenstown and stunning panoramic views. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 29 Queenstown

Get ready for the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride! Acknowledged as the World’s most famous Jet Boat operation, a Shotover Jet thrill ride is not to be missed! Relax and enjoy Queenstown for the day.

Day 30 Queenstown

On your last day in paradise, finish on a high and choose from an exciting range of optional activities including scenic flights, 4WD safaris, winery tours, and more. In the evening take an evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw followed by dining at the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak – the perfect way to end and celebrate a fantasitc holiday!