Independently by 4x4 vehicle and in pre-arranged accommodation. 11 days North & South Island incl. For the professional as well as the novice - an unforgettable experience! Through the most remote and fascinating areas of New Zealand - lonely. High Country, hidden lakes, clear rivers, and virgin rainforests! Discover the country away from the normal road system as much as possible. Allow yourself to explore new dimensions!
Our detailed instructions will take you into the less explored parts of the country without missing out on the highlights. This tour appeals to the independent adventure seeker who does not want to waste time having to find the best route and the right accommodation. Finish your day in comfort! We provide the 4-WD vehicles - you travel independently! You do the driving, we show you where to go and you decide on your pace! We offer you budget, standard and superior accommodation options. Standard and superior accommodation are usually very unique and will enable you to get closer to the real "Kiwis".
The tour itineraries have been designed as true alternatives to the "normal" routes. They can however be mastered by anyone who likes to drive a car and has a bit of the "spirit of adventure". We offer daily departures, which gives you great flexibility. During the New Zealand winter some of the routing may have to be slightly changed to allow for different weather conditions. If you have the time we recommend adding some additional nights in accommodation, which is part of the following itinerary.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Approximate driving time 3.5h, 230 km
On arrival in Auckland "Meet & Greet" by us (New Zealand's leading 4x4 Safari operator). Delivery of your rental vehicle at Airport or Motel. You depart from Auckland and make your way South. After passing through the fertile farming region of “Waikato" you will reach the thermal "Wonderland" of Rotorua. You will be amazed to find steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools right in the centre of the city. Acquaint yourself with the Maori culture by visiting some of the historical sights. Enjoy a Maori "Hangi & Cultural Show" a feast, which will introduce typical Maori cuisine to you. Overnight in Rotorua. Acacia House - The Springs.
Day 2: Approximate driving time 6.5h, 330 km
Today you are facing one of the driving highlights of the tour and you will be pleased to be travelling by 4-WD vehicle. You will cross through the "Urewera National Park", famous for its native virgin bush and the secluded Lake Waikaremoana. At Wairoa you will meet the main road again, which will take you to the "Art Deco Capital" of New Zealand. A stroll through Napier will make a real contrast to the impressions of the day and will give you some insight into this bygone architectural period. Overnight in the area. Cobden Garden - The County Hotel.
Day 3: Approximate driving time 4.5h, 200 km
The next highlight is waiting for you already. A historic road will lead you into a very remote farming and forestry region in the centre of the Island. In the olden days this road used to be the main transport route from the inland farms to the harbour of Napier. Horse drawn carriages used to struggle through the difficult terrain. Today, this has become a very peaceful area, as other roads have taken the former importance away. Once you reach the "Desert Road" you don't have far to go until you arrive at the foot of Mt. Ruapehu, the active volcano and skiing mountain of the North Island. Overnight in the area. Cairnbrae House - The Grand Chateau
Day 4: Approximate driving time 5.5h, 310 km
A gravel road takes you along the Wanganui River through one of the most scenic parts of the North Island. Once you arrive in Wanganui City you will be back on sealed roads and you then head for Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. We recommend a city sightseeing walk and a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Overnight in Wellington. Victoria Court Motel - Duxton Hotel.
Day 5: Approximate driving time incl. ferry 6h, 160 km
You say goodbye to the North Island and your North Island rental car. An early ferry takes you across "Cook Strait" to Picton in the South Island where you pick up your new vehicle. After leaving Picton you drive via the "Queen Charlotte Drive" along the bays and beaches of the Marlborough Sounds and then continue through the Wairau Valley in order to reach today's destination. You will stay overnight in St. Arnaud, which is right by Lake Rotoiti in the heart of the "Nelson Lakes National Park". *Superior Option, you will stay in Maruia near Murchison. We recommend a 2 hour walk through virgin forest. St Arnaud Homestay - Owen River Lodge.
Day 6: Approximate driving time 5.5h, 280 km
Today your are driving along the Buller River through the Buller Gorge until you reach the sea in Westport. At Cape Foulwind an interesting wild life experience is waiting for you. The seal colony of Carters Beach is one of the highlights of the Westcoast, then past the bizarre "Pancake Rocks" of Punakaiki until you reach Greymouth where you will stay overnight. Rosewood - La Polenza
Day 7: Approximate driving time 3.5h, 180 km
You will be impressed by the breathtaking beauty of the West Coast. This is the wildest part of the country and the combination of high mountains, glaciers, rainforests and the pounding sea is unique in the world. The well signposted highlights along the West Coast are worth stopping for. North of Franz Josef you can go by Jetboat into the Okarito Lagoon where White Herons have their nesting places (Season October – January), a must for wildlife fans. We recommend a hike up to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Helicopter sightseeing flights over the glaciers are offered from the two ground stations. A walk around Lake Matheson or a walk from Lake Moeraki to Monroe Beach (you might be lucky to see some penguins) are further recommended activities. Overnight in Franz/Fox Glacier or *Lake Moeraki. Glenfern Villas - Te Weheka Lodge.
Day 8: Approximate driving time 6h, 310 km
You head east and you have to cross the Southern Alps again. The Haast Pass offers you a very scenic drive and many opportunities to stop and explore. You arrive in Wanaka, an ideal place for a stopover before you continue your journey. Across the "Crown Range", New Zealand’s highest official Pass, past the popular Cardrona Skiing area, you arrive in Queenstown where you stay overnight. Garden Court Motel - Millbrook Resort.
Day 9: One more night in the ‘Adventure Capital’ of New Zealand. Relax or take part in the many activities on offer. How about an excursion to the Milford or Doubtful Sound, jet boat up the Dart River, Bungee Jumping, fishing, rafting.. or look for some souvenirs in one of the many shops. #Garden Court Motel *Millbrook Resort
Day 10: Approximate driving time 5.5h, 270 km
Today you follow the "Gold Rush Trail". Follow the Kawarau River until you reach Clyde which is located right next to New Zealand's largest hydro power project. As you drive through this historic region you will meet reminders of the glorious past wherever you go. During the New Zealand gold rush this area was one of the most frequented in the country and flourishing towns were built virtually overnight and attracted immigrants from all over the world. You go past the old mining town of Naseby. Climb across a long forgotten mountain pass, which is covered by scarce vegetation and tussock grass. Western House - Burnside Country Estate.
Day 11: Approximate driving time 6h, 330 km
Your 4-WD makes it possible to drive via a remote Pass to the turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo. From Tekapo Airport you can depart on a scenic flight around Mt. Cook and the magnificent surrounding mountain world. You leave the mountains behind, enter the Canterbury Plains and arrive in Christchurch where the tour ends. Vehicle drop-off at the airport or city office.
We Recommend to book pre and post accommodation in Aukland and Christchurch.
Budget accommodation (budget accommodation all with private facilities)
- Standard accommodation
- Superior version, accommodation of higher category
Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking. If necessary we will book alternative accommodation.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices shown are examples for "Budget" to "Superior" accommodation options based on four people sharing one vehicle
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Self Drive
Multi-activity
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