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Best of Both Islands Self Drive

Duration
10 Days
Prices From:
US$ 1,759

FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: An excellent way to acquaint yourself with both islands, this self-drive program brings you to must-see destinations throughout New Zealand including Rotorua and the rugged Glacier region while also setting aside ample free time to simply unwind.


Perfect for those who want flexibility but have limited time, this self-drive tour combines the highlights of North and South to create a swift, yet satisfying 10 day journey.

Quality-of-life polls routinely rank Auckland within the world’s top 10, and it’s easy to see why. New Zealand’s largest city seduces visitors with its laid back pace, world class museums, galleries and gardens. Enjoy panoramic views from Mt Eden, or a walk around historic Parnell Village. Drive on to Rotorua, a spectacular geothermal laboratory of steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools. This is also a place of great spiritual significance to the Maori, with plenty of cultural experiences on offer.

Board your flight to Queenstown to continue your adventure on the South Island. The adrenaline capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers a wealth of activities to suit any style of traveller. A ride on the famous Shotover jetboat is a local favourite, but no visit here is complete without a trip to Milford Sound. A 16km fjord carved by glacial ice, this is New Zealand’s most spectacular attraction and is best seen via a cruise along its length. A journey up the rugged West Coast takes you to Glacier country, with sights such as Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, said to be the tears of a Maori princess, pining for her lost love. A final drive through the spectacular Southern Alps takes you to historic Christchurch, with time for sight-seeing before you depart.

Please click here for our New Zealand Self Drive itineraries


 

At Goway we are experts at designing personalized itineraries to suit your special interests, tastes and budget. Let us arrange your ultimate travel experience today.
Duration
10 Days
Prices From:
US$ 1,759

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Arrive Auckland

Welcome to New Zealand's largest city, a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication. On arrival, pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel.

Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Heritage Auckland Hotel

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Location View map
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    Heritage Auckland Hotel



    The Heritage Auckland is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel is positioned overlooking Waitemata Harbour in the heart of Auckland's business district. The hotel is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower Casino, …

    The Heritage Auckland is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel is positioned overlooking Waitemata Harbour in the heart of Auckland's business district. The hotel is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower Casino, the shops of Queen Street and Auckland city's finest cafes and restaurants. It includes two distinctive accommodation wings, The Hotel (reflects delightful ornate touches carefully preserved from the building's past) and The Tower (offers a more contemporary design). They are connected by a walkway enabling guests to access the range of facilities available. Both have their own entrance and reception areas.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gift Shop
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
    • Massage Treatments
    • Parking
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Spa

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

Auckland at leisure

A full day to visit attractions that appeal to all ages. Perhaps visit The Sky Tower; or visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World.

Day 3

Auckland to Rotorua 293 kms (183 miles) 3 hours

Journey from Auckland to the thermal center of Rotorua, an area to introduce you to Maori culture and heritage.

Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Distinction Rotorua Hotel and Conference Centre

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Location View map
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    Distinction Rotorua Hotel and Conference Centre



    With its beautiful garden setting, Distinction Rotorua Hotel and Conference Centre is the perfect place to relax and unwind after enjoying the wealth of attractions and activities Rotorua has to offer. Distinction Rotorua Hotel and Conference Centre is located just minutes from the city centre, …

    With its beautiful garden setting, Distinction Rotorua Hotel and Conference Centre is the perfect place to relax and unwind after enjoying the wealth of attractions and activities Rotorua has to offer. Distinction Rotorua Hotel and Conference Centre is located just minutes from the city centre, with plenty of complimentary car parking, and is a superb base for exploring the Rotorua area. The heated outdoor swimming pool and spa offer a great place to entertain the kids! Or if you want to get away from it all, venture into the underground private grotto spas for a relaxing soak. The amenities are all free for guests to use.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • 24 Hour Room Service
    • Bar(s)
    • Bicycle hire
    • Business Centre
    • Conference Facilities
    • Currency Exchange
    • Disabled Facilities
    • Free WiFi
    • Gift Shop
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Hair/Beauty Salon
    • Laundry facilities
    • Non-Smoking Rooms
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Safety Deposit Box
    • Sauna
    • Spa Pool
    • Tour Desk

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 4

Rotorua

At leisure to explore the natural and man made attractions of Rotorua. Perhaps take a Morning tour to include Rainbow Springs, Rainbow Farm, Te Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and the Te puia Arts and craft Institute. In the evening, don't miss a traditional Maori concert and hangi.

Day 5

Rotorua to Queenstown

Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car in time for your flight to Queenstown, the activity center of New Zealand. Pick up your rental car on the South Island for the rest of your stay.

Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

Heritage Queenstown

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    Heritage Queenstown



    The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and …

    The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Spa
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 6

Queenstown

You have two days at leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand! Optional tours include a Milford Sound Day Excursion, where you take a cruise past mile-high Mitre Peak, through glacially carved fiords and out into the open sea.

Day 7

Queenstown

You have another day at leisure to explore Queenstown.

Day 8

Queenstown to Glaciers Approx 404 kms (251 miles) 6 hours

Drive up to the rugged West Coast, home to a spectacular glacial region and temperate rainforest.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Westwood Lodge Bed and Breakfast

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    Westwood Lodge Bed and Breakfast



    Westwood Lodge B & B is nestled in the heart of New Zealand's spectacular Glacier Country, seconds away from the majestic Southern Alps and the World Heritage Westland National Park and is an ideal place to unwind and explore Franz Josef Glacier. Set in a …

    Westwood Lodge B & B is nestled in the heart of New Zealand's spectacular Glacier Country, seconds away from the majestic Southern Alps and the World Heritage Westland National Park and is an ideal place to unwind and explore Franz Josef Glacier. Set in a beautiful bush garden, Westwood Lodge offers well-appointed non smoking bed and breakfast accommodation with stunning views of the West Coast's rainforests, mountains of the Southern Alps & the Franz Josef Glacier. Breakfast and WIFI internet are included in the tariff.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Fireplace
    • Games Room
    • Restaurant(s)

    More Details

Day 9

Glaciers to Christchurch Approx 378 kms (236 miles) 5 hours

This morning perhaps take an optional tour to the face of the glacier before continuing your journey to Christchurch, home to Victoria Park and the famous Avon River, and renowned as the "most English city outside of England".

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Crowne Plaza Christchurch

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Location View map
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    Crowne Plaza Christchurch



    The hotel is 2 minutes' walk from New Regent Street, 6 minutes' walk from Christchurch Casino and 5 minutes' drive from the centre of Christchurch CBD (Central Business District). Christchurch Airport is 18 minutes' drive away.

    The hotel is 2 minutes' walk from New Regent Street, 6 minutes' walk from Christchurch Casino and 5 minutes' drive from the centre of Christchurch CBD (Central Business District). Christchurch Airport is 18 minutes' drive away.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Fitness Centre
    • Library
    • Luggage Storage
    • Wifi/Internet Access

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 10

Depart Christchurch

Drop off your rental vehicle and depart Christchurch.

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily from Auckland or it can be done also in a reverse direction from Christchurch

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Car rental for 10 days with unlimited kilometres and mandatory vehicle insurance
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Auckland
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Rotorua
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Queenstown
  • 1 night moderate accommodation in Franz Joseph
  • 1 night first-class accommodation in Christchurch

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel Insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • One Way Fees (if applicable, your Goway Agent will advise if this applies)
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meland and beverages not specifically indicated
  • Optional excursions
  • Park fees unless stated
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.

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5 Feb 2024
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