Collect your car hire and drive north to the Bay of Islands. On arrival, stay 2 nights at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands near Paihia (or similar) in Russell. Suggested excursions include a cruise out on the Bay of Islands to spot dolphins or visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the historic town of Russell.

Drive south to the volcanic town of Rotorua and stay 2 nights at the Millennium Rotorua / Peppers on the Point*. This long journey can be broken up with a stop for lunch in the pleasant town of Cambridge, with tree-lined streets and many wellpreserved heritage buildings, or Matamata, home of the Hobbiton film set. Alternatively shorten your day’s drive by taking an overnight stay in Auckland, which is approximately the halfway point of this journey.

Day at leisure to explore the volcanic attractions of Rotorua.

Drive south to Wellington and stay at the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay for 2 nights. Following day at leisure to explore New Zealand’s capital city, with time to visit the National Museum Te Papa or join a guided walking tour.

Drop off your car hire and board the Interislander ferry for the journey to South Island. On arrival in Picton, collect a new car and drive south through the Marlborough wine-growing region to Blenheim. Stay overnight at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough / Chateau Marlborough*.

Continue south this morning along the beautiful east coast to Kaikoura. Stay 1 night at The White Morph. Afternoon whalewatching cruise off the Kaikoura coast.

Drive south to Christchurch and stay 2 nights at the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square. The following day is at leisure for you to explore Christchurch.

Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and stay overnight at the Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook Hotel. Spend the afternoon walking in the park or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Option to extend your stay and explore further.

Drive to the lakeside town of Te Anau and stay overnight at Distinction Luxmore / Dock Bay Lodge* (or similar).

Drive to Milford Sound, where you will board the Milford Mariner† for an overnight cruise in this spectacular fiord.

Drive to Queenstown and stay at the Millennium Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. Following day is at leisure to enjoy one of the many outdoor activities available.

Drive north through the Mount Aspiring National Park to the small town of Franz Josef. Stay 1 night at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef. Optional guided walk to the face of the Franz Josef glacier, or take a scenic flight for an aerial view.

Drive north up the rugged west coast to Greymouth, drop off your car hire and board the TranzAlpine train for a journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. On arrival, you will be transferred to the Commodore Airport Hotel for 1 night.

Transfer to the airport to fly your next destination.