Your Travel Experience with connections-dynamic
Day 1
Christchurch
Arrival in Christchurch. Pick up your rental car at the airport and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and discover Christchurch. The South Island’s largest city is also called Garden City and is the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. There is nowhere else in the world where, within two hours of an international airport, you can ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, raft, mountain bike, hot-air balloon, windsurf, whale watch and visit internationally-acclaimed wineries and gardens.
THE TOWERS ON THE PARK 3*
Day 2
Lake Tekapo
Drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Plains, past fields and farms. Behind Fairlie you come through the Mackenzie region, this region named after the legendary Scottish shepherds Mackenzie, who once lived in this region. Lake Tekapo has a milky turquoise color that is caused by fine suspended particles from polished glacier rocks.
LAKE TEKAPO VILLAGE MOTEL 3*
Day 3
Dunedin
The landscape on your way to Dunedin is a mixture of high country tussock, farmland and snow-capped mountains. make sure you stop in Oamaru, where the white sandstone buildings are typical as well as the boulders on its beaches. The final destination today is Dunedin, a region with unique landscapes and a fascinating past. Admire the Victorian and Edwardian architecture and discover rare wild animals.
KINGSGATE HOTEL 3*
Day 4
Te Anau
Today you travel along Lake Waihola and cross the Taieri plains before you drive inland. The landscape is dominated by sheep farms, after which you reach Te Anau, the gateway to the majestic Fiordland National Park. A short trip to the scenic Lake Manapouri is worth the effort.
DISTINCTION LUXMORE 3*
Day 5
Milford Sound
The proximity of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound make Te Anau a very popular destination. But there is more: glowworm caves, jet boat excursions, trout fishing, hot water baths, 4x4 adventures, breathtaking sightseeing flights, cycling and hiking trails. Activities abound!
DISTINCTION LUXMORE 3*
Day 6 - 7
Te Anau - Queenstown
Hilly landscapes interspersed with native forests, that's what you will witness on the way to Kingston, located on the southernmost point of Lake Wakatipu. When you follow the shores of the lake you reach Queenstown and its extraordinary views from Remarkables Mountains. Whether you're looking for family fun, a romantic getaway or an adrenaline rush on day 7, Queenstown has something for everyone. You can enjoy both extreme sports and pure relaxation. The city’s inviting cafés and excellent restaurants complete an exciting day.
GARDEN COURT SUITES 3*
Day 8 - 9
Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glacier
A drive through the awesome Mt Aspiring National Park and across the Haast Pass leads you to the Southern Alps. The cozy town, as well as the Fox Glacier nearby, were named after Sir William Fox, Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1869 to 1872.. Both the Fox and nearby Franz Josef glaciers are unique because they descend into the temperate rainforest just 300 meters above sea level. To experience them up close, there is no better way than to book a helicopter flight and guided walk. Hence the extra day on-site on day 9. Nearby you will also find Lake Matheson, which reflects Mount Cook on a clear day.
LAKE MATHESON MOTELS 3*
Day 10
Punakaiki
From Fox Glacier you follow the spectacular coastal road past Hokitika and Greymouth to Punakaiki. Here nature scenes date back 30 million years when it sculpted a work of art that resulted in stunning cliffs, canyons and rock formations that resemble large piles of pancakes.
PAPAROA PARK MOTEL 3*
Day 11 - 12
Abel Tasman National Park
Take the road to Westport which offers views of the pristine beaches and dashing Tasman Sea. The gold mining brought Westport to life, though it was coal mining that kept the city going. Here you can go rafting underground before continuing to Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman is the smallest national park in the country, grand in natural beauty. Opt on day 12 to explore the paradisiacal setting on land, water or in the air with walks, cruises or helicopter tours.
ABEL TASMAN OCEAN VIEW CHALETS 3*+
Day 13
Wellington
Exit Abel Tasman National Park direction Picton via artistic Nelson and mussel-producing Havelock. During the ferry trip to Wellington dazzling landscapes glide by. You arrive in the capital of the country, Wellington, which offers a powerful mix of culture, nature and gastronomy.
TRAVELODGE WELLINGTON 3*
Day 14 - 15
Tongariro National Park
The road leads north along the Kapiti Coast. Continue inland until the volcanic plateau looms, dominated by Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. This region was also an important film location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. On day 15 you have all day to explore Tangariro, which has been awarded a double UNESCO World Heritage status for its cultural significance and landscape features. This park is a magnificent showpiece of volcanic wonders with emerald green lakes, old lava flows and steaming craters. Must do: try the Tongariro Crossing!
THE PARK HOTEL RUAPEHU 3*
Day 16 - 17
Rotorua
Continue your journey through Turangi, known for its abundance of trout, and Lake Taupo, with its numerous bays and beaches, towards Rotorua. Due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, this place has a lot of geothermal activity. On day 17, enjoy the crystal clear streams and fairytale forests, as well as the fascinating, thermal mud pools, Rotorua has it all. There is an extensive offer for adventurers, travelers looking for relaxation or those who want to experience the authentic Maori culture. Cycling is also the thing to do here.
SUDIMA HOTEL LAKE ROTORUA 3*
Day 18 - 19
Coromandel Peninsula
The route climbs from Lake Rotorua up the Mamaku Range before descending to Te Puke, a city that has transformed its kiwi industry into visitor entertainment. Continue to the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its pristine beaches, misty forests and relaxed atmosphere. On day 19 you discover that the Coromandel Peninsula is all that a big city is not. With a mountainous landscape shrouded in native rainforest and surrounded by 400 km of white sandy beaches, tranquility abounds here. Activities are plentiful though and range from fishing and diving to hiking and biking.
AOTEAROA LODGE 3*
Day 20
Auckland
On the way to Auckland, you will pass the historic township of Thames which was founded during the Coromandel gold rush. It’s a great place for walks – around the town, through the bush and on the mangrove boardwalk. The way from the Thames to Auckland whisks you along the motorway, across the serene, green Hauraki Plains and over the Bombay Hills. Auckland is an exciting hodgepodge of natural treasures and urban experiences. Take the time to explore the region. Auckland and its surrounding are the final settings during this selfdrive. Enjoy!
AUCKLAND CITY HOTEL 3*
Day 21
Auckland
Today, you drop off your rental car at the airport for your return flight.