| Outline Itinerary [1/2] >> |
| Day 1: |
Arrive Auckland
On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation. |
| Day 2: |
Auckland-Rotorua (230km)
Your 4x4 will be delivered to your hotel. Head south through the fertile Waikato region to Rotorua. |
| Day 3: |
Rotorua-Napier (330 km)
Make your way through the native forests of Urewera National Park, before reaching the coast road to Napier |
| Day 4: |
Napier-Mt. Ruapehu (200 km)
Drive the historic Gentle Annie Road and onto the Desert Road leading to Mt. Ruapehu. |
| Day 5: |
Mt. Ruapehu-Wellington (310km)
Follow the scenic valley of the Whanganui River and continue to Wellington. |
| Day 6: |
Wellington-Cook Strait-Nelson (160 km)
Drop off your rental vehicle and take the early ferry to Picton, where you'll collect another 4x4 vehicle. Follow the Queen Charlotte Drive for stunning views of the Sound. |
| Day 7: |
Nelson-Hanmer Springs (290 km)
Drive through Nelson Lakes National Park, along an adventurous track with numerous river crossings. Continue to Hanmer Springs.
|
| Day 8: |
Hanmer Springs-Christchurch (145 km)
Enjoy the activities on offer in Hanmer or join a watch-watching excursion in Kaikoura before driving to Christchurch. |
| Day 9: |
Christchurch-Canterbury Plains (120 km)
Cross the Canterbury Plains to the foot of the Southern Alps. Stay overnight on a working sheep farm, a great opportunity to experience the 'Kiwi' way of life. |
| Day 10: |
Canterbury Plains-Otago (260 km)
Drive to spectacular Lake Tekapo, where you can take an optional flight over Mt Cook before continuing on the back roads to Central Otago. |
| Day 11: |
Otago-Queenstown (270 km)
Make your way to Queenstown, beautifully situated by Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Range. |
| Day 12: |
Queenstown
At leisure to enjoy Queenstown's numerous activities, from gentle cruises to adrenalin-filled bungy jumps. |
Northland