DAY1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Pick up self drive rental vehicle on arrival at Auckland International Airport. Transfer by self drive rental car to your hotel in the “City of Sails”. The rest of the day is at leisure

DAY2 : AUCKLAND

Depart Auckland this morning and travel South along the motorway to the Bombay Hills and descend into the lush, green, dairy farming region of the Waikato Province, following the Waikato River for part of the way and on to the world famous Waitomo Caves. Take a guided tour through the Waitomo Glow Worm caves and view staligtites, staligmites and thousands of tiny glow worms.

Continue on to Rotorua via the prosperous town of Cambridge, well known for the many thoroughbred horse studs in the area which have produced some of the top race horses. Drive over the bushclad Mamaku Ranges to arrive at the “Thermal Spa City” of Rotorua in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or to go for an Optional soak in the thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa. (Please note that Optional activities are not included in the tour costs.) Enjoy a Maori Hangi & Concert this evening.

DAY 3: AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA

Check out of your hotel this morning and drive South from Auckland along the motorway to the Bombay Hills and through the lush, green, dairy farming region of the Waikato Province to the Waitomo Caves and take a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glow worm caves, and view staligtites, staligmites and thousands of tiny glow-worms. Continue on to Rotorua in the afternoon via the prosperous farming town of Cambridge, well known for the many thoroughbred horse studs in the area which have produced some of the top race horses. Drive over the bushclad Mamaku Ranges to arrive at the “Thermal Spa City” of Rotorua in the afternoon. Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or go for an Optional soak in the Polynesian Spa. (Please note that Optional activities are not included in the tour costs.) Enjoy a Maori Hangi & Concert this evening.

DAY 4: ROTORUA

Enjoy a self drive morning sightseeing tour of some of the highlights of Rotorua including a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and geysers and learn about Maori culture. Also visit the Paradise Valley Springs to see New Zealand trout, birds and wildlife before continuing on to the Agrodome where you will watch a New Zealand Farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and learn about the New Zealand sheep farming industry and the different breeds of sheep.

Return to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure for Optional activities such as a soak in a hot pool, a 4WD safari to Mt Tarawera, a scenic flight, a visit to the museum, or perhaps wander around the city centre and do some shopping, or perhaps you would like to explore the surrounding region and drive to Lake Taupo. (Please note that Optional activities mentioned above are not included in tour cost.)

DAY 5: ROTORUA / TAUPO / WELLINGTON

Check out of the hotel and drive from Rotorua to Wellington via Lake Taupo, travelling through the large exotic pinus radiata forest of the Kaiangaroa and past the Wairakei Geothermal Valley. Arrive at Taupo township at the northern end of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and the same size as the island of the Republic of Singapore. Follow the eastern shoreline of the lake to Turangi and climb up and over the Central Volcanic Plateau adjacent to the Tongariro National Park, home to the two active volcanoes of Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. Continue on south through Waiouru, Taihape and Bulls and follow the West Coast of the North Island to the “Capital City” of Wellington, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore this lively city on your own. The main restaurant and entertainment area is very centrally located in Courtenay Place and close by to the Waterfront as well. There are many bars, cafes & restaurants.

DAY 6: WELLINGTON

Enjoy a self drive morning sightseeing tour of the Capital City including Parliament Buildings, Wellington Cathedral, Botanical Gardens, Oriental Bay and a panoramic view from the top of Mount Victoria over the city and harbour to the Hutt Valley in the distance below the hills to the north, and south over Wellington Airport and across Cook Strait to the Marlborough Sounds and the South Island. Return to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own or perhaps an Optional visit to Te Papa – The Museum of New Zealand, or a ride on the Kelburn Cable Car. (Please note that Optional activities mentioned above are not included in tour costs.)

DAY 7: WELLINGTON / PICTON / KAIKOURA

Check out of your hotel this morning and drive from the hotel to the Wellington Ferry Terminal and drop off your rental car prior to boarding the Inter Islander Ferry to Picton. Depart Wellington and sail out of the harbour and into Cook Strait and across to the Marlborough Sounds and the South Island. Cruise up the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. On arrival at Picton pick up your rental car and drive to Kaikoura travelling via the wine growing region of Marlborough, famous for Savignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines, and drive along the scenic Kaikoura Coast. Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or to walk around this quaint fishing village and former whaling station. Kaikoura is well known for the many very good seafood restaurants and for the fresh crayfish that abound here.

DAY 8: KAIKOURA / CHRISTCHURCH

Check out of the hotel this morning and drive to the Kaikoura "Whaleway" Station where you will be taken to the launch for a Whalewatch cruise to observe these giant mammals at close quarters. Afterwards, transfer to the Kaikoura Whaleway Station and pick up your car and continue south for the rest of the journey to Christchurch, travelling along the scenic Kaikoura Coast and through the sheep farming areas of North Canterbury, to arrive at Christchurch in the early evening. Check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the “Garden City” this evening. There are many bars, cafes & restaurants.

DAY 9:CHRISTCHURCH / MOUNT COOK / QUEENSTOWN

Check out of your hotel and drive to Franz Josef Glacier this morning, travelling through the Kawarau Gorge once more and the fruit-growing area around Cromwell and along the shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka before climbing up and over the bush clad Haast Pass to the West Coast beyond. Pass through the small settlements of Haast at the mouth of the Haast River and Fox Glacier further north before arriving at Franz Josef Glacier in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or perhaps take a walk to the Westland National Park Visitor Centre, or perhaps take a short drive up to the glacier terminal and take a short walk to get a spectacular view of the glacier itself.

DAY 10: QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN

Full day excursion to Milford Sound. Drive alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the towering Remarkables mountain range and across the flat Southland Plains to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park, now proclaimed a World Heritage Park. Pass through Beech forests, glaciated valleys, the Homer Tunnel with its 1:10 gradient, and stunning scenery to reach the majestic Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord which is dominated by Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls. View waterfalls and dolphins, seals, and maybe a few penguins as well as the spectacular scenery. Return to Queenstown in the early evening and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or experience the nightlife here.

DAY 11: QUEENSTOWN

Today is a free day at leisure with an opportunity to explore on your own or to experience some of the many Optional activities available here such as Jetboating, bungy jumping, whitewater rafting, gondola ride up Bob's Peak, luge, TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak Sheep Station, 4WD safaris and many more options. (Optional activities are not included in the tour costs.) Enjoy your time in beautiful Queenstown - the Adventure Capital of New Zealand.

DAY 12: QUEENSTOWN / FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

This morning enjoy a self drive city sightseeing tour of Christchurch including Cathedral Square and Christchurch Cathedral, Canterbury Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, Hagley Park, Mona Vale, Christchurch Antarctic Centre and a panoramic view from the Port Hills back across the city to the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps mountains beyond. The rest of the day is at leisure for Optional activities such as a ride on the Christchurch Tram or a visit to the Canterbury Museum, or a romantic punt on the Avon River or time for some last minute shopping, or to explore the surrounding region with many parks and beaches. (Please note that Optional activities mentioned above are not included in the tour costs.)

DAY 13: FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

This morning you will be taken on a ½ day guided glacier walk onto the actual frozen ice flow of the Franz Josef Glacier accompanied by experienced Alpine Guides who will explain the local flora and fauna as well as the geology of the glacier. Allow 4.5 hours for this guided walk. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own or perhaps take an Optional scenic helicopter flight over the glacier or walk down to the Westland National Park Visitor Centre and learn more about the glaciers which dominate this part of the West Coast. (Please note that Optional activities mentioned above are not included in the tour cost.)

DAY 14: FRANZ JOSEF / GREYMOUTH / CHRISTCHURCH

This morning enjoy a self drive city sightseeing tour of Christchurch including Cathedral Square and Christchurch Cathedral, Canterbury Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, Hagley Park, Mona Vale, Christchurch Antarctic Centre and a panoramic view from the Port Hills back across the city to the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps mountains beyond. The rest of the day is at leisure for Optional activities such as a ride on the Christchurch Tram or a visit to the Canterbury Museum, or a romantic punt on the Avon River or time for some last minute shopping, or to explore the surrounding region with many parks and beaches. (Please note that Optional activities mentioned above are not included in the tour costs.)

DAY 15: DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

Your arrangements conclude today with the drop off of your rental car at Christchurch International Airport prior to boarding your departure flight. Bon Voyage! We trust that you have enjoyed your New Zealand holiday with Adventure Pacific.