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

This morning enjoy a self drive sightseeing tour of the city including a drive across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and see the impressive Westhaven Yacht Marina. Drive through the city centre and along Tamaki Drive which overlooks the Waitemata Harbour, with the extinct volcano of Rangitoto dominating the Hauraki Gulf.

Visit the memorial for Michael Joseph Savage, a former Prime Minister and take in the view looking back towards the city. From here drive past Parnell Village and its Victorian era Villas now converted to boutique shops for the discerning, and on to the Auckland Domain ,an inner city park with the Auckland Museum as the centre piece.

Later drive up the volcanic crater of Mt Eden from the top of which you will get panoramic views across the sprawling city in all directions. Return to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or for Optional activities.

DAY 3: AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA

Depart Auckland and travel south along the motorway and over the Bombay Hills and descend into the lush, green, dairy farming region of the Waikato Province and continue alongside the Waikato River for some of the way en route 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.

Travel over the bushclad Mamaku Ranges and arrive at the “Thermal Spa City”of Rotorua. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own or to perhaps take an Optional soak in the thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa. (Please note that Optional costs are not included in the tour costs.)

DAY 4:ROTORUA / QUEENSTOWN

This morning enjoy a 1/2 day self drive 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.

Self drive to Rotorua Airport afterwards and drop off the rental car before boarding your flight to Queenstown. (Please note that airfare not included in tour costs.) Pick up another self drive rental car on arrival at Queenstown Airport and drive to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. There are many options available in Queenstown.

DAY 5: 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, seals, dolphins and maybe see some penguins as well as the beautiful scenery. Return to Queenstown in late afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 6: QUEENSTOWN

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 to the top of Bob's Peak, TSS Earnslaw Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak Sheep Station, 4WD safaris and many more options. (Please note that Optional costs are not included in the tour costs). Enjoy your time in Queenstown - the Adventure Capital of New Zealand.

DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN /FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Depart Queenstown and self drive to Franz Josef Glacier this morning traveling through the scenic Kawarau Gorge once more and the fruit growing area around Cromwell and along the shores of Lakes Hawea and Lake 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. Check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or perhaps take a walk to the Westland National Park Visitor Centre and learn about the glaciers that dominate this region.

DAY 8: FRANZ JOSEF / GREYMOUTH / CHRISTCHURCH

Check out of the hotel and depart Franz Josef this morning and drive north to Greymouth, passing through the small settlements of Harihari, Ross and Hokitika as well as several beautiful lakes surrounded by native bush, on the way.

Perhaps stop at Greymouth for a lunch break and then drive via the scenic Arthur’s Pass across the Southern Alps mountain range to Christchurch arriving in the "Garden City" in the late afternoon. Drive to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and explore on your own or perhaps for some last minute shopping for local souvenirs.

DAY 9: 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.