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SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

New Zealand

Spectacular New Zealand

18 NIGHTS FROM £16,995 per person

New Zealand is a compact country of rare seismic beauty, fascinating Maori culture, award-winning wineries and cosmopolitan cities. Incorporating both North and South Island, this self-drive itinerary invites you to experience the very best of New Zealand and savour it all at your own pace.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS expand_more

Take an early morning soak in the geothermal waters of Rotorua’s Lake Tarawera

Cycle with a guide between several of Blenheim’s wineries, stopping to taste of course

Swim with dusky dolphins in the wild off the coast of Kaikoura

Get the ultimate view of the famed Milford Sound from your private helicopter

Through A Local Lens

While New Zealand is renowned for its outdoor pursuits, this itinerary also showcases the country’s amazing art scene. In Rotorua, join contemporary Maori artist Todd Couper for a look around his workshop. Over in Queenstown, a guided itinerary introduces you to several artists in their studios, showcasing their amazing artwork.

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Spectacular New Zealand

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ITINERARY DETAILS

    DAY DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    TRANSFERS

    • Type:
    • Summary:
    • Feature:
    • Rooms:
    • Location:
    • Star rating:
    MEAL BASIS

    DAY 3-5 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    The idyllic island of Waiheke kicks off your adventure in New Zealand, offering a warm welcome, beautiful beaches and enchanting vineyards. A private guided tour of the wine area allows you to choose from a range of award-winning vineyards to visit. A local lunch, premium wine and olive tasting is included, while you can also visit a nearby craft gallery and stroll along the coast.

    TRANSFERS

    Return to Auckland City Depot to collect your rental vehicle. Then, drive to Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua.

    The Boatshedkeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Luxury Hotel
    • Summary: Shabby-chic beach accommodation at its most luxurious
    • Feature: Panoramic ocean views from the hotel’s island setting
    • Rooms: 5 beach cottages and 2 bungalows
    • Location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand’s North Island, New Zealand
    • Star rating: NZ Luxury Lodge
    MEAL BASIS

    Breakfast

    DAY 5-7 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    Geothermal Rotorua is characterised by bubbling pools and dramatic geysers. Take to Lake Tarawerea by private launch boat, soaking in the thermal waters as they reflect the morning light. Later, a guided tour begins with a stroll through the Otanewainuku Forest, where giant trees house kiwi and kokako birds, before continuing to Mount Maunganui. Visit the private studio of Maori artist Todd Couper, looking at his work and hearing about how his culture inspires his unique practice.

    TRANSFERS

    Drive to Rotorua Airport and return your rental vehicle for your flight to Wellington. Here, collect another rental vehicle and drive to Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay.

    Solitaire Lodge
    • Summary: A lodge with breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera
    • Feature: Activities include hikes to waterfalls, bays and natural thermal springs
    • Rooms: 10 suites
    MEAL BASIS

    Breakfast, light lunch, pre-dinner drinks and dinner daily

    DAY 7-9 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    While in rugged Palliser Bay, you’ll stay amid 5,000 acres of scenic sheep farmland. Hop in a 4WD for a guided farm safari around the coastal ranch, learning more about the country’s farming heritage through sheep shearing demonstrations and watching sheep dogs in action. You can also spot seals from Cape Palliser’s impressive lighthouse.

    TRANSFERS

    Drive to Wellington Airport and return your rental vehicle for your flight to Blenheim. Here, collect another rental vehicle and drive to The Marlborough Lodge, Blenheim.

    Wharekauhau Country Estatekeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Luxury Lodge
    • Summary: A fantastic farm location with a relaxing atmosphere
    • Feature: The seasonal cuisine and wines are simply mouthwatering
    • Rooms: 13 suites & 1 cottage
    • Location: Palliser Bay, New Zealand’s North Island, New Zealand
    • Star rating: NZ Luxury Lodge
    MEAL BASIS

    Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and dinner daily

    DAY 9-11 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    A town in the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region, Blenheim offers alfresco adventures amid beautiful scenery. A private guide will lead you on a relaxing, easy cycling tour around the local wineries, inviting you to taste some of the award-winning labels.

    TRANSFERS

    Drive to Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura.

    The Marlborough Lodge
    • Summary: A luxury lodge nestled within 16 acres of picturesque parkland
    • Feature: Fresh local cuisine and wine are served at the Harvest Restaurant
    • Rooms: 10 suites
    MEAL BASIS

    Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and dinner daily

    DAY 11-13 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    Renowned for its ecotourism and outdoor pursuits, Kaikoura is a picturesque seaside village on South Island’s east coast. Get up close to charming dusky dolphins on a small group cruise. Watch them as they frolic in their natural surroundings, swimming alongside these incredible animals. Other possible activities here include whale-watching and strolling the scenic Peninsula Walkway.

    TRANSFERS

    Drive to Christchurch Airport and return your rental vehicle for your flight to Queenstown. Here, transfer by shared helicopter to Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Wanaka.

    Hapuku Lodge
    • Summary: A stunning lodge with an onsite vegetable garden and farm
    • Feature: Explore the local Hapuku trails by mountain bike or on foot
    • Rooms: 5 treehouses
    MEAL BASIS

    Half Board

    DAY 13-15 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    From your base in the mountains, a private scenic helicopter flight will showcase the spectacular natural beauty of New Zealand’s Fiordlands and Southern Alps. Soar over waterfalls, mountain lakes, glaciers and the iconic Milford Sound, before stopping for a gourmet barbecue picnic with a seriously beautiful backdrop.

    TRANSFERS

    Transfer by shared helicopter to Queenstown Airport for your private car transfer to Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown.

    Minaret Stationkeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Luxury Lodge
    • Summary: An alpine lodge set at the head of a remote glacial valley
    • Feature: A wilderness retreat, accessible only by helicopter
    • Rooms: Main Alpine Lodge with Chalets
    • Location: Wanaka, New Zealand's South Island, New Zealand
    • Star rating: NZ Luxury Lodge
    MEAL BASIS

    All-Inclusive

    DAY 15-18 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    As well as the countless outdoor activities that Queenstown offers – including bungy jumping and zip lining – the city also boasts an impressive art scene. Join a private art guide as you visit a variety of off-the-beaten track studios, meeting the artists and viewing their incredible work. This full-day excursion is rounded off with lunch at a lovely local café and an afternoon spent tasting the artisan produce of a nearby winery.

    TRANSFERS

    Take a private car transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight to London.

    Eichardt's Private Hotelkeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Luxury Lodge
    • Summary: Enjoy stunning lake or mountain views from your suite
    • Feature: Eichardt's Bar serves delicious cocktails
    • Rooms: 5 suites & 4 cottages
    • Location: Queenstown, New Zealand's South Island, New Zealand
    • Star rating: Member of 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World'
    MEAL BASIS

    Breakfast

    DAY DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    TRANSFERS

    • Type:
    • Summary:
    • Feature:
    • Rooms:
    • Location:
    • Star rating:
    MEAL BASIS

DAY ACCOMMODATION

TRANSFERS

  • Type:
  • Summary:
  • Feature:
  • Rooms:
  • Location:
  • Star rating:
MEAL BASIS

DAY 3-5ACCOMMODATION
Waiheke Island, New Zealand

The idyllic island of Waiheke kicks off your adventure in New Zealand, offering a warm welcome, beautiful beaches and enchanting vineyards. A private guided tour of the wine area allows you to choose from a range of award-winning vineyards to visit. A local lunch, premium wine and olive tasting is included, while you can also visit a nearby craft gallery and stroll along the coast.

TRANSFERS

Return to Auckland City Depot to collect your rental vehicle. Then, drive to Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua.

The Boatshedkeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Luxury Hotel
  • Summary: Shabby-chic beach accommodation at its most luxurious
  • Feature: Panoramic ocean views from the hotel’s island setting
  • Rooms: 5 beach cottages and 2 bungalows
  • Location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand’s North Island, New Zealand
  • Star rating: NZ Luxury Lodge
MEAL BASIS

Breakfast

DAY 5-7ACCOMMODATION
Rotorua, New Zealand

Geothermal Rotorua is characterised by bubbling pools and dramatic geysers. Take to Lake Tarawerea by private launch boat, soaking in the thermal waters as they reflect the morning light. Later, a guided tour begins with a stroll through the Otanewainuku Forest, where giant trees house kiwi and kokako birds, before continuing to Mount Maunganui. Visit the private studio of Maori artist Todd Couper, looking at his work and hearing about how his culture inspires his unique practice.

TRANSFERS

Drive to Rotorua Airport and return your rental vehicle for your flight to Wellington. Here, collect another rental vehicle and drive to Wharekauhau Country Estate, Palliser Bay.

Solitaire Lodge
  • Summary: A lodge with breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera
  • Feature: Activities include hikes to waterfalls, bays and natural thermal springs
  • Rooms: 10 suites
MEAL BASIS

Breakfast, light lunch, pre-dinner drinks and dinner daily

DAY 7-9ACCOMMODATION
Palliser Bay, New Zealand

While in rugged Palliser Bay, you’ll stay amid 5,000 acres of scenic sheep farmland. Hop in a 4WD for a guided farm safari around the coastal ranch, learning more about the country’s farming heritage through sheep shearing demonstrations and watching sheep dogs in action. You can also spot seals from Cape Palliser’s impressive lighthouse.

TRANSFERS

Drive to Wellington Airport and return your rental vehicle for your flight to Blenheim. Here, collect another rental vehicle and drive to The Marlborough Lodge, Blenheim.

Wharekauhau Country Estatekeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Luxury Lodge
  • Summary: A fantastic farm location with a relaxing atmosphere
  • Feature: The seasonal cuisine and wines are simply mouthwatering
  • Rooms: 13 suites & 1 cottage
  • Location: Palliser Bay, New Zealand’s North Island, New Zealand
  • Star rating: NZ Luxury Lodge
MEAL BASIS

Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and dinner daily

DAY 9-11ACCOMMODATION
Blenheim, New Zealand

A town in the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region, Blenheim offers alfresco adventures amid beautiful scenery. A private guide will lead you on a relaxing, easy cycling tour around the local wineries, inviting you to taste some of the award-winning labels.

TRANSFERS

Drive to Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura.

The Marlborough Lodge
  • Summary: A luxury lodge nestled within 16 acres of picturesque parkland
  • Feature: Fresh local cuisine and wine are served at the Harvest Restaurant
  • Rooms: 10 suites
MEAL BASIS

Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and dinner daily

DAY 11-13ACCOMMODATION
Kaikoura, New Zealand

Renowned for its ecotourism and outdoor pursuits, Kaikoura is a picturesque seaside village on South Island’s east coast. Get up close to charming dusky dolphins on a small group cruise. Watch them as they frolic in their natural surroundings, swimming alongside these incredible animals. Other possible activities here include whale-watching and strolling the scenic Peninsula Walkway.

TRANSFERS

Drive to Christchurch Airport and return your rental vehicle for your flight to Queenstown. Here, transfer by shared helicopter to Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Wanaka.

Hapuku Lodge
  • Summary: A stunning lodge with an onsite vegetable garden and farm
  • Feature: Explore the local Hapuku trails by mountain bike or on foot
  • Rooms: 5 treehouses
MEAL BASIS

Half Board

DAY 13-15ACCOMMODATION
Wanaka, New Zealand

From your base in the mountains, a private scenic helicopter flight will showcase the spectacular natural beauty of New Zealand’s Fiordlands and Southern Alps. Soar over waterfalls, mountain lakes, glaciers and the iconic Milford Sound, before stopping for a gourmet barbecue picnic with a seriously beautiful backdrop.

TRANSFERS

Transfer by shared helicopter to Queenstown Airport for your private car transfer to Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown.

Minaret Stationkeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Luxury Lodge
  • Summary: An alpine lodge set at the head of a remote glacial valley
  • Feature: A wilderness retreat, accessible only by helicopter
  • Rooms: Main Alpine Lodge with Chalets
  • Location: Wanaka, New Zealand's South Island, New Zealand
  • Star rating: NZ Luxury Lodge
MEAL BASIS

All-Inclusive

DAY 15-18ACCOMMODATION
Queenstown, New Zealand

As well as the countless outdoor activities that Queenstown offers – including bungy jumping and zip lining – the city also boasts an impressive art scene. Join a private art guide as you visit a variety of off-the-beaten track studios, meeting the artists and viewing their incredible work. This full-day excursion is rounded off with lunch at a lovely local café and an afternoon spent tasting the artisan produce of a nearby winery.

TRANSFERS

Take a private car transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight to London.

Eichardt's Private Hotelkeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Luxury Lodge
  • Summary: Enjoy stunning lake or mountain views from your suite
  • Feature: Eichardt's Bar serves delicious cocktails
  • Rooms: 5 suites & 4 cottages
  • Location: Queenstown, New Zealand's South Island, New Zealand
  • Star rating: Member of 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World'
MEAL BASIS

Breakfast

DAY ACCOMMODATION

TRANSFERS

  • Type:
  • Summary:
  • Feature:
  • Rooms:
  • Location:
  • Star rating:
MEAL BASIS

ITINERARY MAP

ITINERARY EXCURSIONS

The Vineyards of Waiheke
Half Day Tour (Approx: 5 Hours)

You will be met at your accommodation by your guide and private Tesla vehicle for a tailor-made sightseeing tour of Waiheke island’s vineyards, with the opportunity to craft your own personal itinerary according to your interests. Since the late 1970s Waiheke's wonderful Mediterranean climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry, with focus on low quantities of extremely high-quality fruit that are made into award-winning wines. Visit art and craft galleries, stroll along beautiful beaches, and enjoy premium wine and olive tasting, as well as enjoying a light, locally sourced lunch.

Lake Tarawera by Boat
Morning Experience

Enjoy a private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera, stopping to soak in the geothermal waters – said to have healing benefits – and soaking up the stunning morning sun as it rises above the native bush.

The Nature and Culture of Rotorua
Full Day Tour

Join a private guide for a full day exploring the delights – both natural and cultural - of Rotorua. Your day begins with a short walk between the giant trees of Otanewainuku forest, renowned for its abundant bird population. Continue to Mount Maunganui, a relaxed beach town that occupies a peninsula at the southern end of Tauranga Harbour, stopping for lunch here. Once refuelled, you will pay a visit to the private studio of Todd Couper, a contemporary Maori artist that specialises in wood carving and sculpture, whose pieces have been commissioned both locally and internationally. As you look around, Todd will share how his culture inspires his artwork.

Cycle Between the Wineries of Blenheim
Full Day Cycling Tour

There’s no better way to soak up the beauty of Blenheim than by bicycle. Join a private guide for a day cycling through the countryside and vineyards – at a leisurely pace and across gentle terrain - between up to five local wineries. Stop to sample the area’s world-renowned wine in each, as well as enjoying lunch at one vineyard (at an extra cost).

Swim with Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura
Small Group Excursion (Approx: 4 Hours)

Join a small group for a boat cruise in the waters off Kaikoura, home to a year-round population of charming dusky dolphins. Renowned for their acrobatic leaps and interaction, spot the incredible creatures as they frolic in their natural environment.

Helicopter Flight to Milford Sound
Private Experience

Board your private helicopter and soar above the enchanting grandeur of the Alps, passing over rainforests, frozen lakes, and majestic Milford Sound to the heart of Fiordland. Absorb the spellbinding beauty of this immense destination, getting up close to huge waterfalls and seeing the region’s unique wildlife in its otherwise inaccessible natural habitat. After a gourmet barbecue picnic lunch with a spectacular mountain backdrop, embark on your return flight.

Wakatipu Basin with an Art Expert
Full Day Tour

The beautiful Wakatipu Basin is renowned for its population of artists, one of which will join you as a guide on this full day tour. As a private tour, you are able to tailor the itinerary to suit you, visiting a range of off-the-beaten-track studios and meeting the artists that work there. Hear the stories behind their masterpieces, while admiring original sketches, painting and sculptures. Lunch is included at a local café, followed by a visit to a local winery for a tasting of artisan wines to round off your day.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

New Zealand’s mildest months and longest days fall between October and April – great for enjoying the wealth of outdoor activities.

  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC
Best

18 NIGHTS FROM £16,995 per person

Price based upon economy flights from London, transfers, UK airport lounge passes and meals and excursions as specified.

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We are proud to have been awarded the Feefo Platinum Service Award in 2023. This independent seal of excellence recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers.

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