• Taste of New Zealand

Taste of New Zealand

This 10 Day New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary is ideal for those with a short amount of time but looking to taste some of New Zealand’s premium highlights. Take in Auckland city, the magical underground glow worm caves, the geo-thermal parks of Rotorua, our unique Maori Culture and the Mt John Observatory to discover our dark sky reserve.  You will also jet boat around icebergs on a glacier lake and finish with a cruise on Milford Sound – ranked as the eighth wonder of the world!

Highlights: Auckland City Sightseeing with Sky Tower, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua Thermal & Volcanic Tour, Evening Maori Hangi & Cultural Show, Mt John Night Sky Observatory, Glacier Jetboat Ride and Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise & Lunch.

Day By Day

1

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland city centre offers world-class shopping, restaurants, bars and galleries which are encircled by wine regions, stunning beaches, pristine rainforest and the magnificent Hauraki Gulf.

On your arrival into Auckland you will be met and transferred to your city hotel.   The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation:
Heritage Hotel, Superior Room with Full Breakfast *

A lovingly restored landmark building full of grace and elegance. The Heritage Auckland has stunning views of the Waitemata Harbour and is only moments away from the Viaduct Basin and all the central amenities of Auckland. Boasting a restaurant, cafe, bar, two swimming pools, spa, sauna, fitness centre and tennis court. 

*If you are arriving early from an International Flight, please see our team about pre-registering your room for guaranteed access on your arrival. (at additional cost)

2

Auckland

Enjoy a Sightseeing Tour of Auckland’s City Highlights including the famous Auckland Sky Tower. Visit the Viaduct Harbour, the famous Queen Street, the city’s oldest park – Auckland Domain along with Parnell Village. Take in the panoramic views of the harbour and gardens from the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial before returning to the city to arrive at the Sky Tower. At 328 metres high, the Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure offering breathtaking 360 degree views from the observation

Highlights:

  • Explore Auckland, this magical city known as the ‘City of Sails’
  • Experience the Sky Tower, at 328m high this is the highest building in the Southern Hemisphere.

Accommodation:
Heritage Hotel, Superior Room with Full Breakfast

3

Auckland to Waitomo, Rotorua

Today’s Drive Time & Distance:
Auckland/Waitomo, 2.5 hours, 224km’s (139miles)
And Waitomo/Rotorua, 2 hours, 139 km’s (86 miles)

Collect your Intermediate Sedan rental vehicle (Holden Cruze or similar) with all-inclusive insurance.

Passengers: 5
Bags: 2 x Large
Key Features: Automatic Transmission, 4 Door Sedan, Air Conditioning and Dual Airbags.

For more information about your rental, see rental conditions. Please contact us if you would like to upgrade your vehicle type to a larger vehicle or SUV/4WD (at additional cost).

Make your way to Rotorua, via Waitomo.

On route, you will visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and enjoy a guided tour of over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery including the impressive Cathedral.  Then, a boat trip will take you through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto where you will glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Grotto, fascinated by these tiny glowworms that light your way.

Continue to Rotorua, a volcanic wonderland and a place that is rich in Maori culture and history.

Highlights:

  • Discover Waitomo’s underground caves and view the spectacular Glowworm Grotto.

Accommodation:
Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel & Spa, Superior Room with Full Breakfast

The Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel & Spa redefines modern hospitality with a visionary blend of modern design, luxurious facilities and bespoke service to inspire imaginative travellers. Located in the heart of Rotorua, within close walking distance of the lakefront and adjacent to the eating precinct.

4

Rotorua

Learn about Rotorua’s colourful hot springs, erupting geysers, boiling mud pools and spectacular volcanoes on your half day Rotorua Thermal & Volcanic Tour. You will visit Wai-o-tapu, the Lady Knox Geyser along with Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

In the evening, you will experience a challenge by a Maori warrior and welcomed onto the marae, following the formal elements of this ceremony, relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world-renowned haka and the elegant poi dance.  You will have a chance to participate before sitting down to enjoy traditional and indigenous hangi (earth oven cooked meal).  Following dessert, return into the park and enjoy delicacies and a hot drink beside the Pohutu geyser.

Highlights:

  • Experience Rotorua’s geothermal activity including bubbling mud pools, steaming lakes and shooting geysers.
  • Be captivated by our traditional Maori Culture with songs and dance.

Accommodation:
Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel & Spa, Superior Room with Full Breakfast

5

Rotorua to Christchurch

Return you rental vehicle to Rotorua Airport and connect with your internal flight to Christchurch. (flight not included).

Once in Christchurch, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to your city hotel.   Following the 2010-2011 earthquakes, Christchurch has re-emerged as a vibrant and ever-changing city.

Highlights:

  • Explore the ‘Garden City’, Christchurch and witness its rebirth following the earthquakes.

Accommodation:
Rydges Latimer Hotel, Superior Room with Full Breakfast

Rydges Latimer Christchurch is located just two minutes walking distance from the city centre and an easy driving distance from a range of local attractions and activities. The hotel overlooks Latimer Square and features 138 guest rooms and home to an excellent restaurant and bar.

6

Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Today’s Drive Time & Distance: 3 hours, 228km’s (141 miles)

This morning, you will have further time to explore Christchurch before your drive to Lake Tekapo.

In June 2012 the Aoraki Mackenzie region, encompassing Lake Tekapo, was approved as one of only a few International Dark Sky Reserves (IDSR) worldwide. It is the world’s largest gold rated IDSR, meaning the darkness of our night skies is almost unbeatable!

This evening, discover what the southern skies offer with an observatory tour at Mt John and experience the thrill of looking deep into the cosmos with powerful telescopes. When the stars are hidden from view, take a journey behind closed doors and get a glimpse of what life is like as an astronomer.  You will also see a range of research equipment that is out of bounds to the general public, and learn all about the different research that goes on at Mt John.

Highlights

  • Experience our clear Southern skies  at Mt John Observatory
  • View the stunning milky blue coloured,  glacial lakes of Lake Tekapo and Pukaki.

Accommodation:
Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo, Deluxe Hotel Room with Full Breakfast

Peppers Bluewater Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind during your stay in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy the breath-taking views out over the lake, as well as interior furnishings that are inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.  Rooms are designed with large windows, Wifi and underfloor heating.

7

Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook, Queenstown

Today’s Drive Time & Distance: 4 hours, 366km’s (227 miles)

Follow the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook for your Glacier Jetboat Ride.   This three-hour tour takes you on an up-close encounter with icebergs, on the Tasman glacial terminal lake.  Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and some of the best photographic opportunities as well. Your guide will give you an in-depth interpretation of glaciation, terminal lake formation, plate tectonics and a brief coverage of local and climbing history, flora & fauna leaving you with not just an insight into the Tasman Glacier but to the creation of New Zealand.

Continue to Queenstown, New Zealand’s Adventure Capital!

Highlights:

  • Explore the Tasman Glacial Lake by jetboat to view impressive Icebergs.
  • Take a short walk in the Mount Cook National Park  (time permitting)

Accommodation:
The Rees Hotel, Lakeview  Hotel Room with Full Breakfast

The Rees Hotel is a sophisticated five-star hotel situated right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.  The Rees offers a variety of spacious and luxurious accommodation offering spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu to the alpine panorama of the Remarkable Mountain range.

The Rees Hotel include a library of rare books and art, courtesy shuttle to/from Queenstown town centre, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, movies and local telephone calls, a fully-equipped gymnasium, secure undercover parking, electric car-charging station and its own private beach and wharf accessing jet-boat and water taxi services.

8

Milford Sound Day Trip

Leaving your car, board your glass roofed coach for your relaxing journey to Milford Sound today.  Enjoy the leisurely Milford Sound Nature Cruise which cruises the length of the fiord whilst taking in the waterfalls, scenery and history of the region by their onboard nature guide.   Be sure to watch out for dolphins, seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguins. A picnic lunch is included onboard.

Return to Queenstown by coach, or take in a scenic flight back to Queenstown (additional cost applies).

Highlights:

  • Relax by coach and travel into Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park.
  • Take in the spectacular waterfalls on your Milford Sound Cruise.
  • View wildlife including dolphins, seals and Fiordland’s crested penguins.

Accommodation:
The Rees Hotel, Lakeview  Hotel Room with Full Breakfast

9

Queenstown

Today is at leisure.

Optional Activities:
Whether its adrenaline pumping adventures you’re after, like Bungy Jumping, canyon swings or jetboat rides or a relaxing day sampling wines, enjoying an easy bike ride or scenic cruise – just let us know, we would be happy to help.

Accommodation:
The Rees Hotel, Lakeview  Hotel Room with Full Breakfast

10

Depart Queenstown

Grab your last minute shopping before returning your car to Queenstown Airport and connecting with your onwards flight. (flight not included).

Your 10 Day New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary concludes today.

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Mount Cook

Visit New Zealand's Aoraki Mt Cook, our highest peak. It stands at 3724 metres ... Read more

Contact Details

Phone Us
+64 3 3555 990
+64 21 461 971

Our Physical Address
21 Verona Place, Ohoka
Christchurch 7692
New Zealand

Our Postal Address
PO Box 36437, Merivale
Christchurch 8146
New Zealand

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Tour Inclusions

10 Day New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary

Terms & Conditions

Booking Terms & Conditions:

Currency

All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars and includes 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax).

Pricing

Pricing is subject to availability and confirmation of the stated itinerary at time of booking.  If we are unable to confirm the stated hotels and services, we will endeavour to confirm substitutes at similar rates, however additional costs may apply.

Rental Car Terms & Conditions:

Inclusions: unlimited kilometres, airport/ferry collection fee, full insurance (subject to reduced excess), front windscreen cover, personal accident insurance, guaranteed replacement vehicle in case of accident.

Exclusions: insurance excess reduction of $345.00 including GST (note, standard insurance excess is $3,450.00 including GST), bond, petrol costs, one way fee ($57.50), optional extras, (all additional expenses to be paid direct)

Payment Policy

We do require a non-refundable deposit of NZD$250.00 per person before we go ahead with securing any reservations.

In addition, some of our suppliers may require further deposits to cover their strict cancellation policies, in this case we would advise you at the time of quoting and confirming your itinerary.

The balance of your booking would be required 45 days prior to your travel date.   If you book inside 45 days, full payment would be required at time of booking.

Payment can be made by electronic wire transfer and should include the additional NZD $25.00 bank fee.   We also accept Visa and Mastercard at an additional fee of 3.1%.

Bank Account Details

Bank Name & Address: Westpac Bank, Mid City Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand

Account Name: Inspired New Zealand Travel

BSB Number: 03-0296

Account Number: 0011146-000

Swift/Routing Code: WPACNZ2W 

Amendments

We are happy to amend your itinerary and dates, however please keep in mind that some of the original services may not be available for your new dates, which may incur additional costs for substituted services.   Amendment fees may apply with multiple changes.

Cancellation Fees

Once Confirmed               Non-refundable Deposit of NZD $250.00 per person

Inside 45 – 21 Days          A Cancellation fee of 30% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 20 – 8 days             A Cancellation fee of 50% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 7 Days                      Full Cancellations, 100% charge

We will however do our very best to recover and minimise these cancellation fees but recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to cover yourself.

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