Northbound Explorer

This 16 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Auckland.

From Christchurch you’ll first travel a loop of the lower South Island, including the iconic attractions of Mt Cook National Park, the alpine ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown and the spectacular wilderness of the West Coast. Crossing back to Christchurch on board the TranzAlpine scenic train, you then venture north. Along the way explore the wonderful wildlife of Kaikoura, before crossing the Cook Strait to the North Island and the quirky capital city of Wellington. Travel through the central plateau to Rotorua and its bubbling mud pools and unique Maori culture before arriving into Auckland the ‘City of Sails’.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Shared Transfer from the TranzAlpine Railway Station to a City Hotel with Christchurch Touring Company

Itinerary summary for: Northbound Explorer

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch City
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 2: Explore the ever changing city of Christchurch or take a day trip to Akaroa
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 3: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 4: Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 5: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 6: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 7: Take the opportunity to get up close to the remarkable glaciers either by foot or air
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 8: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 9: Head north through Canterbury countryside to the marine mecca of Kaikoura
Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura

Day 10: Drive via the coastal road before reaching the vineyards surrounding Blenheim
Accommodation: Blenheim Palms Motel

Day 11: Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Departing Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington

Day 12: Today is filled with fantastic scenery including Lake Taupo, the Desert Road and the Kapiti Coastline as you depart Wellington
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 13: Your day in Rotorua could be spent discovering Maori culture or thrilling adventure rides
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 14: Drive through the rich fertile farmland of the Waikato and maybe stop at Hobbiton Village on your way to Auckland
Accommodation: Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments

Day 15: Make the most of your last day and either take the ferry to Waiheke or try one of the many activities on offer in the city
Accommodation: Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments

Day 16: Depart Auckland today