Independent North to South Explorer

This 18 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

Explore the cities of Auckland, the tropical Bay of Islands, Rotorua and Wellington before embarking on a circuit of the South Island. The wine regions of Marlborough, the whales of Kaikoura, the garden city of Christchurch and the mighty Southern Alps. The Alpine adventure town of Queenstown awaits before heading to the West Coast Glaciers. Return to Christchurch on board the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic train.

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 Auckland Airport to Auckland accommodation with Tourcorp

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

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

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

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

Itinerary summary for: Independent North to South Explorer

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland the 'City of Sails'
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Day 2: Collect your rental car, then it's over the harbour bridge and north to the tropical Bay of Islands
Accommodation: Sea Spray Suites

Day 3: A full day to explore, you could take to the water or discover the history of Waitangi
Accommodation: Sea Spray Suites

Day 4: Cross Northland following the aqua blue waters of the Hokianga before travelling down the Kauri Coast
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Day 5: Drive south through the fertile farmland of the Waikato and maybe stop at Hobbiton Village on your way to Rotorua
Accommodation: Quest Rotorua Central

Day 6: Your day in Rotorua could be spent discovering Maori culture or thrilling adventure rides
Accommodation: Quest Rotorua Central

Day 7: Today is filled with fantastic scenery including Lake Taupo, the Desert Road and the Kapiti Coastline as you approach Wellington
Accommodation: CityLife Wellington

Day 8: Today you'll cross the Cook Strait by Ferry. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: Bella Vista Blenheim

Day 9: Drive to the seaside town of Kaikoura today
Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura

Day 10: It’s just a short drive south to Christchurch, if time allows perhaps stop at the Waipara Valley wineries
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 11: Explore the ever changing city of Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 12: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 13: Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 14: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 15: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 16: Explore Franz Josef and Westland National Park
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 17: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 18: Depart Christchurch today