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Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer

This 20 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Queenstown.

Starting in Auckland with time to truly explore the region’s natural features this tour then travels through the heart of the North Island by scenic train. The South Island beckons with a host of natural and scenic locations and inclusions. From Abel Tasman National Park's beaches to Kaikoura's whales to the West Coast's unique Glaciers and geology, the diversity is outstanding. In the deep-south you’ll discover the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula and spend a night in the remote Doubtful Sound before returning to Queenstown.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique Lodges & Hotels.

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: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to Auckland accommodation with Tourcorp

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring

Included activity: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Included activity: Arrowtown Wanaka Highlights Tour

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Included activity: Doubtful Sound Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise

Included activity: Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

Included activity: Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Place

Included activity: Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

Included activity: Full Day Taste of Auckland Tour + Lunch with Bush and Beach

Included activity: The Northern Explorer Scenic Train: Auckland to Wellington

Included activity: Private transfer Wellington train station to hotel (IST)

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland accommodation to Auckland Train Station with Tourcorp

Included activity: Private transfer Wellington hotel to Interislander Ferry (IST)

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

19 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 2 special dinners

Itinerary summary for: Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer

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

Day 2: Explore Auckland 'The City of Sails'
Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Day 3: Explore the best of the city in the morning and this afternoon indulge in the local food and wine
Accommodation: Fable Auckland

Day 4: Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer scenic train
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Day 5: Explore the capital Wellington City
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Day 6: Catch the Interislander Ferry to the South Island then drive to Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Day 7: Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Day 8: Pass through the Nelson Lakes region which leads you to Kaikoura
Accommodation: Bendamere House B&B

Day 9: Head south through North Canterbury to Christchurch
Accommodation: The Muse Christchurch

Day 10: Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, then onto Punakaiki
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 11: Drive south along the stunning West Coast Road with its rugged coastline and mountain backdrop
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 12: Get up close to the glaciers on a spectacular scenic flight
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 13: Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to Wanaka, then take the Crown Range Road to Queenstown
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 14: Explore the beautiful scenery of Queenstown and sample the amazing range of activities on offer
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 15: Today explore historic Arrowtown and Wanaka, then tonight cruise across Lake Wakatipu for dinner
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 16: Travel to Doubtful Sound for your overnight cruise
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator Overnight Boat in Doubtful Sound

Day 17: Enjoy todays drive through Central Otago to Dunedin
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle

Day 18: A day to explore the wildlife and history of Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle

Day 19: Return to Queenstown from Dunedin
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 20: Depart for home