Compare New Zealand's Wildlife self-drive by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 25 days |
| Price From | $ 8,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 360 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy lights. Stratovolcanoes rise above grassy plains. Ice fields career down almost to the edge of the Tasman Sea. And that’s just for starters. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.
Day 2 : International outbound flight
On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.
Day 3 : Russell & The Bay of Islands
On arrival in Auckland you will be met by our representatives and have a private transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight to the Bay of Islands. Once in Kerikeri you pick up a hire car and make your way to your accommodation.
Day 4 : Russell & The Bay of Islands
This morning you join a Dolphin swim cruise which will take you out into the bay to look for dolphins. What a way to start your holiday!
Day 5 : Auckland
Make your way south from the Bay of Islands to the international city of Auckland where you will stay for two nights. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city. I recommend making a stop at the Viaduct Harbour region to have a nice meal or stop my the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about the New Zealand war history.
Day 6 : Auckland
Today you'll be collected from your hotel in the morning and enjoy a full day tour of the Tiritiri Matangi Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary. This is an excellent chance to learn of the history and evolution of New Zealand's birds and animals. Along with time to independently explore, the day includes a guided walk through the native bush.
Day 7 : Coromandel Peninsula
Make your way southeast to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula today. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Coromandel Peninsula. I recommend going to Hot Water Beach to make your own hot water hole or head to the mining region of the peninsula.
Day 8 : Coromandel Peninsula
You will be collect from your accommodation for a full day tour of the Coromandel. You will tour around the entire peninsula, visiting beautiful coastline and seemingly endless mountains. Your guide will ensure you learn of the Coromandel's significant Maori cultural history. In terms of industrial history, you will visit old gold mining site from the area's mining hay day. Your guide will also highlight the native Kauri trees (New Zealand Redwoods), and the impressive Hot Water Beach, where you can have a hot spring experience like none other on Earth!
Day 9 : Rotorua
Make your way south to Rotorua, the thermal centre of New Zealand. Here you can see bubbling mud-pools, steaming lakes and impressive geysers. In the evening you will be collected from your accommodation and head to a local Maori cultural center. Enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi meal and cultural experience at the Mitai Maori Village. You will learn of New Zealand's indigenous culture, be treated to a Haka performance, and walk through the sacred Fairy Springs, which is a renowned spot for glow worms. Finish the night by taking a trip into Rainbow Springs where you have the chance to see kiwi.
Day 10 : Rotorua
Today you will go on an adventure to see volcanoes and rainforests on a guided walk around the Rotorua area. You will also learn lots about the native bird life on this trip.
Day 11 : Wellington
Head out early today and make your way south to the capital city of Wellington. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Wellington. We recommend stopping at the famous Te Papa Museum, to learn all about the country's Natural, Maori, and European history.
Day 12 : Wellington
Spend the day at leisure exploring the capital city before taking a trip out to Zealandia tonight for a night tour - the reserve is home to plenty of native species which had originally been wiped out from the mainland. There is a great chance to see Tuatara and Kiwi birds here.
Day 13 : Murchison
Journey across the Cook Strait and through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds today, looking out for dolphins and seals as you cruise through the tranquil waters. Drive south to Murchison, an overnight stay on your way to Kaikoura.
Day 14 : Kaikoura
Drive to Kaikoura this morning and go for an afternoon walk around the peninsula, where you will see the extensive seal colonies and can also see how much of the sea bed has raised up with the recent earthquake.
Day 15 : Christchurch
This morning you join the Whale Watch trip, departing from the Whale Way Station in Kaikoura. You will hopefully encounter the majestic sperm whales, as well as dolphins, albatross and seals, all of which make these waters their home.This afternoon, drive to Christchurch.
Day 16 : Christchurch
Spend today at your leisure. Although Christchurch is still undergoing reconstruction from an earthquake in 2011, there is still loads to see and do. Enjoy a walk through Hagley Park on your way to the Central Business District, where you'll find an abundance of shops and restaurants.
Day 17 : Dunedin
Make your way down to Dunedin today, and you might like to stop for a break at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders, just north of Palmerston.
Day 18 : Dunedin
You join a wildlife cruise today that will allow you to see the fantastic wildlife of this area in its natural environment. The trip includes a visit to the yellow-eyed penguin colony, an extremely rare species, where you can get very close to the penguins via some specially designed underground walkways.
Day 19 : Stewart Island
Continue to make your way south to Invercargill in time for your short flight over to Stewart Island, a pristine island which is mostly national park where you will stay for two nights.
Day 20 : Stewart Island
Today you have a full-day tour of Ulva and Stewart Islands with a knowledgeable local guide, on which you will learn all about the resident fauna and flora.
Day 21 : Te Anau
You return to Invercargill by light aircraft today and continue onto Te Anau where you will stay for one night.In the evening make your way down to the Real Journeys Visitor Centre for an evening excursion to the renowned Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, one of the few places on earth to see these bioluminescent creatures!
Day 22 : Array
This morning you will be collected from your hotel and driven to Manapouri, where you'll get a ferry across to the Manapouri Power Station and then board another coach, bringing you to the Doubtful Head via Wilmot Pass, allowing you to see the Sound from far above. You'll board the Fjordland Navigator for your overnight scenic cruise. There are a number of ways to experience the Sound, with its dominating peaks and cascading waterfalls, enjoy this magical place as you wish!
Day 23 : Queenstown
You will return from the cruise late this morning to collect your car and make your way to Queenstown for your last night stay.
Day 24 : Queenstown
Today you will fly from Queenstown to Auckland to connect with your onward flight.
Day 25 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
