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New Zealand Discoverer North to South Self Drive Tour

This 23 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

Travel the length of New Zealand taking in the highlights and iconic landscapes you’ve heard so much about.  With many 2 night stays along the way, the relaxed pace of this tour allows you the time to really experience each destination.  The scenery and geography will change dramatically as you travel from the balmy Bay of Islands in the north, to the mountains and alpine lakes of the south.  We’ve included a nature cruise in Milford Sound and the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey, two of the must-do activities in the South Island.  Take a look at our suggested activities to see what other experiences await you on this New Zealand tour. 

Accommodation type on this tour is: Hotel 4 star.

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: Milford Sound Cruise and picnic lunch with RealNZ

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

Included activity: Te Pā Tū Evening Maori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with exclusive access to the Premium Plus Lounge

22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: New Zealand Discoverer North to South Self Drive Tour

Day 1: Arrive Auckland City
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland

Day 2: Explore Auckland and surrounds
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland

Day 3: Leave Auckland over the harbour bridge, then travel north to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

Day 4: Discover the history of Waitangi or take a cruise through the island studded bay
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

Day 5: Cross Northland following the aqua blue waters of the Hokianga before travelling down the Kauri Coast
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland

Day 6: Drive south through the rich farmland of the Waikato and maybe stop at Hobbiton Village on your way to Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Day 7: Today you can explore Rotorua from above, or maybe a nature experience, before a Maori experience at Tamaki Village
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Day 8: Today is filled with fantastic scenery including Lake Taupo, the Desert Road and the Kapiti Coastline as you approach Wellington
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay

Day 9: Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough

Day 10: Travel the Coastal Pacific Highway to Kaikoura
Accommodation: Bendamere House B&B

Day 11: Travel through North Canterbury countryside to Christchurch
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Day 12: Explore Christchurch City
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Day 13: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium

Day 14: Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Day 15: Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Day 16: Travel through the rolling farmland of South Otago and Southland to reach Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 17: Today you'll drive the magnificent Milford Road to Milford Sound for your cruise on the fiord
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 18: Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 19: Today is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 20: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 21: Explore Franz Josef and the glaciers of Westland National Park
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 22: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Day 23: Depart Christchurch today