Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, white stone Oamaru and along the coastline to Palmerston. Cross Mt Cargill to Dunedin, the 'Edinburg of the South'. Arrive in early afternoon with time for optional sightseeing of the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.
Overnight in Dunedin.
Carisbrook Motel
Quality Hotel Cargills
Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Day 2: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional sightseeing. Now it's the rich farming country of South Otago and Southland as we travel to Balclutha and turn west to Gore. The countryside becomes drier as you reach Lumsden, Mossburn and then your first glimpse of Fiordland.
Overnight in Te Anau.
Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Luxmore Hotel
Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Take a morning tour of the beautiful Miford Sound. Later in the afternoon climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau and across country to the alpine playground of Queenstown.
Two nights in Queenstown
Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge
Sherwood Manor
Oaks Shore Apartment
Kingsgate Hotel Terraces Queenstown
The Heritage Queenstown
Peppers at the Beacon Queenstown
Day 4: In Queenstown
Today is completely at your leisure . here are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping, visit Walter Peak etc.
It is a short drive through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge to Lake Wanaka. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to visit Puzzling World or the Fighter Pilots' Museum.
Overnight in Wanaka
Aspiring Lodge
Edgewater Resort Hotel and Apartments
Day 6: Wanaka - Glaciers
Travel through the southern lake district to the Haast Pass. Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you travel north towads the glaciers.
Stay two nights at Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.
Fox Glacier Fox Glacier Hotel
Glacier View Hotel
Glenfern Villas
Glenfern Villas
Day 7: At Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions onto the glacier, by foot or by helicopter, for bush walks or local sightseeing.
Travel north past Hokitika, where you can see jade carvers at work, to Greymouth and return your vehicle. In the afternoon board the renowned Tranz Alpine train and travel through the lengthy Otira Tunnel, over Arthurs Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch once more.
Overnight in Christchurch.
Ashleigh Court Motel
Chateau on the Park
Copthorne Central Christchurch
Heritage Christchurch
Cashel Apartments
The George
*Day 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington *
Depart Christchurch on he Tranz Coastal train makes an early start through dry North Canterbury sheep country. Next it edges along the narrow coastal strip between the ocean and the rugged Kaikora Ranges, before turning inland to Blenheim and Picton. Board the Interislander ferry to cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to the Wellington in the North Island.
Stay 2 nights in Wellington.
Du Pont Motel
The Bay Plaza Hotel
Copthorne Oriental Bay
Duxton Hotel Wellington
This morning take in the Parliament Buildings and 'Beehive', Old St Paul's Cathedral, panoramic views of the harbour and city from Mt Victoria and a ride on the cable car. In the afternoon perhaps visit Te Papa Museum or the Museum of City and Sea.
Day 11: Wellington - Rotorua
Pick up your vehicle and travel north along the Kaikora Coast and then ascend the central plateau, where the peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe stand watch over Lake Taupo. Pass the steam fields of Wairakei and exotic forests to arrive in fiery Rotorua. We recommend you attend a fascinating Maori hangi and concert tonight.
Stay two nights in Rotorua
Union Victoria Motor Lodge
Princes Gate Hotel Rotorua
Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay, Rotorua
Day 12: At Rotorua
Make time this morning to see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and perfoming sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free and there are many activities to enjoy.
Day 13: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
After leaving fiery Rotorua, you travel to Waitomo for a tour of the limestone caves. Board an underground punt to cruise in awe below a galaxy of glow worms. Continue via Hamilton and the Waikato River to Auckland once more.