The New Zealand Voyage - A Luxury Self-Drive Itinerary

‘Kia Ora’ Welcome to New Zealand!

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation. The city itself has bounced back after a series of major earthquakes, and has shown its resiliency with a number of new and exciting developments popping up everywhere.

Stop in at the Riverside market - a 7-day-trading, indoor market, linked to a vibrant network of boutique retail, restaurants, cafes & bars. Make the most of your free time today.

Some suggested activities in Christchurch if you have time:

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura and living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. It is here that resident bachelors dive to immense depths in search of giant squid, so accessible to sperm whales but still elusive to mankind. Visitors are drawn to Kaikoura by the ability to view these magnificent mammals in their own environment 12 months of the year and Kaikoura. The rich diversity of wildlife found means that every day is a chance to see something different and unique - and you will - from seabirds to cetaceans (whales and dolphins), seals, or even orca whales.

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night 

Continue to the charming town of Blenheim in the heart of the Marlborough wine growing district. Home to plenty of sunshine and friendly, down to earth locals. It’s a great base from which to cycle the local vineyards and enjoy the artisanal food offerings.

Don’t miss tasting a glass of the Sauvignon Blanc – the vineyards surrounding Blenheim are known for producing some of the world’s best. In and around town there is a delightful range of delicious restaurants, cafes and shops.

For something a little different, visit the nearby Omaka Aviation Centre to view an impressive collection of World War One aircraft and fascinating memorabilia.

Approximate Distance: 130 kms | 81 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Accommodation: Blenheim - 1 Night 

Make a stop in the small seaside town of Picton before boarding the Interislander Ferry for the journey through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook Strait to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. 

Embraced by a natural amphitheatre of ocean and hill, Wellington merges big city culture with small town charm. A lively energy pulses through what is celebrated as New Zealand’s arts, film, coffee, culinary, craft beer, events and political capital.

Wellington is also known as a socially and environmentally conscious city. Declared nuclear weapon free over 30 years ago in 1982, it was also the first capital city in the southern hemisphere to gain Fair Trade status, and is home to the world-leading Zealandia sanctuary.

Approximate Distance: 27 kms | 17 miles  Total Driving Time: 25 mins

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Today is a free day at leisure to explore the nation's capital. There is plenty to see and do around this vibrant city such as riding the famous Cable Car up the hill to Kelburn for amazing views or a visit to Zealandia Eco Sanctuary.

The Museum of New Zealand 'Te Papa' is full of national treasures and sits beside the water in the downtown area of the city centre - well worth a visit. Another very popular excursion is a visit to the Weta Workshop, the worldleading design and special effects facility most famous for its work on the Lord of the Rings films. If you like to stay active, take a walk around the harbour to Oriental Bay and visit one of the many cafés before returning to the city.

Leaving the capital you are soon travelling through rolling farm land as you travel into the rural heartland of the Waiarapa region. Stop at historic Greytown to view excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture. The village has a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants making it one of New Zealand’s premier shopping destinations.

Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco- the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area.  Napier is the world’s finest example of the Art Deco age and your guide will bring Napier's fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre. 

Approximate Distance: 324 kms | 200 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

We believe there is only one way to experience wine and food in this region and that is by taking a private tour with a passionate local expert. You will visit a selection of wineries from the iconic to the boutique, under-the-radar vineyards, where you’ll be able to meet the winemakers, be treated to behind-the-scenes winemaking including barrel tastings. A popular option is lunch at one of the award-winning winery restaurants where your guide will answer any questions you might have about the region, its wines, food and its people. By the close of the day, you’ll have sampled some of the best wines in the New World under the expert tutelage of your guide and winemakers themselves.

Stop to view the might Huka Falls on the way through Taupo before arriving at the geothermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu. Sculptured by volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, this uniquely different natural landscape is considered to be New Zealand's most colourful, diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance, including the stirring haka.

Approximate Distance: 240 kms | 149 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 10 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Today’s highlight is an exclusive cruise across the serene, clear waters of Lake Rotoiti. Explore native bays and coves of the lake under sail on our luxury catamaran and bathe in the thermal waters of the Manupirua hot springs, accessible only by boat. For dinner tonight we highly recommend checking out Eat Streat, a collection of top-notch restaurants and bars with an all-weather al fresco dining area.

After a leisurely breakfast, cross the Mamaku Ranges into the lush farmlands of the Waikato district. Stop to stretch our legs and wander through the award-winning Hamilton Gardens.

Continuing your journey north, Auckland's glittering skyline and lively harbour await you this evening. Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, the Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with a coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the West Coast, the wild Tasman Sea.

Approximate Distance: 229 kms | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 55 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Auckland, also known as the ‘City of Sails’.  Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with a coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Relax you are on holiday, take time to stroll around the Viaduct Harbour, sit in a cafe and enjoy your surroundings - this is a friendly easygoing city.

Some recommended activities and sightseeing options:

Sadly, your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. Here we bid you farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport to connect with your onward flight.