16 Days 15 Nights Wellington Friends Holiday Package

After arriving in Auckland, collect your rental vehicle and take a short drive into Auckland city. Explore downtown Auckland sights which include world-class restaurants, great shopping and the beautiful viaduct harbour.

Experience a panoramic view of the city from the Sky Tower and Mount Eden or wander through the lawns and gardens of The Domain. Here, take time to visit the War Memorial Museum. And, for the plant lovers, the winter garden houses exotic plants. Or take a drive out to one of West Auckland’s rugged beaches, the choice is yours.

This day you’ll set off towards the Waikato region. Visit the world famous Waitomo Glow Worm caves optional after lunch before driving through lush farm land to Rotorua where you’ll spend the night.

Today is dedicated to local Rotorua sightseeing and activities. Starting at Agrodome with an entertaining farm show, you’ll learn all about New Zealand farming and animals. Next, visit Rainbow Springs and encounter New Zealand’s native kiwi bird! Your final stop of the day is Te Puia, where a Maori welcome and cultural performance await. Finally, experience a guided tour of Te Puia’s geothermal mud pools and geysers.

Today’s drive takes you through diverse North Island landscapes to Wellington. Stop to marvel at the sheer power of Huka Falls. Then, drive along the Eastern shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Experience the wide open spaces of the Desert Road as you drive across the central plateau and past Mt Ruapehu. Finally, you’ll journey along the Kapiti coast and into Wellington city.

Try out Wellington’s excellent cafes and restaurants. Take a stroll along Oriental bay or to the peak of Mt Victoria for 360 degree views. Visit New Zealand’s national museum Te Papa and take a ride on the cable car to the botanic gardens. With everything within close walking distance there is so much on your doorstep to explore!

Cruise across Cook Strait with your car on the Interislander ferry. Travelling through the stunning Marlborough Sounds you reach Picton. And from there you have a pleasant 1. 5 hour drive to sunny Nelson.

A morning drive from Nelson to Kaiteriteri along Tasman Bay brings you to the starting point for your Abel Tasman adventure. After boarding your cruise vessel you’ll have hours to enjoy crystal clear blue waters, secluded beaches with a chance to walk in lush forest tracks to stretch your legs. Additionally, kayaking and other activities are available. Abel Tasman really is one of New Zealand’s most uniquely beautiful national parks.

A relaxing day of driving through towns and forest. A short walk takes you to the Punakaiki rock formations. These unique limestone rock formations are a great photo opportunity and there is also a blowhole where the sea shoots upwards through the rock.

A morning drive to Franz Josef arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, experience a walk to the majestic Franz Josef glacier. The walk takes around 1. 5 hours at an easy pace and is suitable for most travelers.

During today’s drive, stop at Lake Matheson and take a walk up to the jetty viewpoint . Enjoy postcard perfect views of the Southern Alps. Wind your way through untouched beech forests to Haast pass where you’ll cross over the Southern Alps. Stop at scenic Lake Wanaka before the final leg of the drive to Queenstown.

Adventure or relaxation? The choice is yours. Ride up to Bob’s peak on the Skyline Gondola optional for world class views of Queenstown and surrounds. Next, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Queenstown gardens and lake front or choose an optional adventure activity like jet boating or bungy jumping.

Today you will visit Milford Sound, one of the eight wonders of the natural world. The day trip takes you across the picturesque mountains, valleys, lakes and towns with many photo opportunities. Finally, the cruise itself in the fiord surrounded by forest-covered high cliffs is unforgettable. You will witness hundreds of waterfalls and southern wild-life like fur-seals, penguins and dolphins. Please note this journey is by coach to avoid the long return drive, however if you are a keen driver you can drive instead.

Today you begin another specatular road journey through the high country of limpid lakes to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. Driving north, stop briefly at historic Cromwell to sip coffe on the shores of Lake Dunstan. Continuing up north, drive along Lake Pukaki to view Mount Cook at lunch time. Then passing through Twizel, reach Lake Tekapo for a night’s stay. Do not miss the Church of Good Shepherd before motoring on to Christchurch through the scenic Canterbury plains.

The drive from Tekapo to Christchurch is fitting climax to your tour. It isa relaxing drive through the Canterbury plains with the Southern Alps in the background. Take the scenic route instead of the faster Highway number 1, which is more relaxing and should not take more than half hour extra. With frequent stops to take all the great photo opportunities and opportunities to relax at some of the cafes on route you would arrive at Christchurch for a restful evening.

Enjoy a free day to explore Christchurch city at your leisure. You could enjoy a walk along the Avon River, visit the botanic gardens and art gallery or simply soak up the local atmosphere in a cafe! Alternatively, take a drive out to the historic french/Maori settlement at Akaroa.