Icons of New Zealand Tour Itinerary

Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, Auckland is a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. It straddles a slim piece of land with the coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.

After checking into your hotel, relax and stretch your legs with a stroll around our beautiful city. Explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available for a more in-depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area. Visit the iconic Sky Tower, join a whale and dolphin cruise, visit nearby Waiheke or Rangitoto Island.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

This is the perfect glowworm cave tour for those that want to get a little off the beaten track and have the caves all to yourselves! The caves were formed by the erosion of rock by water over millions of years and are a true natural wonder. Enjoy a long and gentle boat ride beneath a galaxy of glowworms. As Waitomo's brightest glowworm cave it was used by Sir David Attenborough and the BBC! This tour is ideal for keen photographers who would like to take their time getting the perfect glowworm shot. All lights are turned off for at least 20 minutes so you can enjoy the glowworms and their stunning light displays at their very best.

Continue on to Lake Taupo this afternoon, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 345 kms | 214 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Taupo - 2 Nights

Impressive is the word best used to describe Great Lake Taupō, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia! Lake Taupō is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere.

Lake Cruise
Explore the largest Crater Lake in the world aboard Cruise Cat. Sit back and enjoy the picturesque northern bays of Lake Taupō and out to view the Maori Rock Carvings up close. A full commentary is given on the volcanic history and Māori mythology surrounding Lake Taupō. Take in the views of the spectacular snow-capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Being a large comfortable covered catamaran, this is a great cruise for most weathers. Complimentary Tea/Coffee and homemade muffin included.

Today your journey will continue to the Hawkes Bay. Before leaving Taupō visit the mighty Huka Falls. New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, dramatically narrows at Huka Falls, creating an incredible surge of water capable of filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just 11 seconds. The sight is captivating, but the roar is unmistakable—you’ll likely hear the falls before you catch a glimpse of them.

The Hawkes Bay area is one of New Zealand’s leading wine producers and is a popular place for bicycle wine tours with over 30+ cellar doors in the region. Hawke’s Bay is also known as New Zealand’s Art Deco capital. Napier and Hastings were rebuilt in the architectural styles of the time following the devastating 1931 earthquake.

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

Embark on a private, half-day guided tour of Hawke's Bay, where you'll experience the region's rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional artistry. Begin with a visit to a local Marae, where a Māori guide will provide spiritual insights into their traditions, offering a traditional welcome to their land. 

Indulge in a wine-tasting experience at renowned wineries, learning from the passionate winemakers who craft Hawke's Bay's celebrated wines. Visit the studios of local artists, viewing their unique paintings, sculptures, or pottery, and engage with them to understand their creative processes. 

Explore the stunning Hawke's Bay countryside, with options to visit a sheep and cattle station by a river, a historic country garden, a remote coastal beach, native bush, or an orchard. This bespoke tour is tailored to your interests, providing an unforgettable journey to uncover the true essence of this beautiful region.

Included Meals: Lunch

Return your rental vehicle to Napier Airport before boarding your flight to Christchurch and collecting your next rental vehicle on arrival. Christchurch is the city of renewal, where urban innovation meets heritage. Nestled between the majestic Southern Alps and the expansive Canterbury Plains, this dynamic city offers fresh experiences at every turn. Expect vibrant street art, cutting-edge projects, and a thriving hospitality scene amid lush green spaces. Known as "The Garden City", Christchurch blends modern architecture with some of New Zealand's oldest buildings, featuring inviting gardens and scenic parks that welcome all who seek to explore its charm.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

Today is a day of leisure. Christchurch is a vibrant blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. You'll want to explore the city's iconic sights, from wandering through lush, beautifully landscaped gardens to enjoying the peaceful Avon River. The central city is a mix of historic charm and modern development, with striking Gothic and contemporary architecture. Whether you're relaxing in green spaces, admiring local landmarks, or soaking in the atmosphere of the evolving city center, Christchurch offers a perfect balance of leisure, culture, and scenic beauty, ideal for getting to know the city at a relaxed pace.

The road to Mt Cook is one of the most spectacular in New Zealand, it hugs the edge of picture perfect 'Lake Pukaki'. This exquisite opaque turquoise coloured lake is one of the most photographed in New Zealand. Its astounding colour is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles suspended in the waters of the lake and reflected out to you the viewer.

The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park landscape is a mixture of high country tussock, farmland and snow-capped mountains and includes the highest peak in Australasia - 3755m (12,319 feet). The region attracts mountain climbers, hikers and scenery fanatics. There are a variety of walking trails that begin in or near Mount Cook Village. In the bar of the local hotel, huge windows provide a perfect view of Mt Cook and provides a great location for a relaxing drink or an evening meal.

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 Night

Take your time heading south today: you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery as it transforms from rugged coastal mountain ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown, your destination for tonight.

Included Meals: Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

Approximate Distance: 265 kms | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Immerse yourself in an authentic jetboat experience in  the South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area of Mount Aspiring National Park, home to some of the world’s most stunning scenery. Explore the untouched, iconic landscapes of the Dart River Valley.  This is the region's longest jet boat ride and travels along the braided Dart River through iconic landscapes, towering mountain ranges and ancient native forests. You will be guided by local experts who will share stories of the land on a half-day adventure that you will never forget.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

Sit back and take in the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! You'll be carried 450 metres to the top of Bob's Peak where you get to experience a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak.

Although celebrated as New Zealand's 'adventure capital' Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region's best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's 'Rata.' - but if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shot over Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy the Icons of New Zealand luxury Self Drive Itinerary and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes