New Zealand is a country with so much on offer that it is hard to know where to start, we are here to make that process easier. We can tailor itineraries to suit varying trip lengths and cover different areas and experiences. Below we have put an example of a two week whirlwind tour including some fishing and both islands suitable for single travellers or couples.
Day 1:
Arrive in Auckland, transfer to SKYCITY Grand Hotel and overnight.
Day 2:
Collect your hire car and drive to Tongariro Lodge, near Taupo.
Days 3 to 5:
Three full days fishing at Tongariro Lodge.
This famous New Zealand fishing lodge provides private comfortable lodge accommodation in one bedroom chalets and 2 to 5 bedroom villas, all with private facilities and views of the Tongariro River or mountains beyond. The lodge is the ideal venue for fishermen, but also offers a wide selection of family adventures. The Tongariro Lodge Guides provide access to over 40 rivers and three Lakes, offering the most diverse range of rainbow and brown trout fly fishing opportunities in New Zealand. The crystal clear waters make the fishing for large rainbow and brown trout very exciting as you watch each twitch of the fin and flick of the tail. The Taupo region is a year round fishery famous for its salmon like trout runs in the autumn and winter months to spawn in the head water of the rivers.
Day 6:
Depart today for Wellington. Stop en route for coffee and lunch at one of the small rural service towns you will pass through. Once in Wellington, you will have time at leisure to explore the capital city. An excellent recommendation is the national museum, Te Papa, where you will have the opportunity to learn a little more about New Zealand`s history and Maori culture. You may also like to take a trip up to Zealandia, a fabulous native bird sanctuary on the hills above Wellington. Overnight at the InterContinental Wellington.
Day 7:
Drive to the ferry terminal this morning and board the InterIslander ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. The crossing takes around three hours. Upon arrival in Picton you will make the short 30 minute drive into the Blenheim and Marlborough winelands. Spend the afternoon exploring the Blenheim winelands. If you’d like to explore we recommend visiting the well-known Blenheim and Marlborough vineyards such as Cloudy Bay or Oyster Bay. Alternatively, we can arrange guided tours of the region and its vineyards. Overnight at The Bell Tower.
Day 8:
This morning take the beautiful inland drive to Hanmer Springs, this is a very scenic drive and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Spend the rest of today at leisure in Hanmer Springs, you might like to take a relaxing dip in the natural hot pools and then go for a walk to take in the beautiful alpine scenery. Overnight at the Heritage Hanmer Springs.
Day 9:
Today, drive to Christchurch where you will have time to explore the city this afternoon, check out the Re-Start container mall and perhaps visit the Antarctic centre. Try out one of the fabulous restaurants in the city, the Tram restaurant is a great way to see the city whilst dining. Overnight at The George Hotel.
Day 10:
Drop your car at the airport and take a taxi to the train station this morning where you board the TranzAlpine train. This three hour scenic journey takes you across the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass National Park to South Island’s west coast. Upon arrival in Greymouth you collect your hire car from the train station and take a leisurely drive down to the Glaciers. We can highly recommend stopping en route at the small town of Hokitika for lunch. The drive to Franz Josef takes around three hours. Overnight at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
Day 11:
Today you will have a chance to explore the beautiful glacier region of New Zealand, you can take part in a heli-hike trip on the glacier which is a great way to view the glaciers and fantastic Southern Alps mountain range including Mount Cook. Overnight at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
Day 12:
This morning, you will drive south to Queenstown. On the way, there are plenty of short walks to take in the Haast Pass and scenic spots to enjoy. Stop off for the afternoon in Wanaka, a beautiful lakeside town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Then take the road over the Cardrona range to Queenstown which offers you spectacular views of the Queenstown area. Overnight at The Rees Apartment Hotel.
Day 13:
You will have the day to explore the area and join in some of the many activities and trips available in New Zealand’s outdoor activity capital. Overnight at The Rees Apartment Hotel.
Day 14:
Return your car at Queenstown airport this morning as you fly to Auckland (a flight of just under two hours) in time to connect with your international flight.
Approximate trip costs:
Single traveller: NZ$8,000 per person based on a single room throughout
Two people: NZ$5,000 per person based on a shared room throughout
The costs exclude Air fares, car hire & fuel, lunch & dinner at most hotels, gratuities and additional activities.
If you would like more information on New Zealand please contact Alex Jardine or call the office on +44(0)1980 847389.