05 day North Island Nature Booking Code: SD-5
10 day South Island - Vineyards, Glaciers & Lakes Booking Code: SD-10
08 day Southern New Zealand - Fiords & Nature Booking Code: SD-8
14 day New Zealand - The Groud Tour Booking Code: SD-14
23 day Great New Zealand Booking Code:SD23
15 day Spirtit Of New Zealand Booking Code: SD15
Note: costs for 2011 will be set in early 2010.
Cost shown below are indicative only
SELF DRIVE OPTIONS
For those clients wanting more freedom and independence, a self-drive itinerary is a wonderful option. Included is a selection of self drive itineraries of varying lengths and destinations that have been designed to cover some of the most scenic areas of New Zealand but at a manageable pace for utmost enjoyment. A choice of accommodation is offered to suit individual clients' needs -BUDGET, MODERATE or SUPERIOR hotels. Additional nights or destinations may be added to suit your requirements. Simply send us your special request.
Tour packages include rental car hire, daily standard insurance and unlimited kilometres. Insurance excess cover is required to be paid when uplifting the car. Details will be given at the time of booking. An airport fee is also payable when collecting the car. Note: Overnight parking charges will apply at some properties
GPS units also available (additional charges apply)
NORTH ISLAND NATURE Booking Code: SD-05
DAY 1 Arrive Auckland
You will be met at Auckland airport and assistance will be given with collecting your car. The rest of the day is free. We recommend a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Kelly Tarltons Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter.
Stay: Auckland (1 night)
DAY 2 Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, a favoured holiday destination. Here native forests and beaches abound, the most famous being Hot Water Beach where hot water bubbles through the sand at low tides.
Stay: Coromandel Peninsula (1 night)
DAY 3 Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua
There is time this morning for further sightseeing of the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula before embarking on a leisurely drive to Rotorua - the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The city of Tauranga and the seaside resort of Mt Maunganui are also points of interest you may want to explore today.
Stay: Rotorua (2 nights)
DAY 4 At Rotorua
A free day to enjoy Rotorua and its thermal parks and Maori culture. We suggest a visit to the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and maybe a visit to the Polynesian Hot Pools Spa.
DAY 5 Rotorua to Auckland
A visit to Waitomo Glow-worm Caves is recommended en route back to Auckland.
Your tour ends on arrival in Auckland. You may return your car to the city or airport rental car depot.
NZD590.00 per person
Prices based on Budget Accommodation and 2 persons travelling together
Prices based small Small 5 door automatic car Hyundai Getz (or similar)
Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Moderate and Superior Accommodation options available on request.
Contact us with your request ipc@southern-world.com
SOUTH ISLAND - VINEYARDS, GLACIERS, & LAKES Booking Code: SD-10
DAY 1 Christchurch to Blenheim
Depart from your IPC hotel, a transfer will be provided to the rental car depot to collect your vehicle. Journey northwards to the seaside town of Kaikoura where a Whalewatch cruise is recommended. Continue onto Blenheim, New Zealand's leading wine region. Many wineries are open for daily visits and offer excellent restaurants.
Stay: Blenheim (1 night)
DAY 2 Blenheim to Nelson
A short drive through vineyards and farmlands to Nelson which is located close to the Abel Tasman National Park where many walks are available.
Stay: Nelson (2 nights)
Day 3 At Nelson
Today is free for you to enjoy Nelson, considered to be the sunniest province in New Zealand. The area is also known for it's wonderful craft shops, glass blowing, and other boutique industries. A visit is included to Abel Tasman National Park today, where we walk some of the track and take in the spectacular beach and bush scenery is also recommended.
DAY 4 Nelson to Punakaiki
Depart Nelson and travel through spectacular forests to the West Coast where you will drive alongside the Tasman Sea Coastline to Punakaiki, the location of the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Stay: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel
DAY 5 Punakaiki to Franz Josef
Travel south to the Westland National Park and enjoy spectacular scenery. Many excellent short bush walks are available en route.
Stay: Franz Josef Glacier (1 night)
DAY 6 Franz Josef to Queenstown
A drive up to the viewing area of the Fox Glacier is recommended as you travel south and through the Haast Pass to Queenstown.
Stay: Queenstown (2 nights)
DAY 7 Queenstown
Today is a free day in Queenstown. Optional activities available in this region include bungy jumping, jet boat rides, lake cruises, white water rafting, golf, shopping and much more.
DAY 8 Queenstown to Twizel/Omarama
Journey through the highlands of the South Island to Mount Cook National Park where sightseeing flights and short alpine walks are available. Return to the village of Twizel or Omarama for an overnight stay.
Stay: Twizel or Omarama (1 night)
DAY 9 Twizel/Omarama to Christchurch
Travel by Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo and then cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
DAY 10 Depart Christchurch
Your arrangements finish this morning when you return your car to the rental car airport or city depot. Haere Ra.
NZD1385.00 per person
Prices based on Budget Accommodation and 2 persons travelling together
Prices based small Small 5 door automatic car Hyundai Getz (or similar)
Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Moderate and Superior Accommodation options available on request.
Contact us with your request ipc@southern-world.com
SOUTHERN NEW ZEALAND - FIORDS & NATURE Booking Code: SD-8
Day 1 Christchurch - Dunedin
Depart from your IPC hotel, a transfer will be provided to the rental car depot to collect your vehicle. Today's drive is along the eastern coast of the South Island passing through the regional towns of Timaru and Oamaru and offering views of the dramatic coastline and surf. Dunedin is a city of Scottish heritage, illustrated by striking Edwardian and Victorian architecture. It is also one of the country's largest university centres. We suggest a visit to the unique Moeraki Boulder Beach en route.
Stay: Dunedin (2 nights)
Day 2 Dunedin
This morning is free to explore the city. We suggest a visit to historic Olveston House or the Speights Brewery, famous for it's southern ale. This afternoon you will visit the Royal Albatross Colony located on Otago Peninsula followed by a cruise where you will view seal and shag colonies and many other seabirds and sea life.
Day 3 Dunedin-Te Anau
Travel through the fertile farmlands of the Otago and Southland provinces. Arrive at Lake Te Anau, the gateway to the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. This evening a visit to the Te Anau Glow-worm Caves is included.
Stay: Te Anau (1 night)
Day 4 Te Anau - Milford Sound
Depart Te Anau and follow the Hollyford Valley through beautiful beech forest. Pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into Milford Sound where you will board the Milford Mariner for an overnight stay cruising the fiord. Enjoy views of the surrounding peaks, waterfalls and wildlife. Dinner and breakfast is included on your cruise.
Stay: Milford Sound cruise (1 night)
Please note: this overnight cruise is subject to available space, should the cruise be fully booked you can be accommodated at Te Anau and enjoy a day trip to Milford Sound on Day 5.
Day 5 Milford Sound - Queenstown
After breakfast disembark from the Milford Mariner and travel to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Activities include fishing, white-water rafting, bungy jumping, lake cruises or simply relaxing.
Stay: Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 6 Queenstown
Take advantage of our special sightseeing offers as you enjoy your stay in Queenstown. A ride to the top of Bobs Peak by gondola is recommended for spectacular views.
Day 7 Queenstown - Christchurch
Travel through the Kawarau Gorge, a gold mining region in the 1860's and through the MacKenzie Country to Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo. Descend onto the Canterbury Plains and continue to Christchurch where your tour ends.
(There is an option to end your tour in Queenstown if preferred.)
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
DAY 8 Depart Christchurch
Your arrangements finish this morning when you return your car to the rental car depot at Christchurch city or airport. Haere Ra.
NZD1188.00 per person
Prices based on Budget Accommodation and 2 persons travelling together
Prices based small Small 5 door automatic car Hyundai Getz (or similar)
Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Moderate and Superior Accommodation options available on request.
Contact us with your request ipc@southern-world.com
NEW ZEALAND - THE GRAND TOUR Booking Code: SD-14
Day 1 Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland. On arrival you will be met and assisted with collecting your car. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy the 'City of Sails'. Auckland's highlights include the city's Skytower, the sparkling harbour, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and the America's Cup Yacht Marina.
Stay: Auckland (1 night)
Day 2 Auckland - Rotorua
Drive through the city of Hamilton en route to Rotorua. You may wish to visit the Glow-worm Caves at Waitomo which would add a few hours to your travelling day.
Stay: Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 3 At Rotorua
A free day to enjoy Rotorua and it's thermal parks and Maori culture. We suggest a visit to the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and maybe a visit to the Polynesian Hot Pools Spa.
Day 4 Rotorua - Tongariro National Park
Pass through Taupo on your way south where you will enter the Desert Road and the Tongariro National Park. Stay overnight in the midst of the park where many alpine walks are available.
Stay: National Park (1 night)
Day 5 Tongariro National Park - Wellington
Continue your journey through farmlands to New Zealand's capital city - Wellington. We suggest a visit to our national museum - Te Papa.
Stay: Wellington (1 night)
Day 6 Wellington - Nelson
Cross Cook Strait, the channel of water that separates New Zealand's two islands and arrive in the picturesque village of Picton. Collect your South Island car and journey through vineyards and farming countryside to Nelson, considered New Zealand's sunniest destination.
Stay: Nelson (2 nights)
Day 7 At Nelson
A free day to enjoy this region. We suggest a visit to the Abel Tasman Park, sea kayaking with one of the many kayaking operators in the region, or a visit to the Wearable Arts Museum, and Arts and Crafts outlets.
Day 8 Nelson - Greymouth
Continue down the West Coast along dramatic countryside and coastlines. We suggest a stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks en route. Overnight in Greymouth.
Stay: Greymouth (1 night)
Day 9 Greymouth - Franz Josef
Pass through the township of Hokitika and enter the lush rain forest of Southern Westland. Once you have arrived at Franz Josef you may chose to take a walk along the marked tracks to the face of the glacier. Scenic flights are also available.
Stay: Franz Josef (1 night)
Day 10 Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown
Today the scenery changes dramatically as you journey through the Haast Pass to the high-country grasslands of Otago. Pass by Lakes Hawea and Wanaka before arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Stay: Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 11 At Queenstown
Today is a free day in Queenstown. Optional activities available in this region include bungy jumping, jet boat rides, lake cruises, white water rafting, scenic flight, golf, shopping and much more.
Day 12 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Drive through Fiordland National Park and the Homer Tunnel to Milford where you will join a cruise on the fiord. View towering peaks rising from the sea floor and tumbling waterfalls. Return to Te Anau in the afternoon.
Stay: Te Anau (1 night)
Day 13 Te Anau - Mount Cook Region
Today's relaxed drive will take you through the high country region of North Otago to the township of Twizel where you will stay overnight. We suggest a visit to Mount Cook National Park today.
Stay: Twizel (1 night)
Day 14 Mount Cook Region - Christchurch
Drive through the MacKenzie Country where you will view Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, before descending onto the South Canterbury foothills and the towns of Fairlie and Geraldine. Continue on across the Canterbury Plains to the city of Christchurch. This elegant city offers an extensive array of attractions including the International Antarctic Centre and Canterbury Museum.
Terminate tour on arrival at your IPC Championship hotel.
Return your car to the rental car depot tomorrow morning.
NZD1970.00 per person
Prices based on Budget Accommodation and 2 persons travelling together
Prices based small Small 5 door automatic car Hyundai Getz (or similar)
Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Moderate and Superior Accommodation options available on request.
Contact us with your request ipc@southern-world.com
GREAT NEW ZEALAND Booking Code:SD23
DAY 1 Christchurch - Greymouth - Franz Josef
Depart from your IPC hotel, a transfer is provided to the railway station. The Tranzalpine is world renowned as "The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure". Crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, the Tranzalpine winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys to the settlement of Arthur's Pass. Then you will enter the tunnel that takes you through the Southern Alps and on through the lush beech forest to the town of Greymouth. On arrival make your way to the rental car depot to collect your vehicle and self drive to Franz Josef passing through farmlands and rainforests.
Stay: Franz Josef (1 night)
DAY 2 Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka
There is time this morning to explore the glacier before departing for Wanaka. You will drive through the Haast Pass and spectacular native bush until reaching Otago and the head of Lake Wanaka. Follow the lake edge to the township.
Stay: Wanaka (2 nights)
DAY 3 Wanaka
Today is free to enjoy Wanaka. Many activities are available including walks, the Warbirds Museum and Puzzelworld.
DAY 4 Wanaka - Dunedin
Drive along the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell and continue on through the region which is dotted with vineyards and fruit orchards. The terrain will then change to rich farmlands as you approach Dunedin.
Stay: Dunedin (1 night)
DAY 5 Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free to explore this city, with it's taste of Scottish heritage. A great option is to drive out to the Otago Peninsula where the Royal Albatross Colony is located. In the afternoon, make your way to Te Anau.
Stay: Te Anau (2 nights)
DAY 6 Doubtful Sound Day Tour
Today you will enjoy an excursion to this secluded sound which is an unspoilt and remote wilderness of many moods. Your day's adventure begins as you cruise across Lake Manapouri. Here you will board a coach and travel over Wilmot pass before arriving at Deep Cove where you will join the catamaran for a 3 hour cruise. Bottlenose dolphins are often seen alongside the vessel, fur seals on the rocks and at times rare penguins may be observed.
DAY 7 Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Today's drive brings you to Milford Sound. A cruise on the sound provides an opportunity to view sheer rock walls and waterfalls, rising over 5,000 ft above the seal level. Return via Te Anau to Queenstown.
Stay: Queenstown (3 nights)
DAY 8 Queenstown
Today is free to explore this alpine resort, considered New Zealand's adventure capital! The choice of activities are endless including bungy jumps, jet boating, parapunting, white water rafting, golf, lake cruises, shopping and much more.
DAY 9 Queenstown
Another free day in Queenstown
DAY 10 Queenstown - Lake Tekapo
Depart Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge and traverse the Lindis Pass before reaching the Mackenzie Country with its vast expanses of tussock, bordered by the snow capped Southern Alps.
Stay: Lake Tekapo (1 night)
DAY 11 Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
Time allows for a leisurely morning before driving through Burke's Pass and out on to the Canterbury Plains enroute to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
DAY 12 Christchurch - Kaikoura
Self drive to Kaikoura. This afternoon we recommend that you take the whale watch cruise or flight (own expense) or perhaps a 'Swim with the Dolphins' excursion. We recommend you prebook any of these activities with us however if you wish to take one of the options.
Stay: Kaikoura (1 night)
DAY 13 Kaikoura - Wellington
Drive through Marlborough and to Blenheim, one of New Zealand's leading wine growing regions. Arrive at the Picton ferry terminal where you will drop off your South Island rental car. Board the interisland ferry for your crossing to Wellington were your North Island hire vehicle will be waiting for you at the ferry terminal.
Stay: Wellington (2 nights)
DAY 14 Wellington
Today is free to explore New Zealand's capital city. We recommend a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum. Guided tours are also available through Parliament Buildings.
DAY 15 Wellington - Napier
Today's journey takes you north over the Rimutaka Ranges to the Wairarapa. Continue north to Hawkes Bay and the city of Napier, New Zealand's art deco capital.
Stay: Napier (2 nights)
DAY 16 Napier
Today is free to explore Napier. Art Deco tours are available as well as opportunities to visit local wineries or the local Gannet Colony. A visit to the Napier Museum is recommended to learn more about the city and the huge earthquake that changed the face of the region in 1931.
DAY 17 Napier - Rotorua
Driver inland to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, then head north through the world's largest man-made forest to the thermal city of Rotorua. A stop at Huka Falls is recommended en route.
Stay: Rotorua (2 nights)
DAY 18 Rotorua
A free day at your own leisure. Rotorua's attractions include the Agrodome - an amusing and informative sheep show, Rainbow Nature Park and Te Puia Thermal Reserve or you may wish to fish for trophy trout or just relax and soak in a thermal spa
DAY 19 Rotorua - Auckland
Today you drive to Auckland. We recommend an alternative route via Waitomo where guided tours of the Glow Worm Caves are available or you may chose to drive through Matamata where tours are available to the Hobbiton, the location for Hobbit's village in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Stay: Auckland (1 night)
DAY 20 Auckland - Bay of Islands
Drive north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge before reaching the beautiful beaches of the Hibiscus Coast. Continue onto Paihia in the Bay of Islands.
Stay: Paihia (2 nights)
DAY 21 Bay of Islands
Today is free of organised activities. There are many excellent optional activities including guided walks ,cruises around the bays, daily tours to Cape Reinga and more.
DAY 22 Bay of Islands - Auckland
Today enjoy a leisurely drive back to Auckland.
Stay: Auckland (1 night)
DAY 23 Depart Auckland
Return your rental car to the city or airport depot where your tour ends.
NZD3506.00 per person
Prices based on Budget Accommodation and 2 persons travelling together
Prices based small Small 5 door automatic car Hyundai Getz (or similar)
Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Moderate and Superior Accommodation options available on request.
Contact us with your request ipc@southern-world.com
SPIRIT OF NEW ZEALAND Booking Code: SD15
DAY 1 Christchurch - Greymouth - Franz Josef
Depart from your IPC hotel, a transfer will be provided to Christchurch railway station. The Transalpine is world renowned as "The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure". Crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, The Transalpine winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys to the settlement of Arthur's Pass. The pass, built by pick and shovel and completed in 1866, is named after Arthur Dudley who discovered it in 1864. Then track slowly under the country's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. Following rivers and skirting lakes, it descends through lush beech forest to the Tasman Sea and the town of Greymouth. On arrival make your way to the rental car depot to collect your vehicle and self drive to Franz Josef passing through farmlands and rainforests.
Stay: Franz Josef (1 night)
DAY 2 Franz Josef - Queenstown
Today drive south past tranquil lakes, past towering mountains with cascading waterfalls. Arrive at the alpine village - Queenstown.
Stay: Queenstown (3 nights)
DAY 3 Milford Sound Excursion
Today's drive takes you to Milford Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Sound provides an opportunity to view sheer rock walls and waterfalls, rising over 5,000 ft above the sea level. Return to Queenstown via the same route.
DAY 4 Queenstown
Today is free to explore this alpine resort, considered New Zealand's adventure capital! The choice of activities are endless including bungy jumps, jet boating, parapunting, white water rafting, golf, lake cruises, shopping and much more.
DAY 5 Queenstown - Dunedin
Today drive east through the Kawerau Gorge and on past the Clyde Dam before following the Clutha River towards the coast of Dunedin.
Stay: Dunedin (1 night)
DAY 6 Dunedin - Tekapo
Depart Dunedin and travel to Palmerston situated between the Pleasant and Shag Rivers close to the coast. Travel on to Oamaru, a town noted for the predominance of white stone buildings. The stone is Oamaru Stone - a white granular limestone for which the area is known. From here, turn inland and follow the Waitaki River past Lake Benmore to Omarama and then Twizel which was brought into existence for the construction of the Waitaki power scheme. Follow Lake Pukaki to the Mount Cook. After your visit to Mount Cook, continue on to Lake Tekapo for this evening.
Stay: Tekapo (1 night)
DAY 7 Tekapo - Christchurch
Today drive over Burkes Pass to the small farming village of Geraldine before crossing the Canterbury Plains, to Christchurch
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
DAY 8 Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
From Christchurch, travel into the rolling countryside of North Canterbury, noted for sheep and cattle farming. After crossing the Hundalee Hills, enter the Marlborough Province where there are panoramic sea views along the Kaikoura Coast before turning inland to the hilly sheep country around the provincial capital of Blenheim. From here it is just 28 kilometres to the town of Picton.
Drop off rental car.
Board the Interislander ferry to Wellington.
On arrival into Wellington pick up North Island rental car.
Stay: Wellington (2 nights)
DAY 9 Wellington
Today is free to explore New Zealand's capital city with its harbour, Parliament buildings and the Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa.
DAY 10 Wellington - Mt Ruapehu
Journey north to the Volcanic Plateau in the centre of the island, skirt Mt Ruapehu to Whakapapa village located at its western foot.
Stay: National Park (1 night)
DAY 11 Mt Ruapehu - Taupo
Take some time to explore this unique alpine region before driving to Lake Taupo.
Stay: Lake Taupo (1 night)
DAY 12 Taupo - Rotorua
After exploring Taupo drive north through the world's largest man made forest to the thermal city of Rotorua.
Stay: Rotorua (2 nights)
DAY 13 Rotorua
A free day at your own leisure. Rotorua's attractions include the Agrodome - an amusing and informative sheep show, Rainbow Nature Park and Te Puia Thermal Reserve or you may wish to fish for trophy trout or just relax and soak in a thermal spa
DAY 14 Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
Travel via Waitomo to Auckland. We recommend a visit to the Waitomo caves (own expense)
Stay: Auckland (1 night)
DAY 15 Depart Auckland
Drop off car Auckland International Airport
NZD2100.00 per person
Prices based on Budget Accommodation and 2 persons travelling together
Prices based small Small 5 door automatic car Hyundai Getz (or similar)
Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Moderate and Superior Accommodation options available on request.
Contact us with your request ipc@southern-world.com
Tours are the property of:
Southern World New Zealand
Email: ipc@southern-world.com
Fax: 64 3 358 6899
Ph: 64 3 358 6880