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Starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch this 14 day tour packs in some of the best highlights of New Zealand. With your motorhome you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. For a 21 day holiday why not follow this itinerary but at a slower pace, we're sure you'll certainly want to stay longer in some of the fantastic places you'll be visiting along the way!
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. With its sunny climate and spectacular harbour and bridge, it’s a fantastic place for water sports. It is an area where mountains meet the sea, world-class fashion meets Maori culture, and native forests co-exist with a skyscraper skyline. For a magnificent view of Auckland city and its surrounding islands head up the Sky Tower which, at 328 metres, is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, or traverse the magnificent volcano Maungawhau, one of 49 volcanoes throughout the city.
If one half of Auckland boasts glorious nature, then the other half can brag about its art and culture. This vibrant pacific city is a melting pot of cultures including Maori, Asian, European and Polynesian. This has culminated in a diverse array of recipes being served up on plates and a glorious range of shopping. Aucklanders share a passion for fresh food and good wine and Auckland has a vibrant nightlife with world-class restaurants. For excellent cafés visit Tamaki Drive as it follows the eastern waterfront to the beaches and cafés of Mission Bay and St Heliers.
Travelling down the Pacific Highway from Auckland to Coromandel you will take in some of the North Islands most beautiful scenery. The Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty Region offer some of the best beaches in the country. A profusion of Orchards feature New Zealand's famous Kiwi Fruit. The mild meditteranean climate in this region also means a variety of citrus fruits also flourish. Visit the up and coming city of Tauranga or perhaps just relax and enjoy the sunshine!
Rotorua is probably New Zealand's best known attraction. There are only a few geyser fields in the world and this is certainly something Rotorua is famous for. Here you'll find geysers sprouting from the ground, mud pools and warm geothermal springs. At Geyser Flat the average geyser eruption lasts for several minutes. At Waiotapu dissolved minerals and rare elements create extraordinary colours. Rotorua also offers a huge range of Maori cultural experiences, the island of Mokoia nearby is also worth a visit.
The settlement of Taupo is located in the centre of the North Island on the edge of New Zealand's largest lake - Lake Taupo. This lake is highly populated with trout and is truely spectacular. You will find everything here from superb cafes and restaurants to a number of water sports activities. A jet boat ride to the foot of the Huka Falls offers fun for all the family!
Napier is rich in art deco buildings and is considered by some to be the 'art deco capital of the world'. Spanish architecture is also apparent in this area. We recommend visiting the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is surrounded by glistening waves and forest draped ranges, with the Tasman Sea to the west, the Cook Strait to the south and the Tararua Ranges to the north. Visit the Beehive Parliament Building and Te Papa, an interactive museum considered one of the top cultural attractions in the country. For fabulous views over the city head up to Mount Victoria or ride up the cable car and stroll down through the Botanical Gardens.The National Archives (located in the parliamentary district) displays the original Treat of Waitangi, the contentious agreement between the Maori and the European settlers.
Today you will travel across the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry to Picton, into the South Island. While in Picton we recommend you take a boat trip around the spectacular Marlborough Sounds then head across to Nelson. Located in top of the South Island Nelson is fortunate to have a mild climate all year round. It is the place many kiwis flock to for their Summer Holiday's. Nelson is a town packed with fine restaurants, cafes and some fantastic local art galleries.
From Nelson, Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman National Park are just a short drive away. This area is famous for golden sand beaches, native bush, wildlife, art and a warm climate. Walkers and hikers are spoilt for choice in the Abel Tasman region but it is also a haven for water sports and wildlife enthusiasts, families and those simply seeking rest and relaxation. The Abel Tasman is the ideal place to catch your breath and enjoy all that this region has to offer in the middle of your tour!
From the Nelson area drive through the Mount Richmond Forest Park to a little town called Havelock, home to New Zealand Mussel farming. We recommend from there you take the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive which takes you around the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. As you head out to the coastal highway towards Blenheim, you will be heading into the centre of the Marlbough Region, the world famous wine growing region. Along the coastline look out for seals basking on the rocks as you continue heading south towards Kaikoura. This Coastal town is one of the few places in the world you can experience whale watching by boat trip and we would highly recommend it.
Continue heading south and as you head into the Canterbury region you will traverse away from the coastline inland towards the MacKenzie Country. Continue past the bright blue Lake Tekapo towards the Mount Cook National Park where you will also find the beautifully scenic Lake Pukaki. Mount Cook is 3755 metres high and is the tallest peak in Australasia. The area attracts many hikers, bikers and mountain climbers.
From Mount Cook head through the hardy scenery of the McKenzie Basin through Omarama and the Lindis Pass. Stop off in Cromwell to sample some fruits from this region then continue on through the Kawarau Gorge famed for it's gold mining. NOt far from there will then arrive into the cosmopolitian alpine resort of Queenstown. Since Queenstown invented Bunjy jumping in the 90's the whole area has become a play ground for adventurous thrill seekers. It is a great destination all year round - in the winter world class ski fields offer powder snow and in the summer visitors enjoy jet boating, rafting, biking and water sports. For a fantastic view over Queenstown take a gondola ride or perhaps a boat trip across Lake Whakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw.
The Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage site. It is the largest National Park in New Zealand and is also one of the most beautiful. The road to Milford is possible one of the most scenic routes in the South. From the point you reach Te Anau the road twists and turns down towards Eglington and the Hollyford Valley then through the Homer Tunnel. At the end of the Tunnel your will be truly amazed at Mitre Peak soaring out from the waters of Milford Sound. Take time to ride on the Milford Sound Red Boat at your leisure before driving back to Queenstown.
From Queenstown travel back to Christchurch via the Central Otago rail trail. This drive takes you through the gold mining areas and brings you out to the East coast. The journey along the coast back up to Christchurch is approximately four hours yet offers plenty of changing scenery and places to visit along the way. On reaching Christchurch relax for a day or so in this tranquil, English city. Enjoy a punt down the Avon river or perhaps visit the arts centre and Botanical Gardens before delivering your motorhome back to the depot.
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