18 Night Luxury Self Drive

Day 1
Arrive Auckland and transfer to your hotel located on the spectacular Viaduct Harbour.
Spend 2 nights in Auckland, Sebel of Auckland

Day 3
Pick up your Budget rental car and drive north to Kororareka Bay in the Bay of Islands.
Enjoy 3 nights at Pukematu Lodge, Russell

Day 6
Drive south to the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula from where you can you can try your hand at sea kayaking and swimming with dolphins or alternatively take a trip out to White Island, an active volcano.
2 nights, Colleith Lodge, Tairua

Day 8
Drive into the heart of the geothermal region of Rotorua where you can immerse yourself in Maori culture and marvel at the geysers and geothermal activity.
2 nights, The Springs

Day 10
Three hours south-east of Rotorua lies the famed wine region of Hawke’s Bay. Sip and sample your way through the tasting delights of this area and explore the Art Deco city of Napier.
2 nights, Hawthorne Country House, Hastings

Day 12
Drive to Martinborough, another wine region to explore and a quintessentially kiwi corner of New Zealand that offers country charm, rugged coastal scenery and excellent wineries. You will be taken on a personally guided tour of Martinborough Wine Village for lunch and wine tasting.
1 night, Peppers Martinborough Hotel

Day 13
Cruise across the beautiful Marlborough Sounds from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the South Island onboard the Interislander ferry. Travel to Blenheim, in the heart of Marlborough, one of New Zealand’s finest wine producing areas. Sample your way through the boutique vineyards or take to the clear waters of the Marlborough Sounds.
2 nights, Peppertree Homestead, Blenheim

Day 15
Drive to Nelson, home to wonderful arts and crafts, fabulous food and wine and close to the Abel Tasman National Park, this area is filled with attractions. Cambria House is the perfect place from which to explore.
1 night, Cambria House, Nelson.

Day 16
Drive to the north of Greymouth to the Paparoa National Park where you can visit the famous Pancake rocks and blowholes.
1 night, Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Villas

Day 17
Take the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch. Explore the ‘Garden City’ on foot, take a punt on the Avon or enjoy a day to see the whales in Kaikoura, the dolphins in Akaroa or the rugged scenery of the Southern Alps.
2 nights, Charlotte Jane, Christchurch