Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer

This 20 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Queenstown.

Starting in Auckland with time to truly explore the region’s natural features this tour then travels through the heart of the North Island by scenic train. The South Island beckons with a host of natural and scenic locations and inclusions. From Abel Tasman National Park's beaches to Kaikoura's whales to the West Coast's unique Glaciers and geology, the diversity is outstanding.   In the deep-south you’ll discover the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula and spend a night in the remote Doubtful Sound before returning to Queenstown.

Included in this New Zealand tour package is:

Accommodation for 19 nights staying in Boutique lodges & hotels.

Rental car hire: included for the duration of the tour package. See range of vehicles.

Rental car insurance included: Fully inclusive with variable excess/deductible.

Rental car inclusions: GPS navigation. unlimited kms,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

Includes: All breakfasts

Includes: Private airport transfers

Includes: Private train station transfers

Includes: Interislander ferry crossing

Includes: Northern Explorer Scenic Train from Auckland to Wellington

Includes: Tranz Alpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth

Includes: Taste of Auckland full day tour

Includes: Otago Peninsula Wildlife Premier tour including Larnach Castle

Includes: TSS Earnslaw cruise and dinner at Walter Peak high country farm

Includes: Safari of the Scenes Wakatipu Basin tour

Includes: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Includes: Twin Glaciers Scenic Helicopter Flight

This tour package can be customised to suit your clients precisely - just request here.

Quick summary for: Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer

Day 1: Arrive into Auckland
Accommodation: Great Ponsonby Art Hotel B&B

Day 2: Explore Auckland 'The City of Sails'
Accommodation: Great Ponsonby Art Hotel B&B

Day 3: Explore the best of the city in the morning and this afternoon indulge in the local food and wine
Accommodation: Great Ponsonby Art Hotel B&B

Day 4: Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer scenic train
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Day 5: Explore the capital Wellington City
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington

Day 6: Catch the Interislander Ferry to the South Island then drive to Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: Split Apple Lodge

Day 7: Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: Split Apple Lodge

Day 8: Pass over the dry hills of Marlborough before reaching the Pacific Ocean which leads you to Kaikoura
Accommodation: Manakau Lodge

Day 9: Head south through North Canterbury to Christchurch
Accommodation: Elizas Manor Boutique Hotel

Day 10: Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, then onto Punakaiki
Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort

Day 11: Drive south along the stunning West Coast Road with its rugged coastline and mountain backdrop
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 12: Get up close to the glaciers on a spectacular scenic flight
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 13: Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to Wanaka, then take the Crown Range Road to Queenstown
Accommodation: The Dairy

Day 14: Explore the beautiful scenery of Queenstown and sample the amazing range of activities on offer
Accommodation: The Dairy

Day 15: Today explore the film locations from the Lord of the Rings, then tonight cruise across Lake Wakatipu for dinner
Accommodation: The Dairy

Day 16: Enjoy todays drive through Central Otago to Dunedin
Accommodation: Fletcher Lodge

Day 17: A day to explore the wildlife and history of Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Fletcher Lodge

Day 18: Travel to Doubtful Sound for your overnight cruise
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound

Day 19: Your cruise returns at midday, then make your way back to Queenstown
Accommodation: The Dairy

Day 20: Depart for home