Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
Welcome to Auckland. After collecting your rental car, drive into the city. Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It's a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication. You could go on a harbour cruise or sailing trip this afternoon (optional).
Arrive Auckland
Your Accommodation
Rendezvous Heritage Auckland
The Rendezvous Heritage Auckland is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel is positioned overlooking Waitemata Harbour in the heart of Auckland's business district. The hotel is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower Casino, the shops of Queen Street and Auckland city's finest cafes and restaurants. It includes two distinctive accommodation wings, The Hotel (reflects delightful ornate touches carefully preserved from the building's past) and The Tower (offers a more contemporary design). They are connected by a walkway enabling guests to access the range of facilities available. Both have their own entrance and reception areas.
As you cruise down the highway, suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland. A couple of hours south of Auckland lies the lush farmland of the Waikato. Famous for dairying and fine thoroughbred horses, it's easy to see why these green pastures and rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton and The Shire. Although much of the set was deconstructed post filming, hobbit fans can still visit Hobbiton, wander among the hobbit holes and listen to the fascinating commentary about how it was all created. Got a taste for bigger caverns? Check out Waikato's massive Waitomo Caves for dramatic stalactites, stalagmites and zillions of sparkling glow-worms. You can glide through on a barge, take a black water rafting trip, or even abseil (rappel) down into the abyss! Next stop is Rotorua, which sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city's past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. This evening you could enjoy a traditional Maori concert and hangi at the Maori village of Te Tawa Ngahere Marae Pa (not included).
Auckland Via Mata Mata to Rotorua 237 kms (148 miles)
Your Accommodation
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a brief stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination in New Zealand.
From here, experience Rotorua’s rich history, explore the thermal hot pools or the native bush, and even squeeze in a round of golf at one of Rotorua’s international golf courses. Our 227 rooms and suites feature residential-style decor with views of Lake Rotorua or the native garden. We also have accessible rooms for guests with special requirements. 7 meetings and event spaces are available and ideal for up to 400 people.
Today travel down past Lake Taupo and onto the volcanic central plateau where your destination is the foot of Mt Ruapehu, the largest mountain in the North Island in the heart of the Tongariro National Park. The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. You'll also drive through large tracts of plantation pine forest. Lake Taupo is famous for its trout, year-round water sports and stunning views across the water towards those mystical Middle-earth volcanoes. Take a side road to a geothermal park, where you'll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. From Lake Taupo, drive to National Park Village, which follows the edge of the Tongariro National Park. National Park Village is well positioned to explore the Tongariro National Park. The volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro can be seen from here. The park was gifted to the New Zealand people in 1887 by the Ngati Tuwaretoa tribe and is now a World Heritage area.
Rotorua via Lake Taupo to Tongariro to Mt Ruapehu 235 kms (144 miles)
Your Accommodation
The Park Hotel Ruapehu
The Park Travellers' Lodge is located at the gateway to the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks offers a range of modern accommodation options including hotel, self-contained and stylish dorm style rooms. Guest lounge with open fire places, Spiral Bar and Cafe, wireless internet, outdoor spa and barbeque area, self-cater kitchen and transport for the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing and 42 Traverse mountain bike ride. Affordable alpine ambience with majestic mountain views.
The Tongariro World Heritage National Park in the central North Island's Volcanic Plateau isn't just legendary for its dramatic and eerie scenery. What makes the area especially unique is its accessibility - you can ski on an active volcano or take a one-day hike from alpine meadow to mountain summit, with stunning volcanic landscapes along the way. Thanks to a geologically turbulent past, the area provided The Lord of the Rings crew with the perfect raw materials to create vivid scenes of Mordor, Emyn Muil, Mount Doom and the Plains of Gorgoroth. The Tongariro Crossing is regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world.
Tongariro Day at Leisure
Your Accommodation
The Park Hotel Ruapehu
The Park Travellers' Lodge is located at the gateway to the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks offers a range of modern accommodation options including hotel, self-contained and stylish dorm style rooms. Guest lounge with open fire places, Spiral Bar and Cafe, wireless internet, outdoor spa and barbeque area, self-cater kitchen and transport for the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing and 42 Traverse mountain bike ride. Affordable alpine ambience with majestic mountain views.
Just a short drive from Mt Ruapehu is Ohakune, home to Ithilien camp, which was filmed in the nearby bush; continue on towards Wellington, the capital of New Zealand and film base for Lord of the Rings. Travel along the Kapiti coast where you can visit Waitarere Forest, the location for Trollshaw Forest and Osgiliath Wood. Home to Peter Jackson, Wellington provided lots of scope for locations. Bree was built on an old army base, and only minutes away are Minas Tirith, the fortifications of Helms Deep and Isengard. On your way over to the wine district of Martinborough you'll pass the Hutt River (where the hobbits launched their boats numerous times) and Kaitoke Regional Park, home to scenes from Rivendale and the Fords of Isen.
Mt Ruapehu via Ohakune to Wellington 377 kms (209 miles)
Your Accommodation
InterContinental Wellington
Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally-located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. Guests can spend time with the award-winning concierge team whose tips and insider knowledge help travelers discover the arts, events, shopping, and culinary cultures surrounding the hotel.
A day to relax in Wellington, although there is plenty to do. You could visit the Parliament Buildings, Te Papa - New Zealand's new national museum or a ride up the cable car for great views over Wellington.
Wellington
Your Accommodation
InterContinental Wellington
Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally-located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. Guests can spend time with the award-winning concierge team whose tips and insider knowledge help travelers discover the arts, events, shopping, and culinary cultures surrounding the hotel.
Drop off your vehicle at the Wellington Ferry Terminal this morning. Board your ferry bound for the South Island and Picton. The passage across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. The fast ferry makes the trip in just over 2 hours; the cruise-style ferry takes 3 hours. Both types of vessel can transport vehicles. Highlights along the way include the Red Rocks seal colony, Tory Channel, Cook's Lookout and the beautiful coves of the sounds. The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Museums and interesting walks will keep you entertained while you're here. Collect your new vehicle in Picton and drive to Nelson which takes you through the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields, thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim, depending on the time of the year. And if you'd like a glimpse of local life in 1890, Rai Valley has a beautifully preserved cottage museum. The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture. Every year the city hosts the Montana New Zealand Wearable Art Awards, where art comes off the wall and onto the body.
Wellington to Nelson 243 kms (152 miles)
Your Accommodation
Grand Arden Monaco Nelson
The Nelson Tasman region is spectacularly beautiful and we’re right in the middle of it. Located between Nelson CBD and Richmond and just a quick five minutes from Nelson’s new airport terminal, we are ready to welcome you with our beautiful gardens, handcrafted spaces, plenty of fresh air and sunshine and our fabulous staff to look after you.
With three National Parks, a fascinating arts and crafts community and renowned high sunshine hours, you'll be sure to have loads of fun exploring around Nelson and Motueka. Start with the art and craft trail where the characters are as colourful as their vibrant works. 'The One Ring' was made by a Nelson jeweller and many local artisans worked on props for The Lord of the Rings movies. Drive over Takaka Hill (Chetwood Forest) for stunning views of Golden Bay and access to the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Take a helicopter tour for a spectacular bird's eye view of the remote site where the Fellowship hid from Saruman's black crows, and Dimrill Dale (Mount Olympus and Mount Owen in Kahurangi National Park). At the end of the day, pop into Harrington's brewery in Richmond, makers of the stout served over the bar in The Prancing Pony!
Nelson
Your Accommodation
Grand Arden Monaco Nelson
The Nelson Tasman region is spectacularly beautiful and we’re right in the middle of it. Located between Nelson CBD and Richmond and just a quick five minutes from Nelson’s new airport terminal, we are ready to welcome you with our beautiful gardens, handcrafted spaces, plenty of fresh air and sunshine and our fabulous staff to look after you.
From Nelson journey through scenic reserves to Westport. Westport is a historic coal-mining settlement; the coal town museum has historical exhibitions and photographic displays. Visit the seal colony before continuing on to Punakaiki.
Nelson via Nelson Lakes to Punakaiki 275 kms (180 miles)
Your Accommodation
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
From the time people first came to Aotearoa, New Zealand, this weathered, craggy terrain has seen wayfarers, prospectors, and settlers trekking their way into the wilderness in search of resources and the routes by which to reach them. Maori were well aware of the areas dramatic landscape, stretching from mountains to sea, and the natural taonga ( treasures)found within and beyond the ranges here.The coastal and inland journeys made over generations can be traced through the descriptive names they gave to many of the features of this land. Te Waipounamu ( The Waters of Greenstone) is one such name. It refers to pounamu, the Aotearoa New Zealand jade that is found in this region and that has long been prized by Maori, so much so that Te Waipounamu is also the name they gave to New Zealand's South Island.
Make your way to the South Island's West Coast. Why not stop at the Punakaiki pancake rocks before heading down to Franz Josef and the mighty Franz Josef Glacier which descends from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest. There is the option of a scenic flight or for the more adventurous a Heli-Hike.
Punakaki to Franz Josef 227 kms (135 miles)
Your Accommodation
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
In the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier.
Our hotel offers everything you need to be able to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. With an exceptional restaurant, serving hearty, West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace, you are never without choice. Plus, with the private hot pools and our Amaia Luxury Spa close by, you can enjoy time out to rejuvenate after a day taking in the many walking tracks and other outdoor pursuits.
Travel through the scenic wilderness of Haast pass, stopping along the way to take advantage of many short nature walks and picnic spots before continuing to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Take your pick from a selection, jet-boating, white water rafting, bungee jumping or scenic helicopter flights.
Franz Josef to Queenstown 404 kms (251 miles)
Your Accommodation
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.
Today you can get really close to the Hobbits' journey. We suggest pre-booking a special 4WD half or full day tour which will take you off road and into the filming locations for Lord of the Rings, your expert guide will share his stories with you.
Queenstown at leisure
Your Accommodation
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Your Accommodation
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.
Today is at leisure until you make your way to the airport for your departure. Please drop off your rental car.
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