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8-Nights Explore New Zealand Like a Local Two Island Road Trip - Road Trips from $1,959
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722674
Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks An independent New Zealand journey through geothermal wonders, art deco coastlines, vineyard country, and alpine peaks made for free-spirited travellers.
Trip Overview :
This 9-day New Zealand tour pairs local favourites like the Napier wine region with several of the country’s highlights.
Touch down in Auckland as a starting point. Then make your way to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves, known for their beautiful glow worms, or Hobbiton, the film set used in Lord of the Rings. Rotorua itself is a fascinating geothermal laboratory of bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Maori heritage. Spend a full day here to explore all Rotorua has to offer.
Go beyond most New Zealand vacations and head to Napier, where 70 odd vineyards cover the surrounding hills. Just in case that’s not enough, continue through the Martinborough region, famous for its Pinot Noir. This is also your gateway into Wellington, the country’s capital and home to its finest museums and a flourishing artistic scene.
Queenstown is the tourist hub of the South Island for good reason. Set on magnificent Lake Wakatipu, it embodies all excites and enchants about this part of the world. A trip to Milford Sound is highly recommended – though not mandatory. You may prefer to visit nearby Wanaka or historic Arrowtown. No matter how you occupy your time, you’ll spend it surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps until you depart.
Highlights:
- Journey from Auckland through the lush Waikato countryside, exploring Waitomo Caves or Hobbiton before arriving in Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland.
- Discover Rotorua’s spouting geysers, steaming mud pools, and Maori culture with optional guided or culinary experiences.
- Drive to Napier, the charming art deco gem of Hawke’s Bay, known for its elegant architecture and coastal beauty.
- Savour local wines and gourmet cuisine in Napier and nearby Martinborough’s celebrated Pinot Noir vineyards en route to Wellington.
- Conclude your adventure in Queenstown, exploring alpine landscapes, Milford Sound’s majestic fiords, and the historic village of Arrowtown.
Included Services:
- 2 nights deluxe accommodation in Rotorua
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Napier
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Wellington
- 2 nights deluxe accommodation in Queenstown
- 9-day car rental with unlimited kilometers and mandatory vehicle insurance
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
8 nights from $1,959 per person
Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua
Rental Car: Hertz - Auckland Airportto Wellington Airport
Collect your rental car and travel through lush Waikato pasture lands to the Waitomo area. Visit the Waitomo Caves or perhaps travel to Hobbiton for a tour of the film set from Lord of the Rings Triology (optional). Continue to Rotorua, famous for its spouting Geysers, bubbling mud pools and warm geothermal pools.
Hotel: Pullman Rotorua (5 Star Rating)
Pullman Rotorua is located in the city and is only moments away from the lakefront. It is surrounded by surreal scenery and iconic attractions. Discover shooting geysers, bubbling mud, natural hot springs, and magical forests. The hotel has 130 rooms and suites, a gym, Executive Lounge, vibrant restaurant, chic bar, and 4 dynamic meeting rooms with internet connectivity. The perfect base to explore the region's geothermal paradise.
Conveniently located, the Pullman Rotorua is close to Rotorua Lake, Convention Centre, and Government Gardens, perfect for any traveler to this gorgeous, natural locale. Nearby hot springs and geysers make for some of the best natural baths on the planet. Tamaki Maori Village, Polynesian Spa, is just 1km away.
Day 2: Exploring Rotorua
The day is free for Rotorua Sightseeing. Perhaps join a morning city tour or a Steambox lunch tour at Te Puia.
Day 3: Rotorua to Napier
Depart for the art deco city of Napier, enjoy the architecture, tree lined waterfront location and many fountains and gardens.
Hotel: Art Deco Masonic Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Right in the heart of 1930's Napier and opposite Hawke's Bay's MTG (museum), The Art Deco Centre and i-SITE, the Art Deco Masonic Hotel's location is perfect for exploring Napier. With a choice of stylish and individual accommodation styles your stay at Art Deco Masonic Hotel is guaranteed to add glamour and fond memories to your Napier experience. Guests enjoy a choice of bar and dining options including the "World's Best Bars" Emporium Eatery and Bar and the property offers all guests complimentary Wi-Fi internet.
Day 4: Discovering Napier
The day is free to spend as you wish. We suggest and Art Deco Walk around Napier. This afternoon why not enjoy a wine and gourmet food experience. Learn from a local wine maker, lear about wine and food at one of NZ's top winery restaurants.
Day 5: Napier to Wellington
Depart Napier and head towards Martinborough. Discover a host of top-class vineyards in and around the area, (famed for its internationally award-winning Pinot Noir).
Hotel: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (3 Star Rating)
The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor presents an engaging selection of rooms, thoughtful amenities, and gracious hospitality from the heart of Wellington’s city center. Featuring two restaurants and bars, conference facilities, parking, and free Wi-Fi, the hotel is designed for business travelers, conference delegates, and those seeking capital culture while on holiday.
As a leading accommodation and venue provider in Wellington city, our hotel is committed to delivering quality accommodation and standout experiences, having recently modernized Whitby’s Restaurant, replaced all elevators, and with new Rooms and Suites now open for our guests to enjoy.
Day 6: Touring Wellington
Known as the 'coolest little capital' Wellington offers a diverse range of sight-seeing options. Perhaps enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa Museum of Wellington, New Zealand's National Museum.
Day 7: Wellington to Queenstown
Rental Car: Hertz - Queenstown Airportto Queenstown Airport
Return your car in time for your onward flight (airfare not included). On arrival, collect your rental vehicle and make your way into town. The day is free to explore this quaint Alpine village.
Hotel: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel (5 Star Rating)
Luxury holiday, romantic escape or executive retreat. Whatever brings you here, our 5-star haven is waiting to surround you with the best of Queenstown. We're bordered by greenery and only a few minutes' walk from our vibrant town centre. Perfectly positioned for you to access everything our town is famous for. Enjoy complimentary canapés and let us arrange for you to enjoy the best our region has to offer.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8: Exploring Queenstown
At leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Optional tours include a Milford Sound Day Excursion, where you take a cruise past mile-high Mitre Peak, through glacially carved fiords and out into the open sea. Perhaps take a short drive to the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown or the town of Wanaka.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9: Depart from Queenstown
The morning is at leisure until you return your vehicle and depart Queenstown.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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Sunrise Travel Center
2150 Route 35 Suite 250
Sea Girt, NJ 08750
USA
(732) 449-2200