North To South Grand Traverse 17D16N, Self-Drive

Driving Information: Auckland to The Coromandel: 176km/109mi | 2hrs 20min

Arrive into Auckland, pick up your rental vehicle and set off in search of adventure.

Let the city lights fade behind you as you journey towards The Coromandel, famous for its rugged coastline, pristine white sand beaches, misty rainforests and lush green valleys.

You’ll stay the next 2 nights at 970 Lonely Bay Lodge. Nestled in New Zealand native bush and just a couple of minutes’ walk to Cooks Beach, this luxury lodge offers just 3 beautifully presented 1-bedroom suites and a premier 2-bedroom honeymoon suite.

Spend the rest of the day making the most of 5-star facilities and amenities including library, manicured garden and indoor/outdoor solarium with opening roof to relax and rejuvenate. When you’re ready, there are a number of walks right on your doorstep. Follow the trail just 10-minutes to beautiful Lonely Bay or venture a little further to Hahei Beach, the gateway to Cathedral Cove. Activities in the world-famous Cathedral Cove include hiking, swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking and boat tours.

Walking Information: Auckland to The Coromandel: 176km/109mi | 2hrs 20min

Today, you will tick off a bucket list item, the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. This famous 3–4-hour walk links the East and West Coast roads together along a bridle path that Maori and European settlers have used for centuries.

Departing your accommodation, travel to Stoney Bay to begin your walk. Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will share insight into the local history, geology and wildlife as you pass beneath the shadow of brooding Mount Moehau before making the short steep ascent into and out of Poley Bay. From here, head on to farmland, where the track winds its way to Fletcher Bay, a hidden jewel in its own right. Enjoy a cold refreshment as you soak up incredible views all the way to Great Barrier Island.

Keen walkers may also take the opportunity to complete the Muriwai Track, a picturesque 1-hour walk along the dramatic coastal clifftops to the sacred Wharekaiatua Pa, and down the beach to the Port Jackson DOC Camp.

At the end of the day, head back to your accommodation through the ancient Pohutukawa groves, with their brilliant crimson flowers. The trip home makes the day complete – a highly beautiful coast in gorgeous evening light, what a paradise!

Driving Information:
- The Coromandel to Rotorua: 214km/133mi | 3hrs
-Rotorua to Tongariro: 180km/112mi | 2.5 hours

Journey south, passing many more beautiful beaches and the township of Tauranga, one of the North Island’s largest ports. Your route takes you through kiwifruit country around Te Puke and onto the heartland of thermal activity and the cultural centre of New Zealand, Rotorua.

Explore the raw beauty of the world’s youngest geothermal site on a self-guided, ecology-focused adventure among the craters of the wonderous Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This exciting geothermal attraction has a very unique ecology, with rare botany and plenty of fascinating geothermal features.

See the hypnotic steam rising from the Echo Crater, marvel at the fizzling Frying Pan Lake (the world’s largest hot spring) and take in the beauty and dazzling blue of the Inferno Crater hot lake. The newly forming silica terraces are also a highlight. At any stage during your walk, you can jump on board a courtesy shuttle that regularly circles the valley back to the Waimangu Visitor Centre.

When you’re ready, travel to the township of Taupo, right on the edge of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Taupo is a fisherman’s paradise. There are also all sorts of water-based activities available – parasailing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, white water rafting (on the Tongariro River) as well as horse riding, skydiving and bungy jumping. Just north of Taupo is Huka Falls, a very dramatic area. Drive along the east shore of Lake Taupo to Turangi, then onto State Highway 47 into Tongariro National Park.

You will stay the night at Chateau Tongariro Hotel. Surrounded by the sacred peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, this luxurious hotel possesses a classic 1930s atmosphere and timeless elegance. The heated indoor plunge pool is the perfect place to soak at the end of a busy day.

Walking Information:Tongariro Alpine Crossing: 19km/12mi | 7hrs | Moderate

Rise early to take on one of the world’s best day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO dual World Heritage area and was the first in the world to receive Cultural World Heritage status. The Crossing ventures between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe – these volcanoes are still active, and the hike is a view into their growth and destruction.

Beginning at Mangatepopo Valley, the track follows a stream and the edges of old lava flows towards the valley head. Look out for varying patches of vegetation that reveal the age of the surrounding rock. At the head of the Valley, the trail becomes steeper, climbing from the valley to Mangatepopo Saddle between the mountains of Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Stunning panoramic views look out over the volcanic terrain. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Taranaki.

The trail then leads from South Crater upwards towards Red Crater, the highest point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The smell of sulphur is a reminder that this crater is still active. From here, you begin your descent, past the stunning Emerald Lakes. This is the highlight of the track and a great place to pause for photos. The brilliant colour that gives them their name is caused by minerals leaching from the surrounding thermal environment.

The trail continues over Central Crater to the old volcanic vent of Blue Lake, before it rounds the flanks of North Crater and descends to Ketetahi Road end. The final section is a long descent through tussock slopes to lush green forest, a refreshing change to the volcanic landscape.

Driving Information: Tongariro to Wellington: 361km/224mi | 5hrs

Leaving Tongariro National Park, journey south via Palmerston North and Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. Wellington sits on a beautiful harbour, with Mount Victoria overlooking the city and surrounds.

Named “the coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet, Wellington is a compact city with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. Fuel your visit with strong coffee and world-class craft beer – Wellingtonians are masters of casual dining, with plenty of great restaurants, night markets and food trucks.

If you’re feeling a little more energetic, Wellington has action-packed adventure activities like mountain biking and sea kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills. Try the stunning Makara Peak track, as well as the City to Sea walk where you can experience the best of Wellington’s waterfront.

You will stay the night at QT Museum Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology and indulgence. Centrally located just 3-minutes’ walk from Courtenay Place, this 5-star hotel boasts stylish rooms and apartments, complete with luxurious bedding and ensuite bathroom. Make the most of facilities including a heated swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre. If you’re feeling peckish, the Hippopotamus Restaurant & Bar offers a menu ranging from comfort food to fine dining.

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Catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton at the Interislander terminal on Wellington’s waterfront. The car will need to be dropped off before catching the ferry and another vehicle picked up in Picton.

Upon arrival in Picton, spend the rest of the day exploring the quaint seaside town at your leisure. Take a stroll along the foreshore, swim or sunbake on the beach, or people watch at one of the many charming cafes, bars and restaurants in London Quay.

You will spend the night at McCormick House. Set in a quiet, sunny location on half an acre of private, established forest gardens, this boutique hotel has just 3 individually designed rooms – each richly furnished with sumptuous bed and luxurious 100% Egyptian cotton linens.

Driving Information: Picton to Nelson: 114km/71mi | 2hrs

Set out to discover the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track, a 74-kilometre (45mi) trail through majestic Marlborough Sounds scenery, sweeping ridgetop views, ancient forests, amazing coastal landscapes and hidden fern-fringed coves.

Cruise to Ship Cove/Meretoto to begin your walk in the historic bay where explorer Captain James Cook once anchored his ships. A gradual climb through stunning native forest rewards you with magnificent views over Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and Cook Strait. Passing Resolution Bay, take a break on the seats overlooking Endeavour Inlet before descending to the shoreline and the easy walk into Furneaux Lodge. If you have time, enjoy a well-deserved snack and a drink at the lodge before meeting at the jetty for the boat ride back to Picton at approximately 3:00pm.

After the walk, travel through Havelock to Nelson, a pretty city flanked by the sea, golden beaches and hills. You’ll stay the night at Warwick House B&B. Located less than 10-minutes’ riverside walk from the city centre, this historic boutique hotel built in 1845 has just 6 beautifully furnished and elegant guestrooms and suites, all decorated in a classic style. Many of the suites have a private lounge area and many of the bathrooms have a claw foot bath – perfect for relaxing in after a long day’s hiking!

Driving Information: Kaiteriteri to Nelson: 54km/34mi | 1hr (one way)

Drive 1 hour north to Kaiteriteri for an action-packed day in Abel Tasman National Park. What it lacks in size as New Zealand’s smallest national park, it makes up for in spectacular coastal beauty.

Start your day with an easy kayaking adventure along the Kaiteriteri coastline, with its golden beaches and sculpted granite features including the famous Split Apple Rock (Tokangawhā). Dating back around 100 million years, this curious rock formation is in the shape of an apple which has been cut in half. According to Maori legend, the boulder was split by 2 feuding gods who were fighting to possess it. Stop on the beach for a short break before heading back to Kaiteriteri around noon.

Enjoy lunch on the beach or at a nearby café (own cost) before slipping on the walking shoes. The 1:00pm Vista Cruise will take you to Medlands Beach, an idyllic, sheltered cove nestled among the coastlines. From here, walk 10-minutes to Bark Bay, where you can relax on the beach or enjoy a leisurely 4-kilometre (2.5mi) walk in the forest to Bark Bay Falls. Allow minimum 2 hours for this walk.

Return to Medlands Beach for your pickup. Depart at 3:00pm for a 4:15pm arrival back in Kaiteriteri (1 Oct – 30 Apr) or 5:05pm for a 6:00pm arrival (20 Oct – 31 Mar). On the cruise to Kaiteriteri, your boat pauses at Adele Island to view the antics of the New Zealand Fur Seal.

Driving Information: Nelson to Franz Josef: 453km/281mi | 6hrs

Continue further south and over to the west coast of the South Island. The region known as the West Coast, a narrow coastal strip 600-kilometres (363mi) long and no more than 50-kilometres (32mi) wide, wedged between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.

Drive through the rugged and densely forested Buller Gorge, a wild and insanely picturesque river valley formed by the mighty Buller River. The Buller will be your guide for the next 150-odd kilometres (93mi) of some of the most scenic driving anywhere. It draws you into its steep, bush-clad gorge and heads for the coast.

Travel down the coast through Punakaiki, and then onto Greymouth, and Hokitika. The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are located within the Westland National Park.

You will stay the night at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. Located in the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, this 4-star hotel offers everything you need to be able to explore this dramatic region in comfort and style. With an exceptional restaurant serving heart West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace, you are never without choice. Plus, with the private hot pools and the Amaia Luxury Spa close by, you can enjoy time out to rejuvenate after your long drive.

Driving Information: Franz Josef to Wanaka: 284km/176mi | 3hrs 40min

Take flight in a helicopter for jaw dropping aerial views of the mighty Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere). While glaciers around the world are retreating, the Franz Josef Glacier – named for an Austrian emperor – still flows almost to sea level around 10 times faster than most valley glaciers. Your pilot will land you high up on the glacier itself, where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your hike before you head off to explore the pristine features of this incredible landscape.

Your highly skilled guide will lead you through the safest and most spectacular route available on the glacier. Because the glacier is so fast moving, its features are constantly changing – you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue tunnels, or witnessing the glacier calving. You can be sure that you are seeing the glacier in a unique state and no 2 trips are ever quite the same.

During your hike your guide will share with you the story of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area and insight on why Franz Josef is so unique. You'll come away from your trip not only with a sense of awe at this majestic beauty, but a whole new understanding of why this precious landmark is so special.

After the heli-hike, venture over the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools to warm up. Nestled in lush rainforest, these hot pools are a haven of natural tranquillity. Make your way through the 3 main pools and enjoy temperatures ranging from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius (97 to 104F).

When you’re ready, leave the glaciers, continuing southwest through Haast, a region so spectacular UNESCO awarded it World Heritage status for its wild beaches, dunes, lakes and wetlands. At Haast township, turn inland along the Haast River, in the region of Central Otago, to the lively alpine town of Wanaka.

You will stay the night at Maple Lodge. Situated in the countryside, just a 5-minute drive from the town centre, this purpose-built accommodation lodge has just 7 spacious guest rooms, all with ensuites, furnished with superbly comfortable beds and fitted with luxurious linens. If the hot pools weren’t enough, there is also an outdoor spa to soak in!

Driving Information: Wanaka to Queenstown: 69km/43mi | 1hrs

Wake up at your leisure and enjoy free time in Wanaka. There are plenty of stunning vistas to appreciate, boutique retail stores, museums, cinemas and art galleries to keep you entertained. If you are feeling more adventurous, there’s hiking, canyoning, skydiving, off road tours, airborne adventures and much, much more.

In the afternoon, embark on a leisurely 45-minute cruise to Stevensons Island (Te Peka Karara). Your guide will take you ashore for a guided nature walk to the top of the island. The prehistoric appearance of the landscape – rugged with vast stretches of dense, jungle-like vegetation, occasional clearings, rocking shores, water and ominous skies – is compelling. Take time to pause and enjoy the silence in different parts of the island: you are guaranteed to encounter friendly and cheeky birds. Your experience is complete with afternoon tea on return to the cruise boat.

When you’re ready, follow the main highway further inland through Luggate, Lowburn, Cromwell and back west to Queenstown or take the Crown Range road via Cardrona (not recommended during winter). You’ll stay the next 2-nights at Hotel St Moritz. Ideally situated in Queenstown overlooking Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables mountain range, this 5-star hotel offers spacious rooms and suites that perfectly blend “charming” together with “luxury” in a modern interpretation of alpine chic. Hotel St Moritz features Lombardi Restaurant, Bar and Library, a gymnasium, and hot tub garden.

Driving Information: Routeburn Track: 13-18km/8-11mi | 5hrs (9 hours including travel time) | Moderate

Today, you will embark on a full day trek on the famous Routeburn Track. A link between the Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, the track is famous for its soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, waterfalls and jewel-like lakes.

This Great Walk begins with a gradual ascent through a magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest. Explore the forgotten paths of the Maori as you travel along their old greenstone (Pounamu) trails, finding enchantment around every corner. You will be teased with views of the burn and high peaks between the trees. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of native and migratory birds including tomtits, robins, fantails, wood pigeons and bellbirds. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the cheeky kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.

Just 2.5 hours down the track, the woodland parts to reveal the rich alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats, overlooked on all sides by sky scraping mountains, some so high they have permafrost. The Flats is a pristine spot to stop for a Kiwi style picnic lunch.

After lunch, turn and enjoy the valley in reverse. Each new angle is sure to reveal new treasures!

Driving Information: Queenstown to Te Anau: 171km/106mi | 2hrs

Wake up at your leisure and spend the morning exploring Queenstown at your leisure. Enjoy a walk around the lake: if you are looking for an easy walk from town include the Frankton Arm Walkway in your itinerary, for a reasonable challenge the Queenstown Hill Loop is a 3-hour walk and offers amazing views of the Wakatipu basis, the Frankton Arm and Queenstown Bay. Alternatively, why not get your heart racing with an adventure activity such as bungy jumping, canyon swinging or jet boating?

When you are ready, follow the road to Te Anau as it winds around the gentle curves of Lake Wakatipu. The scenery here is stunning – lakeside vistas are framed by the rugged face of The Remarkables mountain range. Easy rolling countryside soon leads you to the shores of Lake Te Anau, the biggest of the South Island’s many lakes. On the western side, the long arms of the lake disappear into the looming, densely forested Murchison Mountains.

You will stay the next 2-nights at Distinction Te Anau. Perched on the Te Anau lakefront and looking out to the vast wilderness of the Fiordland National Park, this 4-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, spa and sauna. If you’re feeling peckish, The MacKinnon Restaurant and Bar offers a quality dining experience featuring South Island lamb and Southland beef matched with the very best New Zealand wines (own cost).

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Spend the day exploring Fiordland National Park and the magnificent Milford Sound (Piopiotahi).

Journey along the Milford Road with local, experienced nature guides/drivers, eager to share their stories, knowledge and passion for the area, bringing the mysteries of the Fiordland to life. With a maximum of 15 people and travelling in a modern touring coach, your experience of the Fiordland will be second to none.

On reaching Milford Sound, embark on a 2-hour small boat cruise along the length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. Discover wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins and witness the phenomenon known as deep-water emergence, where species usually found at great depths, are found just metres below the surface.

Back on dry land, delve deeper into the Fiordland with a series of walks and scenic stops in a range of environments. Your guide will tailor the day to the weather, seasonal highlights and to get you off the beaten track. For the more active, a 2.5-hour hike of the southern leg of the Routeburn Track is possible between November and April. Hike through lush beech rainforest and into the alpine environment with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and deep bush clad valleys. This option is unguided unless the whole group decides to go.

Return to Te Anau around 5:30pm.

Driving Information: Te Anau to Dunedin: 283km/176mi | 3hrs 15min

Travel east via Lumsden and Gore, the official home of country music in New Zealand. Gore is also known for great fly fishing – spring and early summer are the best times to catch a brown trout. You will find the Mataura River and many other productive streams are close by.

Continue onto Dunedin, founded by Scottish migrants in 1848. One of New Zealand’s first 3 cities, Dunedin was built on the riches of the gold rush, and this legacy lives on in one of the best collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. Gothic church spires, ornate mansions, grand buildings, intriguing alleyways and picturesque gardens are woven through the city central, which is full of bustling cafes, shopping boutiques and outstanding street art.

You will stay the night at The Brothers Boutique Hotel. Centrally located in Dunedin, this small, charming hotel provides a genuine heritage accommodation experience. Extensive renovations to this former Christian Brothers stately residence from the 1920s have transformed it into an elegant accommodation with 15 bedrooms, each with a modern ensuite bathroom.

Driving Information: Dunedin to Christchurch: 364km/226mi | 4.5 hours

Leave Dunedin and head north through Palmerston and Oamaru in the region of North Otago. You may like to travel inland via Omarama, Twizel, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, a spectacular turquoise coloured glacial lake. This route will take you beneath the brooding shadow of Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand’s tallest mountain.

Cross the Canterbury Plains, the widest area of flat land in New Zealand, to arrive in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. Despite suffering extensive damage in the 2011 and 2016 earthquakes, Christchurch has blossomed into one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity. Expect some of New Zealand’s oldest buildings alongside street art and innovation projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. It’s easy to see why it is nicknamed “The Garden City”.

You’ll stay the night at The George. Centrally located overlooking Hagley Park and the Avon River, this 5-star boutique hotel typifies luxury at every level. Cosy up in one of 53 comfortable and stylish guestrooms featuring the bedding configuration of your choice, ensuite bathroom with premium toiletries, LCD TV, digital movie system and more. When you’re ready, the cafes, restaurants and bars are but a short walk away.

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All good things must come to an end! Check out by 11:00am and drop off your hire vehicle to commence your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.