12-Day New Zealand Highlights Self-Drive

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Today, you'll pick up your rental car and begin the drive south past the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and rich dairy pastures of the Waikato. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of greater Auckland area and it's here you turn inland to central Waikato. On the way, you can stop to visit the Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Continuing on, the telltale signs of steam and geothermal activity will signal your arrival in Rotorua.

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Rotorua sits on top of one of the world's most active volcanic regions. Below the surface, the earth's crust grinds and moves to produce heat and molten rock. The original Maori inhabitants recognised the great potential of this natural resource and applied it to cook their food and a plentiful supply of hot water to relax. Today, Rotorua offers a myriad of activities for all to enjoy. Its compact city centre is ideal to stroll and enjoy the cuisine and hospitality.

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The drive from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo home to New Zealand’s largest lake. Following the lakeshore south, you’ll pass Turani and then ascend the central plateau onto the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting the edge of Tongariro National Park, you’ll reach the military town of Waiouru before descending through rich farmland and rural towns. Follow the coast through Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton to arrive at your destination, Wellington.

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Today, you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. The 92-kilometre journey over the Cook strait between Wellington and Picton takes around three hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. You'll pass Pencarrow Head, New Zealand's oldest lighthouse, the seal colony on Red Rocks, spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges and so much more!

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Today, you'll cross the ‘dry hills’ of the Marlborough ranges as you leave Picton and head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. Follow the coastline and be sure to keep an eye out for seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. Arriving at Kaikoura and enjoy its bustling atmosphere, the main reason for visiting is the wildlife. Follow the spectacular coastline before heading inland and through North Canterbury’s major wine region to Christchurch.

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Today, you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes Pass, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo. Take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier-fed turquoise blue colour and continue to your final destination, Mt Cook Village.

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Today, you'll leave Mount Cook National park and travel to Queenstown. You'll pass through the gliding capital of New Zealand - Omarama - before ascending the Lindis Pass. Continue through the Kawarau Gorge and towards the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine-growing regions. See the historic Kawarau Bridge where you can bungee jump or watch others take the plunge. Approaching the adventure capital of New Zealand, the Remarkables mountain range comes into view.

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Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders. Head to the Gibbston Valley to sample wines, check out nearby historic Arrowtown or get that adrenaline rush with a Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

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Today, crossing the Crown Range - the highest sealed road in the country - you'll pass through the alpine town of Wanaka. Then, you'll enter the township of Makarora, the gateway to Mt. Aspiring National Park. Stretch your legs on a walk to Blue Pools, before you continue toward the West Coast. Crossing the Haast River, you are now truly in the wild west - a 600 kilometre stretch of bush, rainforest and podocarp forest. Continue on to arrive in Fox Glacier, your destination for the night.

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Today, the drive north from Fox and Franz Josef takes you through the historic gold mining region of Ross and the town of Hokitika. The largest town on the West Coast, Greymouth is also the starting point for the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train. Drop your rental car and embark on a journey crossing the south from Greymouth to Christchurch on one of the worlds greatest train journeys. You'll see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alp.