COMPLETE FILE

Overview

Self driving trip in New Zealand

New Zealand is a real triumph of nature, and its extremely varied sceneries are a feast for the senses: pristine beaches, imposing mountains, vineyards, rugged coasts are just a few facets of this far away country. We invite you to try a unique experience with this self driving trip that takes you from coast to coast on the North and South Islands. You will look up to the glaciers of Westland, the Fiordland's natural treasures, mysterious forests and lakes reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountaintops, as well as geysers and hot mud pits.
In between, the most beautiful cities in New Zealand will unveil their charms and multiple opportunities to get to know the country and its people: if Queenstown will satisfy sports amateurs and nature lovers, Christchurch is a historic and cultural melting pot, while Auckland, the City of Sails, has an incomparable quality of life. Other stops of this tailor made trip that you can enjoy at your own rhythm are equally delectable, such as discovering the traditional handicrafts, the museums and even a cruise at Milford Sound. Ultimately, staying in New Zealand without discovering the culture of the Maori would be unthinkable! A tour of the ancestral site of Roturoa, also famous for its thermal baths, provides a rich and authentic look at this fascinating culture through tribal dances and folklore. No hesitation: enjoy this exceptional journey to discover one of the last paradises on Earth, New Zealand is an unforgettable experience.

Feel free to contact our New Zealand expert at Uniktour to get more information about this self driving trip!

Itinerary

Day 1| Departure from Canada - International flight

Day 2| International flight

Day 3| Arrival in New Zealand - Christchurch
Arrival at Christchurch Airport and private transfer at your hotel. Christchurch, the garden city is the biggest city of the South Island and 2nd biggest in New Zealand. The city is known for its cathedral, many parks, museums, restaurants and nightlife.

Day 4| Christchurch
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. Free day in Christchurch to relax or discover the city with its very British ambience and the splendid public gardens, as well as the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, the Christchurch Cathedral, the International Antarctic Center (the city is a starting point for a number of trips to the ice continent), the Center for the Arts (formerly University of Christchurch) and the new Art Galleries.

Day 5| Christchurch - Greymouth - Franz Josef (180 Kms - 2.5 hrs)
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. This morning, transfer by private car to Christchurch train station where you will start your journey on board of the Tranzalpine train!
8:15 am: Depart of the Tranzalpine to Greymouth.
12:45 pm: Arrival at Greymouth and pick-up of your rental car at the office located opposite the train station (times to be confirmed). After the pick-up, make your way towards Franz Josef via Hokitika. Hokitika is a small town on the West coast where few craftsmen still carve the New Zealand greenstown (Pouanamu in Maori). Hokitika was during the colonization period the capital of the Westland province. In the evening, enjoy the relaxing -Glacier Hot Pools-

Day 6| Glacier country
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. The Westland National Park was created in 1960 to protect the high mountains and the many glaciers in the region. You can find in the national park over 60 glaciers of various sizes. Two of the biggest ones are the glaciers of Franz Josef (11 kms) and Fox (13.50 kms). Only in New Zealand and Argentina you will find glaciers coming down to temperate zone, so close to the ocean and rainforests. In the morning, half day glacier walk included (4h00 approx). You could later also enjoy a discovering of the lake Matheson and small walk around the lake (1.40h approx), or a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier with snow landing.

Day 7| Franz Josef - Queenstown (355 Kms - 5 hrs)
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. Drive to Queenstown on this beautiful road passing between clear water lakes and mountains. Drive along the Hawea & Wanaka lakes before reaching Queenstown surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. Queenstown appeals many tourists during the summer & winter months. It is known internationally as the number 1 adrenalin activity destination. On the other hand it is also home of many of the most beautiful walks and tracks.

Day 8| Queenstown
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. Free day in the Queenstown region. A broad range of activities are available: visit of the vineyards, hiking, rafting, jet boat, tramping, horse riding, bungy jumping, skydiving, or gondola to the top of Bob's peak for a panoramic view of the city and surroundings.

Day 9| Queenstown - Milford Sound (4 hrs) - Te Anau (1,5 hr)
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. This morning you will be driving towards Fiordland national park, New Zealand's biggest national park. Fiordland is the home of many endangered native species (takahe, kea, kaka, brown kiwi), thick rainforest and a dozen of peaks quite often wrapped in snow make it a must see for all nature's lovers. At 12:45 pm, show up at the Cruize Milford information desk of the Milford Visitor Centre to board on your cruise. Depart at 1:15 pm. The cruise is on board of a small and comfortable boat. Penguins, seals and sometimes dolphins can be seen in the fiord (no guarantee to see any of them during the cruise however). You will cruise in the fiord, surrounded by the magnificent mountains profoundly anchored in the clear water of the fiord. After the cruise, you will be driving back to Te Anau.

Day 10| Te Anau - Queenstown - (2,5 hrs) - Rotorua
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation Today, you will make your way back to Queenstown to take your plane for Rotorua (not included). The car needs to be dropped off at the airport depot with a full gaz tank. After arriving in Rotorua, please make your way to the counter at the airport to pick up your second rental car. Please note that airport pick-up fees apply. Rotorua and its surroundings is probably the most touristic part of the North Island. This town is well-known for its geothermal phenomenon, its lake, many tourist activities and its omnipresent sulphur smell. Rotorua is also the heart of the Maori culture, tourist can share a Hangi dinner and cultural performance while in Rotorua.

Day 11| Rotorua
Breakfast at your hotel. Free day in Roturoa.
You could for example go discover the Old Roturoa, stop by the eponym lake, or go visit the superb Government Gardens which also home the Roturoa Museum. Drive to the village of Whakarewarewa and walk through the thermal region filled with boiling mud pits and hot springs. Visit of the Te Puia Reserve and its famous geyser. Other milestones include the Wai-O-Tapu and Orakei Korako thermal reserves, along with Polynesian baths, Rainbow Springs and the Kiwi Encounter Experience to learn more about the wildlife of the country. Eventually, fly over the region on a plane or chopper and observe the geothermic and volcanic activity of Roturoa surrounds. In the evening, Hangi dinner and cultural performance included.

Day 12| Rotorua - Tairua (Coromandel Peninsula) 184 Kms - 2,4 hrs
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. Coromandel is blessed with a spectacular coastline, white sandy beaches and native forests. You will find there a real diversity in the scenery.

Day 13| Tairua
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. Free day on the peninsula to enjoy all the activities available: Cathedral Cove Beach is a must do, and this secret beautiful beach is only accessible by foot (40 minutes walk approx), and at Hot Water Beach, dig your own hot pool on the beach! At low tide you can actually go on the beach and enjoy the hot water coming through the sand (please check with the tourism offices for tidal information).

Day 14| Tairua - Auckland (151 Kms - 2 hrs)
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. Today, you will drive to Auckland, the biggest and most multi cultural city in the country. Also known as The City of Sails, Auckland is with 1 million inhabitants (a third of the total population of New-Zealand), the biggest city in New Zealand. The quality of life is unmatched and the city is very spread-out. Auckland also has a big cultural and sport heritage; do not forget that Auckland was the host of the Americas Cups in 1999 and 2003.

Day 15| Auckland
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. Free day in Auckland. We recommend to visit the colonial village of Parnell, the trendy borough of Ponsonby, the Auckland Domain (a park dedicated to the Maori and Polynesian cultures), Mount Eden, a volcano with great views on the city, and to walk along the beaches in the residential neighbourhoods. The spectacular Sky Tower (highest construction in the southern hemisphere) and the America's Cup village are other landmarks worth a detour. Finally, the islands of Auckland Bay (Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands) and a few hours of boating on the former sailboat of the America's Cup will add to the momentum of this incredible day.

Day 16| Auckland - International flight
Cooked breakfast at your accommodation. Free morning (depending on your flight). Please make your way to the airport to return your rental car and take your flight home.

Budget

**Rates published on this website are for information purposes only and are not legally binding (since departure dates are not given). Prices on this website are known to fluctuate frequently in relation to changes in currencies and hotel pricing. In order to obtain a definite quote, please click here.

Other fees

Lodging

ANNEX 1 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE – HERTZ 2010/2011

• The car rental includes unlimited mileage
• Being 21 year-old minimum and licensed driver (national and international) for over a year. 25 year-old for the PFBV category.
• The CDW (to a third party) is included.
• A deposit of NZ$ 2812.50 will be asked on the pick up day (credit card swiping). This is the deductible amount for the first 4 types of vehicle.
• A deposit of NZ$ 3375.00 will be asked on the pick up day (credit card swiping) for the last 3 types of vehicle.
• To reduce the deductible to zero: optional supplementary insurance to pay on site: NZ$ 28.13 per day for the first 4 cars.
• To reduce the deductible to zero: optional supplementary insurance to pay on site: NZ$ 33.75 per day for the last 3 cars.
• Minimum rental term, pick up and non-drop off at the same spot : 3 days (3 x 24 hours)
• Minimum rental term, pick up and drop off at the same spot : 3 days (3 x 24 hours)
• Minimum inter-island rental term ; 3 days (3 x 24 hours) on each island
• For every vehicle dropped off within 1 or 2 days, a one way fee will apply (NZ$ 250.00 to pay directly to the provider)
• If the vehicle is picked up at Kerikeri or Gisborne, remote fee of NZ$ 45.00
• For every pick up at the Wellington ferries terminal after 5.00PM, a NZ$ 56.25 fee will be charged
• For every pick up at the Picton ferries terminal after 6.00PM, a NZ$ 56.25 fee will be charged
• The types of vehicle mentioned in the outline are « or similar »
• Anticipated returns don’t grant a refund
• For the crossing of the 2 islands, drop off of the car at the ferry and pick up of another vehicle upon arrival of the ferry.
• Pick up takes place either at the Hertz location in town or at the airport. A car delivery can be scheduled at the hotel on week days between 8.30AM and 4.00PM for a NZ$ 50.63 fee (minimum 48 hrs in advance notice)
• Picking up the vehicle at the airport or after the ferry is subject to a fee of NZ$ 39.98 (fee amount can be modified at the discretion of the provider)
• The complete insurance doesn’t cover the GPS device
• For every inter-island rental, the GPS device must be returned at the ferry or at the airport with the car, another device will be provided for the second part of the trip.
• For every inter-island rental, Hertz allows a 5 hrs maximum period between the return of the vehicle on one island and the pick up of the other one.
• The Hertz assistance program also includes a medical guidance by telephone.


Deductible:
The Hertz rental fees include a standard deductible (insurance to a third party) of NZ$ 2812.50 (for the first 4 types of vehicles) and NZ$ 3375.00 (for the last 3 types of vehicles). A deposit of one of these amounts will be withdrawn when signing the rental contract. The payment of this deposit will be only accepted by credit card. The standard deductible can be decreased by subscribing to a collision damage waiver (CDW) payable on site.

Overview

New Zealand is a southern hemisphere country located in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, and several archipelagos and smaller islands. At 2.000 km south-east of Australia, its closest neighbors are New Caledonia, Tonga and Fiji. The total surface of the territory is of 268.000 sq km for a population of 4.3 million New Zealanders. The indigenous part of the population, the Maoris, is a minority (19%) compared to the European ethnic groups that immigrated over the past centuries (78%). Therefore, with a huge amount of British and Irish settlers, the official language of New Zealand is english, coexisting with native languages.

Geography

The two main islands are very different. North Island is the smallest (115.100 sq km) and very indented. At the north of the capital Auckland, the Northland throws a long land gad to the tropics, and the stunning Bay of Islands is its main attraction spot. On the west coast, 90-mile Beach is the largest one of New-Zealand. In south-east of Auckland, the wild peninsula of Coromandel adds to the tropical sceneries of the country. Beyond that point, the volcanic landscapes take over to peak at Roturoa; volcanoes, lava flows, caldera lakes, hot springs... New Zealand stands on the Pacific ring of Fire and is often subject to natural hazards like eruptions and earthquakes. However, natural wonders follow on, always fascinating. In the east near the very sunny Hawke's Bay, vineyards spread over the plains. South Island (151.000 sq km) is by far the most mountainous. The grassy hills quickly disappear in front of the towering snow-capped New Zealander Alps, peaking at 3754 m with the Mount Cook, which steep slopes are flanked with glaciers. Only a narrow bang in the north is not under the hold of the mountains; Marlborough County, a vineyard hot spot, and Tasman Bay benefit from a mild climate in the National Park of Abel Tasman. The very rainy west coast sharply dives into the ocean and goes as far as the Fiordland. Cutting deep into the hinterland (40km for a few) due to past glaciers actions, the -sounds- of Fiordland offer wonderful sceneries of a monumental nature. The smoother shaped east coast is home for a varied wildlife.

Culture

The myths prevailing in the Polynesian world, of which the Maoris come from, tell how the semi-god Maui would have hooked North Island from the deep blue seas and how his canoe became South Island. Other stories describe the arrival of Kupe, the first Maori, from Hawaiki, a sacred land near Tahiti. He's the one who baptizes the vast territory Aotearoa (-the long white cloud land-). Soon, more men and women join him; the history of New Zealand merges from then on with the Maoris. Historians agree with this hypothesis, setting the big migrations around 1000 AD. Over the centuries, the settlers develop their own social rules and specific forms of art and philosophy. They gather into large families (whanau), and into iwis, tribes whose ancestors may have journeyed on one and only canoe. On a daily basis, the gods and their go-betweens lay down their rules through a complex system of tapu (taboos). Little by little, with the increasing population especially on North Island, several conflicts break out and the Maoris become formidable warriors. A victory means a chance for the leaders to grow their mana, the spiritual power, and to hand it over to their clans. The first European explorers undergo a grim experience when they die torched up on sacrificial bonfires or as cannibalism victims. The Maori arts are shared around the whole Polynesian world, but revamped by the local traditions; chanting, dancing and tattoos. The two latter, closely intricate, are a vehicle to relate ancestors legends and stories, migrations, heroes' past exploits, the power of mana, and even the beauty of landscapes and gods allegories. Typically New Zealander, the haka, now worldwide famous thanks to the All Blacks rugby team, was originally a war dance, also staged to test strangers' reactions and to impress potential enemies. Today, New Zealand is also renowned for its quality vineyards, the open-mindedness of the main cities: Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Napier, and the developing green tourism that takes the best from a vibrant and diverse nature wildlife.

Climate

The latitude of New Zealand roughly corresponds to Spain's in the northern hemisphere. Nonetheless, the climate gets a much milder character given its remoteness from continental influences and exposure to ocean currents and chilly southerly winds. Since seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere, summer hits between December and March, and winter between June and September. The climate throughout the country is mainly maritime, mild and temperate, with temperatures rarely falling below 0 °C or rising above 30 °C in inhabited areas. Conditions vary widely across areas from extremely wet on the western coast of the South Island to semi-arid in the Mackenzie Basin at the foot of the New Zealand Alps, and subtropical in the North Island's peninsula (from an average 13°C in winter to 23°C in summer). Of the main cities, Christchurch is the driest, receiving only 640 mm of rain year-round; Auckland, the wettest, receives twice that amount. The southern and south-western parts of South Island have a cooler and cloudier climate and skiing is a common activity in winter; though its northern and north-eastern parts are the sunniest areas of the country.