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Maori warriors in a waka

Cultural New Zealand self-drive tour

20 days from $10,270pp

Maori warriors in a waka
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Tour highlights

  • Visit the Waitangi Treaty Ground in the Bay of Islands, a symbolic place where M膩ori and European culture have historically entwined.

  • Visit some of the vineyards around Warkworth which have helped put New Zealand wines on the map.

  • Visit Te Papa Museum in Wellington, where you can learn all about New Zealand's M膩ori culture among other fascinating exhibits.

  • Visit Kapiti Island, an island off the coast that is home to native bird species and M膩ori culture.

Price includes:

  • Domestic flights in destination
  • Fully insured vehicle rental
  • All accommodations
  • 24-hour support while you travel
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Itinerary idea in detail

Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.

  • Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred by private vehicle to the domestic terminal. Here, you will fly to Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. Collect your hire car from the airport and make your way to the coastal town of Paihia.

  • Spend the day exploring the Bay of Islands. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic location of the treaty signed between the M膩ori chiefs and the British Crown, or take a boat trip through the 'Hole in the Rock'.

  • Today, you will drive down to the Warkworth area, where you will stay three nights at a vineyard in the Northland. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the region.

  • Today is at leisure. You can choose to explore the local sanctuary that helps to reintroduce native flora and fauna or spend the day wine tasting around the region.

  • Head over to Kawau Island for a day of hiking and exploring. Here you can see some historical landmarks from the 1800s or hike around the coastline.

  • Drive from Warkworth to Lake Taupo via Auckland. As you drive south, we recommend making a stop in Rotorua or the Waitomo Caves to explore the geology and geothermal activity.

  • Join a cruise on Lake Taupo to see the famous M膩ori rock carvings, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit Huka Falls or the interesting Wairakei Terraces thermal area.

  • Today you make your way down to Wellington through some lovely little country towns and return your hire car on arrival.

  • Early this morning you will depart from Wellington for a day trip to Kapiti Island, known for its birdlife and M膩ori culture. You will get to hike around the island, possibly taking in rare bird sightings and learning about the local Iwi.

  • Enjoy the morning with a tour behind the scenes of the Te Papa Museum, home to many M膩ori and New Zealand relics. After, we recommend spending more time in the main part of the museum.

  • Make your way to the ferry terminal this morning and take the Interislander to the South Island. You will stay in the waterfront town of Picton for a couple of nights. This is a great place to enjoy the famous New Zealand green-lipped mussels.

    Stay at Kippilaw House   
  • Take a morning guided sea kayaking tour through the Marlborough Sounds to enjoy the surroundings and hopefully, see different types of marine life, like dolphins and seals.

    Stay at Kippilaw House   
  • You collect your car this morning and make your way south along the coast to Kaikoura. On arrival, you have the afternoon to explore the mountainous and seaside town.

  • This morning, head out to sea for a chance to swim with wild dolphins that frequent the area due to the deep ocean currents bringing in nutrients and fish. The afternoon is open to explore the mountain hiking trails that surround the town.

  • Continue south for about an hour to the Waipara and Greta Valley and hike into your PurePod accommodation. Stay two nights off-grid, surrounded by stunning countryside, and explore the region.

    Stay at Purepod Atatu   
  • Today is at leisure to relax at your PurePod or explore the local wine region.

    Stay at Purepod Atatu   
  • This morning, head south to Christchurch and drop off your vehicle at the airport car depot in time for your onward flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival in Queenstown, you will pick up another rental car and drive to your accommodation, where you will spend the next three nights.

  • Spend the day at leisure exploring Queenstown. In the evening, enjoy a boat cruise along Lake Wakatipu to Mt Nicholas Station, where you will enjoy a delicious meal on Walter Peak. Take in the surrounding mountains and lake views before taking another cruise back to Queenstown.

  • Today is at leisure to explore the surrounding towns. We recommend taking a drive to Glenorchy, famous for its mountain and river views.

  • You will be collected from your city accommodation and transported to Queenstown Airport in time for your onward flight.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Audley specialist Haley
Contact a New Zealand specialist

The specialist who designs your trip to New Zealand will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When to go

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Place Daily max temperature (°F) Monthly rainfall (mm)
Auckland
 
Kerikeri
 
Paihia
 
Warkworth
 
Lake Taupo
 
Wellington
 
Picton
 
Kaikoura
 
Christchurch
 
Queenstown
 

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