Email Experience New Zealand Tours
Classic Experience

Classic Experience

14 days - NZ$4430 per person

Visit New Zealand's capital city and then venture south for an exclusive expedition of some of natures best. A must for those wanting some time to really explore the wonders of our beautiful country.

NZ$4430 per person

The beauty of this tour is that there are times when you will be 'on the go' and times when you will have time to stop and smell the roses. Throughout this trip you will be amazed at what you will find. Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, Nelson, dubbed the "artists" capital, down the infamous West Coast where you will see a completely different way of life and through to Doubtful Sound, one of the most amazing areas in the world. Finish off in the adventure capital and go out with a bang!

Classic Experience

Day 1 | Wellington

Welcome to New Zealand!! When you arrive into Wellington you will pick up your rental car and begin your New Zealand holiday! Wellington is New Zealand's capital city; it boasts a wonderfully diverse culture and unique character. Take the time to settle into your luxurious accommodation and relax... Your holiday has begun!

Day 2 | Wellington

Spend today soaking up the city. Visit Te Papa - our National Museum, take a walk through the Botanical Gardens or indulge in a little bit of early-vacation shopping! Finish off the day with dinner at one of Wellington's finest restaurants on the waterfront or stroll into the capital for an inner city experience.

From Wellington
To Nelson
Travel Time 0.5 hours
Distance 202 km

Day 3 | Wellington-Nelson

Today you will drop off your rental car at Wellington Airport, take a mid-morning flight down to Nelson where you will spend the next 3 nights. You will be able to pick up your next rental car when you arrive here. Nelson boasts not only all round sunshine, but a little bit of something for everyone - from the golden, sandy beaches to the unsurpassed landforms to gourmet cafes, Nelson can be described as the perfect place to relax and unwind or to get involved in a little bit of 'ruff n tumble' - it all depends on your style!

Classic Experience

Day 4 | Nelson

Today you will take a trip out to Abel Tasman National Park where you will embark on a day of sailing around one of the most pristine areas of New Zealand. Visit secluded coves and golden sand beaches, enjoy an optional walk and then settle down for lunch. During the afternoon you will take a trip to the Fur Seal colony at Pinnacle Island before heading back to Kaiteriteri to finish your day.

Day 5 | Nelson

Today is yours to spend however you wish - perhaps you could take a 4x4 bike tour through lush forest, or maybe you would prefer to wander around and take in the local flavour that this artists paradise has to offer. You can kayak, swim with seals or take a picturesque walk through native bush - the choice is yours.

Classic Experience

From Nelson
To Hokitika
Travel Time 5.5 hours
Distance 323 km

Day 6 | Nelson-Hokitika

Today you will drive down to Hokitika. If time allows, you can take a short detour to Cape Foulwind to view the seal colony which inhabits Tauranga Bay all year round. Continue down the coast, stopping for a hearty lunch along the way and a break at Punakaiki where you can see the mystifying blowholes and infamous pancake rocks. Hokitika is a quaint township and a fantastic location to pick up handmade crafts!

From Hokitika
To Fox Glacier
Travel Time 2 hours
Distance 161 km

Day 7 | Hokitika-Fox Glacier

Today you will carry on your drive down the West Coast through to Fox Glacier. Pass through Ross, a historic gold town, known for being one of the earliest goldfields on the West Coast. If time allows you can take a detour to Okarito, home to the largest unmodified wetland area in New Zealand. This is also a feeding ground for numerous wading birds including the rare Kotuku (white heron). When you arrive to Fox Glacier, settle in at your comfortable accommodation and enjoy your surroundings.

Classic Experience

From Fox Glacier
To Wanaka
Travel Time 4 hours
Distance 264 km

Day 8 | Fox Glacier-Wanaka

Before you head off towards your next adventure, first you will be taken up in a helicopter to an exceptionally beautiful part of Fox Glacier. Following this you will then be guided along ice steps cut by the guides to explore the beautiful formations and ice caves that surround the area. Enroute to Wanaka there are a number of stunning walk options of varied length you may wish to explore. Wanaka is situated at the gateway to the Mount Aspiring National Park which is a world heritage area. The village of Wanaka is situated on the gently sloping lakeshore. Take your time to enjoy this beautiful location.

Day 9 | Wanaka

Your first day in Wanaka will be left open for you explore as you see fit. You may like to use this time to stroll around the lake or visit one of the many remarkable museums that inhabit the area. If you are up for a bit of excitement you may wish to take part in some water sports or for those Lord of the Rings fans, a day trip to some of the film sites may be just what you are looking for.

Classic Experience

Day 10 | Wanaka

Today will be your chance to really experience this breathtaking area by plane, foot and jet boat! You will encounter the many different aspects of the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park. The scenic flight gives you views of rugged mountains, glaciers, river valleys, forest and waterfalls, the walk puts you right in amongst the nature, and the jet boat ride sends you on an exhilarating journey along the Wilkin River.

Classic Experience

From Wanaka
To Manapouri
Travel Time 3.5 hours
Distance 293 km

Day 11 | Wanaka-Manapouri-Doubtful Sound

This morning will see you rise and shine early to take the drive out to Manapouri where you will depart for an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Discover the hidden arms and admire the pristine beauty of this second largest fiord in the Fiordland National Park. Watch out for fur seals and dolphins and if you are lucky, rare penguins and sometimes even whales! Enjoy a buffet meal onboard your vessel and settle in for the night.

From Manapouri
To Queenstown
Travel Time 3 hours
Distance 185 km

Day 12 | Doubtful Sound-Manapouri-Queenstown

Wake up early morning and watch the sun rise and soak in your unspoiled surroundings. Enjoy a cooked breakfast as you sail back to port and then prepare yourself for the trip back to Queenstown! Once you arrive in this alpine resort town, you will be able to check into your accommodation and relax. Or if the mood strikes you then head out and enjoy the nightlife that Queenstown is famous for.

Classic Experience

Day 13 | Queenstown

Have fun in the adventure capital of New Zealand! You can throw yourself out of a plane, off a bridge, off a cliff and even out of a pod, suspended 134m above the Nevis Valley - whatever takes your fancy really! Of course throwing yourself out of or off of things is not everybody's cup of tea, and Queenstown has not forgotten this. If you are not so interested in exercising your adrenalin valves then perhaps you would like the sound of a cruise in an old Steamship or perhaps taking a gondola ride 790m upwards and admiring the views... It is completely up to you - enjoy your last day in New Zealand!

Day 14 | Departure

Today will be the last day of your New Zealand trip. You will need to drop your rental car off at Queenstown Airport, where you will either take a connecting flight to check in for your international flight, or depart directly from Queenstown.

Book tour

Personalise this tour

We can personalise this tour itinerary to match your travel style for an extra NZ$350
More information

Book personalised tour Email tour details Classic Experience map

Rates

Special: Early Booking Discount

NZ$200

 per person

For deposits paid 4 months before tour begins

Standard Accommodation

NZ$4430

 per person

Rates based on two people sharing a room

+NZ$3040

 if one person per room

Luxury Accommodation

NZ$5375

 per person


Rates based on two people sharing a room

+NZ$4195

 if one person per room

More information

Currency converter

HomeThe ToursAbout New ZealandAbout UsContact UsJoin Mailing ListLinks
Classic ToursGourmet ToursFamily ToursHoneymoon ToursAdventure Tours
© 1999-2009 Experience New Zealand Travel Ltd