Fly from the UK, arriving in Auckland on day three due to the difference in time zones. Unwind after the flight and enjoy this harbour side city. Explore at your leisure, perhaps taking in the views from the top of the Sky Tower or enjoying a boat trip across the harbour to one of the neighbouring islands.
New Zealand - McRent Anniversary Discount
McRent £20 Discount per day for new bookings made before 31st December 2024
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the wonders of New Zealand with this extraordinary independent rail and road tour, designed to offer you the very best of this enchanting country.
Jump aboard the Northern Explorer, running from Auckland to Wellington, traversing the majestic Tongariro National Park, home to an astonishing tapestry of snow-blanketed ancient lava flows and lush beech forests.
The magic doesn't stop there; catch a ride on The Coastal Pacific. Departing Picton, on the northern tip of the South Island, glide gracefully to the charming city of Christchurch via the rugged Pacific coastline.
Discover the rest of New Zealand in your motorhome. Discover Mount Cook (Aoraki), Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Franz Josef Glacier, and the Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island before returning to the North Island to explore Martinborough, Napier, Rotorua and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Duration: 32 days
Holiday Type:
Independent Motorhome Tours
Departure dates:
Make an enquiryHighlights
- The Northern Explorer Train from Auckland to Wellington
- The Coastal Pacific Train from Picton to Christchurch
- Picturesque Picton harbour
- Lake Taupo's serenity and views
- Nelson Tasman art and craft's
- Martinborough;s colonial charm and wine trail
- Napier, Art Deco capital of the world
- Coromandel Peninsula's Hot Water Beach
Route Map
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What's Included
- Return economy flights from the UK to New Zealand
- All Transfers
- 4 Nights hotel accommodation in Auckland, including breakfast
- 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Wellington, including breakfast
- 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Picton, including breakfast
- 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Christchurch, including breakfast
- Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer Train
- Two crossings on the Interislander Ferry
- Picton to Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific Train
- 18 nights on pre-booked campsites
- Maui Ultima 2-berth motorhome with value pack for 19 days including:
- High Road Insurance with Liability reduced to Nil
- Insurance with Liability Reduction Option
- Overhead and underbody damage
- Single vehicle rollover cover
- Windscreen and tyre cover
- Picnic table and chairs
- Extra Driver Fee
- Unlimited km
- Linen exchange
- Mobile Travel App
Not Included
- Motorhome One Way Fee and Road User Charge
Itinerary
Distance: 491km (304miles)
The Northern Explorer is a long-distance scenic train service that runs between Auckland and Wellington. The highlight is the journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu which is a highlight. This is a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed ancient lava flows, and dense beech forests compliment the diverse scenery of the central North Island.
Wellington is the nation’s capital and options here include a visit to the Te Papa Museum to learn about the history of New Zealand and its Maori heritage or take a ride on the famous Wellington Cable Car to the top of Mt Victoria for spectacular panoramic views over the city and harbour.
Available Excursions:
Distance: 64km (40miles)
Enjoy the scenic Interislander ferry that takes you from Wellington across the Cook Strait to Picton at the northern tip of the South Island. As the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds this is a great spot to take a boat cruise though the sounds or perhaps enjoy a day walk on the Queen Charlotte Walkway or to enjoy a picnic by one of the bays.
Climb aboard the Coastal Pacific Train for one New Zealand’s most picturesque rail journeys. You’ll travel along the Pacific coast meandering breathtakingly close to the sea, where the mighty Pacific Ocean meets the rising Kaikoura Mountains.
Taking just over five hours, the train passes everything from craggy coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to modern vineyards and rustic farmsteads. Throw in a healthy dose of seals, seagulls, dolphins and the occasional whale, the Coastal Pacific train delivers something for everyone.
Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city, known for its beautiful public gardens, old world charm and architecture, and its quaint and a very walkable city centre. Much of this changed in the 2011 earthquakes when so much of the city was lost. However, the city is rising to the challenge, quite literally, and it is now home to funky and unique pop-up malls, dozens of new buildings, high street, designer and boutique shops, a world class art gallery and museum, and restaurants galore.
Don’t miss a visit to the Riverside market, a vibrant indoor farmers market with a wonderful range of restaurants to tempt your taste buds with a focus on sustainable local produce.
Available Excursions:
Distance: 226km (141miles)
Collect your motorhome and continue to Mt. Cook (Aoraki), the highest peak in Australasia. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and take in the wonders of the Mt. John observatory for your own views of this International Dark Sky Reserve. Then stop for a photo opportunity at Lake Pukaki, whose waters are an otherworldly icy blue, caused by the fine particles that float in its cool glacier runoff. There are hiking and walking trails for all abilities on the slopes of Aoraki and plenty to do in Mt. Cook village. The surrounding countryside provided some of the locations for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, including the Pellenor Fields, near Twizel. Grab a tour book from a local bookstore to seek out the highlights.
Distance: 199km (12miles)
Located in the spectacular Alps of New Zealand’s South Island, Wanaka draws visitors from around the world with its outstanding natural beauty, its stunning mountain and lakeside setting and its proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is only 68km from Wanaka. As well as being the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown also offers boat trips across the lake and excursions to the Milford Sound.
Distance: 287km (179miles)
Enjoy the views along the shores of Lake Hawea as you head north and stop for lunch at Makarora before hitting the Haast Pass. The scenery here changes dramatically as you enter the rainforest. The settlement of Haast is a town with a touch of the Wild West, and another good place to stretch the legs and have a look around. Just north of Haast is Lake Moeraki, a peaceful forest lake with good fishing. From here, a 40-minute walk takes you to the penguin colony at Monro Beach. Then continue to Franz Josef for a two-night stay.
Distance: 279km (174miles)
With the Tasman Sea on one side and the Southern Alps rising on the other, go slowly and enjoy the drive. Stop at Punakaiki and marvel at the bizarre limestone landscape and powerful vents of Pancake Rocks before continuing onto Carters Beach for your overnight stay.
Distance: 218km (136miles)
Your next destination is Abel Tasman National Park, named after the first European to sight and name New Zealand, though he never came ashore. There are easy day hikes, boat trips and some of the loveliest beaches in the South Island to walk and explore.
Nearby Nelson prides itself on having the most sunshine hours in New Zealand and with a vibrant artistic community there are plenty of galleries to explore along with many beaches, rivers, lakes, and mountains. With a subtropical feel the streets are full of cafes, interesting galleries, restaurants, and historic attractions. It is also home to many fine breweries & wineries to while away an afternoon in. Beyond the town are beautiful forests and beaches to explore and get a taste of the beauty of this corner of the country.
Distance: 139km (87miles)
On this scenic route to Picton, spend some leisurely time in Havelock, known as ‘the Greenshell Mussel capital of New Zealand’. In this historic town of you can enjoy the renowned Greenshell Mussels for lunch with a glass of local Marlborough wine, browse art galleries or join a sightseeing boat trip.
Distance: 80km (50miles)
Board the Interislander ferry for your return trip across the Cook Strait to Wellington and then continue to Martinborough.
Packed with colonial charm, Martinborough features over 20 wineries, most within cycling and walking distance of the quaint village square. Some of New Zealand’s best pinot noir comes from the town’s predominately family-owned vineyards, so it’s not surprising it is a key stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
Distance: 267km (167miles)
Often referred to as the Art Deco capital of the world, Napier is in the Hawke’s Bay region which is famous for its vineyards. Many of these serve gourmet food to accompany their award-winning wines, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some mouth-watering cuisine.
Available Excursions:
Distance: 218km (135miles)
Distance: 214km (132miles)
The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful, rugged area with plenty of beaches to explore. Many Kiwis choose to escape the hustle and bustle of city life here, and it's easy to see why. You can dig out your very own hot pool metres from the Pacific Ocean at world-famous Hot Water Beach, or head for Cathedral Cove where a huge arched cavern passes through the headland, joining up two secluded coves. Relax in the cafes and enjoy the art galleries or just taking in the wonderful scenery.
Distance: 168km (105miles)
Return to Auckland, drop off your motorhome before returning to your Auckland hotel for a two night stay.
Time to bid farewell to New Zealand as you are transferred to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Additional Information
Price per person is based on two people sharing, prices for solo travellers are available on request.
Reviews
Tour Enquiry
Available Vehicles
You have the choice of all Britz, Maui, Star RV, Apollo, McRent and Pacific Horizon motorhomes for this tour. The prices displayed are based on the Maui 2 berth Ultima model or you can upgrade to any of the other motorhomes for an additional cost. Click on the images for more details and specifications of each motorhome.
Also:
Bailey Phoenix 650 - 2 Berth, Bailey Phoenix 642 - 4 Berth, Bailey Phoenix 650 - 5 Berth, Britz Discovery - 4 Berth, Star RV Polaris - 6 Berth, Pacific Horizon 2+1 - 2 Berth, Pacific Horizon GEM - 4 Berth, Pacific Horizon MAX - 4 Berth, Pacific Horizon SAM - 6 Berth, Maui Ultima - 2 Berth, Maui Beach - 4 Berth, Maui Cascade - 4 Berth, Maui River - 6 Berth, Britz Venturer - 2 Berth, McRent Comfort Luxury - 4 Berth, McRent Family Standard - 4 Berth, McRent Family Plus - 6 Berth
Available Stopovers
Available Airlines
Also:
British Airways, Qantas
Within GB:
01580 214 089
International:
+44 (0)1580 214 089