14 Days & 13 Nights

4.7

Highlights of New Zealand

Discover the highlights of New Zealand on this 2-week drive and hike tour
The TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most unforgettable journeys
Glaciers, geysers, jagged mountains, rolling pastureland and steep fiords
New Zealand gastronomy and world-class local wines
Cruise on Milford Sound and spot bottlenose dolphins and crested penguins

Explore New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes and indulge in world-class walking on this 14-day highlights drive and hike tour. New Zealand most definitely has it all and on this journey you will walk to the summit of Rangitoto, a volcanic island, view landscapes with intense geothermal activity such as geysers and mud pools in Rotorua, walk in the Southern Alps and in forests and beside lakes, immerse yourself in the glacier and Fiordland region of the South Island and take a Milford Sound Cruise with its views of jagged peaks and amazing wildlife. This drive and hike tour allows you to experience the very best that New Zealand’s North and South Island’s have to offer within 2-weeks.

From $4,920.00

Select Date Inquire Tour Brochure

Gallery

All Photos (10)

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1 Arrive Auckland and overnight Day 2 Ferry to Rangitoto Island. Loop Walk to Summit 7 miles / 12 km Day 3 Rental car pick up. Drive to Rotorua Day 4 Waimangu Volcanic Valley Walk. Orakei Korako Geyserland and Thermal Park. Drive to Taupo 4 miles / 6 km Day 5 Drive to Tongariro National Park. Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes Walking Tracks - Choice of walks 12 miles / 20 km Day 6 Drive to Martinborough. Free time to vineyard visit on arrival Day 7 Drive to Wellington. Fly to Queenstown Day 8 Milford Sound Cruise. Routeburn Track, Key Summit 4 miles / 7 km Day 9 Drive to Wanaka via Arrowtown/Queenstown Day 10 Roy’s Peak Track 10 miles / 16 km Day 11 Drive to Glaciers region and Franz Josef. Free time Day 12 Choice of Walks, Alex Knob Track, or Robert’s Point Track 9 miles / 15 km Day 13 Drive to Greymouth. TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch Day 14 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 16kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 16kg is equivalent to 6 paperback books in the USA. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

Expand all

Other Information

Expand all

Is it for me?

If you only have 2 weeks to spare for a holiday, consider this drive and hike tour in New Zealand on which you can experience world-class walking and discover the best of the North and South Islands. All of New Zealand’s iconic places are included from the geothermal extravaganza that is Rotorua, to the world-class scenery of the Southern Alps. The walking varies from easy to challenging but the choice is yours as they are always optional.

Tour Type:

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Activity:

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wine

Coastal Walking

National Parks

Off the Beaten Track

Alpine Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

There are many varying types of walks on this itinerary, from easy, flat and short walks, to longer more challenging hilly walks on rough terrain. However they are all optional and therefore you can choose which walks you would like to do. All the walks are available in the Macs Smartphone App, so you can easily find your way using this GPS technology.

Walks are mostly on dirt tracks and trails, which are mostly Department of Conservation walks all very well-maintained. New Zealand is a walkers paradise and well-renowned for its walking tracks, therefore it is all very well organised and sign—posted.

There are walking tracks that are seasonal, but you should be able to do them all as this tour is available in the spring, autumn/fall and summer. However, some walks are weather-dependent and since the weather can change rapidly in New Zealand is it always best to check the forecast, especially walking in high elevations. Also, if there is a Department of Conservation or tourist office nearby, we recommend checking the weather and the condition of the trail before embarking on a walk, particularly the longer walks in high terrain. Some walks are also in avalanche territory, so again, its best to check at a DOC office or on the DOC website for any warnings (see information pack for more details).

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

13 Nights in B&B’s, guest houses, lodges, hotels and motels
Arrival transfer from Auckland Airport to your first accommodation (in Auckland)
Departure transfer to Christchurch Airport from your last accommodation (in Christchurch)
Car Rental
13 Breakfasts
Return ferry to Rangitoto Island
Entrance to Waimangu Thermal Valley & Orakei Korako Geyserland and Thermal Park
Milford Sound Cruise
Domestic flight from Wellington to Queenstown
TranzAlpine Train Greymouth to Christchurch
Information pack
Access to the Macs Smartphone App with GPS Tracks
24-7 Emergency telephone support

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Auckland
Travel from Christchurch
Lunches and Dinners
Fuel for car
Drinks and snacks
Personal necessities
ETA & IVL requests (mandatory as per 1 Oct 2019)
Car parking fee in larger cities

Extras

Additional nights

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Extra Information

This tour is a drive and hike. By driving you will be able to see a lot more than if you were to travel by public transportation, which is not exactly very prevalent here. We have set the tour up so that you will pick up your rental car after you have stayed in Auckland. You will then drop this particular car off in Wellington before baording a domestic flight to Queenstown, where you pick up another car. You will then keep the car until you drop it off in Greymouth and before boarding the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take with you to New Zealand. This includes warm and cold weather gear, hiking boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Car Rental

Car rental is included in the cost of this tour, as it is a drive and hike itinerary. When you arrive in Auckland, a private transfer is included to take you to your hotel. Car pick up will occur on the morning of Day 3. You will drop the car off at the airport in Wellington before taking a flight to Queenstown and then you will pick up another car on arrival at the airport. This car you will use until you arrive in Greymouth, where you will drop it off before boarding the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch. You will be able to park your car at all of the accommodations and the walks will mostly have car parks at the start where you can safely leave it. At times you will have to leave your car in a car park with luggage inside, however New Zealand has a very low crime rate and you should feel comfortable doing so. The car will be a Toyota Corolla or equivalent.

The car rental includes tax (GST), unlimited kilometres and insurance, but excludes the first NZ$2500.00 (deductible) of any accident damage to the vehicle.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? Can I use my mobile phone with a SIM card and as a GPS in New Zealand ?

Using a mobile phone in New Zealand with a SIM card and as a GPS is straightforward. Here’s how it works:

SIM Cards & Mobile Networks in New Zealand

Local SIM Cards: If you have an unlocked phone (for the US please check with your provider), you can buy a prepaid SIM card from major providers like Spark, Vodafone (now One NZ), or 2degrees at airports (recommended to get it upon arrival), convenience stores, or phone shops.
eSIM Option: Some providers, like One NZ and Airalo, offer eSIMs for digital activation.
Coverage: Coverage is good in cities and towns but can be limited in rural areas or mountains.
Cost: Expect to pay NZD 20–50 for a SIM with data, calls, and texts.

Using Your Phone for GPS Navigation

Google Maps & Apple Maps: Work well but need mobile data or offline maps (recommended to load the route into Google Maps when having Wifi at you accommodation the evening before you go).
Offline Navigation: Before traveling to rural areas, download offline maps in Google Maps to avoid needing mobile data.
Apps like Waze or Maps.me: Good alternatives, especially for traffic updates.
Car GPS vs. Phone: Many rental cars offer GPS, but using your phone with a SIM is often cheaper and more convenient.

Considerations:

Network Coverage: Spark is noted for having extensive 4G/5G coverage across New Zealand, which is beneficial if you plan to travel to rural or remote areas.
eSIM Compatibility: Ensure your device supports eSIM functionality before opting for an eSIM plan. eSIMs offer the convenience of not needing to swap physical SIM cards and can be activated instantly.
Data Usage: Assess your data needs based on your usage patterns. For instance, if you plan to use GPS navigation extensively, stream media, or make video calls, consider a plan with a higher data allowance or unlimited data.

By selecting a plan that aligns with your travel duration and data requirements, you can stay connected throughout your journey in New Zealand.