You will be met at Auckland International Airport by a representative of Southern Crossings who will hand over your documents and transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation in Rotorua (approximately 3 hours journey).
Rotorua – heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture. Surrounded by steaming lakes, bubbling hot pools and bursting geysers, Rotorua is host to some of the worlds most incredible earth forces, capturing all that is precious and unique – feel its spirit ~ Mannakitanga.
ACCOMMODATION FOR FOUR NIGHTS IN DOUBLE VILLAS INCLUDING PRE DINNER DRINKS, DINNER, BREAKFAST AND VIRTUOSO AMENITIES AT: TREETOPS LODGE AND ESTATE, ROTORUA
Day 2: ROTORUA
You will be collected from Treetops Lodge and driven to the Land Rover Experience base located at Paradise Valley near Rotorua. The Rotorua property consist of 700 acres of mature New Zealand native forest with streams, creeks and forest trails and holds Australasia’s first purpose-built Land Rover Experience with world class four wheel drive training circuits and facilities.
Here you will be briefed on special features of your vehicles and advised of safety procedures. Enjoy a barbecue lunch. Continue your level 1 Land Rover training and return to Treetops Lodge later this afternoon.
Day 3: ROTORUA
Day 4: ROTORUA
You will be met at your accommodation by your Land Rover representatives and you will depart for Whirinaki Forest Park via the Lake Rerewhakaaitu for water and river fording. The Whirinaki Forest is situated on the edge of the Urewera National Park just over a one hour drive from Rotorua. The area offers outstanding bush walks, hunting, fishing and four wheel driving under the canopy of 800 year old New Zealand native podocarp where native bird life abounds. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy the qualities of these unique Land Rover vehicles under the expert supervision of Land Rover instructors.
You will be returned to Treetops later this afternoon.
Day 5: ROTORUA TO PALLISER BAY VIA WELLINGTON
You will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and driver for your transfer to Rotorua Airport (approximately 45 mintues drive). Fly Rotorua to Wellington (cost not included). Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you will be met by your private guide and driver for your transfer to your accommodation.
Enroute to your accommodation in Palliser Bay enjoy and introductory sightseeing tour of Wellington including a visit to Te Papa ~ Museum of New Zealand which is a fantastic modern museum showcasing the history and culture of New Zealand.
Wellington – Capital City and cultural centre of New Zealand. Nestled between a dramatic harbour and bush clad hills, this thriving characteristic city is home to a feast of attractions including theatre, arts, parks and museums. Following your introductory sightseeing tour you will be transferred to your accommodation (approximately 2 hours journey).
Wharekauhau Lodge provides exclusive resort accommodation at Palliser Bay offering the chance for guests to enjoy unique New Zealand country hospitality. The estate and its three adjoining properties comprise of 5000 acre working sheep station of forests, lakes, mountains, bush and open country as well as 16 miles of dramatic coastline, which offers endless opportunities for recreation.
ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO NIGHTS IN DOUBLE SUITES INCLUDING PRE DINNER DRINKS, DINNER AND BREAKFAST AT:
WHAREKAUHAU LODGE PALLISER BAY, WAIRARAPA
Day 6: PALLISER BAY
Today enjoy a guided 4WD experience incorporating the surrounding working farm of Wharekauhau. This classic New Zealand Romney sheep ranch features all the activities that have created New Zealand’s legendary farming heritage, including sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs in action and daily farm events. Bordered by the Rimutaka Ranges and Pacific Ocean, this, working sheep ranch offers a fascinating experience of dramatic contrasting landscapes.
This afternoon is at leisure and you may wish to visit several of the vineyards in the Martinborough viticultural area which has received local and international acclaim.
Day 7: PALLISER BAY TO ARTHUR’S PASS VIA WELLINGTON AND CHRISTCHURCH
You will be met at your accommodation by private helicopters for your scenic coastal journey to Wellington (approximately 15 minutes flight). Fly Wellington to Christchurch (cost not included).
Upon arrival at Christchurch Domestic Airport you will be met by your private guide and driver for your transfer to Arthur's Pass (approximately 2 hours drive).
Grasmere Lodge – nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps, near Arthur’s Pass is a gracious high country retreat. Dramatic peaks and rolling pastures offer a picturesque backdrop to the gracious surroundings of the historic homestead. The owners of Grasmere Lodge Oliver Newbegin and Vicki Harraway have a unique private collection of classic Sports Cars on the property - Oliver is also a very keen 4WD enthusiast.
ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO NIGHTS IN DOUBLE JUNIOR SUITES INCLUDING PRE DINNER DRINKS AND ALL MEALS AT:
GRASMERE LODGE, ARTHUR’S PASS
Day 8: ARTHUR’S PASS
During your stay at Grasmere Lodge enjoy a complimentary 90 minute 4WD tour of the Grasmere property (weather permitting). Grasmere is a full working sheep station in the traditional high country style and your tour will give you the opportunity to view seasonal farm activities. The drive is over the 13,000 acres of Grasmere Station selecting the most scenic views of lakes, rivers and mountains surrounding the lodge. Enjoy commentaries on Merino sheep, beef cattle and deer farming as well as some history of the area.
Day 9: ARTHUR’S PASS TO QUEENSTOWN VIA CHRISTCHURCH
You will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and driver for your transfer to Christchurch Domestic Airport (approximately 2 hours drive). Fly Christchurch to Queenstown (cost not included). Upon arrival at Queenstown Airport you will be met by your private guide and driver for your transfer to your accommodation.
Matakauri Lodge - a luxury lodge which offers luxury accommodation, fine dining, superb service and stunning panoramic views. Nestled in native bush overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge, one of the world's most private and serene vacation retreats, is a short distance to Queenstown, the alpine wonderland of New Zealand.
ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN DOUBLE VILLAS AND SUITES INCLUDING PRE DINNER DRINKS, DINNER AND BREAKFAST AND VIRTUOSO AMENITIES AT: MATAKAURI LODGE, QUEENSTOWN
Day 10: QUEENSTOWN TO MILFORD SOUND AND RETURN
You will be met at your accommodation for your visit to majestic Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular areas. Enjoy a scenic drive travelling via the Fiordland National Park Lake Te Anau and the Homer Tunnel.
12.30pm Upon arrival at Milford Sound you will board a specially designed vessel to undertake a breathtaking cruise on the fiord to the Tasman Sea. The Milford Mariner and Milford Wanderer are designed along the lines of traditional trading scows and have been purpose built to operate in the fiords. Learn about the magnificent scenery and wildlife, with a nature guide providing a detailed commentary as you watch for dolphins, seals and penguins. Sheer rock walls, waterfalls and the mile high monolith of Mitre Peak are the backdrop as you enjoy a picnic lunch which has been included today.
Return to Queenstown by a scenic flight at approximately 3.30pm. View hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits, all of which are hidden from the road (scenic flights are weather dependent).
Day 11: QUEENSTOWN TO GLENORCHY AND RETURN
This morning you will be met at your accommodation to enjoy a scenic drive following the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the remote town of Glenorchy (approximately 45 minutes drive).
Upon arrival at Glenorchy, you will journey by 4WD coach through the back roads to the upper reaches of the scenic Dart River taking you through wilderness so untouched it has been declared a World Heritage Area. You may enjoy an optional guided forest walk en route. From the upper Dart River, enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride on the scenic waterway (duration of excursion is approximately 3 hours).
You will have the unique opportunity of viewing key sites used in the filming of the famous New Zealand movie - Lord of the Rings. Upon conclusion you will be returned to Queenstown. Following this exhilarating experience you will return revitilised and refreshed to your accommodation at Matakauri Lodge.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or independently explore this picturesque alpine paradise.
Day 12: QUEENSTOWN TO AUCKLAND AND DEPARTURE
You will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and driver for your transfer to Queenstown Airport.
You will be collected from Treetops and depart for a programme through local Forestry Land. These tracks offer challenging ascents and descents which will test hill descent control and up hill stability and momentum. Venture off-road and discover the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s back country. You’ll get a closer look at some of our most scenic wilderness areas, and experience the thrill of a four-wheel drive adventure at the same time. New Zealand is criss-crossed with rough tracks built to provide access to less accessible scenic attractions. A combination of neglected old roads, rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions mean a hardy four-wheel drive vehicle is often the only way to negotiate these routes.
Fly Queenstown to Auckland (cost not included). Upon arrival at Auckland Domestic Airport you will be met by your private car and driver for your transfer to Auckland International Airport. Depart Auckland.
Prices are based on the sample itinerary above with prime room categories at each property. We can modify and customize the itinerary in any way you please. The rates above are high season rates during the New Zealand summer. Lower rates will apply during the off season winter months.
The price shown (NZ$) is per person, based on double occupancy, and does not include international or internal air.
Two Passengers
Four Passengers
Six Passengers
Single Supplement
18,880 $NZ
16,410 $NZ
15,588 $NZ
7,365 $NZ
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To check availability or receive additional information from Rex Travel on this Exclusive 4WD New Zealand Itinerary drop us a note, or call.... 800-777-7739 |
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