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Fly-Drive Tours

New Zealand 17 Day Fly Drive


Route:
  • UK
  • Auckland
  • Rotorua
  • Napier
  • Wellington
  • Nelson
  • Punakaiki
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Queenstown
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Christchurch
  • UK

17 DAYS from £2799pp

Tour Highlights
  • City tour of Auckland
  • Volcanic hot springs in Rotorua
  • Walk up Mount Victoria in Wellington
  • Explore Abel Tasman National Park
  • The immense Franz Josef Glacier
  • Picturesque Queenstown
  • Discover the romantic Lake Tekapo
  • Extend your stay and relax in Dubai the end of your fly drive

To book call us on 0330 818 8907

New Zealand 17 Day Fly Drive

Introducing Fly-Drive tours to the stunning islands of New Zealand. A country where snow-capped mountains, volcanic terrain and glacial lakes are surrounded by pristine coastline. New Zealand is the pinnacle of natural beauty and our carefully mapped routes guide you past the absolute highlights. With your car rental, flights, ferry and accommodation covered, it's just up to you to drive between each destination.

Fly Drive Itinerary

1
UK to Auckland

Depart the UK on your flight to Auckland.

2
UK to Auckland

Continue on your flight to Auckland.

3
Arrive Auckland

Collect your rental car and drive to your hotel. Once there spend some time exploring New Zealand's largest city. Cosmopolitan and lively, Auckland has plenty of things to see and do. Visit Viaduct Harbour, full of super yachts and lined with bars and cafes, before heading towards Downtown and the Mission Bay Beach Promenade.

4
Drive to Rotorua (3hr drive)

After a morning exploring Auckland, drive to volcanic Rotorua, a town famed for its Maori culture. On the way you could stop off at Matamata, where the Hobbiton set from the Lord of the Rings is located. During the drive, pass rural pastures and rolling farmland of the Waikato before the scenery turns more volcanic in nature as you reach Rotorua. Upon arrival check into your hotel.

5
Rotorua

Your day in Rotorua should start with a visit to one of the natural hot springs which are dotted throughout the surrounding area. This part of New Zealand is one of the most actively geothermic areas in the world, with geysers and other volcanic landmarks at every turn. The town is also famed for its Maori culture and you should take time time to visit the Mitai Maori Village while you are here.

6
Rotorua to Napier (2hr 45min drive)

Leave the city of sulphur behind and head out to Napier on New Zealand's eastern coastline. Starting with the thermal region around Rotorua you can stop at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley - one of the most visually spectacular parts of the country. Inferno crater, a steaming bright blue pool of bubbling water is simply incredible. Continue on towards Taupo stopping for an incredible view over the its giant lake, formed during a volcanic eruption nearly two thousand years ago. Later arrive at Napier and check in to your hotel for the night.

7
Wellington (4hr 15min drive)

Leaving the art deco sights of Napier journey towards Wellington at the foot of the North Island. The road between Napier and Wellington will take you past picturesque countryside, wineries and some of New Zealand's richest farmland.

8
Wellington

Wellington, capital of New Zealand, is located in a spectacular natural harbour near the North Island's southernmost point. This small city is known for its colourful timber houses and waterfront promenade. Whilst here you can ride the iconic red cable car and explore the lush botanic gardens.

9
Nelson (3hr ferry & 2hr drive)

Drop your car off and take the ferry to Picton. This three-hour journey between the North and South Island is meant to be one of the most scenic in the world. Upon arrival in Picton, collect your new rental car and drive to the city of Nelson for your overnight stay.

10
Nelson

Nelson, on the shores of Tasman Bay, is a great base for exploring the South Island's northern tip. Gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, a wilderness reserve with forest trails and beaches which are home to fur seals, penguins and dolphins at the Tonga Island Marine reserve.

11
Punakaiki (3hr 40min drive)

Leaving Nelson drive towards Punakaiki along the winding coast road, enjoying spectacular views of wild beaches and the Tasman Sea. Arrive at the small town of Punakaiki, home to the Pancake Rocks - an area of limestone coastline famed for its blowholes. Visit during high tide to be able to see the sea sprays upwards as the waves force water through the holes in the rock.

12
Franz Josef Glacier (3hr drive)

Travel down the coast of Westland National Park passing towering rainforests, lakes and rivers on the way before arriving at the vibrant Franz Josef. Franz Josef is renowned for its dramatic twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef which descend from the mountains to just 240m above sea level making them easily accessible to visitors. Book a guided tour to get a close view or alternatively get a unique perspective of this area by booking a flight over the glaciers by helicopter.

13
Queenstown (4hr 40min drive)

Drive south from Franz Josef past Fox Glacier and onward towards Queenstown. Drive through the towns of Haast and Makaroura, before travelling along the shores of stunning Lake Hawea and Wanaka and eventually reaching Queenstown later on this day.

14
Queenstown

Beautiful Queenstown is celebrated as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Situated at the foot of a mountain range on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this town offers a range of delights for you to enjoy. Explore the natural scenery surrounding the town or head to the waterfront for a gastronomic experience at one of the many cafes or restaurants.

15
Lake Tekapo (3hr drive)

Drive through the centre of the south island past snow-capped mountains and vast lakes to the romantic setting of Lake Tekapo. This small town is located on the shores of the lake which bears the same name. Spend the evening here enjoying the incredible views over the lake and mountains beyond.

16
Christchurch (3hr drive)

Final stop on your tour of New Zealand is the city of Christchurch on the east coast. The largest city on the South Island, Christchurch is known for its English heritage. Start with a wander through the botanical gardens at Hagley park before visiting the cardboard Cathedral - built to replace the church damaged by an earthquake in 2011. Finish the afternoon by visiting one of the city's museums or grab a bite to eat in a restaurant and reminisce about the time spent on your New Zealand adventure.

17
Christchurch

Head to Christchurch airport, dropping off your car before your flight home.

Important Information

Car Rental Included

Included in your holiday price is the rental of a Group A - Sub Compact Car such as a Holden Spark or similar with 1.3 - 1.4 litre engine, a choice of manual or automatic transmission, 5 doors, air conditioning, power steering, dual airbags, a maximum capacity of four people and a boot space for one medium suitcase and one overnight bag.

Upgrade your Car from just £99

Why not treat yourself to a vehicle upgrade to a Group D - Intermediate Auto Sedan Car such as a Holden Cruze or similar with a 2.0 - 2.4 litre engine, automatic transmission, 4 doors, air conditioning, power steering, dual airbags, ABS brakes, a maximum capacity of five people and boot space for two large suitcase and two overnight bags.

The Excess Reduction Plan includes: Car hire on an unlimited km basis, Excess Reduction (subject to a NZ$258.75 excess) and Airport/Wharf Fee. From 01 April 2019, additional driver fee also included.

Visas

British passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa in order to travel to New Zealand. British passport holders currently need an ETA to enter New Zealand and should be obtained before you travel. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your ETA for you on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote Mercury Holidays. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Your flights to New Zealand are with Emirates (EK), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3. Each passenger is entitled to 30kg of hold luggage and hand luggage of 7kg not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm in size. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Currency Information

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and we recommend you change some currency before you leave the UK.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
31 Mar 202409 Apr 2024£3599Please call to book
0330 818 8907
10 Apr 202425 Apr 2024£3099Please call to book
0330 818 8907
26 Apr 202408 May 2024£2799Please call to book
0330 818 8907
09 May 202425 Jun 2024£2999Please call to book
0330 818 8907
26 Jun 202415 Jul 2024£3849Please call to book
0330 818 8907
16 Jul 202424 Jul 2024£3849Please call to book
0330 818 8907
25 Jul 202431 Jul 2024£3829Please call to book
0330 818 8907
01 Aug 202424 Sep 2024£3749Please call to book
0330 818 8907
25 Sep 202425 Oct 2024£3749Please call to book
0330 818 8907
26 Oct 202426 Nov 2024£3299Please call to book
0330 818 8907
27 Nov 202404 Dec 2024£3449Please call to book
0330 818 8907
05 Dec 202410 Dec 2024£3399Please call to book
0330 818 8907
11 Dec 202412 Dec 2024£4349Please call to book
0330 818 8907
13 Dec 202421 Dec 2024£4349Please call to book
0330 818 8907
22 Dec 202430 Dec 2024£3749Please call to book
0330 818 8907
Please note:

All prices are from prices and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

What to expect

Fact File
Min/Max temperature

8 °C / 24 °C

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Auckland, North Island

Queenstown, South Island

What to pack
  • Warm clothing and thermals in winter
  • Waterproof lightweight jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera and charger
  • Binoculars
  • A plug adaptor
  • Leave plenty of space in your case for shopping!
Tour Map
New Zealand 17 Day Fly Drive Route Map
Extensions
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