12 day Tesla Tour of New Zealand North & South Islands

Arrive in Auckland
You will first transfer from the airport to your accommodation in a shared shuttle (included). After checking in, you will have free time for the rest of your day/evening. Here are some things we suggest you explore:

• The Sky Tower allows for stunning perspectives on the city. You will be surprised by the omnipresence of greenery in the most populated city of the country. For the more adventurous, do not hesitate to try the Sky Walk, which is approximately 629 ft high.
• Auckland Zoo has an entire section dedicated to the endemic flora and fauna of New Zealand. It is also a great opportunity to observe New Zealand’s national emblem, the famous kiwi!
• Ponsonby Central, is where you can go to soak up the kiwi atmosphere! There you will find some shops and a multitude of restaurants.
• Takapuna, in the North Shore, is known for its beaches that are absolutely worth a visit!

Overnight: Hotel Britomart
Meals: a la carte breakfast included

Auckland – Taupo
Following breakfast you will transfer from your accommodation to the rental car company (included). You will then make your way to Taupō (approx. three hour drive). After your arrival, feel free to take in some of Taupō’s offerings:

• Huka Falls, these waterfalls are worth a look. The Waikato River propels 220,000 liters of water per second. It is one of the most photographed places in the country, thanks to its turquoise blue color due to oxygen bubbles, Huka meaning foam in Maori. Several walks along the river are possible.
• Take a two hour cruise by sailboat on lake Taupō. If the weather is clear, you can see the mountains of Tongariro National Park and its eternal snows in the background. Once you arrive at Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings, you can take a swim and admire these sculpted rocks.
• Enjoy Taupō Debretts Hot Spring Spa or AC Beths to relax after a day full of adventure.

Overnight: Acacia Cliffs Lodge
Meals: Breakfast and pre-dinner drinks and canapés included

Orakei Korako – Taupo
After breakfast you will head to your included activity. Orakei Korako, also known as the Hidden Valley. The Silica Terraces that form the base of Orakei-Korako Geyserland and Thermal Park are believed to be the largest of its kind since the destruction of the famous Pink and White Terraces in 1886. At present, there are up to 23 active natural geysers that play freely throughout the area. There is a vast number of boiling hot springs to view at Orakei Korako, as well as mud pools and extensive bush walks to enjoy.

Overnight: Acacia Cliffs Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés

Taupo – Napier
After breakfast you will head from Taupo to Napier (approx. two hour drive). Here are some recommendations for once you arrive:

• Colony of Gannets, this is the largest observable colony on foot in the world.
• Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery is a fascinating little museum about the 1931 earthquake which gave Napier its Art Deco architecture today.
• The Arataki Honey Visitor Center allows you to discover how honey is produced. You are also given a free honey tasting at the end of the tour.
• National Aquarium Of New Zealand, is home to a wide range of animal exhibits, including native species. There are daily feedings available for viewing.

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Meals: Breakfast included

Napier
You will have one more day to enjoy Napier and the area at your own pace. Additional suggestions include:

• Napier Ville Art City, the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world.
• Te Mata Figs, for a gourmet break and fig lovers.
• Havelock North, a small country town with good local products, and delicious restaurants
• Ocean & Waimarama Beaches (30 min from Havelock North).

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Meals: Breakfast 

Napier – Wellington
Following breakfast you will begin your journey to Wellington (approx. four hour drive). Wellington is a lively city with lots of options to explore:

• Te Papa Museum, the national museum of New Zealand. Its mixture of Maori and Pakeha culture (New Zealanders of European origin), its innovative, interactive, and playful side will enchant you, while representing the cultural riches of the country.
• Weta Cave, the filming and special effects studios with a museum dedicated in particular to the Lord of the Rings. Peter Jackson is one of the founders. Avatar, District 9, King Kong, Hobbit and others were filmed here as well.
• Wellington Night Market, every Friday and Saturday evening  you can enjoy gastronomy from all four corners of the globe, this includes live music and artistic performances.
• Mt Victoria is where you can admire one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city of Wellington and its surroundings, at 643 feet.

Overnight: Bolton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Picton – Kaikoura
Today you will travel by Inter-Island ferry (included). You will have access to the Interislander Premium lounge, the most comfortable way to travel across the Cook Strait. You’ll be treated to complimentary magazines, wifi, and a variety of teas, coffees, juices, beer, wine, and snacks.

Once you reach Kaikoura, world famous for its abundant marine fauna, you will have time to adventure on your own, here are our suggestions:

• Whale Watching, here you can observe multiple different kinds of whales, since they reside all year round in Kaikoura.
• Sea Fishing, many local fishermen will be delighted to let you embark on their boat.
• Getting some lobster, an experience not to be missed for lovers of fresh sea food. Do not hesitate to stop about 20 minutes from Kaikoura at one of the caravans located on the side of the road.

Overnight: Sudima Kaikoura
Meals: Breakfast

Kaikoura – Christchurch
Today you will travel to Christchurch (approx. two to three hour drive). Once you check in to your incredible hotel, take in some of the sights and activities at your leisure:

• International Antarctic Center, here you can discover the little blue penguin, huskies, have the opportunity to face a southern storm at -20 ° (remember to take a warm jacket), and ride in a Snowcat.
• Experience Coca, beautiful exhibitions for lovers of contemporary art.
• Take on the the tallest and longest zip line in New Zealand.
• Hagley Park, located in the heart of the city, has numerous walks and playgrounds, and above all the magnificent botanical garden.
• Tramway Restaurant, a luxury dining experience on a Heritage Tram.

Overnight: Christchurch City Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Christchurch – Lake Tekapo
Today you will head to Lake Tekapo, one of the rare celestial reserves in the world (approx. three hour drive). There is so much beauty to take in here:

• Observatory of Mt John, perched at an altitude of 3375 feet, it is considered one of the best in the world to observe the Milky Way.
• Relax in the hot pools, ranging from 96 to 104 degrees. All while enjoying magnificent views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Take a Scenic Flight. This magical and breath-taking experience above the Aoraki / Mt Cook Park, allows you the opportunity to observe the lakes and their turquoise color, the magnificent glacial valleys, and the stunning mountains.

Overnight: Galaxy Boutique Hotel Tekapo
Meals: Breakfast

Lake Tekapo – Maniototo
After breakfast head to Maniototo (approx. two to three hour drive). This region has kept real authenticity with the architecture of small villages testifying to that, and a vast history to take in during your stay:

• Clyde, is one of the best preserved villages in the country, the atmosphere of the gold rush in the early 1860s is still very present through its architecture, museums, and its cafes and restaurants.
• Naseby, known for its international curling (sport on ice where granite stones must be placed as close as possible to the target) which we recommend you to try even if you have never done it.

Overnight: Haurapa Pure Pod
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Maniototo – Queenstown
Today after driving to Queenstown (approx. one hour drive), you will have the rest of the day to enjoy the city to it’s fullest at whatever pace you decide, here are some of our recommendations:

• Skyline Complex, you can access it using the Gondola (cable car). While the view is magnificent, you can also eat there and take a toboggan descent.
• Visit the Lord of The Rings, filming locations. You can access it by 4×4 or for on horseback.
• The Vineyards of Central Otago, the most southern wine in the world. Choose from the 75 vineyards in the surrounding area. Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay are the most famous.
• Guided rafting experience with rapid descents in an inflatable boat.
• Steamship TSS Earnslaw, a short cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard a steamboat.

Overnight: Queenstown Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés included

Depart Queenstown
Today you will drop off your car rental at Queenstown Airport.