Off the beaten path

The rental company will pick you up at the airport. You’ll go to pick up your car and sign the rental contract. Please keep the map and driving instructions that will be handed to you, you will need them to drop off your vehicle. QUEENSTOWN, born in 1860 from the Gold Rush, Queenstown is now the world capital for adrenaline and outdoor activities. HIGHLIGHTS - STEAMSHIP TSS EARNSLAW, take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu. There is plenty of time to explore the decks and bridge, view the engine room, join a sing-along with the on-board pianist or sit back and relax. - SKYLINE COMPLEX, one of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown. You access by scenic gondola, the best views in the region are found here spread out in a spectacular 220degree panorama, with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It's truly magnificent and awe-inspiring! - ONSEN HOT POOLS, these natural hot water pools are very intimate and have great views on the valley and the Shotover River. - VIEW, we recommend to take the road that leads to Remarkables, this is a strategic spot to evaluate the view and take nice photos.

ON YOUR WAY: - CROMWELL, a small fruit town whose gold rush has left a quaint little town center with a Wild West vibe. Pretty art and artist shops or a small cafe on the Clutha River await you. Among our favourite wineries Bald Hills and Mt Difficulty. The Mt Difficulty restaurant also serves excellent meals to share. - MANIOTOTO is the historic heart of the discovery of gold and the European and Chinese immigration it generated. Unlike Queenstown, which has modernized, this region has kept a real authenticity, the architecture of small villages testifies to it and even its inhabitants seem to enjoy time and life at a gentle pace. Follow the SH6 to Cromwell and then the SH8 towards Alexandra. ON YOUR WAY: - CROMWELL, a small fruit town whose gold rush has left a quaint little town center with a Wild West vibe. Pretty art and artist shops or a small cafe on the Clutha River await you. Among our favourite wineries Bald Hills and Mt Difficulty. The Mt Difficulty restaurant also serves excellent meals to share.

MANIOTOTO is the historic heart of the discovery of gold and the European and Chinese immigration it generated. Unlike Queenstown, which has modernized, this region has kept a real authenticity, the architecture of small villages testifies to it and even its inhabitants seem to enjoy time and life at a gentle pace. Indoor Curling Rink game in Naseby : The whole family can enjoy this unique game – it’s not a matter of muscle power, just skill and strategy and, of course, good sportsmanship. It’s easy to learn yet challenging to play and is a fun sport for all ages and abilities. As you slide the 20kg granite stone down the ice, tension builds.Your team mates take over, brushing the ice to help it reach its target. Will it make it or will your opponents sweep it into oblivion? Curling is the only game in the world where the person who makes the delivery isn’t the person who decides on the result. It is a fiercely competitive game but also one of the friendliest and its traditions and etiquette are part of the folklore of Central Otago. Naseby is the country’s curling capital with the Southern Hemisphere’s first international and Olympic standard indoor curling rink. It’s also home to members of the New Zealand Olympic curling team. Time allowed is 1.5 hours.

From Clyde, take SH8 direction North until you arrive at Cromwell and then drive on SH6 that leads directly to Queenstown. Take SH6 to Lumsden where you turn right towards Te Anau on SH94. In the heart of the Fiordland region which belongs to the TE WAHIPOUNAMU World Heritage area, Te Anau is the base camp for hikers setting off on the region's famous multi-day walks. HIGHLIGHTS: - THE WILDLIFE CENTRE - The ideal setting to learn about some of Fiordland’s wildlife. The centre offers the opportunity to view the rare flightless Takahē, now restricted to the tussock grasslands of the Murchison Mountains of Fiordland as well as native waterfowl, Weka, Parakeets, Tui, Kea, Kākā and wood pigeons. - IVON WILSON PARK - 5 minute walk from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre that follows the lake edge before crossing the road to the park entrance. Ivon Wilson Park is an open 35-hectare park-like landscape with both introduced and native trees with views of the Fiordland Mountains. A great place for families to visit with extensive plantings and many marked trails leading to the picturesque Lake Henry which is stocked with rainbow and brown trout as a children's fishery. Licences are available at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. - DOCK & BROD BAY - a 30 minute walk beginning at the control gates, the start of the Kepler Track. This well-defined track follows the lakeshore passing through stands of attractive native forest. A pleasant bay with views across the lake to Te Anau. Swimming and picnic facilities available. Further on from Dock Bay, Brod Bay is another popular spot in summer for boaties and day walkers alike who enjoy its broad beach and picnic facilities. This is also the drop off point for track walkers who choose to cut out the first forest section of the Kepler Track. - GLOW WORMS - a 2.5hr guided cruise across the lake from Te Anau in small groups.

Take SH94 until the end. Milford Road is the most iconic road in NZ. HIGHLIGHTS: - LAKE MISTLETOE - 45 minutes return. Attractive forest walk from Te Anau Downs. - MIRROR LAKES - 5 minutes walkway. Small lakes on the roadside provide outstanding reflective views of the Earl Mountains. Waterfowl and wetland plants can be seen against a backdrop of beech forest. - KNOB’S FLAT - Here an interpretive display shows the effect of avalanches on the Milford Road and gives some information on the wildlife of the Eglinton Valley. - LAKE GUNN NATURE WALK- An easy 45 minutes loop walk. It is also wheelchair accessible. The walk provides an introduction to tall red beech forest and birdlife of the Eglinton Valley. Side trips can be made to lake beaches and sheltered fishing spots. Doubtful Sound Day Cruise : A day excursion into this pristine fiord begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri to West Arm. You will then board a coach and travel the sub-alpine road over Wilmot Pass, pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. On arrival in Doubtful Sound, board the spacious catamaran for a three-hour cruise through some of the fiord’s most stunning scenery. Throughout the cruise, a specialist nature guide provides commentary and points out highlights. Wildlife sightings are common in Doubtful Sound. Fur seals bask on rocky outcrops and the fiord’s resident pod of bottlenose dolphins are often seen in the deep waters. Packed lunch must be pre-ordered, or you can bring your own if you prefer.

The fastest way is to take SH94 until Lumsden and take SH6 toward South. But the most scenic route is SH95 toward Manapouri and then SH99. Domestic flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island - return : 20 minutes domestic flight (return) from Invercargill to Stewart Island. Baggage allowance is 15kg per person. Excess baggage may be deferred until a later flight. We can store unnecessary baggage free of charge. Please call Stewart Island Flights on 03 218 9129 24h before departure to reconfirm your scenic flight. Please check-in 30min prior to departure. Stewart Island is the third biggest island in New Zealand and offers a special experience - a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides, attuned to the natural world of bush and beach. HIGHLIGHTS: - TRAMPING - Stewart Island offers walks for all different fitness levels and ability ranges where one can enjoy our diverse bush, birds, scenery and landforms. There are several easy walking tracks within the vicinity of Oban varying from 10 minutes to 3 hours. Of the short walks one of the most popular and rewarding would be Observation Rock, giving stunning views of Paterson Inlet and amazing sunsets. Longer walks include Golden Bay to Deep Bay, Ackers Point track for coastal vistas, Horseshoe Bay track, Maori Beach track and the popular Ryans Creek track.

CRUISES - There are several but we recommend discovering diverse marine species above and below the waterline during a 2.5 hour cruise excursion. Depart on a catamaran and explore the coastal area adjacent to Halfmoon Bay and the Titi Islands. KIWIS – There are approximately 20 000 kiwis here. The island is renowned for kiwi spotting during the day. But unfortunately it is all the contrary of accessible, easy to organise and cheap. You have to deserve it! ONCE UPON A TRIP TOUCH People of Rakiura (the other name of the island) have a very nice reputation, try to go in a pub and mingle. Transfer Oban to Ulva Island return : Ulva Island/ Te Wharawhara combines native bush, picturesque sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and around 4.5 kilometres of easy walking track. Declared pest-free in 1997, Ulva Island provides habitat where rare plants and endangered birds are allowed to thrive: unique opportunity to spot Stewart Island robin, kakariki, saddleback, mohua (yellowhead), and, if you’re lucky, Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka). Typically, a 2 to 4 hour visit with a flexible pick-up time can be arranged to suit.

Join the Catlins Coast via the SH1. THE CATLINS COAST, encompasses from Waipapa Point to Nugget Point, it is one of the wildest places in the country. It is also the best place to watch seals, sea lions or yellow-eyed penguins in the wild. Occasionally you will see whales and dolphins. Thank you for respecting the tranquility of the animals by approaching them only at a minimum and by following a few simple rules: - Seals: never stand between a seal and the sea. If they feel threatened, they will want to head for the ocean and could attack you if you happen to be in their way. - Sea lions: they’re very calm and usually harmless but they can be very aggressive so be careful to not get too close to them. - Yellow eyed penguins: they are very shy. If you’re lucky enough to see one coming out of the water, please enjoy the moment but don’t go too close. If you scare a penguin back into the water it may not return to feed its young.

Drive down SH1 to Dunedin. A nice university city with strong Scottish roots. The historical buildings are beautiful and native wildlife is very present on Otago Peninsula. HIGHLIGHTS: - THE OCTAGON - First laid out during Charles Kettle's surveying of the city in 1846. His plans for the centre of Dunedin included a large Octagonal area (Moray Place) enclosing a smaller octagonal space, originally designated as a reserve. This status was embodied in law in 1854, six years after the arrival of the first European settlers to the city. - ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL – This cathedral has occupied its site in the heart of the Octagon, Dunedin, since the first parish church of St Paul was built in 1862-1863. This first St Paul's was built of Caversham stone and could accommodate up to 500 people. - THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO - Founded in 1869 by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council, and it is New Zealand's oldest university. The new university was given 100,000 acres of pastoral land as an endowment and authorised to grant degrees in arts, medicine, law and music. The University plays a huge role in city life. Three course dinner included : Dinner is offered in a Castle Dining Room, and is only available to the accommodation guests. The Castle does not operate a conventional restaurant, but in keeping with the historic setting, it offers a three-course table d’hôte menu served house party style to all guests at one sitting – a chance to meet other guests.

A long step today. You must go up the SH1 passing by Oamaru and Timaru, in Burnham, turn right to join the SH75 and Akaroa. You take the same route for the outward journey as for the return except for the last kilometers. If the weather is suitable, we recommend the "Tourist Drive", a panoramic route with magical views overhead on Akaroa and the caldera, otherwise take the road via Duvauchelle, you will take the "Tourist Drive" on your return. ON YOUR WAY - OAMARU is, along with Napier, one of the cities renowned for its architecture and its stone, give yourself time to stroll around the city. - THE MOERAKI BOULDERS, rock formations in the shape of giant balls on the beach, one of the most photographed sites in New Zealand. Find out about the tide times, at high tide the boulders are barely visible, however at low tide they are all discovered, the best time may be at rising tide when the water slightly begins to cover them. BANKS PENINSULA is located 75 km south-east of Christchurch. Go to the end of the peninsula, to the village of Akaroa, you will certainly be surprised to read street names in French and probably to see the French flag fluttering there. This is explained by an attempt at French colonization in 1840, at that time more and more French whalers were sailing in the area. This peninsula was even bought from the Maori with a first payment, the balance having to be paid when taking possession of the territory. When the French expedition from Paris arrived in New Zealand, the British had already acquired sovereignty over the island through the Treaty of Waitangi. The French had to settle for two villages instead of the whole island, one of these being Akaroa and the other no longer exists. Thus, a certain number of New Zealanders living in the region are descendants of French settlers. AKAROA, French village in the heart of New Zealand ... Sometimes it seems that time has stopped there.

HIGHLIGHTS: - DOLPHINS HECTOR, it is the only place to observe one of the smallest dolphins in the world or even swim with this endemic animal. Contact us to discuss your options. - FLEA BAY, with 2,600 penguins, this is the home of the largest colony of small blue penguins in New Zealand. Go observe them from October to early February. You can only get there by 4x4. We suggest that you contact us if you wish to book this excursion.- HIKING, Akaroa is the starting point for Banks Track, but also many other day hikes. We go up in altitude very quickly and the views of the caldera are impressive. - WINE AND CHEESE TASTING, the Banks Peninsula is less known than certain regions of New Zealand for its wines and yet certain areas are definitely worth a stop. Explore two award-winning and renowned vineyards in the region for an afternoon. Thanks to your guide you will learn all about the history of the region and taste good wines accompanied by excellent cheeses. Throughout your visit you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the best views of the peninsula. Ask us to book for you. - SHOPS, we advise you to go shopping and eat in the 2nd part of the village, after the beach. OUR BARS AND RESTAURANTS SELECTION - AKAROA THE FISH & CHIPS, in the pure English tradition, a popular Fish and chips as we like them. - THE LITTLE BISTRO, a good address in the city center with local and seasonal products, their wine list is also excellent. - THE HILLTOP TAVERN, on the road between Akaroa and Christchurch, stop for a coffee or a snack, and enjoy the outdoor summer lounge and its breathtaking view of the Banks Peninsula.

Take SH75 which leads you to Christchurch. Head South on the SH1. Turn left onto Waipara Flat road/SH 7 leading to Hanmer Springs. The Waipara area is an up and coming wine region, don't hesitate to stop and try some wine if you're a bit of a connoisseur. Hanmer Springs is great all year round, with a different colour palette depending on the season. Set in a breath-taking natural landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains. HIGHLIGHTS: THERMAL POOLS & SPA - Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from soothing indulgence to exciting family fun. There are a range of pools - nine open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and four private thermal pools, as well as a sauna/steam room, a freshwater heated pool and a popular family activity area - complete with water slides, water toys and picnic area - ensure the Thermal Pools & Spa offer something for everyone. Try starting in the cooler ones and going right up to the hottest and then working your way down again. WALKS - There is a range of walks on offer from short walks like Conical Hill to full day hikes such as climbing Mt Isobel. SKIING & SNOWBOARDING – During the winter the Hanmer Springs club field is open at Mt St Patrick.

Head to Christchurch on SH7, then SH70 and SH1 to Kaikoura. Continue up SH1 to Picton. This is the town where you cross the Cook Straight by ferry. This is also a nice little town where people unfortunately often don’t spend enough time when passing through. Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington : Ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington. Final check in is an hour prior to departure. Vehicle on the ferry : car or 4 WD or minibus up to 5.5 metres : Don't forget to put your hand break on and to lock your vehicle. WELLINGTON, the political capital of New Zealand, is a very pleasant and lively city. All too often sloppy due to lack of time, it has a lot to offer. It was recognized as the most “pleasant little capital” in the world by the Lonely Planet in its 2011 selection of the Top 10 cities to discover. And New York is the city with the most cafes / bars per capita!

Abel Tasman National Park by plane from Wellington : Your day starts with Stunning scenic flight from Wellington to Golden Bay over Abel Tasman pristine beaches followed by an easy 30-minute return walk to Te Waikoropupu Springs, clearest fresh-water in the world. After a 50-minute scenic shuttle tour from Takaka you arrive at Totaranui Beach, where you learn about the history and environment of Golden Bay. You stay Two hours to explore the beach at either Totaranui in winter or Awaroa in summer. Last but not least, you end your day by a stunning 90-minute cruise down the length of the Abel Tasman National Park Coastline to Kaiteriteri where you spot dolphins and seals. You are transferred back to Nelson by shuttle from where you will take a return flight to Wellington Airport.

Take the SH2 towards Featherston then the SH53 to the city center. MARTINBOROUGH, a pretty little village in the Wairarapa region surrounded by vineyards, is the favorite destination of the inhabitants of Wellington. HIGHLIGHTS: - MARTINBOROUGH, for wine lovers, there are nearly 35 wineries around the city center, pinot noir is famous there, but the whites are generally very good in New Zealand. Among the famous estates, let yourself be tempted by Palliser Estate, Tirohana, Ata Rangi, Escarpment, Craggy range, Alana Estate or Te Kairanga. Many are found on Puruatanga road. - BIKE, a little less dangerous than by car, discovering vineyards by bike has its charm. March Hare Cycling located at the I-Site even offers picnics with rental. - GREYTOWN, a small village with Victorian buildings that does not lack character. Small designer boutiques, pretty gardens and above all the Schoc Chocolates chocolate factory which produces 85 kinds of more original chocolates than one another, not to be missed! - CAPE PALLISER, located an hour's drive from Martinborough, it is the last lighthouse on the North Island, the landscapes are splendid and a colony of fur seals has established its quarters there. Be careful not to be surprised when you venture on the rocks and never put yourself between a sea lion and the sea because they will feel in danger and can attack. - PUTANGIRUA PINNACLES, located on the Cape Palliser road, 13 km after leaving the road which leads to Lake Ferry. Filming location for several scenes in the third part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it is an excellent hiking spot, plan the day to enjoy it as well as food and drink, there is no restaurant, convenience store or cafe nearby, the only one being at Lake Ferry before Martinborough.

Drive down SH3 and then the SH2 when you arrive at Featherstoon. Turn right onto Akatarawa Rd at Upper Hutt. When you arrive at Waikanae drive north on SH1 to Sanson where you should take SH3 to New Plymouth. MT TARANAKI, according to a Maori legend, Taranaki brother of Tongariro had to go into exile on the coast after the loss of a battle. Today the Taranaki region, with its main town New Plymouth, is a dynamic place to ski in winter while summer is devoted to hiking, surfing and the many festivals that enliven the city. HIGHLIGHTS: - PUKEKURA PARK, a magnificent 52 hectare garden in the heart of the city. Created in 1876, it shelters a great variety of flowers which decorate the contours of its lake. There is also a small zoo, entry is free. - PUKEITI PARK, a colorful stroll in this 65-hectare park created in 1950. You will have the choice between walks of 35 min to 2 hours to discover exotic plants, but also one of the largest collections in the world of rhododendrons. - COASTAL WALKWAY, a 13 km promenade along the sea. It is possible to do it on foot or by bicycle, which you can hire at Cycle Inn (133 Devon Street) where you will be provided with a map showing distances to be covered. Heading north from downtown you arrive at Fitzroy Beach surf beach and Te Rewarewa bridge, to be photographed in good weather with Mount Taranaki in the background. In the south of the city you arrive at the port of Breakwater Bay and further on to Parititu Rock, a volcanic hill which offers a beautiful view of the city (15 minute walk to the summit.) - BACK BEACH is known for its view of the Sugar Loaf Island Marine which includes seven islets and the famous Paritutu Rock overlooking the 156m high beach. If you are lucky you can see dolphins or whales.

HIGHLIGHTS: - MOUNT TARANAKI, very popular with photographers, this volcano has been considered extinct since 1755. It is possible to hike there and even climb up to its summit. Climbing is not recommended in spring and winter, you must be in good physical condition and be prepared, do not forget to ask the DOC to check the weather conditions. - DAWSON FALLS, a 1-hour loop from the Dawson Falls information center where there is an 18m waterfall. From Stratford take Celia Street and follow the Dawson Falls / Opunake sign then turn onto Manaia Road. - WILKIES POOLS, and its natural pools of crystal clear water formed in lava where the bravest (and especially the least chilly) will dare to soak a foot. To get there follow the information from the Dawson Falls information center, this 1.9km loop will take you about 2 hours. This is an easy walk that will take you across the Goblin Forest, a suspension bridge, glimpses of waterfalls all in the middle of the forest. - SURF HIGHWAY, a lost road between sea, forests and mountains, the views of Mount Taranaki are breathtaking. - BEACH, Fitzroy's is nice, it is supervised, surfers will have a great time. - RUGBY, if you're lucky enough to be in New Plymouth during a match, don't hesitate for a second, the views from the stadium on Mt Taranaki are superb. - FESTIVALS, the city is very culturally active, find out what happens when you come.

Take SH3 to Stratford and then turn left onto SH43, the famous World Forgotten Highway. The “Republic of Whangamomona” which proclaimed its autonomy in 1989 in protest at the decision to make the district part of the Wanganui region rather than keeping it as a part of the Taranaki region to which it had always belonged. Every two years in January a new president of the republic is elected, none of whom are recognised by the New Zealand government of course but a big festival is held in the new president’s honour, it’s a proud moment for the village’s 15 inhabitants. You can get your passport stamped at the Whangamomona Hotel and check out the photos of the local rugby team who are the only NZ rugby team besides the All Blacks to have the right to play in black as they were formed before the All Blacks even existed. Drive north on S43 and then take SH41 to Turangi, and SH1 to Taupo. There is a nice view point over the lake just before Turangi. Taupo is the North Island’s capital of outdoor activities: bungy jumping, jet boating, helicopter flights, skydiving - you name it, it’s possible here. 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 on the edge of Lake Rotomahana beneath Mount Tarawera.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 there are extensive bush walks to enjoy through areas of native flora and fauna.

TAURANGA, is the largest coastal city in the Bay of Plenty region, it has experienced strong development in recent years both in terms of tourism and economic. Thanks to the development of the kiwi fruit Tauranga and its surroundings are now known as "the world capital of kiwi". HIGHLIGHTS: - MOUNT MAUNGANUI, or “Mount” (the Mount) for locals, is a seaside resort on the peninsula. The bay is protected which allows pleasant swimming, the ocean side is ideal for surfing. The extinct volcano, Mauao, dominates the city from a height of 232 meters. Several hiking routes depending on their difficulty allow you to reach the summit, from where the view of the port, the beaches and the Pacific Ocean is awe-inspiring and truly worth the effort. - THE CENTER OF TAURANGA, shelters some old buildings (for New Zealand). - THE STRAND, the recent part of the city on the seafront, restaurants, cafes, pubs and nightclubs are located there. - THE HARBOR, it has been the lung of the city, especially since it has welcomed ocean liners. There is an outing for swimming with dolphins.

Take the SH1 towards Whangarei all the way to the end of the motorway. Pass Warkworth and Wellsford. Drive for 2km after Te Hana, then turn right. When travelling between Auckland and Northland you have a choice between using the Northern Gateway Toll Road - an extension of State Highway 1- or one of the free alternatives. The 7.5km toll road provides motorists a more direct and safer route, with two lanes in each direction, and a time saving of up to nine minutes during off-peak periods. If time is not a factor, you may like to take the more scenic route that follows the attractive coastline between the popular holiday spots of Orewa and Waiwera, or State Highway 16. For the toll road you can pay the NZ $2.60 fee in cash at the payment point at the end of the road or you can pay online with your credit card within 5 days and the cost is only NZ$ 2.20 each way: http://www.tollroad.govt.nz/ MANGAWHAI is a little gem located 1h30 drive away from Auckland, popular with kiwis, but little known to tourists. The beaches are magnificent, life is good. Take advantage of this stage off the beaten track. We must distinguish Mangawhai village from Mangawhai Heads which are 3 km apart.

HIGHLIGHTS: - THE BEACHES, Mangawhai Heads Beach is very popular, supervised beach perfect for trying your hand at surfing for an afternoon. The ice creams offered in the summer are delicious. Please note, parking in high season can sometimes be difficult. For more privacy, you can go to Te Arai Point, another superb beach 7 km after the village, the road is not asphalted on the last part, control your speed. - THE DUNE, a splendid walk! Be careful to respect the signs which indicate the protected areas for birds. You can access it from the beach but it is a long walk of 3 to 4 hours round trip or via the Mangrove (access available on request). - CLIFFTOP WALKWAY, a superb coastal hike of 3 hours loop starting from the lifeguard station of the main beach of Heads, only doable at low tide. Walk along the beach and its spectacular rock formations for 3 km, before turning towards the path (indicated) which climbs the cliff on your left. You return to the starting point on the path which overlooks the beach. The views of the beach and the Pacific are magnificent.

Take the SH1 South bond, then SH18 which leads you to SH20 the airport highway. Drop your car off at the airport.