PRINT MODULESection Two
Planning itineraries for New Zealand is easy - there is a lot to see and do! The following gives an overview of some of the signposted touring routes within each region. The online Regional training modules in this series will give more in depth information. Tourism New Zealand’s consumer website also has comprehensive information on driving routes:
- Themed highways will lead your clients through some of our famous landscapes, with great attractions along the way. These routes are easy to follow - they are marked with distinctive brown signs.
- Driving routes Every driving route is catalogued so your clients can plan their route based on how long they will be travelling and where they want to go. With each route, they can see a detailed description along with scenic highlights and local activities and accommodation.
- Interactive map Clients can see main towns and cities, main roads, national parks, rivers and lakes and New Zealand weather. They can also learn more about journey times and distances, and the location of information centres.
When planning itineraries for your New Zealand bound clients, it is important to understand as much about their interests as possible because the diversity of experiences in New Zealand will allow you to create a personally tailored itinerary for your clients - and that keeps client satisfaction levels high.
Tourism New Zealand research indicates that travellers who have the best experiences in New Zealand have a holiday that allows them freedom to do what they wish and that the 'go slow and savour' style of holiday is more rewarding. They have time to enjoy the activities and experiences they discover along the way.
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway www.twincoast.co.nz
This is a circular touring route from Auckland around the Northland region. The route takes visitors from Auckland to both the east and west coasts of Northland where the experiences are as varied as the surrounding scenery.
The following two touring routes can be combined and are marketed as "The Great New Zealand Touring Route"
Pacific Coast Highway www.pacificcoast.co.nz
The Pacific Coast Highway follows the spectacular east coast of New Zealand's central North Island. Linking Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, the East Cape and Hawke's Bay wine country, the Pacific Coast Highway travels through unique regions where land and sea intermingle.
Thermal Explorer Highway www.gnztr.com
The return journey to Auckland travels on the Thermal Explorer Highway from Hawke's Bay through the centre of the North Island into the geothermal areas of Lake Taupo, Ruapehu, Rotorua and Waikato.
The Forgotten World Highway
This Highway can be approached from Stratford or Taumarunui. It wriggles its way over four mountain saddles, through an eerie one-way tunnel and along a sinuous river gorge. The only significant settlement on the way is Whangamomona, where the historic hotel is known for its hospitality.
Classic New Zealand Wine Trail www.classicwinetrail.co.nz
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a signposted 380km (240 mile) self-drive touring route that links Hawke's Bay, Tararua, Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough. While it's immediately attractive to wine enthusiasts, it's great for the majority of travellers because it can include all sorts of cultural, wildlife and adventure experiences.
The Treasured Pathway www.treasuredpathway.co.nz
The Treasured Pathway journeys through Marlborough and Nelson at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island. The pathway covers more than 260 kilometres / 161 miles of main road between Picton and Farewell Spit. It also includes 9 side trails to special areas such as the coves of the Marlborough Sounds, and the Kahurangi National Park.
A guide book is available to help visitors follow the trail. It contains fascinating details on many of Marlborough and Nelson's well known and not-so-well known attractions, including the Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman National Park and Waikoropupu Springs.
Alpine Pacific Triangle www.hurunui.com
The Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route links three of New Zealand's South Island popular holiday locations, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and Waipara Valley.
The entire circuit is 370 kilometres/ 230 miles and can be enjoyed over a few days. The Alpine Pacific Triangle can be driven in any direction and can be combined with other destinations as part of a greater tour of the South Island.
The Inland Scenic 72 Route
Inland Scenic Route 72 is perfect for the traveller who likes to get off the main highways. The route travels inland hugging the foothills of the mountains bringing travellers closer to the inland parts of the South Island.
The Southern Scenic Route www.SouthernScenicRoute.co.nz
This scenic travelling route guides visitors through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery and rural settings in New Zealand joining Te Anau and Dunedin via the southern coast of the South Island.
