Freedom and flexibillity of Fly/Drive getaways

Nothing beats the freedom and flexibility of a driving holiday, especially if you can fly into one city and out of another. Book your ticket and try these fly/drive getaways.

To book call 131 538

Auckland to Christchurch

Jetstar flies into and out of Auckland and Christchurch, giving you absolute freedom and the opportunity to enjoy the best of both islands without having to backtrack.

Harbour Happenings

With its beautiful harbour and cool cosmopolitan edge, Auckland is a great place to start your trip. Take a ferry ride out to the wineries on Waiheke Island, linger over lunch at the cafes of Parnell or Ponsonby and, if you dare, walk the edge of the 192m Sky Tower!

Take to the Waters

The spurting geysers, bubbling mudpools and soothing thermal waters of Rotorua are a natural highlight of the North Island, but most visitors come for the genuine Maori culture. The Maori revered this place for its ‘sacred waters’, so stop by for a traditional hangi and concert at Tamaki, then pamper yourself with a relaxing soak at ths.e Blue Bath

Extreme Fun

The North Island’s adventure capital is all about fun – bordering on the extreme. On the edge of New NZ’s largest lake, Taupo is the base for skydiving, bungee jumping, kayaking or tramping over a volcano. If that’s too much, relax at the Taupo Hot Springs Spa.

Art Deco Delights

Napier’s passion for architecture and fine wines is contagious. Stroll streets lined with 1930s art deco features, then pack a picnic and tour the wineries of Hawke’s Bay, famous for its silky syrah and Bordeaux-style reds.

Wining & Dinin

Once you’ve crossed the Cook Strait by car ferry it’s time for more indulgence on the South Island. Cloaked in vineyards and peppered with almost 200 world-class wineries, the Marlborough region is a nirvana for wine-lovers. Grab a bike and drift between tasting rooms and boutique restaurants. Our favourites are Cloudy Bay, Herzog and Framingham.

Whales, Dolphins & Crayfish

Wedged between snowcapped mountains and the coast, beautiful Kaikoura is NZ’s whale-watching capital. On a boat trip you can see pilot, sperm and southern right whales up close, but the real thrill is swimming with a pod of playful dusky dolphins. Celebrate afterwards with a feast of fresh crayfish at the Pier Hotel.

City of Churches

Finish your trip in oh-so-English Christchurch, where you can float down the Avon River on a romantic punt and trundle around town on the historic tramway.

Melbourne to Adelaide

Flying into Melbourne-Avalon airport the coast is less than an hour away. This fly-drive trip takes you on one of the world’s great scenic drives and into Australia’s finest wine regions – sheer indulgence!

Great Ocean Road

California has the Big Sur, Italy the Amalfi Coast and Victoria the 250km Great Ocean Road, offering stunning views of the southern ocean battering limestone sheer cliffs. The forest meets the coast here, so wind down your window and breathe in a unique perfume of bush, beach, gums and salty air. Take your time: stop for fresh crayfish or kick back on the beach at Lorne or Apollo Bay and keep an eye out for koalas lazing in the eucalypts by the roadside. We recommend the detour down to Cape Otway through thick eucalypt forest to Australia’s oldest lighthouse. The road’s most famous natural feature is the Twelve Apostles, part of the photogenic Port Campbell National Park. Although they number only eight, these eroded limestone rock stacks and the surrounding ocean are a special sight from the boardwalk lookout – or from a helicopter. The official coast road ends here but don’t miss calling into the historic seaside town of Port Fairy for a seafood lunch at Wisharts at the Wharf.

Coonawarra

Crossing the border into South Australia, you’re almost straight into wine territory – the terra rossa (red earth) of the Coonawarra wine region. Sample the trademark spicy cab savs at Majella, Wynn’s or Balnaves but leave room in the trunk for your visit to the Barossa Valley, just a few hours north.

Barossa Valley

The Barossa was established by German Lutheran immigrants in the 19th century and those early vines blossomed into one of Australia’s sweetest wine regions. With more than 80 wineries you’re spoilt for choice and most have welcoming cellar doors and tasting rooms. Base yourself in Tanunda and take a leisurely tour of the valley. We recommend visiting Penfolds – famous for its Grange Hermitage - Henschke and Peter Lehmann Wines. Compliment your wines with some local produce from Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and the Barossa Valley Cheese Company. Next stop: Adelaide.

You can spend as little as a week driving these wonderful routes in New Zealand and Australia, or take a more leisurely approach and explore each in more depth – whatever your timetable or your interest allows.

To book call 131 538