Auckland-based FreemanX Supercars launches luxury self-drive tours in South Island

Auckland-based FreemanX Supercars today (Friday 24 May 2013) launches Queenstown’s first luxury self-drive scenic tour offering people the chance to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s finest automobiles.

Believed to be a ‘first’ in the Wakatipu area, the new tour enables people to be a ‘millionaire’ for the day and experience the ultimate thrill and prestige of driving a choice of two luxury vehicles during each trip.
With a fleet of four ‘supercars’ to choose from --  a Lamborghini Murciélago, Ferrari F430 Spyder, Porsche 911 Turbo or  Lotus Sports Racer -- drivers can enjoy the freedom of getting behind the wheel  of one of these magnificent vehicles while taking in the sights and sounds of Central Otago.

A chaperone accompanies drivers in a separate vehicle and escorts them as they navigate their way through the region, making scheduled stops along the way to change cars.

Inbuilt GPS systems ensure drivers don’t get lost on the way and make it to their destination safely and on time.

FreemanX Supercars is no stranger to the luxury car business. As well as operating a similar self-drive experience in Auckland for more than three and half years, FreemanX Supercars also runs track drives at Hampton Downs race track where people can take control of one of the company’s seven luxury supercars.
FreemanX Supercars owner and New Zealand land speed recorder holder Eddie Freeman said the South Island launch was a direct result of the company’s success in Auckland and offered people a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive these amazing vehicles”.

“People just love the feeling of jumping into the driver’s seat of a Lotus or a Lamborghini for the first time.

There’s no better thrill than being the master of your very own supercar for the day,” said Mr Freeman.

“The tour routes we’ve chosen offer some of the country’s finest driving roads, and there is no doubt the scenery is amongst the world’s best.

“I can’t think of a better way to sightsee in Queenstown than at the wheel of one of these amazing machines.”

Initially the company will offer three tour options, all starting at its Frankton base, and has unveiled introductory prices to encourage people to take up the experience.

The two-hour tour takes drivers along State Highway 6 to Kingston stopping at a lookout point en route to change cars. The road to Kingston offers a mixture of bends and straights and according to Mr Freeman is “perfect road terrain for luxury vehicles such as these”.

Tours leave daily at 8.30am, 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm with an introductory price of $199 per person driving the Porsche and Lotus, and $299 for the Lamborghini and Ferrari.

Those who crave longer in the driving seat can opt for half or full day tours to Cromwell or Wanaka, both of which take in Arrowtown along the way. Those tours start from $799 per person for the half day and $1,399 for the full day experience, and include a gourmet lunch or morning/afternoon tea and stop off points along the way.

“The longer trips enable drivers to really get to grips with what these cars can do,” said Mr Freeman.
Self-drive packages and driving days can be tailored for corporate and incentive groups for up to 100+ guests.

“While New Zealand road rules do apply, there’s nothing quite like taking to the open road in one of these supercars and literally being spellbound by the beauty this region has on offer.

“It’s surely on everyone’s bucket list!”