Itinerary
This is a 25 day self-drive itinerary that travels both islands of New Zealand, starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch.
Welcome to Auckland! After clearing customs, collect your rental car and make your way into your city centre accommodation.
After checking in and getting yourself settled, turn your roving eye outside and enjoy a free afternoon in the City of Sails. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, with plenty of sights, shopping and street appeal for even the pickiest of travellers.
Travel north over the Harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast this morning to arrive in Paihia, a seaside town nestled on the shores of this National Maritime Park in the Bay of Islands.
On arrival, perhaps visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s most historic site where the Treaty was signed between the Maori Chiefs and the British Crown.
This morning you will board a catamaran and be whisked out to sea as you venture towards the famous Hole in the Rock. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Bay of Islands how you choose.
Head south from Paihia and make a detour to Matakohe this morning as you visit The Kauri Museum. After learning about New Zealand history, continue your journey back into Auckland.
This morning you continue your journey to the Coromandel. You will be traversing the spectacular east coast of the North Island along the Pacific Coast Highway – one of the great touring routes in the world.
Today you have a full day of leisure. You may choose to enjoy stunning Cathedral Cove, visit Hahei and Hot Water Beach, or simply relax at your accommodation.
Depart today and travel through farmland en route to Rotorua. Along the way, stop in Matamata and enjoy an afternoon tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Today is yours to experience Rotorua how you choose. Perhaps walk among the Redwood forest, enjoy a therapeutic spa treatment, or relish in the thrill of the gondola and luge rides.
This evening you will go to Te Pa Tu, where an evening of cultural immersion awaits.
This morning depart Rotorua and head to Wai-O-Tapu. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserve’s unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and terrace formations.
Stop at the mighty Huka Falls and Wairakei Geothermal project then wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue on to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities.
You have the morning to relax or explore Napier at your leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Napier as you learn about its Art Deco history.
Drive south today to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. A visit to the Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa, is highly recommended.
Today you will travel across Cook Strait, the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. On arrival in Picton, leave your car and travel by water taxi to your accommodation in the Queen Charlotte Sound for the next few days.
Today is yours to spend as you choose. Enjoy your time at your accommodation, immersed in remote wilderness.
You will return to Picton by water taxi this morning and collect your rental car to continue your journey south to the seaside town of Kaikoura.
Enjoy a whale watching cruise this morning before continuing south onto the Banks Peninsula, known for its stunning scenery and amazing wildlife. Your stay is in the quaint village of Akaroa, home to the early French settlers of the 1840s.
Your wildlife harbour cruise today will be fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour. The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting of one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector’s or New Zealand Dolphin.
Depart Akaroa today and continue south along the East Coast to reach Moeraki, famous for the fascinating Moeraki Boulders (Maori legend describes them as the food baskets of the gods). Continue south to reach the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin, renowned for its natural history and Otago University.
This morning cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour with Monarch Cruises. Enjoy a wildlife cruise experience with unrivalled viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head; the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world, and home to New Zealand fur seals, and eight other nesting bird species.
You may also see dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds including other species of albatross, penguins and marine mammals in their natural environment.
Travel today through the historic goldfields of Central Otago to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort and regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier holiday destinations.
Your day tour coach follows the southern arm of Lake Wakitipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. The scenery changes dramatically from tussock covered grasslands to glacier hewn valleys as you enter the Eglington Valley and travel through the breathtaking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound.
On arrival at Milford Sound, board your ship and settle in for a 2.5-hour cruise. Milford Sound is nothing short of heart-stopping, inducing subconscious smiles in the hard to please and easily bored almost instantly; it’s simply magnificent. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins!
On completion you will return to Queenstown by coach. Or upgrade your itinerary to return via a scenic flight to Queenstown.
Nothing you have experienced will have prepared you for the excitement of a Shotover Jet ride as you speed through the towering, rocky canyons of the South Island’s river of gold. On completion the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown.
Depart Queenstown this morning, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park.
Then continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to Franz Josef Glacier.
Today is yours to spend how you choose. Perhaps take an optional guided walk or heli-hike to explore the spectacular ice formations, experience the thrill of a scenic flight and place your footprints onto a high alpine snowfield.
Depart Franz Josef this morning and travel further north along the rugged West Coast to Greymouth. Return your rental car in Greymouth and board the world-famous TranzAlpine rail journey. Marvel at the dramatic alpine scenery as you travel across the South Island. Upon your arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Bid farewell to New Zealand this morning as you are transferred to Christchurch International Airport where you’ll prepare for your onward flight.
