One of the best ways to discover New Zealand is on a self-drive tour, and we think this 3-week itinerary will help you get the most out of your Kiwi Experience.

 

The rental car is included, the route is well planned, and your hotel accommodation is booked and ready for your arrival, so they only thing you have to worry about is following the map and enjoying the view!

 

A wonderful tour for singles, couples, families and groups, this New Zealand Adventure covers the highlights of the north and south islands, and just about everything in-between!

 

Detailed Itinerary

 

Day 1: Auckland

Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, please clear immigration, collect your luggage, and proceed to the arrivals hall where you will follow the signs to the Car Hire pick up point. After collecting your vehicle, you will drive to your hotel in the city for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Auckland

 

Day 2: Auckland – Omapere (285km/178miles approx. 3.5 hours)

Today you will drive north to the dune-backed beaches and overnight on the shores of Hokianga Harbour. Your 285km journey will take approximately 3.5 hours, and there are plenty of places of interest to stop at along the way.

Overnight: Hokianga

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 3: Omapere – Bay of Islands (93km/58miles approx. 1.5 hours)

After breakfast today, you will continue your journey north with a leisurely drive to the Bay of Islands, your base for the next two nights.  Made up of some 140 subtropical islands, the Bay of Islands is bursting with secluded beaches and waterfront promenades that are just waiting to be discovered.

Overnight: Bay of Islands

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 4: Bay of Islands

Explore the Bay of islands, visit the Treaty House at Waitangi, and if you are really lucky, view the dolphins at play. There are some great boat trips, hiking tours, and fishing trips available to book locally.

Overnight: Bay of Islands

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 5: Auckland (240km/149miles approx. 3 hours)

After breakfast today, you will make your way back to Auckland for one last evening in the beautiful City of Sails where bars, restaurants and nightlife are in abundance.

Overnight: Auckland

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 6: Rotorua (234km/145miles approx. 3 hours)

Today you will continue your journey on the well-signposted Thermal Explorer Highway Touring Route to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity, hot springs and traditional Maori culture.

Overnight: Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 7: Rotorua – Taupo (82km/51miles, approx. 1 hour)

After visiting the hot springs of Rotorua, you’ll be glad to leave the rather pungent smell behind as you head back on the Thermal Explorer Highway direction Huka Falls and the lakeside town of Taupo.  After checking into your hotel, why not head on down to Lake Taupo for an afternoon of leisure.

Overnight: Taupo

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 8: Taupo – Tongariro National Park – Wellington (380km/236miles approx. 5 hours)

After a hearty New Zealand breakfast, you will be ready to tackle your next 380km journey to Wellington, taking the volcanic Loop Touring Route from Taupo to Wellington via the Tongariro National Park. The journey will take approximately 5 hours, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way.

Overnight: Wellington

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 9: Wellington

Today you have a full day at your leisure to enjoy the pretty capital city of Wellington.

Overnight: Wellington

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 10: Wellington – Nelson (113km/70miles approx. 1.5hours)                                           

Today your North Island adventure draws to an end. After breakfast, you will make your way to the Interislander Ferry Terminal, drop off your rental vehicle, and catch the ferry to Picton. Here you will collect a new rental car and drive to Nelson, you base for the next 2 nights.

Overnight: Nelson

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 11: Nelson

Spend the day in Nelson, enjoying the beautiful walking trails and golden beaches of Abel Tasman. A great region for wine lovers, there are some exquisite wineries around Nelson where you can enjoy lunch and wine tastings.

Overnight: Nelson

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 12: Nelson – Punakaiki (264km/164miles approx. 3.5 hours)

A fantastic day for photographers, today’s drive will take you to the relatively unexplored north-west corner of New Zealand’s South Island, to the unique Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, on the edge of the Paparoa National Park.

Overnight: Punakaiki

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 13: Punakaiki – Franz Josef Glacier (233km/147miles approx. 3 hours)

Today you will head south into the Westland National Park, dominated by its dramatic twin glaciers Fox and Franz Josef. There are some great day trips available to Franz Josef Glacier, but if you prefer to do things yourself, you can walk right up to the Glacier wall protection barriers without a guide (although we strongly recommend waterproof clothing!)

Overnight: Franz Josef

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 14: Franz Josef – Queenstown (348km/218miles approx. 4.5 hours)

After a leisurely breakfast and shopping for those last-minute souvenirs, head back on the road and over the Haast Pass to the alpine adventure playground of Queenstown with its endless activities.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 15: Queenstown

Enjoy this beautiful lakeside town at your leisure. Some of the many activities on offer include boat rides on Lake Wanaka, hiking or skiing in The Remarkables (depending on the season), White Water Rafting and Bungee Jumping.  If you are looking for something less energetic, there are some fabulous local wineries in the region where you can sample New Zealand wines and dine on local produce.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 16: Queenstown – Te Anau (186km/116miles approx. 2.5hours)

The gateway to the stunning wilderness of Fiordland National Park, today you will bask in the silent grandeur of Milford Sound.  The best way to see Milford Sound is by taking a cruise. There are many different trips available, but all offer incredible views of this spectacular fjord.

Overnight: Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 17: Te Anau – Twizel (370km/231miles approx. 4.5 hours)

After breakfast today, you will continue your journey along the shoreline of Lake Pukaki en-route to the base of Mount Cook and the pretty Alpine Town of Twizel where you will overnight.

Overnight: Twizel

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 18: Twizel – Christchurch (397km/248miles approx. 5 hours)

Today you will complete your New Zealand Self-Drive Adventure with one last evening in Christchurch.  On the way from Twizel, you will pass the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo (get your cameras ready!).

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 19: Departure

After shopping for those last minute gifts, you will drive to the airport, drop off your rental car, and catch your international flight home.

 

Please remember, this itinerary is purely for inspiration. 

 

If you would like to find out more about this tour, or enquire about a similar tour, customised to suit your exact needs and requirements, please complete the contact form to receive a no-obligation tailor-made quote.