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Self Drive
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No minimum number of passengers
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English
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Standard, Superior, or First Class Hotel
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Auckland
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Christchurch
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All meals included
Best of New Zealand – Self-Drive Tour | Ultimate North & South Island Experience
Begin your self-drive journey in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where sparkling harbours, volcanic cones, and diverse neighbourhoods introduce the country’s dynamic character. Travel south through rolling farmland to the magical Waitomo region, home to the famous Glowworm Caves, before continuing to Rotorua. This geothermal heartland showcases steaming vents, colourful thermal pools, and rich Māori heritage, with highlights including Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and the enchanting Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights.
The adventure continues south to Wellington, the nation’s capital, where a vibrant waterfront, creative culture, and relaxed café scene offer a refreshing pause. Cross the Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island, enjoying panoramic coastal views as you arrive in Picton and enter the Marlborough region.
Journey through dramatic alpine scenery toward the West Coast, where lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and wild rivers define the landscape. Explore glacier country near Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, with optional experiences such as scenic helicopter flights and guided glacier walks providing unforgettable close-up encounters with ancient ice.
Continue to Queenstown, beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by towering alpine peaks. Known for its breathtaking scenery and lively atmosphere, Queenstown offers time to relax or enjoy optional sightseeing and adventure experiences at your own pace.
From here, venture into Fiordland National Park to experience Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders. A scenic cruise through the fjord reveals sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rainforest landscapes carved by glaciers over millennia.
The journey then leads through the heart of the South Island to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo, where turquoise alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and world-class dark skies create a memorable finale. Conclude your adventure in Christchurch, the South Island’s garden city, completing a comprehensive self-drive exploration of New Zealand’s most celebrated regions.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a balanced blend of geothermal wonders, alpine landscapes, glacier experiences, scenic cruising, and iconic highlights, all enjoyed with the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive journey across both islands.
Highlights
- 13 Day Rental Car
- 13 Nights Accommodation
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Hobbiton Movie Set
- Te Ra Guided Day Tour
- Te Po Evening Cultural Experience
- North to South Island ferry crossing
- Skyline Gondola Queenstown
- Dark Sky Experience
- International Antarctic Centre
