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14-Day Self-Drive North Island to South Island

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Overview

Over two wonderful weeks, you'll embark on a New Zealand road trip from the tip of the North Island down to the South Island with an abundance of adventures, stunning scenery and more en route!

From the vibrant city of Auckland, you’ll travel south to the spectacular mountains and thrilling adventures of Wanaka and Queenstown. You'll pass through changing natural landscapes of New Zealand including Tongariro National Park.

You'll marvel at the magnificent Marlborough Sounds and the Southern Lakes region. Along the way, you'll have many opportunities for wildlife encounters in Wellington, Kaikoura and Akaroa as well as adventures galore!
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Cruising
Food & Drink
Hiking & Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Auckland!

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Welcome to Auckland!

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or start your New Zealand road trip with a drive through one of over 800 regional National Parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls and native forest.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    SkyCity Hotel Auckland4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    AucklandOptional Activity

    Fullers Auckland Harbour CruiseOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Auckland

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Explore the City of Auckland

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Explore the City of Auckland

This morning, you'll pick up your rental car and then spend the day exploring Auckland. Sandy beaches, native bush and lush rainforests give way to a vibrant urban culture, humming with life. Spend time in the Viaduct Harbour, try your hand at sailing an America’s Cup yacht, or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for a gourmet food and wine experience. From the top of Auckland's highest volcano, Mt Eden, take in soaring views of the gulf, or lose yourself in one of the national parks.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    SkyCity Hotel Auckland4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Explore Auckland

    Auckland Harbour Bridge ClimbOptional Activity

    Harbour Cruise with Explore with Lunch/DinnerOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

  • notes icon
    Notes

    This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in the fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs. Use the latest GPS technology as you tour New Zealand. Your portable GPS features a simple touch screen interface with automatic route calculation and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions including street name announcement. The automotive-grade GPS unit is easy to use and has multiple language options.

Day 3

Drive South From Auckland Through Waikato to Whakapapa Village

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Drive South From Auckland Through Waikato to Whakapapa Village

Today, you will leave Auckland and travel south through the rolling pastures of Waikato. Take the time to detour to Waitomo and experience its network of underground caves before heading inland to the Central Plateau and arriving at Tongariro National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tongariro is home to three active volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe as well as a host of activities including hiking, fishing, climbing, mountain biking and skiing.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chateau Tongariro Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland to Whakapapa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Chateau Tongariro Hotel State Highway 48

Day 4

Explore Tongariro National Park from Whakapapa Village

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Explore Tongariro National Park from Whakapapa Village

Located in the centre of New Zealand's North Island, Tongariro National Park is the country's oldest national park and the fourth national park in the whole world. There are a plethora of walks in and around the park. From 15-minute hikes to longer 5-hour treks, there is something for every level of fitness. All established tracks are maintained by the Department of Conservation and the best walks to do include the Whakapapa Nature Walk (15 minutes), Taranaki Falls (2 hours) and many more.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chateau Tongariro Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tongariro National Park

    Walking Tracks from Whakapapa VillageOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chateau Tongariro Hotel State Highway 48

    Tongariro National Park

    Manawatu-Wanganui

Day 5

Fantastic Scenery from Whakapapa to Wellington

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Fantastic Scenery from Whakapapa to Wellington

Today's drive is filled with fantastic scenery including Lake Taupo, the Desert Road and the Kapiti Coastline as you approach Wellington. Leaving Whakapapa Village, you'll make your way through the Rangipo Desert, skirting the edges of the Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites. Catch a glimpse of the volcanically active Mt Ruapehu and if you're Lord of the Rings fan, you'll enjoy seeing the symmetrical Mt. Ngauruhoe - better known as Mt Doom.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bolton Hotel5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

    Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary Night TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Whakapapa to Wellington

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chateau Tongariro Hotel State Highway 48

    Wellington

Day 6

Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton

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Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton

Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton, you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. The journey between Wellington and Picton takes around three hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Enjoy spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the stunning Marlborough Sounds. You'll then travel 30 minutes to the heart of Marlborough - New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chateau Marlborough5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Interislander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

    Sounds Connection Half-Day Wine TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Picton to Blenheim

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Blenheim

    Waihopai Valley

  • notes icon
    Notes

    You'll leave your rental car in Wellington.

    Once in Picton, you'll pick up your rental car. This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in the fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs.

Day 7

Drive to the Seaside Town of Kaikoura

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Drive to the Seaside Town of Kaikoura

Today, you'll cross the 'dry hills' of Marlborough and head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view native wildlife. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops - but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife - and it's one of the only places in New Zealand you can see whales year-round.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Manakau Lodge4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Encounter Kaikoura DolphinsOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Blenheim to Kaikoura

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Blenheim

    Kaikoura

    Canterbury

Day 8

Continue South Through Canterbury Countryside to Christchurch

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Continue South Through Canterbury Countryside to Christchurch

Today, before you set off for Christchurch, you'll head out on a whale-watching tour in Kaikoura to witness these majestic giants. You'll then travel down the coast before heading inland through the North Canterbury wine region - the Waipara Valley. If you’ve time on your hands, it is recommended that you take a detour to Hanmer Springs for relaxing dip in its thermal pools. Arriving into Christchurch, you'll see a new and improved city, steadily rising from the ruins of the 2011 earthquake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The George5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Whale Watch Kaikōura

    ChristchurchOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Kaikoura to Christchurch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Canterbury

    Kaikoura

    Christchurch

Day 9

Day Trip to the Charming Akaroa for a Harbour Cruise & Dolphin Swim

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Day Trip to the Charming Akaroa for a Harbour Cruise & Dolphin Swim

Just a hours drive from Christchurch, Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula offers a great contrast to the South Island's largest city. Rolling green hills, streams, golden sand beaches and small settlements offer a unique insight into New Zealand's history and development plus, wineries, great cafes and restaurants and abundant wildlife. The Akaroa Harbour itself is teeming with wildlife and a nature cruise is a must-do activity to see one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, hectors dolphin.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The George5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Akaroa & The Banks Peninsula

    Akaroa HarbourOptional Activity

    Black Cat Akaroa Harbour CruiseOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Christchurch to Akaroa

    Rental Car from Akaroa to Christchurch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Akaroa

Day 10

Scenic Drive Through Canterbury & Mackenzie Country to Mt. Cook National Park

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Scenic Drive Through Canterbury & Mackenzie Country to Mt. Cook National Park

Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country to Mt Cook National Park. You'll catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie and ascending Burkes Pass, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo. Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier-fed turquoise blue colour.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Hermitage Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Glacier Explorers Tour of Mount CookOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Canterbury

    Aoraki/Mount Cook

Day 11

Travel From Mt. Cook National Park to Wanaka via Lindis Pass

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Travel From Mt. Cook National Park to Wanaka via Lindis Pass

Today, you'll follow the drylands to Lindis Pass which leads to Wanaka. Twizel, south of Mt. Cook was the location of many Lord of the Rings scenes and a little further on is Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago. Approaching Wanaka, the wonderful alpine lake welcomes you to the town.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lakeshore Springs4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lake WanakaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Aoraki Mount Cook Village to Wanaka

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Aoraki/Mount Cook

    Otago

    Wanaka

Day 12

The Day Is Yours to Explore Wanaka

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The Day Is Yours to Explore Wanaka

Today, you'll have the day free to explore Wanaka and the surrounding valleys and rivers. You may want to head out on a wine tour which offers a relaxed and personal introduction to the wines and scenery of the Central Otago region. You'll visit and enjoy tastings at four Central Otago vineyards including a gourmet canape matched tasting. Alternatively, you may want to take a step back in time to when pilots were larger than life and take a scenic flight around Wanaka in a vintage aircraft.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lakeshore Springs4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Vintage Tiger Moth Scenic Flight with Classic FlightsOptional Activity

    Wanaka Wine ToursOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wanaka

    Luggate

Day 13

Lake Wanaka Cruise & Short Drive to Queenstown

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Lake Wanaka Cruise & Short Drive to Queenstown

This morning, you'll explore Lake Wanaka further. Starting with a cruise, you'll travel to the remnants of an early settlement; a stone wharf and a hut. A track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. After the cruise and hike, you'll head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road, to Queenstown. This drive could be planned as a whole day to really enjoy the scenery and to allow time for many stops en route.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Nature WalkOptional Activity

    QueenstownOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Wanaka to Queenstown

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wanaka

    Queenstown

Day 14

Departure from Queenstown

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Departure from Queenstown

Today, you can explore more of Queenstown before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey. We hope to see you for another New Zealand road trip soon!

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in the Adventure Capital of QueenstownOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Queenstown to Queenstown Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

Included in Price

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 5 activities
  • 13 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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