Self-Drive Discover New Zealand Example Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland! On arrival, take your private transfer to the hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax or explore.

Stay: Rydges Auckland

Collect your rental car from the Auckland city depot and drive to Waitomo Caves, home to thousands of tiny luminescent glow-worms. Tour the incredible caves then continue driving to Rotorua. During a day at leisure, you might like to head out on one of the numerous optional tours available to you (extra cost). In the evening, you’ll be collected for a tour to Tamaki Maori Village. Get a taste of traditional Maori culture and village life, with a fabulous dinner and a concert.

Stay: Two nights, Sudima Rotorua

Enjoy the scenery on your drive to Wellington. Explore New Zealand’s capital city on your own terms. You may choose to head up to Mount Victoria for fantastic views the city, or perhaps visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum (extra cost). Movie fans will be in for a real treat during a visit to the WETA workshop (extra cost). Or perhaps a stroll through the botanic gardens is more your style.

Stay: Two nights, Travelodge Wellington

Drop your car at the ferry terminal and board the Interislander Ferry to Picton. This is known as one of the world’s most beautiful ferry journeys. Once ashore, board the Coastal Pacific train for a scenic rail trip to Christchurch. On arrival, take your private transfer to your hotel.

Stay: Christchurch, Quality Elms Hotel

You’ll be collected from your hotel this morning and transferred to the railway station to board the famous TranzAlpine train. Marvel at the scenery as you make your way through mountains, past lakes and rivers to Greymouth. On arrival, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in Franz Josef. Head out on a guided glacier valley walk, during which you’ll get up close to the glacier. For the perfect finish, relax in your own private pool at the Glacier Hot Pools.

Stay: Two nights, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Get ready to experience some truly amazing scenery as you make your way to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Enjoy breathtaking views and an exhilarating ride during a jet boat safari along the beautiful Dart River. This half-day adventure takes you deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. There’s lots of free time to explore Queenstown at your own pace too.

Stay: Two nights, Queenstown, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Lakeview

Leave Queenstown behind as you make your way to Te Anau, at the gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Join a cruise on Milford Sound and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the fiord and the surrounding landscapes. Keep a look out for seals and dolphins as you tuck into a picnic lunch.

Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Drive south to Invercargill, New Zealand’s Southern-most city. Take a private tour, enjoying the heritage buildings and parks as you learn about the city’s history.

Stay: Invercargill, Ascot Park Hotel