Self Drives for New Zealand

Auckland to Christchurch

Self Drive Itinerary

Day 1. Auckland to Bay of Islands.

(Approx 240 km, 149 miles - 4 hours 15 minutes).

Depart Auckland and travel north through beautiful coastal scenery to Whangarei and north to the Bay of Islands. The romantic town of Russell was the country's first capital and directly across the bay is Waitangi where the historic treaty between the British crown and Maori chiefs was signed in 1840. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight Russell, Paihia or Waitangi (2 nights)

Day 2. Bay of Islands at leisure.

Today is free to enjoy the many activities the Bay of Islands has to offer.

Day 3. Bay of Islands to Kaitaia.

The alluring beaches of the Far North beckon as no trip is complete without a visit to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northernmost point. The West Coast is the wild, untamed twin with vast stretches of unbroken sand swept by the surf of the Tasman Sea.

Overnight Kaitaia or Ahipara.

Day 4. Kaitaia to Waipoua.

Depart in the morning for Dargaville. Stop at Waipoua Forest where well-maintained tracks give access to giant Kauri Trees up to 2,000 years old. At Dargaville you can visit the maritime museum, which tells the story of many shipwrecks from New Zealand's early history. Continue to Auckland where you return your rental vehicle.

Day 5. Waipoua to Auckland.

Continue to Auckland for an overnight stop.

Day 6. Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula.

Depart Auckland and travel the Pacific Coast Highway touring route to the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel's dramatic and unspoiled coast, and beautiful white sandy beaches, offer endless opportunities for fishing, diving, boating, surfing and swimming.

Overnight Pauanui or Whitianga (2 nights).

Day 7. Coromandel at leisure.

Enjoy the unique experience of Hot Water Beach where at low tide you can dig in the sand, allowing the sulphur-heated waters to rise to the top to create your very own thermal spa. Swim with dolphins, hire a kayak and explore the many offshore islands or simply let the azure water lap at your feet and marvel at the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 8. Coromandel to Rotorua (via Tauranga).

Depart Coromandel and arrive in the Bay of Plenty region early afternoon, in time for a swim or lunch at one of the many restaurants. Continue on to Rotorua, famous for its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and warm geothermal ponds.

Overnight Rotorua (2 nights)

Day 9. Rotorua at leisure.

Spend the day experiencing the many wonders of Rotorua. Perhaps book a 4WD trip to Mt Tarawera to see an amazing crater and hear the stories of Maori legends.

Day 10. Rotorua to Lake Taupo.

Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region. Taupo is the main centre of the region and Lake Taupo is one of the North Islands most popular holiday destinations.

Overnight in Taupo.

Day 11. Lake Taupo to Napier.

Depart Taupo for the Hawke's Bay region. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke's Bay region is known for its wine, food and fabulous scenery. Over 30 vineyards offer visitors a wine tasting and indoor/ outdoor dining experience. Napier and Hastings, the two main centres in the region, have a high concentration of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the many vineyards and wonderful restaurants in the area.

Overnight Napier.

Day 12. Napier to Martinborough.

Today travel south, options include stopping at the small country towns of Carterton, Greytown and Featherston. Travel to Martinborough well known for the range of vineyards in the area and its growing worldwide reputation for its Pinot Noir wine. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Martinborough.

Day 13. Martinborough to Wellington.

Drive over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills to Wellington. The nations capital is home to Te Papa - the interactive Museum of New Zealand, numerous art galleries and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi. A diverse range of cafes and restaurants support the city's vibrant nightlife.

Overnight Wellington.

Day 14. Wellington to Blenheim.

This morning transfer to the ferry terminal for the 3 hour scenic journey across Cook Strait on the InterIslander. On arrival in Picton, travel a short distance south to Blenheim. Situated on the fertile Wairau Plains in the Marlborough district, at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, Blenheim's varied attractions include its wine industry, the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, gourmet foods, adventure activities, relaxing recreation opportunities and much more.

Overnight Blenheim.

Day 15. Blenheim to Nelson.

Travel to Nelson today where sunshine, golden beaches, national parks, boutique wineries and waterfront cafés await you.

Overnight Nelson.

Day 16. Nelson at leisure.

Lots of options today including beaches to explore, harbour cruises, walks or adventure activities. Nelson is also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views.

Day 17. Nelson to Punakaiki.

From Nelson journey through scenic reserves to Westport. Westport is a historic coal-mining settlement; the coal town museum has historical exhibitions and photographic displays. Visit the seal colony before continuing on to Punakaiki.

Overnight Punakaiki.

Day 18. Punakaiki to Franz Josef.

This morning explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the Blowholes before continuing south to Franz Josef, an area of mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, tranquil lakes, raging rivers, lush rainforest and a magnificent coastline. Explore the base of the glaciers or take a scenic flight.

Overnight Franz Josef.

Day 19. Franz Josef to Queenstown.

Travel through the scenic wilderness of Haast pass, stopping along the way to take advantage of many short nature walks and picnic spots before continuing to Queenstown.

Overnight Queenstown (2 nights).

Day 20. Queenstown at leisure.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. Queenstown is recognised as New Zealand's premier visitor destination.

Day 21. Queenstown to Milford Sound to Te Anau.

Journey through mountains and alongside lakes to Te Anau and Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound with its sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and majestic Mitre Peak.

Overnight Te Anau.

Day 22. Te Anau to Dunedin.

Today is spent driving the southern scenic route exploring the Catlins area. The Catlins is home to an abundance of wildlife, and Nugget Point is a stunning and accessible place for viewing seals and penguins. Continue to Dunedin, a historic university town, that was first settled by the Scottish as it is renowned as the "Edinburgh of the South".

Overnight Dunedin.

Day 23. Dunedin to Christchurch.

Depart Dunedin and head north to Timaru a place known for its extensive Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Stop and enjoy the coastal views from Caroline Bay before continuing on to Christchurch.

Overnight Christchurch.

Day 24. depart Christchurch.

Return your rental vehicle and depart Christchurch.

Price Includes: Co-pilot Kit, 24 Days Hertz Group E car hire, Interislander Ferry (Passenger Fare) from Wellington to Picton, Accommodation as noted, Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Please Note: We can assist you in booking your flights to New Zealand. Please feel free to contact us for the best airfares available. Itineraries subject to change. Please request details at time of booking.