The Best of New Zealand – self-drive

Today your adventure to New Zealand begins. You’ll depart from your selected airport with connecting flights along the way to the other side of the world.

Even at the airport, you’ll be greeted with the friendly “kia ora”, meaning “hello” or “good health” in Māori. It’s a greeting you’ll quickly get used to in this hospitable country. Aotearoa is the original Māori name for New Zealand, and today, both names are used side by side.

After arrival, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel – a journey of around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) is New Zealand’s largest city and a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Beautifully positioned between the Waitematā Harbour and the Manukau Harbour, it’s known as the “City of Sails”, as the sea is ever-present in the city’s landscape.

The rest of the day is at your leisure. If you have the energy, take a stroll down to Viaduct Harbour, where the mood is relaxed and cafés and restaurants line the waterfront.

We recommend spending as much time in daylight as possible and remembering to drink plenty of water. It’ll help your body adjust to the time difference more quickly.

To help you get off to a great start, we’ve included a guided city tour that gives you a fascinating insight into both Auckland’s past and present.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and head past Queen Street, the university, and The Domain – a large park created in an ancient volcanic crater.

The journey then continues through Ponsonby, one of the city’s most characterful districts, before you cross the Harbour Bridge to North Shore. Here, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs along the beach while taking in views of Rangitoto Island.

In Devonport, you can soak up the charming atmosphere and walk up one of the old volcanoes for a truly magnificent view of Auckland.

The city tour concludes at Westhaven Marina, where you can admire the city skyline before returning to your hotel around midday.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please.

Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a trip up the Sky Tower, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the bay, or you might explore Auckland’s museums, such as the Auckland War Memorial Museum (Tāmaki Paenga Hira) or the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

If you’d like to get out into nature, we recommend visiting Mount Eden (Maungawhau), while Mission Bay is perfect for a relaxing break by the water.

If you’re looking for even more experiences, you can extend your city tour with a wine excursion or enjoy a cosy dinner cruise.

Today, you’ll have time to experience Auckland at your own pace.

You can choose to explore the city’s neighbourhoods, relax at a café, or perhaps visit some of the sights you didn’t have time for the day before.

A popular excursion is to Waiheke Island (Te Motu-arai-roa), known for its vineyards, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s easy to spend a whole day here wine tasting and sampling delicious local food. You can take the ferry yourself or book an optional tour.

Alternatively, you can join a full-day tour to the Coromandel Peninsula (Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui), where wild nature, coastal landscapes, and secluded bays await.

After a couple of days in the big city, it’s now time to start your road trip through New Zealand.

Head to the car rental office to collect your hire car and set off towards Rotorua (Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe). The drive will take you through the lush Waikato region, giving you an early taste of the country’s open landscapes and unhurried pace.

Along the way, there are several great places to stop. Hamilton Gardens is a wonderful spot to stretch your legs and wander among beautifully designed themed gardens from around the world.

You can also choose to take a detour to the Waitomo Caves, where you’ll journey through impressive limestone caverns before ending with a peaceful boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms. Or visit Hobbiton, where the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot. Here, a guided tour will take you through the iconic film set, complete with charming hobbit holes, and a visit to the Hobbit pub, The Green Dragon Inn.
Both experiences are extremely popular, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance.

At the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Rotorua, where the distinctive scent of sulphur and the area’s famous geothermal activity greet you immediately.

See the size and image of your included rental car, as well as options for upgrading car categories here.

Driving distance from Auckland to Rotorua: Approx. 225 km (direct)

Driving time: Around 3 hours (without stops)

Today, you’ll have time to explore Rotorua, renowned for its rich Māori culture and unique geothermal landscape.

The area is defined by bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and hot springs, where you can get up close to the forces of nature. For example, you can visit Hell’s Gate or Wai-O-Tapu, where colourful lakes, steam, and geysers form an almost surreal landscape.

If you’re in the mood for a little pampering, a spa experience in the naturally heated pools is a real treat. Both Polynesian Spa and Wai Ariki Hot Springs are located in the heart of town, where you can relax in the warm waters while admiring the lake views in tranquil surroundings. We recommend booking this in advance.

If you’d like to experience the local wildlife, you can visit The National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about the work being done to protect New Zealand’s iconic national bird.

You can also choose a guided excursion that combines nature and culture, or end the day with a traditional Māori show and hangi dinner – an atmospheric experience with food cooked in an earth oven.

Today, you’ll be heading towards the east coast and the elegant art deco city of Napier.

On the way, you’ll pass Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well worth a stop. Here, you can take a boat trip to the impressive Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay or visit the powerful Huka Falls.

The route continues through diverse landscapes, with great opportunities for short stops, for example at Waipunga Falls, before reaching Napier later in the afternoon.

Napier is famous for its distinctive art deco architecture, which emerged after a devastating earthquake in 1931. The destruction was so severe that large parts of the city had to be completely rebuilt.

After your arrival, take a stroll along Marine Parade – an experience in itself. Here, you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you might stop for a relaxing break at Ocean Spa with its heated pools, explore the charming Sunken Gardens, or get up close to the country’s fascinating wildlife at the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Along the promenade you’ll also find playgrounds, art installations, and green spaces, and at the Napier i-SITE Visitor Centre, you can get inspiration and information for even more experiences in the area.

Driving distance from Rotorua to Napier: Approx. 220 km (direct)

Driving time: Approx. 3 hours (without stops)

Today you’ll continue south towards the country’s charming capital city, Wellington.

The route will take you through rolling green hills and farmland, with opportunities to make small stops along the way. You’ll pass through Dannevirke, a town with Scandinavian roots, before continuing into the Wairarapa region.

Here you can make a stop in the delightful town of Greytown or in Martinborough, which is known for its vineyards and laid-back atmosphere.

The final leg of your journey will take you through the Remutaka Hills, where the road winds its way through the landscape before arriving in Wellington. Please note that the Remutaka Hills route can sometimes be closed due to maintenance, so always check the local road conditions before choosing this route.

Driving distance from Napier to Wellington: Approx. 320 km (direct)

Driving time: Approx. 4½–5 hours (without stops)

Wellington is a compact and vibrant capital with a creative atmosphere and a stunning coastal location.

Start your day by taking the historic cable car up to Kelburn and enjoy the panoramic views over the city. From here, you can wander through the Botanical Gardens and follow the paths back towards the city centre.

In the city centre, you’ll also find Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, offering a fascinating insight into both the natural world and the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Close to the centre lies Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne – a unique nature reserve where you can experience New Zealand’s original wilderness and wildlife, especially its native plants, birds, and reptiles. You can explore the area on foot along well-maintained trails or join a guided tour for deeper insight into this remarkable ecosystem.

If you’re curious about the world of film, visit Wētā Workshop, where sets and special effects for, among others, The Lord of the Rings were created.

If you’d like to explore the city’s creative side, head to Hannahs Laneway, where you’ll find small shops, cafés, and local specialties.

The waterfront buzzes with life, offering a great selection of cafés, restaurants, and microbreweries – the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day.

Today, you’ll leave the North Island behind and sail towards the South Island – one of the most scenic sections of your tour.

The ferry will take you across the Cook Strait and further into the Marlborough Sounds, where the scenery changes from open sea to lush green hills and narrow, fjord-like inlets. The approach to Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound, which forms part of the Marlborough Sounds, is particularly captivating and one of the highlights of the tour.

Please note that check-in for the ferry closes one hour before departure, so make sure you arrive in good time! See important information on your voucher.

After arriving, you’ll continue by car through the Marlborough wine region around Blenheim before reaching the coast.

The drive towards Kaikōura offers stunning coastal views, and just before you arrive, you can make a stop at Ōhau Point, where seals are often seen lounging along the shore.

In Kaikōura, a charming seaside town awaits, where you can end your day with some freshly caught seafood. Try the local crayfish, for which the area is famous and which gave the town its name (kai = food and kōura = crayfish).

Ferry crossing: Approx. 3.5 hours

Driving distance from Picton to Kaikōura: Approx. 160 km (direct)

Driving time: Approx. 2.5 hours (without stops)

Before leaving Kaikōura, you’ll have the chance to experience the area’s unique wildlife. This region is one of the best places in the world to see sperm whales all year round, and we highly recommend joining a whale-watching tour. In addition to spotting whales, you might also be lucky enough to see dolphins, seals, and large seabirds.

Afterwards, the journey will continue south towards Christchurch. The route follows the coast, offering wonderful views over the Pacific Ocean, and along the way you can stop wherever you please.

As you approach Christchurch, you’ll pass through Waipara Valley, one of New Zealand’s renowned wine regions – the perfect place to take a break.

Alternatively, you could make a detour inland to Hanmer Springs, famous for its thermal pools and relaxing spa experiences.

Later in the day, you’ll arrive in Christchurch.

Driving distance from Kaikōura to Christchurch: Approx. 180 km (direct)

Driving time: Approx. 2½–3 hours (without stops)

Christchurch is known as “The Garden City”, offering an inspiring blend of historic charm, lush parks, and vibrant modern life.

Take time to explore the city centre, where a ride on the historic tram gives you a great overview of the city. A boat trip along the Avon River in a gondola-style vessel is also a delightful way to experience the city from a different perspective.

The Botanic Gardens provide beautiful green surroundings, and just next door is the Canterbury Museum, where you can explore the region’s fascinating history.

If you fancy an excursion, the charming coastal town of Akaroa sits beautifully in an ancient volcanic bay. From here, you can join a nature cruise to spot the rare Hector’s dolphin, as well as seals and perhaps even penguins.
Remember to book your ticket for the Akaroa boat trip in advance, so you don’t travel there in vain.

In the evening, settle down along the Avon River at The Terrace and soak up the atmosphere among the city’s restaurants and cafés.

Today brings one of the tour’s great natural highlights as you drive towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

You’ll leave Christchurch behind, crossing the open Canterbury Plains before the scenery gradually shifts and the mountains begin to rise on the horizon.

We recommend making a stop at Lake Tekapo (Takapō), where the turquoise waters and the small stone church, the Church of the Good Shepherd, create an iconic view.

You’ll then continue through Mackenzie Country to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt. Cook at 3,724 metres, towers above the dramatic landscape of lakes, valleys, and snow-capped peaks.

Here, you can set off on self-guided hikes in the area, available in various lengths and levels of difficulty – for example, the Kea Point Track (easy – approx. 3 km), the Tasman Glacier View Track (easy – approx. 2.5 km), and the Hooker Valley Track (easy – approx. 10 km). Please note that part of the Hooker Valley Track is currently closed due to erosion and the construction of a new suspension bridge, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

You can also visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a museum named after the famous New Zealand mountaineer who, together with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, was one of the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.

When night falls, you’ll find yourself in one of the world’s best areas for stargazing, where the constellations of the southern hemisphere often appear brilliantly clear.

We recommend filling up your car and stocking up on supplies before entering the national park, as prices tend to be higher there, and the selection of groceries and fuel is more limited.

Driving distance from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt. Cook: Approx. 330 km (direct)

Driving time: Approx. 4.5–5 hours (without stops)

Before leaving the area, you’ll have the chance to experience New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, on an exciting boat trip.

The tour will then continue towards Queenstown. The route will take you through the open highlands via Twizel and Omarama, before crossing the Lindis Pass, where gentle hills and vast, open landscapes create a wonderful sense of tranquillity.

As you approach Central Otago, the scenery transforms once again, with vineyards beginning to dominate the area around Cromwell.

The final stretch of the drive winds through Kawarau Gorge, where the road follows the river as it twists between dramatic rock formations. At Kawarau Bridge, you can watch daring visitors leap from the bridge in a bungy jump – perhaps it’s something you’ve dreamt of trying yourself?

When you arrive in Queenstown (Tāhuna), you’ll be greeted by Lake Wakatipu (Wakatipu Waimāori) and the iconic mountain range The Remarkables – a spectacular end to your day’s drive.

Driving distance from Aoraki/Mt. Cook to Queenstown: Approx. 260 km (direct)

Driving time: Approx. 3.5 hours (without stops)

The next two days are yours to explore Queenstown and its surroundings at your own pace.

The town is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, offering everything from bungy jumping and jet boating to skydiving and white-water rafting.

But Queenstown is far more than adrenaline rushes. The area also offers breathtaking natural scenery, great hiking routes, and the chance to sample local wines in the surrounding vineyards.

A ride on the gondola up to Bob’s Peak is almost a must. From here, you’ll enjoy a stunning view over the lake and the mountains, and you can try the popular luge track — a kind of go-kart on wheels.

One of the region’s absolute highlights is the dramatic Milford Sound, where waterfalls and steep cliffs create an unforgettable landscape. You can choose to purchase an organised tour and simply lean back, relax, and enjoy the experience, or drive there yourself and set your own pace. If you decide to drive, we highly recommend booking your cruise tickets in advance to avoid disappointment upon arrival.

In addition, we offer a variety of optional tours depending on your interests. See more below.

Today, your road trip will continue towards the wild west coast of the South Island.

You might want to take the scenic route over Crown Range Road, passing the iconic Cardrona Hotel along the way. From there, the journey will take you past Lake Wanaka, where you can take a break and enjoy the magnificent views of the crystal-clear water surrounded by mountains.

Further north, you’ll drive through Mount Aspiring National Park and across Haast Pass, where the landscape transforms from open alpine scenery to lush rainforest. There are several great stops along the way, e.g. the crystal-clear Blue Pools or the impressive Thunder Creek Falls.

Later on, you can stop by Lake Matheson (Te Ara Kairaumati), which on calm days perfectly mirrors the mountains on its surface, creating a stunning sight. The beautiful walk around the lake is approximately 4.5 km long.

By the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Franz Josef – a small town surrounded by rainforest and dramatic mountain landscapes, situated at the foot of the Franz Josef Glacier, named in 1865 after the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I.

Driving distance from Queenstown to Franz Josef: Approx. 350 km (direct)

Driving time: Approx. 5 hours (without stops)

Today, you’ll have time to explore the area around the Franz Josef Glacier.

The glacier has taken shape over thousands of years and stands as an impressive testament to the power of nature. Although the ice has retreated, you can still admire the scenery from several viewpoints and walking trails, including the Franz Josef Glacier Walk (approx. 1.5 km). The walk begins at the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park, approximately 4.5 km from the town.

If you’d like a closer look, you can opt for a helicopter tour that soars over the glacier and lands directly on the ice.

If a more relaxed pace is your style, take time to wander through the town or visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you can learn more about the local nature and the rare rowi kiwi.

Today you’ll embark on one of the most diverse drives of the tour, crossing the South Island from west to east.

The route begins along the West Coast, winding through lush rainforest before reaching Hokitika, famous for its pounamu (jade) craftsmanship and its rugged coastline.

From here, you’ll continue towards Arthur’s Pass National Park and begin your ascent into the mountains. As you cross Arthur’s Pass itself, the landscape changes dramatically from dense vegetation to alpine surroundings.

Along the way, you can stop at Otira Viaduct Lookout to look out for the inquisitive mountain parrot, the kea. In Arthur’s Pass Village, you can take a break or enjoy a short walk to the impressive 131-metre-high waterfall, Devils Punchbowl.

As you descend from the mountains, the landscape opens up once again, and you’ll pass Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti), where large limestone formations are scattered across the open terrain.

You’ll then continue across the Canterbury Plains back to Christchurch, where you can spend the rest of the evening savouring the final moments of your tour.

Driving distance from Franz Josef to Christchurch: Approx. 385 km (direct)

Driving time: Approx. 6 hours (without stops)

Your road trip through New Zealand has come to an end.

Drive to Christchurch Airport, return your car, and begin your journey home after a tour filled with unforgettable experiences.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport after an unforgettable tour through New Zealand.

Along the way, you’ve explored everything from vibrant cities and lively Māori culture to geothermal landscapes, unique wildlife, and dramatic mountain scenery – and, not least, you’ve met friendly and welcoming people and created memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.