New Zealand

Kiwi Royale

Return to Two Island Self Drive Holidays

14 Day New Zealand Drive Holidays - Christchurch to Auckland

Christchurch - Mt Cook - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Glaciers - Christchurch - Wellington - Rotorua - Auckland

A full New Zealand Drive Holidays Tour of NZ from Christchurch featuring top tourist sites in both islands including the West Coast glaciers, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua and more...

14 Day Self Drive Tour with your choice of Boutique or Self catering Accommodation for 13 nights.

Total Driving Time About: 45 hrs                         Distance: 3,370 kms

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

On your arrival in Christchurch you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation. The rest of the day is free to explore this "Garden City". Christchurch is an elegant, rather English-feeling city with a refined sense of fun. You could saunter through Hagley Park and admire the Botanic Gardens; take a tram ride around the city centre; or go punting on the Avon River. Travel up the Christchurch Gondola for massive views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour.  Overnight in Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch - Mount Cook Region 

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 30 mins             Distance: 329 kms

From Christchurch take the scenic route through Darfield, before passing Methven, and driving through Geraldine and Fairlie to Tekapo. Fishing, kayaking, bike riding, horse trekking and skiing are some of the things you can do. The Church of the Good Shepherd built from local stone and oak; and the sheepdog statue are great photo opportunities. Cross the barren MacKenzie Country to reach the glacial lakes at the foot of the Alps and Mt Cook National Park. Overnight at Mt Cook.

Day 3: Mount Cook - Dunedin

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 10 mins             Distance: 320 kms 

Drive south to historic Oamaru, home of the Little Blue Penguins. Be sure to check out the unique geological formations known as the Moeraki Boulders located 70km's north of Dunedin "the Edinburgh of the South". Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture. Look for the massive stone Flemish Renaissance-style Dunedin Railway Station, the University clock-tower building and the Gothic Revival Dominican Priory. You could explore Larnach Castle and learn about its scandalous history. Otago Peninsula offers absolutely unrivalled viewing of estuarine and marine wildlife.  Overnight Dunedin

Day 4: Dunedin - Queenstown

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 45 mins             Distance: 283 kms

Drive across the rugged country of Central Otago, past the fertile stone fruit orchards beside the mighty Clutha River. Reach Queenstown, an alpine resort nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Estimated Driving Time: 7 hrs 15 mins             Distance: 573 kms

Drive south following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Te Anau. The road to Milford is one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you'll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Grand, brooding, serene and wild are just some of the words that will come to mind on your Milford Sound Cruise. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you'll remember. Return to Queenstown.

(For an additional charge you may choose to Coach or fly to Milford Sound).

The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting and fantastically attractive. It's the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including bungy, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting and river surfing. It's also a destination for luxury experiences - gourmet food and wine, spa treatments and leisurely games of golf. Nearby is the former gold mining town of Arrowtown is a living, historic holiday destination, nestled beside the Arrow River.

Day 7: Queenstown - Glaciers

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 15 mins             Distance: 330 kms

The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It's a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you'll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way. Leaving Wanaka, Lake Hawea is the first scenic highlight, followed closely by the northern end of Lake Wanaka. The famous ‘bra fence' is impossible to miss - it started as a joke, but it's become a local legend. At the wilderness town of Makarora you can fuel up and refresh before you take on the dramatic twists and turns of the Haast Pass to Haast and the wild west coast. At pretty Lake Paringa you can enjoy a delicious meal of salmon at the salmon farm. Stay 2 nights at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.

A Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glaciers are unique relics of the last ice age. Mighty rivers of solid white, tumbling down ice-hewn rock valleys, they are classically beautiful in the glacial sense. Nowhere else in the world have glaciers advanced so close to the sea at this latitude. Walks are available to the glaciers or we recommend a visit to the colony of the beautiful white heron (Kotuku).

Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs 20 mins             Distance: 403 kms

Enroute to Greymouth stop off at Hokitika first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a ‘frontier town', and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town's treasure these days - watch it being carved. You might also want to investigate the museum and do the historical walk. Turn inland towards the mountains to travel through the Otira Tunnel, over Arthur's Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 35 mins             Distance: 338 kms

Head north through the sheep country of North Canterbury to Kaikoura. Northwards the road south hugs the coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific before heading inland to picturesque Picton, the base for the Interislander ferry service, which links the North and South islands of New Zealand. It's also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds The passage through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. Wellington City is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums and all kinds of shops. Dance, theatre and musical performances are a Wellington specialty. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 11: Wellington - Rotorua

Estimated Driving Time: 6 hrs 20 mins             Distance: 453 kms 

Driving north the Mangaweka Gorge is a scenic masterpiece. As you drive towards Taihape (the Gumboot Throwing capital of the world), the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. In Waiouru, the QE2 Memorial Museum is worth a look. On the long, straight Desert Road you'll enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park's volcanoes of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu to skirt Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake famous for its trout fishing. Then continue through steam clad Wairakei to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight experience a Maori hangi (feast) amongst the surroundings of an authentic village.. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

Day 12: At Rotorua

A day free to explore this exciting thermal region. Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city's past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Rotorua has lots to do in all weather, and at any time of year.

Day 13: Rotorua - Auckland

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 45 mins                Distance: 341 kms

Travel north through lush Waikato farmland, perhaps via Waitomo Caves. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. The kiwi house in Otorohanga is a chance to meet New Zealand's national symbol. In summer, you can pause in the town of Te Awamutu to admire the roses. From Hamilton the mighty Waikato River will accompany you north. As you approach Auckland, you can't miss the extinct volcanic cones that dot the landscape - there are 48 in all. Overnight in Auckland

Day 14: Depart Auckland

Today you are free to explore Auckland before returning your car at the airport in time to catch your onward flight.

Total Driving Time About: 45 hrs                         Distance: 3,370 kms

Back to Top