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23 Day Self Drive New Zealand Holidays - Christchurch to Auckland

Christchurch - Mt Cook - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown -  Wanaka - Glaciers - Nelson - Blenheim - Wellington - Rotorua - Coromandel - Bay of Islands - Auckland

Don't miss anything - a huge Self Drive New Zealand Holidays Tour from featuring a complete circuit of South Island sites including Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown, the West Coast Glaciers and Nelson and 8 days in the North Island including Wellington, Rotorua, Coromandel, Auckland and the Bay of Islands.

23 Day Self Drive Tour with your choice of Bed & Breakfast or Self catering Accommodation for 22 nights.

Total Driving Time About: 50 hrs 40 mins                        Distance: 3,729 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". Stay 2 nights in Dunedin

Day 4: At Dunedin

Take time to explore Larnach Castle and learn about its scandalous history. Otago Peninsula offers absolutely unrivalled viewing of estuarine and marine wildlife. Visit places where the best possible viewing of Hooker's Sea lions, Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals and Royal Albatross can be had.

Day 5: Dunedin - Te Anau

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 55 mins             Distance: 290 kms 

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 might also want to visit Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential address.

Apart from being New Zealand's first university city, it has an abundance of museums, galleries and heritage homes with amazing stories to tell. You can even discover the history of beer brewing at the Speights Brewery. Chocolate is on the menu at Cadbury Confectionery Factory. 

In the afternoon drive through the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming centre of Gore, cross the Waimea plains towards Te Anau. Stay 2 nights in Te Anau.

Day 6: At Te Anau

Te Anau is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Today is a free day to explore the region surrounding Lakes Te Anau and nearby Manapouri.

Day 7: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

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

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 Te Anau, then turn north, following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Stay 2 nights in Queenstown

Day 8: At Queenstown

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 9: Queenstown - Wanaka

Estimated Driving Time: 1 hrs 5 mins             Distance: 68 kms  

From Queenstown, 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. Wanaka lies nestled against a backdrop of the Southern Alps, with a pristine alpine lake at its doorstep. Well worth a visit  is Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World. Overnight in Wanaka

Day 10: Wanaka - Glaciers

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 15 mins             Distance: 262 kms

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 the wild west coast. On arrival in Haast you will board your Waiatoto River Safari to explore the South Westland World Heritage Area before continuing on to Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. 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.

Day 11: At the Glaciers

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).

Day 12: Glaciers - Greymouth- Nelson

Estimated Driving Time: 6 hrs 35 mins             Distance: 485 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.

Travel up the scenic highway 6 stopping off at the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki to see these most unusual rock formations. The road to Westport hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. The road to Nelson is scenic and interesting, beginning with the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag you'll drive under a dramatic rock overhang. When you reach Lyell you can pan for gold or walk to a pioneer cemetery. The museum at Murchison will tell you all about the massive earthquake that shook the region in 1929. Those with plenty of time can turn off and loop past the Nelson Lakes National Park. Stay 2 nights in Nelson

Day 13: At Nelson

A full day to explore Nelson, home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure, visit WOW - the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars or become immersed in the local creative culture.  The nearby Abel Tasman National Park, and see one of New Zealand's most beautiful stretches of coastline. Options include a day walk, sea kayaking, visiting a seal colony, or lazing on the beach! 

Day 14: Nelson - Blenheim

Estimated Driving Time: 1 hrs 35 mins             Distance: 114 kms  

The drive to Blenheim is both beautiful and interesting. Rai Valley has a delightful cottage museum, and at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim. Nearby Canvastown gives you the chance to explore old gold mining fields - thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. Havelock is the place for a seafood meal - it's known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. When you reach Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards, it will be clear that you've arrived in wine country. Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You'll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses.

Day 15: Blenheim - Picton - Wellington

Estimated Driving Time: 25 mins                     Distance: 29 kms 

The short drive to picturesque Picton is 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: Rotorua - Coromandel

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 40 mins             Distance: 200 kms  

The road passes Lake Rotoroa, which is actually a large crater filled with water, before climbing up and over the Mamaku Range. At Paengaroa you can shop here for honey products. Te Puke is a town that has turned its kiwifruit industry into visitor entertainment.  Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. The journey will take you past Katikati, known for its murals. You'll enjoy the fresh green scenery of the Athenree Gorge before you come across historic Waihi, a gold mining town. Stay 2 nights in Coromandel Peninsula

Day 19: At Coromandel

Explore this region, known for its beautiful beachs & coastline, or relax and enjoy the local cafes and shops displaying the wares of local crafts people. Spend a day exploring the Coromandel and the hidden attractions of a region full of history and natures gems. A photographer's dream! Enjoy the flora & fauna of the semi-tropical rainforest with giant ferns, kauri trees and crystal clear streams. Visit the old historic gold caves sparkling with glow-worms and hear the fascinating history of this magic area. Visit stunning coastal scenery with white sand beaches including Hot Water Beach, magnificent cliffs decorated with ancient Pohutukawa trees, old Maori pa sites and offshore islands.

Day 20: Coromandel - Bay of Islands

Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs 15 mins                Distance: 423 kms

Drive across the Hauraki Plains towards Auckland. Head over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast to Paihia and The Bay of Islands where New Zealand's European heritage began and its historic buildings, villages and landmarks keep the region's colourful and often boisterous past very much alive. 

Stay 2 nights in Paihia.

Day 21: In Bay of Islands

The scenery in the Bay of Islands is nothing short of spectacular. Today be introduced to the fascinating world of dolphins and whales on a Swimming with the Dolphins trip. Alternatively take a Discover the Bay Cruise this morning that will allow you to fully appreciate it by visiting the famous Cape Brett "Hole in the Rock" and getting up close with the amazing wildlife in this natural wonderland. 

In the afternoon you could take the short ferry ride across to the historic and discover picturesque Russell, New Zealand's most historic town. Wander amongst the many cafes, museums and craft shops along the waterfront. Alternatively you could visit the Waitangi Treaty grounds, and see the carved Maori meeting house.

Day 22: Bay of Islands - Auckland

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 50 mins                Distance: 353 kms

Take the alternative route south to Omapere. The highlight will be your meeting with the "Lord of the Forest" Tane Mahuta. Travel across the river plain to Matakohe's kauri museum, where you'll discover the district's fascinating history. In the village of Maungaturoto you can explore antique and craft shops.

At Brynderwyn you'll turn towards Kaiwaka, a village known for its Dutch cheese. Further south is Wellsford, where you'll take a right towards Helensville. The hilly rural road provides amazing views of the Kaipara Harbour and surrounding farmland. There are hot springs at Parakai if you have time to spare. At Kumeu you'll turn towards Waitakere, where you'll embark on a beautiful scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges. Overnight in Auckland

Day 23: 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: 50 hrs 40 mins                        Distance: 3,729 kms

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