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23 Day Driving New Zealand Self Drive Tour - Auckland to Christchurch

General Information

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

A monster New Zealand Self Drive Holiday in NZ featuring top tourist spots in the North - Paihia, Rotorua and Coromandel, and a complete South Island circuit - lakes, mountains, wilderness, forests, glaciers, ...

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

Total Driving Time About: 50 hrs 10 mins                        Distance: 3,807 kms

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

On your arrival in Auckland  you will be met by our representative and provided with your chosen car and documentation. Overnight in Auckland

Day 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands

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

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 3: 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 4: Bay of Islands - Coromandel

Estimated Driving Time: 6 hrs 45 mins                Distance: 501 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. From Auckland cross the Hauraki Plains to the Coromandel Peninsula. Stay 2 nights in Coromandel Peninsula

Day 5: 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 6: Coromandel - Rotorua

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

The journey to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty will take you past historic Waihi, a gold mining town. You'll enjoy the fresh green scenery of the Athenree Gorge before you come across the town of Katikati, known for its murals. Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. Then it is on to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a night of traditional culture and entertainment, before experiencing a Maori hangi (feast), with a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way underground, amongst the surroundings of an authentic village.  Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 7: 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 8: Rotorua - Wellington

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

Drive south through steam clad Wairakei, to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, across the volcanic plateau past the cones of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. Cross the Manawatu plains then along the rugged Kapiti coastline to our capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 9: Wellington - Picton - Blenheim

Estimated Driving Time: 25 mins             Distance: 29 kms  

Sit back, relax and soak in the scenery as you cruise across Cook Strait and the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds on your Interislander Ferry journey to Picton, the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. Drive to Blenheim, the centre of the Marlborough wine region famous for its Savignon Blanc and gourmet food.

Day 10: Blenheim - Nelson

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

Havelock is the place for a seafood meal - it's known as the Green Shell Mussel capital of the World. 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. Rai Valley has a delightful cottage museum. Stay 2 nights in Nelson.

Day 11: 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 12: Nelson - Greymouth- Glaciers

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

The road to Westport bypasses Nelson Lakes National Park is scenic and interesting, beginning with the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. From Westport to Greymouth scenic highway 6 hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. Stop off at the Pancake Rocks at Punaikaki to see these most unusual rock formations. Enroute to the Glaciers 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. 

Overnight at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.

Day 13: 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 14: Glaciers - Wanaka

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

At pretty Lake Paringa you can enjoy a delicious meal of salmon at the salmon farm.  After leaving Haast and the wild west coast you take on the dramatic twists and turns of the Haast Pass, before stopping at the wilderness town of Makarora, where you can fuel up and refresh. The famous ‘bra fence' is impossible to miss - it started as a joke, but it's become a local legend. Passing the northern end of Lake Wanaka, closely followed by Lake Hawea you arrive at scenic Wanaka. Overnight in Wanaka.

Day 15: Wanaka - Queenstown

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

The shortest route to Queenstown 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. Queenstown for 2 nights.

Day 16: 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 17: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs 5 mins             Distance: 403 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 Te Anau.

(For an additional charge you may choose to Coach from Te Anau to Milford Sound).

Day 18: 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 19: Te Anau - Dunedin

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

Drive across the Waimea plains towards the farming community of Gore, then travel through the rolling hill country of South Otago to Dunedin. Stay 2 nights in Dunedin

Day 20: At Dunedin

Know as 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 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.

 take time to enjoy the rich historical architecture and abundance of wildlife to be found in this fascinating area.

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 21: Dunedin - Mount Cook Region

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

Drive north to Be sure to check out the unique geological formations known as the Moeraki Boulders located 70km's north of Dunedin. At historic Oamaru home of the Little Blue Penguins, turn inland. You'll know you're in Omarama when you see the giant merino sheep statue. The easy drive to Twizel takes you through picturesque sheep farming country fringed with mountain ranges. You could pause to cast a line into the Ahuriri River - famous for sizeable rainbow and brown trout. It's also a place to spy on the rarest wading bird in the world - the Black Stilt. If you don't have the time to catch your own salmon, the local salmon farm sells it - fresh or smoked.  The road to Mt Cook - Aoraki hugs the edge of Lake Pukaki. The exquisite opaque turquoise colour of this lake and others in the area is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles held in suspension. The landscape is a mixture of high country tussock, farmland and snow-capped mountains.  Overnight at Mt Cook

Day 22: Mount Cook Region - Christchurch

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

The road to Lake Tekapo takes you down the Tasman Valley to beautiful Lake Pukaki. Take a spectacular scenic flight by helicopter or fixed wing plane over Aoraki Mt Cook National Park; a magical world of permanent ice and snow, with New Zealand's highest mountains, and largest glaciers. The opaque turquoise colour of this lake and others in the area is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles held in suspension. At the southern end of the lake you'll turn left and drive through golden tussock land to Lake Tekapo. The settlement of Lake Tekapo is at the southern end of the lake. Fishing, kayaking, bike riding, horse trekking and skiing are some of the things you can do. The Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue are great photo opportunities. From Tekapo take the scenic route through Fairlie and Geraldine, before passing Methven to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 23: Depart Christchurch

Today you are free to explore the "Garden City" of Christchurch before catching your flight home.

Total Driving Time About: 50 hrs 10 mins                        Distance: 3,807 kms

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