New Zealand

New Zealand Escapade

Return to Two Island Self Drive Holidays

16 Day Self Drive New Zealand Holidays Christchurch to Auckland

Christchurch - Dunedin - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Nelson - Wellington - Rotorua - Bay of Islands - Auckland

Experience New Zealand's contrasting North and South Island's on this 16 Day/15 night Self Drive New Zealand Holidays escapade and discover why New Zealand is often referred to as the World in Miniature!

Total Driving Time About: 43 hrs 35 mins                        Distance: 3,205 kms

Itinerary - 16 Day New Zealand Escapade

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival collect your Budget Rental Car. The rest of the day is free to explore this "Garden City".
Overnight accommodation, Standard - Pavilions Hotel, Superior - Heritage Hotel or Deluxe - Charlotte Jane Luxury B&B.

Option: Why not arrive a day or two earlier into Christchurch and enjoy this 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, or visit Akaroa.

Day 2: Christchurch to Dunedin

Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs 20 mins             Distance: 361 kms

Drive south across the Canterbury Plains through Ashburton, where trout fishing is a local obsession.  Further on are historic towns of Timaru with its historic buildings, and 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".

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Quality Cargills Hotel, Superior - Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, or Deluxe - Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.

Day 3: Dunedin

This morning you are free to explore Dunedin, with its historical architecture. Or perhaps take a drive out to the Otago Peninsula, famous for it's eco tourism and wildlife. This afternoon hop on board the historic Taieri Gorge Railway for an afternoon of spectacular viaducts, bridges, tunnels and gorges.

Day 4: Dunedin to Milford Sound    

Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs 20 mins             Distance: 405 kms

Travel across the lush green farmlands of South Otago and Southland, at Balclutha cross the mighty Clutha River and on to Gore. From here you travel across river plains, and onto Te Anau located on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Then drive one of New Zealand's most scenic routes in Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, check in for your overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner at the Real Journeys office. This cruise is the best way to experience the magnificient surroundings of Milford Sound and you can explore using kayaks or tender craft. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you'll remember.

Overnight accommodation is aboard Milford Mariner (Sep - May) during Jun to Aug this night will be at either Standard - - Kingsgate Hotel te Anau, Superior - Distinction Hotel & Villas, Deluxe - Dock Bay Lodge (B&B) with a Milford 11.00am Scenic Cruise as alternatives.

Day 5: Milford Sound to Queenstown

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 40 mins             Distance: 286 kms

The Milford Mariner docks at Milford Wharf at 9.30am and return to Te Anau. Trout fishing rivers and high country scenery are features of the drive to Queenstown. The small towns of Mossburn and Lumsden can be explored for unique shopping opportunities - a farm tour is another possibility. From Kingston, the rest of your journey clings scenically to the edge of Lake Wakatipu as you make your way to 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.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Heartland Hotel Queenstown, Superior - Rydges Lakeland Hotel or Deluxe - The Dairy Guesthouse (B&B).

Day 6: Queenstown

This morning experience the thrill of the Kawarau Jet, travelling up the Shotover River and enjoying the beautiful surrounding scenery. This afternoon you are free to explore, you could take a ride up the Skyline Gondola to a view that will take your breath away, or board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw for a 40-minute cruise along Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a farm tour or sumptuous meal.

Day 7: Queenstown to Fox Glacier

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 10 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 the wild West Coast. At pretty Lake Paringa you can enjoy a delicious meal of salmon at the salmon farm. Upon arrival in Fox Glacier take a Snowlanding Helicopter Flight. From sea level rising to the heart of the magnificent Southern Alps, this flight explores the ice falls on either the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. Experience the seclusion of a snow landing in this largely inaccessible alpine region.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Sunset Motel, Superior - The Westhaven or Deluxe - Te Weheka Inn B&B.

Day 8: Fox Glacier to Nelson

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

Time this morning for a drive to Lake Matheson, known as the mirrored lake. If it is a clear, still morning, you may capture spectacular pictures of the reflection of Mt Cook. 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.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Leisure Lodge, Superior - Heritage Rutherford Hotel or Deluxe - Shelbourne Villa B&B. 

Day 9: Nelson

This morning visit WOW - the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars showcasing garments from the annual World of Wearable Art Collectionalong with beautifully restored historic cars.  Your afternoon Wine and Arts Tour showcases the artistic life of Nelson, as you explore studios and wineries - glass, pottery, beads and wood turning, complemented by breathtaking scenery and award winning wines. 

Day 10: Nelson to Picton to Wellington

Estimated Driving Time: 1 hrs 35 mins             Distance: 110 kms

The drive toPicton 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. Take the road alongside the Marlborough Sounds to Picton for stunning views.

The passage on the InterIslander 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, or you could explore Te Papa Museum of New Zealaland.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Bay Plaza Hotel, Superior - Museum Apartment or Deluxe - Grand Mercure Wellington Century City Apartments.

Day 11: Wellington - Rotorua

Estimated Driving Time: 6 hrs 15 mins             Distance: 452 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 Tamaki Tours take you back in time to a Maori village. Enjoy a night of truly authentic, traditional culture and entertainment, before feasting on a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way underground.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Hotel Ibis, Superior - Novotel Lakeside Rotorua Hotel or Deluxe - Nicara Lodge B&B.

Day 12: At Rotorua

A full day to enjoy everything that Rotorua has to offer taking advantage of the Rotorua Diamond Sightseeing Pass which provides admission into the Agrodome, the Skyline Skyrides, Paradise Valley Springs, Te Puia and finish the day relaxing in the Polynesian Spas.

Day 13: Rotorua to Bay of Islands

Estimated Driving Time: 6 hrs 15 mins       Distance: 459 kms

An early start as you travel from Rotorua through Matamata and the Waikato, famous for its horse stud farms and onto Auckland. Cross the Harbour bridge and onto Orewa, the beachside northern suburb where you can stop for lunch. Continue north through Whangarei reaching Paihia in the Bay of Islands later this afternoon.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Seaspray Suites, Superior - The Waterfront Apartments or Deluxe - Paihia Beach Resort & Spa.

Day 14: Bay of Islands

Enjoy a full day in the Bay of Islands. This morning you have a launch cruise with Fullers to Cape Brett & the "Hole in the Rock". On your return ask to stop at Russell to see the historic township which was the first capital of New Zealand before catching the ferry back to Paihia. Tonight hop on board Darryl's Dinner Cruise for a fantastic night cruising up the Waitangi River to the Haruru Falls with a BBQ dinner included.

Day 15: Bay of Islands to Auckland

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 25 mins       Distance: 317 kms

This morning travel across to the West Coast through Kaikohe to Opononi where you can take the western side of the Twin Coast Discovery road. Stop to see the giant tree "Tane Mahuta" before continuing down through Dargaville to reach Auckland. This afternoon take the lift to the top of the Skytower for panoramic 360-degree views of Auckland and its twin harbours. Visit the Viaduct Basin for some lively atmosphere and great restaurants.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Scenic Hotel Auckland, Superior - Rydges Hotel or Deluxe - SkyCity Grand.

Day 16:  Depart Auckland

Today you are free to explore Auckland before returing your rental car for your onward journey.

Total Driving Time About: 43 hrs 35 mins                        Distance: 3,205 kms  

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