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24 Day Self Drive New Zealand Holidays Auckland to Christchurch

Auckland - Bay of Islands - Auckland - the Coromandel - Rotorua -  Wellington - Nelson - Greymouth - Fox Glacier - Wanaka - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Invercargill - Dunedin - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch

Discover all of New Zealand on this 23 night self drive New Zealand tour itinerary taking you off the beaten track to unique locations as well as all of the 'must see' scenic attractions. Visit historic Dunedin and see the wildlife on Otago Peninsula; the highlight is an Overnight Cruise on Milford Sound; be amazed at the majesty of the West Coast Glaciers.

Total Driving Time About: 45 hrs 15 mins                        Distance: 3,816 kms

Itinerary - 24 Day New Zealand Traveller

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

Arrive at Auckland International Airport, where you will pick up your car. The rest of the day is free to explore Auckland's many attractions.You could take a walk down to the Viaduct or try shopping on Queens Street.
Overnight accommodation, Standard - Scenic Hotel Auckland, Superior - Rydges Hotel Auckland

Day 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands

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

Travel over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and follow the northern motorway through to the beachside suburbs, turn off to visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum and then spend the afternoon following the western Northland coast through the Kauri forests and stop to view the largest Kauri tree "Tane Mahuta". Travel over to the East Coast to Paihia in the Bay of Islands.
Two nights accommodation, Standard - Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Superior - Blue Pacific Apartments. 

Option: Tonight hop on board Darryl's Dinner Cruise for an evening of fun and cruising on the Waitangi River with BBQ dinner included.

Day 3: Bay of Islands

A full day to enjoy Paihia and the magnificient Bay of Islands. Why not take the ferry to the historic town of Russell, the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand.

Option: This morning experience either the Cape Brett Hole in the Rock Cruise, the Excitor Hole in the Rock, Dolphin Adventure, where you may have the opportunity to swim with these wonderful creatures, or the Best of the Bay Supercruise. This evening visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for The Story of New Zealand - a live cultural performance concert combined with drama, telling the history of New Zealand through the generations.

Day 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 15 mins                       Distance: 228 kms

Today return to Auckland along the East Coast, stopping at the Quayside precinct of Whangarei for lunch. Follow the beaches back until Auckland comes into view.

Option: This afternoon take the lift to the top of the Skytower for panoramic 360 degree views of the city and its twin harbours.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Scenic Hotel Auckland, Superior - Rydges Hotel Auckland.

Day 5: Auckland to The Coromandel

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 25 mins                  Distance: 294 kms     

Take the scenic route through Clevedon, and around the edge of the Firth of Thames past Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point and Kaiaua. Visit Miranda's hot springs and bird sanctuary. Journey over the Coromandel Ranges down to the spectacular Eastern Coast stopping in the beachside town of Whangamata.

Option: This evening enjoy a homestyle BBQ dinner with Kiwi Dundee at their private conservation area before a night glow-worm walk in the forest.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Pauanui Pines Motor Inn, Superior - Breakers Motel.

Day 6: The Coromandel

Spend a day exploring the Coromandel Peninsula with Kiwi Dundee Adventures and learn about 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 (tide permitting), magnificent cliffs decorated with ancient Pohutukawa trees, old Maori pa sites and offshore islands. Lunch will be a delightful picnic or a visit to our favourite café.

Day 7: The Coromandel to Rotorua

Estimated Driving Time: 2 hrs 45 mins             Distance: 192 kms                 

The journey to Rotorua will take you past Katikati, known for its murals. Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. Te Puke is a town that has turned its kiwifruit industry into visitor entertainment.  Continue onto the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, centre of New Zealand's Maori Culture.

This evening you have a traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert at Tamaki Village, inclusive of hotel transfers.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Hotel Ibis, Superior - Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel.  

Day 8: Rotorua

Today you are free to explore some of Rotorua's many attractions. 

Option: With a Diamond Sightseeing Pass, you can take the Skyline Gondola to the top for views over the township and lake, visit the Agrodome Farm Show and see all the thermal action at Te Puia Thermal Reserve before a visit to Paradise Valley Springs Nature Reserve. Finish the day with a relaxing soak in the Polynesian Spas.

Day 9: Rotorua - Wellington

Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs 45 min          Distance: 452 kms 

Head down the thermal belt to Taupo, set on New Zealand's largest lake, a volcanic crater, for an early lunch then travel south past National Park and the peaks of Mt Ruapheu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe before you reach the Waiarapa Gorge taking you to  Wellington, 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, theatre and all kinds of shops.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Bay Plaza Hotel, Superior - Musuem Apartments.

Day 10: Wellington to Picton to Nelson

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

Drop your car off in Picton, then 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.

Pick up another car for your drive to Blenheim, the centre of the Marlborough wine region famous for its Savignon Blanc and gourmet food. 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. 

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Leisure Lodge, Superior - Heritage Rutherford Hotel.

Day 11: At Nelson

Option: This morning you could visit WOW - the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars showcasing garments from the annual World of Wearable Art Collectionalong with beautifully restored historic cars.  Alternatively for a great day out is the nearby Abel Tasman National Park, and see one of New Zealand's most beautiful stretches of coastline. 

Day 12: Nelson to Greymouth

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs                        Distance: 289 kms 

From Nelson 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. 

Overnight accommodation, Standard & Superior - Ashley Hotel Greymouth

Day 13: Greymouth to Fox Glacier

Estimated Driving Time: 2 hrs 30 mins            Distance: 195 kms

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. 

Option: This afternoon it's a half day Fox Glacier Walk taking you uphill through ferns and regenerating rain forest, after strapping on crampons walk past crevasses and ice ridges to the middle of the glacier for spectacular views of the icefall and lower glacier, achievable for most agile people.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Fox Glacier Hotel, Superior - The Westhaven

Day 14: Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs                       Distance: 262 kms

You have time this morning for an optional helicopter flight to land on the top of Fox Glacier travelling up the glacier valley to the Neves-snowfields at 6,000ft, land on the snow with views of Mt Tasman and Mt Cook and surrounding mountains. Then drive the rugged coastline across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Mt Aspiring National Park. This afternoon is at leisure in Wanaka to enjoy the many activities of this stunning lakeside township, maybe a thrilling jet boat ride, scenic lake cruise and walk or relaxing walk along the lakefront, the choice is yours.
Overnight accommodation, Standard - Wanaka Hotel, Superior - Edgewater Resort.

Day 15: Wanaka to Queenstown

Estimated Driving Time: 1 hr                         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. 

Option: This afternoon join one of Queenstown's famous jets, the Shotover Jet, darting along the Shotover River through narrow canyons.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Blue Peaks Lodge, Superior - Rydges Lakeland Hotel.

Day 16: Queenstown

Today you are free to explore the alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting and fantastically attractive. It's the place to source almost any kind of adventure. Nearby is the former gold mining town of Arrowtown is a living, historic holiday destination, nestled beside the Arrow River.

Option: Take the TSS Earnslaw across the lake to Walter Peak Station for a farm tour and BBQ lunch or a full day scenic adventure through the Dart River valley with Dart River Safaris, with many different options available.

Day 17: Queenstown to Te Anau

Estimated Driving Time: 3hrs 40 mins              Distance: 286 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, for your cruise on spectacular Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you'll remember. 
Overnight accommodation, Standard - Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau, Superior - Distinctiion Luxmore Hotel

Day 18: Te Anau to Invercargill

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 20 mins             Distance: 273 kms

This morning enjoy a hearty breakfast before returning to Milford Wharf, return to Te Anau and travel on to the world's southern most city, Invercargill arriving mid-afternoon. Take the short drive to Bluff to sample the famous Bluff Oysters in this quaint seaside town, which is gateway to Stewart Island. Overnight accommodation, Standard - Kelvin Hotel, Superior - Quest Apartments Studio.

Option: Spend an extra night in Invercargill to explore the remote Stewart Island with many day trip options available.

Day 19: Invercargill to Dunedin

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 15 mins             Distance: 243 kms

Today venture off the beaten track and travel the ancient Catlins Coast and onto Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South, famous for the eco tourism on the Otago Peninsula.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Mercure Hotel Dunedin, Superior - Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel.

Day 20: Dunedin

Today you have a full day to explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, famous for it's eco tourism and wildlife and there are a variety of tours and cruises showing all the best of the Dunedin region. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre or go on a guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve. Take time to explore Larnach Castle and learn about its scandalous history. You might also want to visit Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential address. End the day with a tour of the 125 year old Speights Brewery, finishing with a tasting of their range of world class beers.

Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture. 

Day 21: Dunedin to Lake Tekapo

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 5 mins            Distance: 314 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.

This evening you could join a "Star Watching Tour", where fully trained guides explain to you southern stars and objects in detail. Through the large telescopes you can watch planets, double stars and star clusters.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Garden Cottage, Superior - Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort.

Day 22: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 50 mins            Distance: 257 kms 

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.

This morning you may like to enjoy an Air Safaris scenic flight over glaciers, lakes and Mt Cook. From Tekapo take the scenic route through Fairlie and Geraldine, before passing Methven to Christchurch. Drop off your car on arrival in the city.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Pavilions Hotel, Superior - West Fitzroy Apartments.

Day 23: Christchurch

Option: This morning let someone else do the driving with a fantastic day trip north to Kaikoura. A 2.5 hour drive, followed by a Whalewatch excursion by launch. See Whales and other marine and birdlife in this eco-wonderland. On the return journey visit a seal colony and a North Canterbury vineyard for a local wine tasting, arriving into Christchurch later that afternoon. Tonight try the local restaurants of Christchurch's "strip" overlooking the Avon River.

Day 24:  Depart Christchurch

Today you are free to explore Christchurch before a transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Total Driving Time About: 45 hrs 15 mins                        Distance: 3,816 kms  

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