Explore the Best of New Zealand with Seamless North and South Island Adventures
Both Islands self-drive packages bring together the contrasting landscapes, cultures and experiences of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Travel from geothermal regions and Māori cultural centres to alpine lakes, glaciers, wildlife coastlines and spectacular fiords, with the freedom to stop and explore along the way.
Most holidays travel between Auckland and Christchurch or Queenstown, although routes can operate in reverse or begin in Wellington. Accommodation, rental vehicles and the Cook Strait ferry are arranged in advance, while sightseeing experiences can be included to match your interests.
Lower Your Gas Bill on a New Zealand Self Drive with a Hybrid or EV
What Is Included in a Complete New Zealand Self Drive Package?
Both Islands packages cover the main arrangements required for an independent road trip. Exact inclusions vary, but most packages generally include:
- Pre-booked accommodation
- Rental car hire
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
- Unlimited kilometres with most rental vehicles
- Selected sightseeing tours and attractions
- Cruises or scenic train journeys where specified
- Airport or railway station transfers where specified
- Meals where listed in the itinerary
- Detailed travel documentation
- Assistance while travelling in New Zealand
International and domestic airfares, fuel, parking, optional activities and most meals are normally additional unless specifically included.
What Can You See on a Full New Zealand Road Trip?
North Island itineraries can include Auckland, Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Lake Taupō, Tongariro National Park, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington. Geothermal attractions, Māori cultural experiences, glowworm caves, vineyards and dramatic volcanic landscapes can all be incorporated.
The South Island introduces Marlborough wine country, the Kaikōura Coast, Christchurch, Aoraki/Mount Cook, the West Coast glaciers, Wānaka, Queenstown and Fiordland. Depending on your route, experiences can include wildlife cruises, scenic flights, alpine walks, rail journeys and Milford or Doubtful Sound cruises.
Both Islands Self Drive Holidays at a Glance
How long do the trips run?
Both Islands self-drive holidays generally run from 7 to 22 days. Fourteen to 21 days provides a more comfortable pace and allows you to experience several destinations in each island.
Where do the trips start and finish?
Most packages travel from Auckland to Christchurch or Queenstown, or operate in reverse. Shorter alternatives can start in Wellington and finish in Christchurch or Queenstown.
How much driving is required each day?
Most travel days involve approximately two to four hours of driving. Longer sectors can require five to six hours, while multi-night stays provide days with little or no driving.
Compare Both Islands Self Drive Itineraries
| Itinerary | Days | Typical Route | Islands | Indicative Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Two-Island Highlights | 7 days | Wellington to Christchurch or Queenstown, or reverse | North and South Islands | NZ$2,000–NZ$3,500 per person |
| Both Islands Scenic Journey | 10 days | Auckland or Wellington to Christchurch or Queenstown | North and South Islands | NZ$3,000–NZ$5,000 per person |
| Classic North and South Island Road Trip | 14 days | Auckland to Christchurch or Queenstown, or reverse | North and South Islands | NZ$4,000–NZ$7,500 per person |
| Grand New Zealand Discovery | 21–22 days | Auckland to Christchurch or Queenstown, or reverse | North and South Islands | NZ$6,000–NZ$9,000 per person |
Prices are approximate and based on two people sharing accommodation and a rental vehicle. Your final price will depend on the travel dates, accommodation category, rental car, ferry arrangements and included experiences.
Self Drive Golf Holidays Across New Zealand
Our golf-focused self drive packages combine scenic drives with championship-level courses across both islands. These themed tours include pre-booked tee times, golf-friendly accommodation, and built-in rest days. Play at some of New Zealand’s top golf destinations, including:
- Cape Kidnappers – Hawke’s Bay
- Millbrook Resort & Jack’s Point – Queenstown
- Clearwater Golf Club – Christchurch
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or planning a premium trip with friends, our golf packages make it easy to combine the best of New Zealand’s landscapes with world-class courses.
Which Both Islands Self Drive Holiday Suits Your Interests?
Both Islands itineraries can be designed around the places and experiences that interest you most. Available holiday styles can include:
- Family-friendly self-drive holidays
- Food, wine and craft beer journeys
- Hiking and walking holidays
- Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton itineraries
- Nature and wildlife road trips
- Scenic rail and self-drive combinations
- Golf-focused touring holidays
- Motorhome journeys across New Zealand
Themed holidays can still include New Zealand’s principal sightseeing highlights while giving more time to the experiences that matter most to you.
Can Both Islands Self Drive Packages Be Customised?
Both Islands self-drive packages can generally be shortened, extended or rearranged around your dates and preferred pace. Extra nights can be added to reduce the frequency of driving, while accommodation, rental vehicles and included experiences can be changed or upgraded.
Routes can also be adjusted to include additional destinations or particular interests. Packages may concentrate on family activities, wildlife, hiking, food and wine, Māori culture, film locations, rail travel or scenic cruising.
