Auckland to Christchurch self drive tours are one-way New Zealand holidays visiting the North and South Islands. Choose itineraries lasting 7 to 22 days, with car-based packages, a motorhome holiday and options combining driving with scenic rail journeys. Routes, accommodation and included experiences vary by package, making this collection suitable for travellers comparing different interests, budgets and travel paces.
Which Auckland to Christchurch route suits your holiday?
Shorter routes travel south through the North Island before crossing Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton and continuing towards Christchurch. Depending on your itinerary, stops can include Rotorua, Taupō, Marlborough and Kaikōura.
Longer holidays can extend through the southern South Island before finishing in Christchurch. For example, the 16 Day Explorer Tour of New Zealand visits Queenstown, includes a Milford Sound fly-cruise-fly experience and continues through the West Coast before a TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch.
Compare Auckland to Christchurch holiday styles
| Holiday style | What to compare | Suits travellers who want |
|---|---|---|
| Car-based self drive | Accommodation, daily driving, included activities and ferry arrangements | Independent driving with overnight accommodation arranged |
| Self drive with scenic rail | Train sectors, vehicle collection and return points, and station transfers | A combination of driving and train travel |
| Motorhome holiday | Vehicle facilities, overnight arrangements and package inclusions | A holiday using a motorhome as both transport and accommodation |
| Special-interest itinerary | Guided experiences, activity requirements and operating seasons | A trip focused on interests such as hiking or wine |
7-16 Day Auckland to Christchurch Self Drive Tours
Hybrid & EV Car Rental for Your Self Drive Holiday
Hybrid and electric car rental options are available for your Auckland to Christchurch holiday, subject to your chosen package and vehicle availability. Your quote will confirm whether a hybrid or EV is included or available as an upgrade. Let us know your preference when enquiring so we can consider vehicle range, charging stops and collection arrangements alongside your itinerary.
17–22 Day Auckland to Christchurch Self Drive Tours
How long should you allow?
Seven to ten days suits a focused trip covering selected destinations, with more frequent travel between overnight stops. Allow around two weeks for a broader itinerary, or consider three weeks if you want additional regions and more opportunities for multi-night stays.
Compare the daily itinerary as well as the total duration. A longer route covering more destinations can still involve substantial driving. Our Both Islands self drive holidays provide further options for different starting points and trip lengths.
What is included in an Auckland to Christchurch self drive package?
Inclusions depend on the holiday you choose. Check each itinerary for accommodation, vehicle hire, Cook Strait ferry travel, transfers, meals and activities. Some packages also include scenic train journeys or guided experiences.
For a car-based example, the 10 Day Auckland to Christchurch Self Drive Tour includes nine nights’ accommodation, rental car hire, the Interislander ferry and nine breakfasts. Suggested activities are listed separately from the package inclusions.
Tailor your holiday: Let us know your travel dates, preferred accommodation, vehicle requirements and sightseeing interests when requesting a quote. Itineraries can be amended or combined to suit your plans.
