Food and Wine Self-Drive Holidays
Food and wine itineraries visit celebrated regions such as Waiheke Island, Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough and Central Otago. Selected winery tours, tastings, local lunches and boutique accommodation can be included.
Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton Self-Drive Holidays
Film-themed itineraries combine Hobbiton, Wellington film locations, Wētā Workshop, Edoras and landscapes around Queenstown and Glenorchy. These journeys also include many of New Zealand’s leading natural and cultural attractions.
Nature and Wildlife Self-Drive Holidays
Nature-focused routes can feature whales in Kaikōura, rare dolphins in Akaroa, penguins on the Otago Peninsula, native birds on Stewart Island and marine life around Abel Tasman. National parks, glaciers, fiords and rainforest landscapes add further variety.
Hiking and Walking Self-Drive Holidays
You can choose from itineraries featuring short day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or fully guided Routeburn and Milford Track experiences. Rental car travel before and after the walk makes it possible to combine a Great Walk with other regions.
Tours around Which Self-Drive Holiday Best Matches Your Interests?
Frequently asked questions
Most packages include pre-booked accommodation, rental car hire, selected tours and activities, travel support and an electronic travel guide. Rental inclusions commonly provide unlimited kilometres and comprehensive insurance, although an excess may apply.
Depending on the itinerary, your package may also include:
- Airport or accommodation transfers
- Interislander ferry crossings
- Scenic rail journeys
- Guided walks or multi-day Great Walks
- Wildlife, cultural or geothermal experiences
- Cruises, scenic flights or adventure activities
- Selected breakfasts, lunches or dinners
Flights, fuel, parking, optional activities and meals not specifically listed are generally additional. Your personalised quote will clearly identify every inclusion.
Which Self-Drive Holidays Start in Auckland?
Auckland is a convenient starting point for North Island and two-island itineraries. Routes can travel through the Coromandel, Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupō, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington before finishing in Auckland, Wellington or continuing to the South Island.
Which Self-Drive Holidays Start in Christchurch?
Christchurch provides easy access to the South Island’s alpine, coastal and wine regions. Depending on the itinerary, you can travel towards Kaikōura and Marlborough, cross to the West Coast or head south through Aoraki/Mt Cook, Dunedin, Fiordland and Queenstown. Alternatively you can head north to Auckland or Wellington.
Which Self-Drive Holidays Start in Queenstown?
Queenstown is well placed for journeys to Christchurch through Central Otago, Wānaka, Fiordland and the West Coast. Longer routes can continue north through both islands and finish in Auckland or Wellington.
Which Self-Drive Holidays Start in Wellington?
Starting in Wellington allows you to explore the lower North Island or cross Cook Strait to Picton. From Marlborough, you can continue through Kaikōura, Christchurch and the Southern Alps towards Queenstown.
A self-drive package is a travel package that includes a rental car and a pre-planned itinerary for independent exploration. It provides you with the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace, choosing your destinations, and stopping wherever you please along the way.
Most rental car companies allow you to add additional drivers to the rental agreement, but they may charge an extra fee. Check with the rental car provider regarding their policies and any additional costs for adding extra drivers. Each driver must meet the age and license requirements set by the rental company.
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