Self Drive Holidays 15 Day Explore New Zealand Self Drive Tour

Collect your rental car at the Airport on arrival into Christchurch, the gateway to New Zealand’s South Island and Canterbury region. Once settled into your accommodation, enjoy some time to explore this elegant garden city.

Stay 1 night Christchurch

Begin your journey south as you cross the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial at Lake Tekapo. Visit Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site covering over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery before travelling on to Omarama.

Stay 1 night Omarama

Today you will head over the Lindis Pass to the township of Cromwell before continuing on to Arrowtown, set beneath the rugged Crown Range. This historic village located beside the Arrow River, was once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s and features a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Later this
afternoon, travel on to Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination. 

Tonight, Go back in time on this return trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. On disembarking, you'll be escorted through the beautiful lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel's Homestead. Here you'll enjoy a Gourmet BBQ dinner which your chef will prepare in front of you. The seasonal menu includes an expansive array of local produce, including succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads.

Stay 3 nights Queenstown

Today is a free day to experience this magnificent resort town. Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities. You will be spoilt for choice. Experience the thrills of riding on the world famous Shotover Jetboat, perhaps take a ride up the Skyline Gondola for spectacular view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, or take a 4WD tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous, try white water rafting. Alternatively, browse in the many shops and galleries. Tonight, try one of the award-winning restaurants in town.

After an early breakfast, travel by coach from Queenstown and skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu and travel through lush farmland to Te Anau. A short drive brings you to Manapouri, where you enjoy a leisurely cruise across this picturesque lake to West Arm. This is followed by a trip on New Zealand's most expensive road, travelling over Wilmot Pass and pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and to view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. In Doubtful Sound, you will board the spacious purpose built catamaran ‘Patea Explorer’, for a three hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region through their commentary. They will answer questions, point out landmarks and provide you with information about the varied wildlife you may encounter like dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. As the majesty of Doubtful Sound unfolds before you, you will be struck by its silence ... a silence broken only by birdsong or the rushing of a distant waterfall. Its beauty and vastness will take your breath away.

eave Queenstown early this morning and take some time to stop at Lake Wanaka, before heading north. View the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks before arriving on the rugged and wild West Coast, home to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.

Stay 1 night Franz Josef

Before your departure this morning, take the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region. At Hokitika, stop to visit one of the many Pounamu (jade) factories. Pounamu is considered a treasure in Maori culture and is seen as a sign of status and power. Continue on to Punakaiki where you can marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole.

Stay 1 night Punakaiki

Skirt the west coastline before heading inland to Murchison. Travel north through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. This afternoon, visit the World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum.

Stay 2 nights Nelson

Take the coach from Nelson to Kaiteriteri to board the 9.30am Vista Cruise departure. Cruise the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, viewing the fascinating Seal Colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve along the way. You will return to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach to walk 3hrs 30mins (11.5kms, 7 miles) along the easiest section of the coast track, with spectacular views over Tasman Bay. The track winds through sunny Kanuka forest with hidden fern grottos and crystal mountain streams. At Marahau you will rejoin your coach at 4.00pm or 5.30pm for the trip back to Nelson.

A short drive brings you to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Board the Interislander ferry and cruise through the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound into Cook Strait. Enjoy stunning views of New Zealand’s capital city as you arrive into Wellington Harbour. Once you have checked in to your hotel, enjoy some time to explore this vibrant city. Situated on the Wellington waterfront, a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand is highly recommended.

Stay 1 night Wellington

Leaving the city behind, travel through rolling farmland as you enter the Tongariro National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, located on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls and travel past massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and famous for its geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters.

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Today you could start with a visit to the Agrodome to see a unique New Zealand farm show. Afterwards we have included a visit to Te Puia, home to Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Centre. Here you will witness all of nature’s thermal wonders including silica terraces and the famous Pohutu Geyser. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to enjoy the great range of leisure activities and wildlife parks before visiting Te Pa Tu for an evening of fun and culture. You will experience a traditionally prepared Maori Hangi (feast) followed by a cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance including the stirring haka.

Cross the Mamaku Ranges into the Waikato region, well known for its dairy farming, world famous horse studs and champion Rugby team! At Matamata, you will join a Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Enjoy a visit to the set used in The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Following your tour continue on to Pauanui, a favourite New Zealand holiday beach resort for your overnight stay.

Take time to explore the Coromandel Peninsula this morning, renowned for its natural beauty, green pastures, misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches. Travel onwards to your final destination of Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. Enjoy a trip to the summit of the magnificent Sky Tower this afternoon, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for superb city and harbour views.

Stay 1 night Auckland

Enjoy some last minute sightseeing with unlimited opportunities to enjoy the last of your New Zealand trip!

No matter what your style, this vibrant city will have you finishing your holiday on a wonderful high before heading home to share your travel stories of New Zealand.