Self Drive Holidays 22 Day Scenic Escape Self Drive

Collect your car on arrival at the Airport and then head into the city, a melting pot of cultures, world class shopping destination and proud owner of a sparkling waterfront lined with superb restaurants and bars. Visit the Sky Tower, the most iconic feature of Auckland’s skyline, for panoramic views of the city and twin harbours. If you’re brave, venture to the SkyJump or SkyWalk, a surefire way to get your holiday started with an adrenaline rush!

Overnight accommodation in Auckland

Today drive south from Auckland, then across to the Coromandel Peninsula. Take a drive around the peninsula's coast, stopping at the towns of Thames & Coromandel. If you are travelling during summer or have left Paihia early, be sure to take a ride on the Driving Creek Railway. If not, spend some time in Coromandel Town to explore the area.

Two nights accommodation Whitianga

Today we have included a Glass Bottom Boat cruise for you to Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots. Learn about the history of the area, right from Kupe’s first landing leading to the Maori settling here, to the later arrival of Captain Cook at Mercury Bay. On the trip you can sit back and see the marine life through the glass; or go snorkelling amongst the fish from off the boat.

When on the Coromandel Peninsula be sure to visit Hot Water Beach, where at low tide you can dig holes in the sand to make your own hot water spa. The best time to visit is within 2 hours either side of low tide. If you're interested in water activities, you can choose to go kayaking at Cathedral Cove. 

Depart Whitianga this morning and drive to Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. On the way Karangahake Gorge is a short detour, where you can stop and stretch your legs for a short walk on the historic walkway with its historic artifacts from the old railway and gold mining sites in the area.  Later, be sure to stop at Katikati, and see the dozens of murals throughout the town; each one depicting the town's history. Katikati is a great place to stop for a lunch or coffee in one of the many small cafes.

Three nights accommodation Rotorua

Today you will visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal valley, and the final resting place of the Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana, after the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. Here you can explore the walking trails at your own pace, and see the world’s largest hot springs, volcanic craters, and the bright blue Inferno Crater. Afterwards take a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana.

Tonight enjoy a night of traditional culture and entertainment at the award winning Te Pa Tu, before experiencing a Maori hangi (feast), with a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way underground, amongst the surroundings of an authentic village.

Today you are free to explore Rotorua and it’s attractions, or take one of the other great tors or activities available. A few popular suggestions include:

Mt Tarawera Crater Walk Experience

The legendary Pink and White Terraces were destroyed when Mt Tarawera erupted on 10^th June 1886, creating the geothermal valley which is Waimangu. On the Mt Tarawera Crater Walk Experience you will be taken by 4WD for a fully guided walk around the summit of Mt Tarawera, and learn about the history of the area, whilst taking in the 360˚ panoramic views. Suitable for all ages, there is an optional run into the bottom of the crater.

Rotorua Canopy Tours

Fly like a bird through the forest canopy taking you through the beautiful, ancient kiwi forest; with ziplines, and swingbridges. The Original Canopy Tour has 6 ziplines, with a total length of 600 metres taking 3 hours; whereas the Ultimate Canopy Tour is longer and higher with twice the length of ziplines, as well as a 400 metre tandem zipline, spiral staircase, and 50 metre high cliff walkway, taking 3½ hours.

Polynesian Spa

Relax in one of five Deluxe Lake Spas looking over Lake Rotorua and gardens. With four shallow alkaline mineral hot pools from Rachel Spring; and a further one acidic mineral pool from Priest Spring; as well as a cold plunge pool; you can alternate by bathing in pools of different temperatures for the best hot-cold hydrotherapy detox. The Deluxe Lake Spa also has geothermally heated pool recliners, with premium changing rooms.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Only an hour’s drive from Rotorua, Hobbiton Movie set makes a great half day trip. Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. You'll be taken through Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and the Party Tree while your guide shares behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films. Bookings are essential for this trip well in advance, due to its popularity and limited availability.

National Kiwi Hatchery

This not-for-profit charitable trust are New Zealand’s national experts and most successful kiwi hatching and rearing institute. With over 75% of the kiwi chicks being hatched here in Aotearoa, the National Kiwi Trust are invaluable in rearing and later releasing the young kiwis to help increase the wild population. Here you can take a behind the scenes tour of the research facility.

Drive south through steam clad Wairakei, to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, across the volcanic plateau past the cones of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. Cross the Manawatu plains then along the rugged Kapiti coastline to our capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour.

Stay two nights in Wellington

Recently named the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ by Lonely Planet, Wellington is nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills and is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty. A visit to Te Papa National Museum, a ride on the famous Cable Car or a visit to Weta Workshop is highly recommended. If you like action-packed adventure activities, Wellington has it all along with beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills. Here are a few popular tours you could do today:

Weta Workshop

The centre of movie magic in New Zealand, Weta Workshop takes you on a trip through the creative design of real costumes, props and weird creatures for block buster movies like the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Mulan, Thunderbirds are Go, and District 9. In the Creative Workshop Combo you also learn how to build miniature effects for both television and film productions; where you can recreate a complete castle, city and island all in one location.

Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary

Discover Wellington’s eco-sanctuary, a predator proof oasis inside the city, where rare and endangered native birds such as the hihi, tieke, kaka, tui, karariki and bellbirds; as well as native flora flourish. You can take a Zealandia by Day tour to explore the park; or in the evening take a Zealandia by Night tour, and listen to the evening chorus, or possibly see one of the 130 little spotted kiwi who inhabit the park.

Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour

View al the Lord of the Rings sites around Wellington, that featured in the movies; whilst your guide shares little known stories about how the film was made at each site. Visit Weta Workshop to see how the props for the movies were made, and perhaps see the craftsmen at work. Lunch is included.

Kapiti Island Nature Tour

One of New Zealand’s premier nature conservation sites, where you can see some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds including Kereru, Koromiko (bellbird), Hihi, Kakariki, Takahe, Toutouwai (Robin), Weka, Tieke (Saddleback) and Kaka. Your experienced nature guide will teach you about the Maori history, as well as how to identify the different flora and fauna on the island. A delicious cooked lunch is included, as well as transfers from your Wellington accommodation.

Return your rental vehicle early in time for your ferry crossing aboard the Interislander. You will cross Raukawa Moana (Cook Strait) on a three hour scenic voyage and alight at Picton. Collect a new rental car and drive to Nelson, then spend the afternoon in awe of the breathtaking World of Wearable Art creations (and some fabulous vintage cars!) at the WOW Museum & Classic Car Collection.

Two nights accommodation 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.

Leave our sunniest region and make your way south to Punakaiki, home of the pancake rocks. Thirty million years in the making, nature has carved the rock into fantastical shapes and turned it into a percussion of thundering, thumping, and roaring, with plumes of salt water hissing from the blowholes.

Overnight accommodation Punakaiki

Spend some time in Hokitika on your way down the coast, a town noted for its pounamu (New Zealand jade) and wild west gold mining history. Maybe you would like to see the world from a bird’s viewpoint, and walk high above the ground through the ancient rimu and kamahi tree canopy on the West Coast Treetop Walkway. This afternoon at Franz Josef Glacier, avail yourself of one of the many ways to see the ancient ice valley – from a moderate self-guided walk to the terminal face to a professionally guided adventure that will take you onto the ice itself, a truly unforgettable experience.

Overnight accommodation Franz Josef

Make an early start for your drive to Queenstown via Haast Pass. There are scores of places to stop at the roadside in the pass, for short walks to stunning waterfalls and blue pools or simply to admire the verdant landscape. In Wanaka pay a visit to weird and wonderful Puzzling World, an entertaining activity for young and old alike with a mix of bizarre buildings, the world-famous Great Maze, and rooms of illusion.

Three nights accommodation Queenstown

We heartily recommend one of the adrenaline-filled activities on offer in our adventure capital. Some are more heart-stopping than others – a jet boat ride on the Shotover River appeals to almost everyone, but bona fide daredevils might prefer a skydive from 12,000 feet. Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery by walking one of the myriad tracks around the town, or joining a 4WD safari. We have included a Skyline Gondola ride and buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant, so finish your day of excitement with a delicious dining experience overlooking the town, lake, and mountains beyond.

Perhaps venture to Arrowtown today, a quaint village with heritage buildings and boutique shopping, filled with stories of its beginnings as a gold mining settlement. For a decadent treat, you might fancy a tour of the area’s wineries – an excellent way to see more of the region and sample some of the tastiest wine and food you could wish for.

Follow the highway down the shores of Lake Wakatipu and into Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. This evening we suggest you take a tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a subterranean world of limestone tunnels sculpted over thousands of years by the river that runs through them. Admire the galaxies of glowworms overhead as you float by on the silent waters.

Two nights accommodation Te Anau

Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, and we have to agree. Leave Te Anau with time to spare for stops along the dramatically beautiful Milford Road, then hop aboard your nature cruise for a two hour scenic voyage. As you head out to meet the Tasman Sea at the mouth of the sound you will be captivated by the bewitching atmosphere, with waterfalls cascading from sheer cliffs, abundant marine life, and dense rainforest. If you would like to explore further after your cruise ends, consider a scenic flight, short walk, or kayak. Return to Te Anau for the night.

Follow your nose to Invercargill, our southernmost city, and drive the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins. Truly off the well-beaten path, this remote area is a natural rugged beauty with long windswept beaches, lush temperate rainforest, and rolling farmland. Finish today’s long trip in Dunedin, our Edinburgh of the south.

Two nights accommodation Dunedin

Spend the morning in a sweet-tooth’s paradise on a Cadbury World tour. Learn of all things chocolate, from history to current day (including the all-important taste test!), and float out in a cocoa haze. If you wish to continue with the theme, a tour of the iconic Speights Brewery might be on the cards, ending with a meal at the on-site restaurant. For those that would prefer a bit of fresh air, take an excursion to the Otago Peninsula. This picturesque area is a haven for seabirds and other marine life, including kororā (little blue penguins), hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), and toroa (albatross).

Time to head north again. Have a break in Oamaru, steampunk capital of the world and home to a thriving Victorian Precinct. Take the time to wander the cobbled streets and rifle through galleries and shops, then grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes before continuing on your journey. A visit to Mt John Observatory in Lake Tekapo this evening is a must, for an awe-inspiring tour of the stars in the Southern Hemisphere’s only International Dark Sky Reserve.

Overnight accommodation Lake Tekapo

Before you leave Lake Tekapo, stop by the historic Church of the Good Shepherd. A stalwart monument to the farming pioneers of the Mackenzie Basin, the church sits peacefully on the edge of the turquoise lake – an exceptional spot for memorable photos. As you drive to Christchurch the scenery will change from golden high country peaks to sweeping plains. In the city you will see a lively downtown area at various stages of rebuild, with new and old architecture side-by-side, street art, sculpture, and a flourishing cafe and restaurant scene. Buy a ticket for the heritage tram for a delightful way to navigate the city, hopping on and off as you please at locations that catch your eye.

Overnight accommodation Christchurch

Depending on the departure time of your flight home, you may have the opportunity for one last experience in Christchurch before returning your rental car. We recommend the International Antarctic Centre, the closest you’ll get to the cold continent without mounting an expedition!