14 Day New Zealand Grand Self Drive Tour

Your spectacular New Zealand journey begins in Auckland, known in Māori as Tāmaki Makaurau, the City of Sails. With its harbourfront highlights, ocean views and urban flair, it’s the perfect introduction to Aotearoa.

Private Transfer Auckland Airport to Your Accommodation with Tourcorp

On arrival, a professional driver meets you at the airport and transfers you directly to your city accommodation in comfort. It’s a relaxed, stress‑free way to kick off your grand self‑drive adventure.

Auckland is a vibrant, multicultural city surrounded by iconic harbours and volcanic cones. Whether you’re into museums, waterfront walks or lively cafés, there’s plenty to enjoy on your first afternoon.

Today you collect your rental car and leave urban Auckland behind, heading east over verdant farmland toward the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Expect coastal views, forested hills and idyllic beaches as you make your way toward Whitianga.

Pick up your intermediate‑sized vehicle this morning and get ready for freedom on the road. With a range of options from economy to premium SUVs, choose the car that best suits your travel style.

Auckland to Whitianga via Coromandel Township

Cross the fertile Hauraki Plains and pass serene estuaries filled with wildlife before arriving in the historic gold‑mining town of Thames. From here, choose the dramatic coastal route or the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to reach Whitianga.

This morning you leave Whitianga and travel south through holiday towns, rolling farmland and quaint villages before arriving in Rotorua. As you approach this renowned geothermal region, steam rising from the earth signals you’re entering something truly special.

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with boiling mud pools, steamy vents and sulphur‑scented air. Beyond nature’s spectacle, the city is a hub of Māori culture, historic villages and outdoor adventures, from forest walks to spas and family‑friendly activities.

Suggested Activity – Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience – Dinner Included

Enjoy an award‑winning cultural celebration at Te Pā Tū, where song, dance and traditional kai (food) are shared in a forest village setting. This immersive experience showcases Māori history, storytelling and seasonal traditions under towering trees.

Today you explore the colourful wonders of Rotorua’s geothermal parks before heading southeast towards Hawke’s Bay. Along the way, volcanic features, lakes and waterfalls reveal why this region is so iconic.

Suggested Activity – Wai‑O‑Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai‑O‑Tapu’s vivid colours and natural formations make it one of New Zealand’s most dramatic geothermal parks. Wander at your own pace through steaming pools, intricate mineral terraces and the famous Lady Knox Geyser.

Leaving Rotorua, traverse geothermal hotspots like Waimangu and Craters of the Moon before arriving at Lake Taupō, carved from a massive volcanic crater. Stop at Huka Falls for a dramatic water‑flow spectacle and optional jet boat ride, then continue through rugged ranges down to the art deco coastal city of Napier.

Napier’s sunny climate, Mediterranean vibe and striking Art Deco architecture make it a memorable stop. Enjoy leafy cafés, boutique shops and sweeping coastal views, with Marine Parade and Cape Kidnappers nearby. The city’s rich history and vibrant lifestyle are on full display as you explore.

Today’s drive takes you through rolling farmland and picturesque towns toward New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Cross the Manawatu Gorge and Wairarapa wine country en route to arrive in this creative and culturally rich city.

Wellington Highlights

Wellington, known in Māori as Te Whanganui‑a‑Tara, combines foodie culture with dynamic urban life. Wander the waterfront, sample world‑class coffee, visit the national museum or explore quirky boutiques and outdoor art.

This morning you’ll return your rental car at the ferry terminal and board the iconic Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait. The scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds reveals secluded bays, bush‑clad hills and wildlife against a backdrop of sparkling water.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

Enjoy one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world, passing Pencarrow Head, seal colonies and dramatic sea cliffs. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds as you glide into Queen Charlotte Sound on your way to Picton.

Collect Rental Car & Picton to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Drive

Back on four wheels, follow the coastal Queen Charlotte Drive toward Nelson, with stunning Sounds vistas at every turn. Stops at Havelock and Pelorus Bridge offer cafés, walks and scenic lookouts before arriving in vibrant Nelson.

Today’s journey takes you through the Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Park toward the wild West Coast. Expect lush forests, rivers, scenic drives and the dramatic landscapes that define this rugged stretch.

Suggested Activity – Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience

Explore Māwhera Pā’s rich cultural narratives with artistic installations created by Wētā Workshop. This self‑guided experience weaves history, visual art and storytelling into an engaging journey through Pounamu territory.

Hokitika Highlights

Hokitika’s proud history as a gold‑rush port now meets its reputation as New Zealand’s jade (Pounamu) carving centre. Wander galleries, meet local artisans, and stroll the driftwood‑scattered beach with Southern Alps views in the distance.

Leaving Hokitika, drive south past Ross and through native forests toward the glacier region. Franz Josef village is the gateway to one of the world’s only temperate rainforests with glacier access, where towering ice meets lush bush.

Franz Josef Glacier descends from high alpine valleys into rainforest, making it one of the most accessible glaciers on Earth. Scenic walks, forest trails and flightseeing tours open up multiple ways to enjoy this rare landscape. The village offers cafés, galleries and adventure providers for a great overnight stay.

Suggested Activity – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Soar above Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers on a thrilling helicopter flight, landing on ancient ice for unbeatable views. This scenic experience showcases dramatic valley formations and icy rivers carved through time.

Today’s drive is one of the most spectacular in New Zealand, taking you from glacier valleys through West Coast rainforest and high alpine terrain. Pass Knights Point, cross the Haast River and enter the breathtaking Southern Alps before descending toward Queenstown via Lake Wānaka.

Queenstown is famously known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, but it also caters to relaxed exploration, dining and scenery. Nestled on Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables as a backdrop, it’s a town that blends thrills and tranquillity.

Today is yours to savour Queenstown’s many offerings — from scenic rides and lake cruises to adrenaline adventures and lakeside dining. Whether you want action or relaxation, there’s no shortage of choice in this stunning alpine setting.

Suggested Activity – TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch

Step aboard the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch, meet farm animals and take in picturesque lakeside scenery.

Suggested Activity – Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Skim past rocky canyon walls at thrilling speeds in a Shotover Jet ‘Big Red’ boat. Twists, turns and full‑360 sprays make this one of Queenstown’s most exhilarating activities.

Suggested Activity – Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride

Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and beyond. At the top, explore viewing decks and take in unbeatable vistas with a photo in every direction.

Today a scenic drive leads you deeper into Southland as the alpine backdrop gives way to tussock lands and lakeside vistas. Te Anau, nestled on Lake Te Anau’s shores, is your gateway to world‑famous Fiordland.

Te Anau sits on one of New Zealand’s largest lakes and is ideal for exploring Milford Sound, glowworm caves and walking tracks. Quiet lakeside paths, kayaking options and wildlife encounters make it an adventure‑filled base. The town’s relaxed vibe offers a great contrast to the high‑octane scenery that surrounds it.

Suggested Activity – Dusky Sound & Doubtful Sound Sea Plane Flight with Wings & Water Te Anau

Soar above dramatic fjord landscapes in a flight that showcases both Doubtful Sound’s untouched wilderness and Dusky Sound’s island‑scattered vistas. It’s a breathtaking way to experience Fiordland’s vast, glacial‑carved beauty from above.

Today you travel through Southland farmland and coastal scenery toward Dunedin, a city rich in heritage and natural wonders. From Catlins coast to Victorian architecture, this leg blends variety and charm.

Dunedin (Ōtepoti) is famed for its Edwardian and Victorian architecture, scenic harbour and rich Scottish heritage. Explore the Otago Peninsula for wildlife, historic buildings and boutique cafés in the Octagon.

This final driving day leads north from Dunedin, with stops at Moeraki’s famous boulders and Oamaru’s historic limestone quarter. You’ll continue through Timaru and the vast Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch, a city reborn with creative energy.

Christchurch (Ōtautahi) is known as the Garden City, with beautiful parks, botanic gardens and a strong arts scene. Explore museums, take a punt on the Avon River or enjoy cultural dining experiences in the revitalised city centre.

On your last day, return your rental vehicle at the airport and enjoy any final Christchurch sights before departure. If time allows, a scenic drive up the Port Hills or around Lyttelton Harbour adds a memorable end to your epic New Zealand tour.

Return Your Vehicle to Christchurch Airport

Dropping off your car smoothly wraps up your self‑drive adventure across two islands. Friendly staff make the return quick so you can focus on your onward journey.

Bid farewell to New Zealand with memories of coastlines, mountains, cities and unique cultural experiences. In Māori, mā te wā means “see you again soon,” because this incredible land is sure to draw you back one day.