12 Day Auckland to Christchurch Highlights Self Drive

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city, known in Māori as Tāmaki Makaurau. Begin your adventure with relaxed city exploration and spectacular skyline views over waterways and volcanic cones.

Private Transfer – Auckland Airport to Your Accommodation
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a private driver and taken directly to your downtown hotel. This seamless transfer ensures a smooth and stress‑free start to your journey.

Auckland’s lively waterfront, harbour views and eclectic eateries make it ideal for first‑time visitors. Wander local streets, enjoy world‑class galleries and stroll to iconic viewpoints for your first look at New Zealand’s urban charm.

Suggested Activity – Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore
This scenic evening sail lets you enjoy Auckland Harbour as the city lights up at dusk. Savour canapés and dinner aboard while cruising past Westhaven Marina and the Viaduct, all framed by illuminated skyline views.

Today you’ll collect your rental car and begin your southward journey through lush farmland toward geothermal Rotorua. A highlight along the way brings Middle‑earth to life with a visit to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. Pick up your included intermediate‑sized rental vehicle and settle in for a scenic drive. If you prefer a different model, upgrades are available to customise your travel experience.

Auckland to Rotorua via Matamata & Hobbiton
Your drive takes you across the Bombay Hills and through Waikato’s rich rolling countryside before reaching Matamata. Here you’ll step into the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton’s charming set, complete with hobbit holes and The Green Dragon Inn.

Rotorua
Rotorua is a vibrant geothermal and cultural hub, known for its steaming landscapes and strong Māori heritage. Spend the afternoon exploring bubbling mud pools, volcanic lakes and lush forests, or enjoy a soothing spa experience beside Lake Rotorua.

Uncover the geothermal wonders and cultural richness of Rotorua on an energetic day of discovery and relaxation. From thermal parks to Māori experiences, there’s something for every interest.

Wai‑O‑Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai‑O‑Tapu showcases New Zealand’s extraordinary geothermal landscape with colourful silica terraces and hot springs. Well‑defined tracks and visitor facilities make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Suggested Activity – National Kiwi Hatchery Experience
Learn about kiwi conservation and see rare chick rearing at this engaging hatchery experience. Knowledgeable guides ensure you understand the kiwi’s life cycle and national significance.

Suggested Activity – Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Soar through native forest via ziplines and suspended bridges for an exhilarating perspective on Rotorua’s lush landscapes. Guides share insights on forest ecology as you move through the canopy.

Suggested Activity – Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience – Dinner Included
Immerse yourself in Māori storytelling, song and traditional kai (feast) set within a forest pā (village). This cultural celebration brings local traditions and seasonal narratives to life.

Set out from Rotorua and travel south through Taupō and the central plateau toward Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Expect a scenic drive through volcanic country, rolling farmland and coastal plains before arriving in a cosmopolitan city known for culture and cuisine.

Suggested Activity – Zealandia By Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Explore the captivating Zealandia eco‑sanctuary after dark to see rare native wildlife. This immersive tour showcases New Zealand’s unique fauna in a protected forest environment near the city centre.

Wellington
Wellington is a creative, compact city with outstanding museums, cafés and a dynamic waterfront. Visit Te Papa Museum, ride the iconic Cable Car, and explore Cuba Street’s boutique stores and eateries.

Today’s highlight is the scenic ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton, where North and South Islands are bridged by Cook Strait. Enjoy panoramic ocean views and glimpses of the Marlborough Sounds as you travel between islands.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
Board the Interislander ferry for one of the world’s most scenic sea journeys across Cook Strait. Sail through Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds, where sheltered bays and forested hills provide unforgettable views.

Suggested Upgrade – Premium Lounge with Interislander
Upgrade your crossing with access to the Premium Lounge for a relaxed, child‑free environment with locally sourced refreshments. Enhanced seating and large viewing windows make this a comfortable way to appreciate the scenery.

Once in Picton, collect your South Island rental car and prepare for inland exploration. Choose from a range of vehicles to suit your travel needs as you continue southward.

Picton is a charming port town and gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. Visit cafés, stroll the waterfront and enjoy the sheltered marina before continuing your journey.

Depart Picton and follow the spectacular Kaikōura Coast southward, where the Pacific meets rugged ranges. Continue through North Canterbury wine country before reaching Christchurch, a city blending heritage charm with modern renewal.

Picton to Christchurch via Kaikōura
The coastal drive offers frequent wildlife sightings and dramatic ocean views. Look for seals, seabirds and, if conditions allow, migrating whales near Kaikōura before ascending inland toward Christchurch.

Christchurch
Christchurch is known as the “Garden City” for its expansive parks and botanic gardens. Explore its evolving architecture, museums and riverside promenades, or take a scenic punt ride along the Avon River.

Suggested Activity – International Antarctic Centre General Admission
Visit this interactive centre to experience simulated Antarctic conditions and see little blue penguins. Comfortable exhibits and hands‑on displays make this an engaging stop for all ages.

Suggested Activity – Christchurch Gondola
Ride the gondola for panoramic views of Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps. At the summit, enjoy easy walks, refreshments and expansive surroundings.

Today’s drive crosses the wide Canterbury Plains and climbs into the Southern Alps via scenic rural towns. Arriving at Aoraki‑Mt Cook National Park, you’ll be immersed in vast alpine landscapes and glacier‑fed lakes.

Aoraki‑Mt Cook National Park
Aoraki‑Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, looms over glacial valleys and turquoise lakes. Explore short walks around the village, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or book a stargazing experience in this dark sky reserve.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Explorers
Take a boat tour on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake to see 500‑year‑old icebergs up close. The specially designed vessel offers safe viewing of towering ice formations and vast glacier scenery.

Today you travel through Central Otago’s dramatic high country, across Lindis Pass and into Queenstown — the adventure capital of the South Island. Expect astonishing landscapes as you descend toward Lake Wakatipu.

Aoraki‑Mt Cook to Queenstown via Lindis Pass
The route takes you past lakes, tussock‑covered ranges and historic gold‑rush towns. Arrive into Queenstown with remarkable mountain and lake panoramas that change with every turn.

Queenstown
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by The Remarkables, Queenstown is known for adventure and alpine charm. Whether you seek outdoor thrills, scenic cruises or relaxed lakeside strolls, this town has something for every pace.

Suggested Activity – Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride
Ride the gondola from town to the top of Bob’s Peak for dramatic lake and mountain vistas. At the summit, enjoy café views, gentle walks and photo opportunities.

Today is yours to explore Queenstown’s many highlights at your own pace. From scenic vistas and boat cruises to culinary experiences and relaxed walks, it’s a day of choice and discovery.

Suggested Activity – Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride
Experience a thrilling jet boat ride through narrow river canyons, skimming past rocky outcrops at high speed. It’s one of Queenstown’s most iconic adventure experiences.

Suggested Activity – TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner, farm demonstrations and stunning lakeside views.

Suggested Activity – Best of Queenstown Scenic Tour with Altitude Tours
This full‑day tour takes you through Arrowtown, Gibbston’s vineyards and ends with a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy local stories, views and tastings along the way.

Today you’ll cross the Crown Range and descend toward the West Coast via Wanaka and Haast Pass. The journey brings you into rainforest and glacier country, where towering ice formations meet wild coastal landscapes.

Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier is one of New Zealand’s most dramatic ice flows, descending from alpine heights into temperate rainforest. The nearby township is relaxed and welcoming, with cafés and views of towering peaks.

Suggested Activity – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line
Take to the skies for a 35‑minute scenic flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, landing on snowfields for magnificent views. Capture photos and make memories as you explore from above.

Suggested Activity – Flying Fox Glacier Helihike with Fox Glacier Guiding
This adventurous experience combines helicopter flight with a guided walk on the glacier’s ice formations. Guides share insights into glacial geology and history along the way.

Today’s journey takes you north through West Coast towns, then aboard the famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train across the Southern Alps. This iconic rail journey is considered one of the world’s most beautiful train trips.

Drive north through Hokitika and Ross, where greenstone (jade) and local crafts await. Arrive at Greymouth to drop off your car and board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Travel through Arthur’s Pass National Park, lush beech forest, rugged gorges and the sweeping Canterbury Plains. The comfortable carriage and panoramic windows make this a highlight of any South Island itinerary.

Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation
On arrival, a driver will take you to your hotel in central Christchurch. It’s a smooth transition from train to city, letting you relax after a remarkable day of travel.

Your adventure comes to an end today with a private transfer to Christchurch International Airport. Take the memories with you as you leave Aotearoa/New Zealand and plan your next visit.

Private Transfer to Christchurch Airport
A driver will collect you from your Christchurch hotel and bring you directly to the airport in time for your departure flight. This private service ensures a relaxed and convenient conclusion to your journey.

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand
Bid farewell to New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality as you head home. In Māori, mā te wā isn’t goodbye — it means “see you again soon!”.