16 Day Essential Wine Explorer Self Drive

Your New Zealand adventure begins with a warm welcome as you arrive in the vibrant city of Auckland, known as Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori. Framed by two sparkling harbours and lush native bush, the city is a lively mix of natural beauty and urban energy.

Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp
After touching down, you’re met by a friendly local driver who whisks you straight to your accommodation in the city centre. It’s a seamless and stress-free way to ease into your journey.

Welcome to Auckland
Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, offers an exciting introduction to New Zealand with its volcanic landscapes, lively waterfront and world-class eateries. Whether you're into nature, culture or cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.

Suggested Activity – Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore
Tonight, you sail the beautiful Waitematā Harbour while enjoying a delicious dinner on board. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city lights sparkle and reflect on the water, creating a truly memorable evening.

Suggested Activity – All Blacks Experience
Dive into the heart of New Zealand’s most legendary sport with an interactive journey through the world of the All Blacks. From the powerful haka to immersive game-day experiences, it’s an inspiring deep-dive into Kiwi culture.

Suggested Activity – Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Step into a world of creativity and fantasy at Wētā Workshop Unleashed, where you explore extraordinary sets, props, and creatures from the world of film. It’s an engaging experience that brings blockbuster magic to life before your eyes.

Today, you leave the city behind and head into the lush rolling hills of Auckland’s wine region. It’s a day of vineyard visits, coastal views, and relaxed indulgence with expert local guides.

Auckland Wine Country Half Day Tour – Lunch Included
You journey north-west into Kumeu Wine Country, a region steeped in wine heritage and known for its boutique producers. The day includes tastings at celebrated wineries, a delicious vineyard lunch, and time to admire the rugged coastal scenery of Muriwai Beach.

This morning, you pick up your rental car and begin the scenic drive south to Rotorua. Along the way, you pass farmland, quirky towns, and signs of the geothermal activity that makes Rotorua so unique.

Car Collection Instructions
Before you hit the road, you sign the rental agreement, provide ID, and choose the perfect car for your journey. Whether you're after comfort or economy, your vehicle is ready to go for the North to South Island adventure ahead.

Suggested Activity – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Shires Rest
On your way south, you can detour to the enchanting pastures of the Shire for a guided tour of the iconic Hobbiton movie set. From Hobbit holes to the Green Dragon Inn, it's an immersive behind-the-scenes look into the world of Middle-earth.

You hit the road again, travelling from the steaming geothermal lands of Rotorua to the stylish seaside city of Napier. Along the way, you pass volcanic craters, massive waterfalls, and the impressive Lake Taupō.

Suggested Activity – Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Just outside Rotorua, you explore Wai-O-Tapu, a surreal landscape of steaming vents, bubbling mud, and vividly coloured pools. The Lady Knox Geyser’s daily eruption is a must-see moment on your way south.

Suggested Activity – Walking Tracks in Hawke's Bay
Upon arrival in Napier, stretch your legs on one of the region’s many walking trails. From forested reserves to breezy coastal paths, these tracks showcase the area's natural beauty.

Suggested Activity – Triple Chocolate Dipper Tour with Silky Oak Chocolate Company
Indulge your sweet tooth at the Silky Oak Chocolate Company. This chocolate-lovers’ dream includes tastings, a visit to the chocolate museum, and a decadent café experience.

Today is all about sampling the best of Hawke’s Bay wine country, renowned for its Bordeaux-style reds and crisp Chardonnays. With a relaxed pace and stunning vineyard settings, it’s a memorable day for any wine enthusiast.

Hawke's Bay Half Day Wine Tour with Grape Escape
This guided wine tour takes you to four or five top wineries, offering tastings in gorgeous settings across the region. You share stories with local winemakers, sip varietals grown in sunshine-rich soils, and enjoy a cheese platter beside a lily-covered pond.

You journey south through the Wairarapa, a region of farmland, historic towns and boutique vineyards. Crossing the Remutaka Range brings you into Wellington, New Zealand’s cool and creative capital city.

Suggested Activity – Zealandia By Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Experience New Zealand’s rarest wildlife on a nocturnal tour of Zealandia, a sanctuary just minutes from the city. With the help of a guide, you might spot kiwi birds, tuatara, or glowworms as you explore the predator-free valley.

This morning, you leave the North Island behind and sail across Cook Strait on one of the most scenic ferry routes in the world. The journey ends in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, where wine and wilderness await.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
The Interislander ferry takes you from Wellington to Picton, cruising past dramatic headlands, forested sounds, and sparkling seas. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seabirds as you make your way into the tranquil Marlborough Sounds.

Suggested Activity – Premium Lounge with Interislander
Upgrade your sailing experience with access to the Premium Lounge, where you enjoy gourmet food, drinks and panoramic views. It’s a relaxing and comfortable way to enjoy the crossing in style.

Car Collection
After disembarking, you collect a new rental car for the South Island leg of your trip. With keys in hand, you’re free to explore Marlborough’s wine country at your own pace.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, famous for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc and sun-soaked vineyards. Today, you explore it in depth with a full-day guided tasting tour.

Full-Day Beyond the Vines Wine Tasting Tour with Marlborough Wine Tours
This immersive tour includes tastings at 5–6 local wineries, each offering its own take on Marlborough’s signature varietals. Your guide shares insights into the region’s terroir and winemaking processes, and there’s time to enjoy lunch at a scenic cellar door.

Today’s drive takes you south along one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the country. With mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this leg is packed with photo-worthy moments.

Christchurch, known as Ōtautahi, is a city reborn with innovation and charm following its major rebuild. Today you take time to explore its gardens, culture and striking mix of old and new.

Suggested Activity – Akaroa Day Tour & Cruise with Leisure Tours – Lunch Included
A full-day tour to the charming French-inspired town of Akaroa takes you along scenic Banks Peninsula. Enjoy a harbour cruise in search of dolphins and wildlife, plus local tastings and views that are nothing short of stunning.

Today, your scenic journey continues inland through the breathtaking Mackenzie Basin toward the adventure capital, Queenstown. Along the way, you pass shimmering lakes, dramatic mountain ranges, and picturesque alpine towns.

Queenstown sits at the heart of Central Otago wine country, a region known for its bold Pinot Noir and dramatic landscapes. Today is tailored to wine lovers wanting a private and personalised tasting experience.

Appellation Private Boutique Wine Tour
This exclusive half-day tour pairs you with a senior wine guide who tailors the experience to your tastes. You visit four premium wineries across Gibbston and Bannockburn, enjoying tastings, a gourmet platter lunch, and scenic drives through the historic Kawarau Gorge.

Today’s journey takes you over the Crown Range and past the alpine town of Wānaka before weaving through mountain passes and lush rainforest to the West Coast. From high country tussocks to glacier country, this is one of the South Island’s most scenic drives.

The West Coast is famous for its dramatic landscapes, and today you witness it from above with an unforgettable flight over two iconic glaciers. It’s an awe-inspiring way to experience New Zealand’s raw natural power.

Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line
Soar high above the rugged Southern Alps on a scenic helicopter flight that covers both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. A snow landing lets you stand on ancient ice and soak in panoramic views you won’t forget.

Today you journey north up the rugged West Coast to Greymouth, where you trade your car for one of the world’s most scenic train rides – the TranzAlpine. Crossing the Southern Alps, this rail journey showcases waterfalls, gorges, alpine peaks and the wide open Canterbury Plains.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Board the TranzAlpine for a breathtaking ride through Arthur’s Pass National Park. With panoramic viewing windows, you’re treated to an ever-changing canvas of wild rivers, snowy mountains and beech forests.

Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to Accommodation
Upon arrival in Christchurch, a private driver meets you at the station and transfers you to your final accommodation. After a full day of travel, this smooth connection gets you settled without stress.

Your final morning in New Zealand arrives, and it's time to say goodbye – or as we say in Māori, "mā te wā" (see you again). With unforgettable memories and a camera full of scenic shots, you make your way to the airport.

Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch International Airport with Christchurch Touring Company
Your private driver collects you from your hotel and ensures you reach Christchurch Airport in time for your onward journey. It’s a smooth and comfortable farewell from the land of the long white cloud.