15 Day Auckland to Christchurch Hiking Exploration

Kia ora and welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant harbour city and the starting point for your hiking focused self-drive holiday. After landing, you’ll have time to settle in and choose how you’d like to spend your first afternoon and evening.

Private Transfer Auckland Airport to Your Accommodation

On arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel. It’s an easy, comfortable start that lets you relax and get your bearings in the city.

Suggested Activity – Harbour Sailing Cruise

See Auckland from the water on a relaxed sailing cruise across the Waitematā Harbour. With skyline views and local commentary, it’s a brilliant way to experience why Auckland is called the City of Sails.

Suggested Activity – Wētā Workshop Unleashed

Step into a hands-on world of movie making, where props, creatures and special effects bring imaginative sets to life. It’s an entertaining indoor option that adds a creative twist to your first day.

Suggested Activity – All Blacks Experience

Dive into New Zealand’s rugby culture through interactive exhibits and a guided experience. You’ll learn the stories behind iconic moments and get a memorable taste of the haka tradition.

Today your self-drive journey begins as you leave the city behind and head south into the North Island’s volcanic heart. Rolling farmland gives way to high plateau landscapes as you approach Tongariro National Park.

Collect Rental Car

Pick up your vehicle and get set for a scenic drive with plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs. Having your own wheels keeps the day flexible, whether you add a Waitomo detour or go straight to National Park Village.

Sky Waka Gondola Sightseeing Trip

Ride the Sky Waka gondola for dramatic views over Mt Ruapehu’s rugged terrain and the surrounding volcanic peaks. It’s an easy way to appreciate the scale of the landscape before tomorrow’s hike.

Today is all about one of the world’s most famous day hikes, with a private guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing experience. Your guide will help you make the most of the day, adapting to weather and track conditions for a safe and rewarding walk.

Private Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Walk through remarkable volcanic scenery, from high alpine ridgelines to dramatic craters and sweeping views. With personalised support and logistics handled, you can focus on enjoying the trail and taking in the landscapes.

Hiking Distance: 20.4km

Walking Time: 6-8 hours

Track: Track surface is generally well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy

High level of fitness required - Change of elevation about 1,196 m / 3923 feet

Leave the Central Plateau behind and continue south to New Zealand’s capital, a compact city set around a beautiful harbour. The drive is varied and scenic, with plenty of small towns and coastal viewpoints along the way.

Drive to Wellington

Travel past Waiouru and through rural heartland before reaching the Kapiti Coast, where seaside detours add an easy change of pace. Arriving in Wellington, you’ll be well placed to explore the waterfront, cafés and cultural spots on foot.

Today you’ll swap road travel for a spectacular Cook Strait ferry crossing, then continue your self-drive trip on the South Island. The scenery shifts from harbour and sounds to open coastline as you head toward Kaikōura.

Return Your Rental Car

Drop your vehicle at the depot before you head to the terminal for your ferry sailing. This keeps your travel day simple and ensures a smooth connection for your inter-island journey.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton (Premium Plus Lounge)

Sail across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds, with standout views from deck and comfortable lounge access onboard. It’s a scenic highlight in its own right and a relaxing break between drives.

Collect Rental Car on Arrival to Picton

On arrival in Picton, pick up your next vehicle and continue south at your own pace. The South Island roads ahead deliver ocean views, vineyards and a dramatic coastal approach to Kaikōura.

Picton to Kaikōura

Drive through Marlborough’s wine country before the road begins to trace the Pacific Coastline. Keep an eye out for seabirds and fur seals as the Kaikōura Ranges rise inland beside the sea.

Begin the day in Kaikōura, where ocean wildlife and mountain backdrops create a uniquely photogenic setting. Later, continue south toward Christchurch via coastal roads and North Canterbury landscapes.

Suggested Activity – Captain’s Cabin Experience (Whale Watch Kaikōura)

Enjoy an intimate whale watching experience with special access alongside the skipper and watchkeeper. The smaller group setting and dedicated guide make it feel personal, informative and comfortable.

Kaikōura to Christchurch

Follow the coastline before turning inland through the Waipara Valley, with the option to detour to Hanmer Springs for a soak. Arriving in Christchurch, you’ll notice a city that blends heritage character with bold modern design.

Spend the evening exploring riverside walks, gardens and the lively dining scene around the central city. From trams to galleries, Christchurch is an easy place to explore without rushing.

Today you head back into the Southern Alps, travelling across open plains toward turquoise lakes and alpine peaks. The drive itself is scenic, and the destination is one of the South Island’s most dramatic mountain settings.

Travel via Geraldine and Fairlie, then climb Burkes Pass toward Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin. The road along Lake Pukaki delivers stunning views as Aoraki/Mt Cook comes into focus.

Walking Tracks in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Choose from short, well formed walks that suit your energy levels and the day’s conditions. Even the easier tracks deliver impressive views of glaciers, valleys and mountain panoramas.

Suggested Activity: Glacier Explorers

Take a boat trip on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake to get close to ancient icebergs and towering ice walls. It’s a fascinating way to see the glacier’s scale and learn how it continues to change.

Leave the high country and travel south into Central Otago, where tussock hills and mountain passes set the scene. By afternoon, you’ll reach Queenstown, beautifully positioned beside Lake Wakatipu.

Pass through Twizel and Omarama before crossing the Lindis Pass and continuing toward Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge. As you near town, the Remarkables appear and the lake comes into view.

Arrive Queenstown and Drop Rental Car

On arrival, drop your rental car at Queenstown Airport as scheduled. A private transfer then takes you comfortably into town for your stay.

Private Transfer Queenstown Domestic Airport to Your Accommodation

Meet your driver on arrival and enjoy an easy transfer to your Queenstown accommodation. It’s a relaxed finish after a scenic drive day.

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

Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic steamship before enjoying a gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak. The farm demonstration and lake views make this a classic Queenstown evening.

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace before your guided walk begins. Surrounded by mountains and set beside Lake Wakatipu, it’s a brilliant place to balance relaxation with adventure.

Stroll along the lakefront, browse boutique stores or take in elevated views from surrounding lookouts. Whether you prefer cafés and galleries or adrenaline activities, Queenstown delivers variety in every direction.

Suggested Activity – Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour

Venture into historic Skippers Canyon on a guided 4WD adventure along one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads. Dramatic river gorges and gold rush history combine for a memorable half-day experience.

Routeburn Track Briefing

Attend your pre-walk briefing in the afternoon to confirm logistics and collect any necessary gear. This session ensures you’re fully prepared and confident for the days ahead on the track.

This morning marks the beginning of your fully guided Routeburn Track adventure. Travel from Queenstown to the trailhead and step into one of New Zealand’s most celebrated alpine landscapes.

Queenstown to Mackenzie Lodge

Journey by coach to the Divide before setting off on foot through silver beech forest and up toward Key Summit. Highlights include alpine views, waterfalls and a steady descent to Mackenzie Lodge.

Hike: 12km (7.5 miles)

About: 6-8 hours walking

Track: Well-formed track with steady uphill climbs, rocky descents, and some narrow sections

Today’s walk takes you above the treeline into dramatic alpine terrain. Expansive views and high mountain passes make this one of the most scenic sections of the Routeburn.

Mackenzie Lodge to Routeburn Falls Lodge

Climb steadily toward the Harris Saddle, with the option to ascend Conical Hill if conditions allow. Continue past Lake Harris and descend toward Routeburn Falls, surrounded by sweeping valley views.

Hike: 11km (6.9 miles)

About: 5-7 hours walking

Track:  A steady zigzag climb to Harris Saddle, followed by an undulating traverse and steep descent to the lodge.

Your final morning on the Routeburn descends through beech forest and open flats. The journey concludes at the road end before your return transfer to Queenstown.

Routeburn Falls Lodge to Road End

Follow the Routeburn River downstream through tranquil forest and alpine pasture. A coach transfer via Glenorchy returns you to Queenstown, completing your Great Walk experience.

Hike: 9km (5.7 miles)

About: 3-4 hours walking

Track:  Steep rocky descent from the lodge, then mostly flat, well-formed track through forest and river flats

Your self-drive adventure resumes today as you head north toward the West Coast. Expect a dramatic change in scenery, from alpine lakes to rainforest and rugged coastline.

Collect Rental Car

Pick up your vehicle and prepare for another scenic South Island drive. Having your own car allows flexibility for short walks and photo stops along the way.

Travel over the Crown Range and past Lake Wānaka before entering Mount Aspiring National Park. Continue through Haast Pass and along the wild West Coast to reach Franz Josef township.

Suggested Activity – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight

Take to the skies for unforgettable views of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. A snow landing offers the chance to stand on ancient ice surrounded by towering peaks.

Today combines coastal driving with one of the world’s great rail journeys. Travel north to Greymouth before crossing the Southern Alps by train.

Drive to Greymouth and Return Rental Car

Follow the West Coast highway through rainforest and small settlements before arriving in Greymouth. Return your rental car at the station depot prior to boarding the train.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Board the renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a spectacular cross-island journey. Travel through Arthur’s Pass National Park, across braided rivers and onto the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch.

Shared Transfer to Accommodation

On arrival at the station, a driver will transfer you to your central city accommodation. This final transfer ensures a smooth and relaxed end to your travel day.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before preparing for your onward journey. Today marks the end of your 15 day hiking exploration from Auckland to Christchurch.

Private Transfer to Christchurch Airport

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel and deliver you to the airport in comfort. Depart with unforgettable memories of volcanic crossings, alpine Great Walks and spectacular coast-to-coast scenery.