11 Day Auckland to Queenstown Highlights Self Drive

Today you’ll arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant “City of Sails,” and ease into your adventure with an easy transfer and optional harbour activity. With its waterfront dining, volcanic hills and museums, Auckland is the perfect first taste of Aotearoa.

Private Transfer – Auckland Airport to Your Accommodation
A friendly driver will meet you on arrival and take you directly to your central Auckland hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. This private transfer lets you relax after your flight and get orientated before exploring.

Suggested Activity – Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore
Sail across Waitematā Harbour as the city lights come alive at sunset and enjoy canapés and a delicious dinner aboard. This scenic cruise offers a unique perspective on Auckland’s skyline and waterfront energy.

Today you’ll collect your rental car and head south through Waikato farmland, stopping at the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set before arriving in Rotorua. This drive blends pastoral scenery with cinematic charm and geothermal intrigue.

Auckland to Rotorua via Matamata & Hobbiton
Cross the Bombay Hills and explore Matamata’s lush pastures before stepping into the Shire at Hobbiton. The guided tour brings Middle‑earth to life with hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and behind‑the‑scenes tales from the films.

Rotorua is a living geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and rich Māori cultural experiences. Today is about soaking up the diversity of landscapes, traditions and adrenaline‑fuelled activities on offer.

Suggested Activity – National Kiwi Hatchery Experience
Visit this engaging hatchery to learn about kiwi conservation and see rare chicks in the care of expert guides. It’s a unique opportunity to understand New Zealand’s iconic native bird up close.

Suggested Activity – Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Soar through native forest on an exhilarating adventure of ziplines, platforms and suspended bridges. Along the way, guides share insights into forest ecology and conservation.

Suggested Activity – Te Ra Daytime Experience at Te Puia
Te Puia invites you to witness the mighty Pōhutu Geyser and explore geothermal valleys where steam rises from bubbling pools. Interspersed with Māori carving and weaving displays, this visit blends nature and culture seamlessly..

This morning you’ll leave geothermal landscapes behind as you head back to Wellington via Lake Taupō and the central plateau. It’s a long drive with changing scenery from volcanic plains to coastal plains as you approach the capital.

Suggested Activity – Zealandia By Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Discover Wellington’s unique native wildlife on a guided night tour through the sanctuary’s protected valley habitat. Spot nocturnal birds and insects while learning about conservation efforts close to the city.

Suggested Activity – Wai‑O‑Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai‑O‑Tapu showcases vibrant geothermal features sculpted by volcanic activity. Walk its boardwalks past neon pools, bubbling mud and erupting geysers in a landscape like no other.

Today you’ll cross the Cook Strait on one of the world’s most beautiful ferry routes to Picton, then continue to Marlborough’s wine capital. Expect stunning ocean views and sounds scenery that set the tone for your South Island adventures.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with Premium Plus Lounge
Sail across the strait while enjoying panoramic views from the ferry deck or in the Premium Plus Lounge, complete with complimentary snacks and drinks. The cruise lasts around three hours and winds through the Marlborough Sounds.

Once you arrive in Picton, collect your South Island rental car and hit the road for the short drive to Blenheim. Choose from a range of vehicles if you’d like to tailor your driving experience.

Suggested Activity – Half Day Marlborough Wine Tour with Sounds Connection
Enjoy an afternoon tasting Marlborough’s signature sauvignon blanc at hand‑picked cellar doors. Learn about the region’s winemaking heritage and sample award‑winning wines.

Today’s drive takes you along some of the South Island’s most dramatic coastal scenery from Marlborough toward Kaikōura. Towering mountains meet turquoise seas, and wildlife sightings are possible along this stunning route.

Blenheim to Kaikōura Drive
The coastal road hugs the Pacific Ocean, offering lookout points and wildlife viewing chances along the way. Kaikōura Township is lively with cafés, whale‑watching operators and boutique shops.

Continue south through coastal scenery before heading inland through North Canterbury’s wine region. Christchurch awaits with its blend of heritage charm and modern city life.

Ocean’s Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
This unforgettable marine adventure brings you face to face with giant sperm whales and other ocean residents such as dolphins and fur seals. It’s a rare chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural environment.

Suggested Activity – Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour with Leisure Tours
A half‑day city tour frames the story of Christchurch’s rebuild since the 2010‑11 earthquakes alongside its English‑heritage architecture and beautiful gardens. See major landmarks and fresh urban developments with local insights.

Today you’ll travel across the Canterbury Plains, through rolling countryside and up into the dramatic Southern Alps. Your destination is Aoraki‑Mt Cook Village, where jagged peaks and glacial lakes define the alpine landscape.

Glacier Explorers
Board a specially designed vessel to explore the Tasman Glacier terminal lake with towering icebergs and sweeping mountain views. This unique tour brings you up close to New Zealand’s largest glacier’s ice formations.

This morning you’ll leave the alpine plateau and head into Central Otago and rugged mountain scenery toward Queenstown. The Remarkables come into view as you arrive in the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Explore Queenstown
Queenstown is home to both adrenaline‑fuelled activities and laid‑back lakefront experiences, from scenic cruises to jet boats and mountain hikes. Wander its charming streets, take the gondola for panoramic views, or simply enjoy lakeside eateries.

Suggested Activity – Appellation Boutique Wine Tour
Taste your way through three of Central Otago’s key wine regions with personalized vineyard visits and pairings. Enjoy boutique cellar doors and a platter‑style lunch amid stunning vineyard backdrops.

Today’s highlight is a breathtaking fly‑cruise‑fly adventure to Milford Sound, combining dramatic alpine terrain and iconic fiord scenery. You’ll soar above Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks and enjoy a wilderness cruise in one of the world’s most stunning natural settings.

Milford Sound Fly, Cruise, Fly with Milford Sound Scenic Flights
Take to the skies for panoramic views over rugged peaks, glacier valleys and cascading waterfalls before descending into Milford Sound itself. The cruise reveals towering cliffs, wildlife and sheer fiord walls before you return by air for more aerial vistas.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Queenstown before returning your rental car at the airport depot. Take home unforgettable memories of the South Island’s most dramatic landscapes and diverse experiences.

Return Your Vehicle at Queenstown Airport
Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car in plenty of time for your departure. This central location makes leaving seamless.

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand
As you board your flight, carry with you memories of grand mountains, deep sounds and lively cities. In Māori, mā te wā means “see you again soon,” a perfect way to say goodbye.