19 Day Classic New Zealand Driving Tour

Arrive in Queenstown, a spectacular alpine resort town set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range. This vibrant destination blends natural beauty with a lively atmosphere, making it an exciting starting point for your journey.

Included: Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation
Enjoy a smooth arrival with a private transfer directly to your hotel. This relaxed start allows you to take in the surrounding alpine scenery as you settle into Queenstown.

Take a lakeside stroll along the Queenstown waterfront or wander through the town centre’s cafés and boutique shops. You may also like to visit Queenstown Gardens for peaceful walking trails and beautiful views across the lake.

Spend the day discovering Queenstown’s mix of adventure and relaxation. From scenic viewpoints to adrenaline activities, the town offers something for every travel style. Enjoy the flexibility to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Whether you choose adventure or relaxation, the options are endless.

Suggested Activity: Skyline Gondola and Luge Rides
Ride the gondola to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views before enjoying the thrilling luge tracks. This experience combines scenery with fun and is a Queenstown favourite.

Suggested Activity: Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Speed through narrow river canyons on this iconic jet boat ride. The experience delivers both adrenaline and incredible scenery.

Suggested Activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship and enjoy a gourmet dinner. This classic experience combines history, scenery, and local cuisine.

Journey into Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural regions, where dramatic landscapes unfold at every turn. Towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and deep glacial valleys make this a truly unforgettable day.

Included: Milford Sound Coach and Cruise with Lunch
Travel along the Milford Road, passing through the Homer Tunnel and alongside Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley. Once in Milford Sound, board a cruise to experience sheer cliffs, waterfalls like Stirling Falls, and possible wildlife sightings including seals and dolphins.

Leave Queenstown and travel through alpine landscapes towards the West Coast. The journey includes mountain passes, lakes, and remote wilderness scenery.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Pick up your rental vehicle and begin your self drive adventure. This gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Self Drive Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka
Drive through Wānaka, over the Haast Pass, and along the rugged West Coast. The route showcases some of the South Island’s most diverse landscapes.

Spend the day in Franz Josef, a remarkable destination where dense rainforest meets ancient glacier ice. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and fast-flowing rivers, the village offers a striking contrast of landscapes within a compact area.

Take the opportunity to explore nearby walking tracks such as the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk or venture to Lake Matheson for iconic mirror reflections of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The region also offers relaxing options like glacier hot pools, making it easy to tailor the day to your pace.

Suggested Activity: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike
Take a scenic helicopter flight over the Southern Alps before landing on the glacier for a guided hike. This unforgettable experience allows you to explore ice caves, crevasses, and dramatic formations up close.

Travel north along the rugged West Coast before crossing the Southern Alps on one of the world’s great train journeys. This day combines dramatic coastal scenery with alpine landscapes and engineering marvels.

Self Drive Franz Josef to Greymouth and Return Rental Car
Drive through small West Coast towns such as Hokitika, known for its pounamu (greenstone), and follow the coastline to Greymouth. The journey highlights wild beaches, rainforest, and the untamed character of the region.

Included: TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch
Board the TranzAlpine and travel through the Waimakariri Gorge, across vast river plains, and over Arthur’s Pass. Large panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of mountains, valleys, and alpine scenery.

Included: Shared Transfer to Christchurch Accommodation
On arrival in Christchurch, enjoy a convenient transfer to your hotel. This ensures a smooth transition after a full day of travel.

Spend the day exploring Christchurch, a city that blends heritage charm with modern innovation following its recent rebuild. Known as the Garden City, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with leafy parks, creative precincts, and riverside spaces.

Wander through the Botanic Gardens, punt along the Avon River, or explore the vibrant Riverside Market for local food and produce. Areas like the Christchurch Arts Centre and the regenerated city centre showcase the city’s creative spirit and evolving identity.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Pick up your vehicle and continue your self drive journey. This provides flexibility for exploring the region.

Enjoy time to explore the city at your own pace. From parks to cultural attractions, there is plenty to see.

Suggested Activity: Christchurch City, Farm and Wine Tour
Discover a mix of urban highlights, rural landscapes, and local wineries on a guided tour. This experience offers insight into Canterbury’s farming heritage alongside tastings of regional wines.

Travel north from Christchurch through the Waipara wine region and into the coastal landscapes of North Canterbury. As you approach Kaikōura, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with mountains rising sharply from the ocean.

The drive follows the Pacific coastline, offering frequent opportunities to stop at viewpoints and spot seals along the shore. This route is one of the South Island’s most scenic coastal journeys, combining wildlife, ocean views, and rugged terrain.

Suggested Activity: Whale Watching Experience
Head out onto the ocean for the chance to see giant sperm whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural environment. Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where whale sightings are possible year-round, making this a truly special experience.

Suggested Activity: Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
Take a coastal walk along the Kaikōura Peninsula, where you can spot seals resting on the rocks and enjoy uninterrupted sea views. The easy walking tracks offer excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful way to experience the region’s natural beauty.

Continue north along the spectacular coastal highway, where the road hugs the shoreline with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. This stretch is known for its marine life and scenic viewpoints.

As you approach Picton, the landscape softens into sheltered bays and forested hills of the Marlborough Sounds. The town itself is a charming harbour setting and gateway to the North Island.

Cross the Cook Strait to the North Island, travelling through the stunning Marlborough Sounds before reaching Wellington Harbour. This scenic ferry journey is often considered one of the highlights of travelling between islands.

Arriving in Wellington, you’ll find a compact capital city known for its arts, food scene, and waterfront setting. The harbour, hills, and creative atmosphere give the city a distinctive character.

Included: Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington
Relax on board as you cruise through narrow waterways and open seas. The final approach into Wellington Harbour offers impressive views of the city skyline.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Collect your vehicle on arrival and continue your journey with full flexibility. Having your own transport makes it easy to explore the city and surrounding regions.

Enjoy a full day to explore Wellington, a vibrant city known for its culture, creativity, and café scene. Its compact layout makes it easy to discover a wide range of attractions on foot.

Take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car for views over the harbour, visit Te Papa museum, or wander along the waterfront and Cuba Street. For nature lovers, Zealandia offers a chance to experience native wildlife just minutes from the city centre.

Suggested Activity: Zealandia Night Tour
Explore a protected wildlife sanctuary after dark and discover native species in their natural habitat. This guided experience offers a unique insight into New Zealand’s conservation efforts.

Suggested Activity: Wētā Workshop Experience
Step behind the scenes of film production and see how props, costumes, and special effects are created. This interactive experience highlights Wellington’s connection to the global film industry.

Journey north from Wellington through an ever-changing landscape that blends rolling countryside, river valleys, and volcanic terrain. As you travel inland, the scenery gradually shifts towards the geothermal heart of New Zealand, where steam rises from the earth and natural wonders begin to emerge.

Along the way, pass through towns such as Taihape, known for its quirky character, and continue towards the shores of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Highlights like Tongariro National Park’s volcanic peaks and the powerful Huka Falls add memorable stops, making this drive as rewarding as the destination itself.

Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity and strong Māori culture. Spend the day exploring its unique landscapes and experiences. Enjoy time to explore the region at your own pace. There are plenty of cultural and natural attractions to choose from.

Suggested Activity: National Kiwi Hatchery Experience
Learn about conservation efforts and see kiwi birds up close. This experience provides insight into New Zealand’s native wildlife.

Suggested Activity: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Explore colourful geothermal landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. The walking tracks offer a fascinating experience.

Travel north from Rotorua towards Auckland, passing through the fertile Waikato region known for its lush farmland and dairy country. The journey offers a relaxed drive with rolling green hills, winding rivers, and glimpses of rural New Zealand life.

Along the way, consider stopping in Matamata to visit the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, or pause in Cambridge, a charming town known for its tree-lined streets and boutique cafés. Continuing towards Auckland, you’ll notice the landscape gradually becoming more urban as you approach New Zealand’s largest city.

Suggested Activity: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Visit the famous film set and explore the world of Middle-earth. This experience is both immersive and memorable.

Spend the day exploring Auckland, a dynamic city set between two harbours and surrounded by beaches, islands, and volcanic landscapes. With its mix of urban energy and natural beauty, it offers a wide range of experiences to suit every interest.

Take a ferry across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island for vineyard tastings and coastal views, or head up Mount Eden for panoramic city vistas. Alternatively, wander the Viaduct Harbour, explore Britomart’s dining scene, or relax along Mission Bay for a more laid-back experience.

Suggested Activity: Waiheke Island Explorer Tour
Take a ferry to Waiheke Island and explore its vineyards and beaches. This is a relaxing day trip from the city.

Suggested Activity: Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a scenic evening cruise with dining on the harbour. The city lights create a memorable atmosphere.

Travel north from Auckland into Northland, where the scenery shifts to subtropical landscapes, native forests, and quiet coastal settlements. The drive offers a relaxed pace, with winding roads leading you through some of the region’s most scenic countryside.

Along the way, consider stopping at Whangārei to visit the picturesque Whangārei Falls or enjoy lunch by the marina. Continuing on, you’ll pass through Kawakawa, home to the famous Hundertwasser Toilets, before arriving in Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Spend the day enjoying the relaxed pace of the Bay of Islands, a subtropical region known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and rich history. With over 140 islands scattered across the bay, this is a destination where you can easily balance exploration with downtime.

Enjoy the flexibility to experience the region at your own pace, whether that means relaxing by the water or heading out on an adventure. The Bay of Islands offers a wide range of activities suited to both laid-back and active travellers.

Suggested Activity: Cape Reinga Scenic Flight and Guided Tour
Take to the skies for a spectacular journey to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. This experience combines aerial views of Ninety Mile Beach with a guided visit to one of New Zealand’s most iconic and culturally significant locations.

Begin your journey south through Northland’s diverse landscapes, travelling from coastal scenery into ancient forest regions. The drive offers a mix of remote beauty and cultural significance as you make your way back towards Auckland.

Travel through the Waipoua Forest, home to some of New Zealand’s oldest and largest kauri trees. This route provides a unique opportunity to experience both rugged west coast scenery and dense native forest.

Suggested Activity: Visit Tāne Mahuta and Matakohe Kauri Museum
Stop to see Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree, standing as a powerful symbol of the forest’s heritage. Continue to the Kauri Museum at Matakohe to learn about the history and significance of these ancient giants and the region’s pioneering past.

Your journey concludes in Auckland, marking the end of your New Zealand adventure. Take time to reflect on the diverse landscapes and experiences enjoyed.

Included: Return Rental Car at Auckland Airport
Return your vehicle before departure. This simple process ensures a smooth end to your trip.