14 Day Natural Discovery Self Drive

Arrive in Auckland, a vibrant harbour city set between two oceans and surrounded by beaches, islands, and volcanic landscapes. Known as the City of Sails, it offers a lively mix of culture, nature, and waterfront experiences.

Included: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Accommodation with Tourcorp
Enjoy a seamless arrival with a private transfer directly to your hotel. This comfortable service allows you to relax and take in your first views of Auckland’s cityscape and harbour.

Suggested Activity: Harbour Sailing Cruise with Explore
Experience Auckland from the water as you sail across the Waitematā Harbour. This relaxing cruise offers great views of the skyline, Harbour Bridge, and surrounding islands.

Spend the day exploring Auckland’s mix of urban culture and natural beauty. From volcanic viewpoints to island escapes, there are plenty of ways to experience the region.

Visit Mount Eden for panoramic views, catch a ferry to Waiheke Island for wineries and beaches, or explore Rangitoto Island’s lava fields. Areas like Ponsonby and the Viaduct offer excellent dining and a vibrant atmosphere.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Collect your rental vehicle and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Having a car allows easy access to Auckland’s surrounding regions and attractions.

Suggested Activity: Rangitoto Island Ferry and Walk
Take a short ferry ride to Rangitoto Island and hike to the summit of this iconic volcanic cone. The walk rewards you with sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf and city skyline.

Suggested Activity: Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a relaxed evening cruise with dining as the city lights reflect across the harbour. This experience combines great food with stunning night-time views.

Leave Auckland and travel south through the Waikato region, known for its rolling farmland and rural landscapes. The journey gradually shifts towards the volcanic terrain of the Central Plateau.

Consider a stop at Waitomo to explore its glowworm caves before continuing inland. Arriving in Tongariro National Park, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks and alpine scenery.

Spend the day exploring Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape shaped by volcanic activity and rich cultural significance. Towering peaks such as Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngauruhoe dominate the skyline, creating one of New Zealand’s most dramatic environments.

You might choose to explore walking tracks around Whakapapa Village, visit Taranaki Falls, or simply take in the alpine scenery from scenic viewpoints. The region offers a variety of options, from short nature walks to more challenging hikes across volcanic terrain.

Included: Sky Waka Gondola Sightseeing Trip with Whakapapa
Ride the Sky Waka Gondola to an altitude of 2020 metres, gliding over volcanic terrain and ancient lava flows. From the top, enjoy panoramic views across Tongariro National Park, including Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngauruhoe.

Suggested Activity: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Walk
Experience one of New Zealand’s most famous day hikes with expert guidance. The trail takes you past steaming vents, colourful craters, and the striking Emerald Lakes.

Other short walks

Whakapapa Nature Walk,15 min loop track
Mounds Walk, 20 min one way
Tawhai Falls, 20 min one way
Ridge Track, 40 min return
Taranaki Falls, 2 hour return
Whakapapanui Walk, 2 hour return
Tupapakurua Falls Track, 5 hour return

Travel south through the Central Plateau, passing through towns such as Waiouru and Taihape. The journey offers a mix of rural landscapes and mountain backdrops.

Continuing along the Kapiti Coast, you’ll enjoy coastal views before arriving in Wellington. The capital city welcomes you with its harbour setting and creative atmosphere.

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

Cross the Cook Strait and travel into the South Island, where the scenery changes dramatically. The Marlborough Sounds offer a maze of waterways, bush-covered hills, and secluded bays.

Included: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with Premium Plus Lounge
Enjoy a scenic ferry crossing with comfortable seating and panoramic views. The journey through the Marlborough Sounds is a highlight of travelling between islands.

Collect Rental Car
Collect your rental vehicle and continue your South Island journey at your own pace. This gives you the flexibility to explore the region.

Arriving in Picton, continue a short drive to Blenheim, located in the heart of New Zealand’s premier wine region. The area is known for its vineyards and relaxed pace.

Travel south through Marlborough’s vineyards and rolling hills before reaching the rugged Kaikōura coastline. The contrast between farmland and ocean creates a striking landscape.

As the road follows the shoreline, keep an eye out for seals and seabirds. Kaikōura’s unique location makes it one of New Zealand’s best wildlife destinations.

Travel south along the coast before heading inland through the Waipara wine region. The journey offers a mix of ocean views and rolling countryside.

Arriving in Christchurch, you’ll discover a city blending heritage architecture with modern design. The rebuild has created a vibrant and evolving destination.

Included: Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Head out onto the ocean to encounter sperm whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat. Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world offering year-round whale sightings.

Spend the day exploring Christchurch or venture to the Banks Peninsula for a change of scenery. The region offers a mix of city attractions and coastal landscapes.

Consider visiting Akaroa, a charming harbour town with French heritage, or stay in the city to explore gardens, markets, and cultural sites. The variety makes this a flexible and rewarding day.

Included: Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour
Join a cruise to see Hector’s dolphins in their natural environment, with the option to swim alongside them. This is a rare and memorable wildlife experience.

Leave Christchurch and travel across the wide Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps. As you head inland, the landscape gradually transforms from farmland to dramatic alpine scenery. he route offers plenty of opportunities for photos and short stops along the way.

Pass through Geraldine and Fairlie before reaching the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, then continue along Lake Pukaki with uninterrupted views of Aoraki Mount Cook. The drive builds anticipation as the mountains grow larger on approach to the national park.

Included: Glacier Explorers
Cruise across the Tasman Glacier terminal lake to view icebergs and towering glacier faces. This unique experience provides a rare perspective of New Zealand’s largest glacier.

Depart Aoraki Mt Cook and travel through the Mackenzie Basin, where wide open spaces and big skies define the landscape. The journey offers a peaceful drive through one of the South Island’s most scenic regions.

Pass through Twizel and Omarama before crossing the Lindis Pass, known for its golden tussock hills. As you descend into Central Otago, the alpine lake of Wānaka comes into view, welcoming you to this relaxed lakeside town.

Spend the day exploring Wānaka, a laid-back alpine town surrounded by mountains, lakes, and access to Mount Aspiring National Park. The region offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxed experiences.

You might explore the Matukituki Valley, walk the popular Mount Iron Track, or visit “That Wānaka Tree” along the lakefront. The area also offers scenic drives, boutique wineries, and a range of outdoor activities.

Suggested Activity: Central Otago Boutique Wine Tour
Visit a selection of boutique vineyards across the region, including stops in Cromwell and Bannockburn. The tour offers tastings of award-winning wines alongside stunning Central Otago scenery.

Travel from Wānaka to Queenstown via the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road. The route offers spectacular alpine views and several scenic stopping points along the way.

Stop in Cardrona for a photo at the historic hotel or continue to Arrowtown, a charming gold mining village with tree-lined streets. As you descend into Queenstown, the lake and mountains create a memorable arrival.

Included: Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk
Cruise across Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island, a protected nature reserve rich in native birdlife. The guided walk leads to Arethusa Pool, a unique lake atop an island, with panoramic views across the region

Your journey concludes in Queenstown, surrounded by alpine scenery and unforgettable experiences. Take time for a final lakeside stroll or coffee before heading to the airport.

Return Rental Car at Queenstown Airport
Return your vehicle at the airport depot before continuing your onward journey. This simple process ensures a smooth and stress-free departure.