Self Drive Holidays 22 Day New Zealand Explorer Motorhome Self Drive

Upon arrival in Auckland, you will make your way to the vehicle depot to collect your motorhome rental.

Leave Auckland this morning and make your way south to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Here you will have the pleasure of enjoying a close up view of some amazing ancient limestone formations and caverns as well as the twinkling lights of the glowworms.

After lunch depart Waitomo and head east to Rotorua, renowned for the geothermal hot springs, Maori culture and a great choice of family attracions, and soft adventure activities.

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Today you could visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal valley, and the final resting place of the Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana, after the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. Here you can explore the walking trails at your own pace, and see the world’s largest hot springs, volcanic craters, and the bright blue Inferno Crater. Afterwards take a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana.

Afterwards relax at Polynesian Spa in one of five Deluxe Lake Spas (included) looking over Lake Rotorua and gardens. With four shallow alkaline mineral hot pools from Rachel Spring; and a further one acidic mineral pool from Priest Spring; as well as a cold plunge pool; you can alternate by bathing in pools of different temperatures for the best hot-cold hydrotherapy detox. 

Tonight enjoy a night of traditional culture and entertainment at the award winning Te Pa Tu (included), before experiencing a Maori hangi (feast), with a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way underground, amongst the surroundings of an authentic village.

It’s only an hour’s drive to reach Taupō which is home to Lake Taupo and is New Zealand’s largest lake located at the heart of the Central North Island.

You could take a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls by jet boat. From your unique vantage point on the jet boat you will have the best water level view of Huka Falls. Later on that day perhaps take a cruise on the lake to see the renowned Maori rock carvings with Chris Jolly Cruises.

Stay 1 night in Taupo

Travel across the central plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, and take some time to appreciate the superb architecture that makes this city so special.

Napier and Hawkes Bay, famous for its wineries and beautiful vineyards. The region is recognised world wide for the quality of it's reds. The wines are typically Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The sunny, warm climate of the Bay also produces some of New Zealand's best Chardonnays.  You could visit New Zealand's oldest winery, Mission Estate and enjoying the tasting and knowledge of wine makers from other wineries. 

Stay 1 night Napier

Depart early and set off south to Martinborough and the Wairarapa region, famous for its wineries and beautiful vineyards. Sample some of the premium local wines; before driving the short distance to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character; sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. A vibrant city, filled with cafes, restaurants, museums, theatre and all kinds of shops. In your spare time don't miss out on visiting Te Papa- Museum of New Zealand and take a cable car for great views over the city and harbour..

Stay 2 nights Wellington

Recently named the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ by Lonely Planet, Wellington is nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills and is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty. A visit to Te Papa National Museum, a ride on the famous Cable Car or a visit to Weta Workshop is highly recommended. If you like action-packed adventure activities, Wellington has it all along with beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills.

Discover Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, a predator proof oasis inside Wellington city, where rare and endangered native birds such as the Hihi, Tieke, Kaka, Tui, Karariki and Koromiko (Bellbird); as well as native flora flourish. You can take a Zealandia by Day tour to explore the park; or in the evening take a Zealandia by Night tour, and listen to the evening chorus, or possibly see one of the 130 little spotted kiwi who inhabit the park.

The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'.

Picton to Blenheim
Only short 30 minute drive, you’ll follow the valley south to arrive in Blenheim, located in the heart of Marlborough - New Zealand’s largest wine producing region. Go through acres of leafy green vines and marvel at the magnificent ‘dry hills’ of Marlborough in the distance.

Stay: 1 night Blenheim

After leaving Blenheim, you will travel through the beautiful Marlborough wine region. You could board a Scenic Mussel Cruise at Havelock, known as the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World.

Afterwards journey west to Nelson. On arrival into Nelson, a town known for its local art, you may wish to visit local art galleries. This town is a magnet for creative folk, with more than 350 working artists and craftspeople, or head to one of the golden beaches. Nelson is also the gateway to the small but perfectly formed Abel Tasman National Park, crystal clear waters and bird-filled native bush.

Stay 2 nights Nelson

Included today is an Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and walk trip. Drive out to Kaiteriteri and cruise the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, viewing the fascinating Seal Colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve along the way. You could walk along the coast track, with spectacular views over Tasman Bay. The track winds through sunny Kanuka forest with hidden fern grottos and crystal mountain streams.

Leave our sunniest region and make your way south to Punakaiki, home of the pancake rocks. Thirty million years in the making, nature has carved the rock into fantastical shapes and turned it into a percussion of thundering, thumping, and roaring, with plumes of salt water hissing from the blowholes.

Stay 1 night Punakaiki

Spend some time in Hokitika on your way down the coast, a town noted for its pounamu (New Zealand jade) and wild west gold mining history. Maybe you would like to see the world from a bird’s viewpoint, and walk high above the ground through the ancient rimu and kamahi tree canopy on the West Coast Treetop Walkway. This afternoon at Franz Josef Glacier, avail yourself of one of the many ways to see the ancient ice valley – from a moderate self-guided walk to the terminal face to a professionally guided adventure that will take you onto the ice itself, a truly unforgettable experience.

Stay 1 night Franz Josef or Fox Glacier

Travel down the rugged West Coat, before heading over Haast Pass through the southern Alps. There are scores of places to stop at the roadside in the pass, for short walks to stunning waterfalls and blue pools or simply to admire the verdant landscape.

In Wanaka pay a visit to weird and wonderful Puzzling World (included), an entertaining activity for young and old alike with a mix of bizarre buildings, the world-famous Great Maze, and rooms of illusion.

Stay 1 night Wanaka

The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It's a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you'll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Cluthar River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Queenstown.

Stay 2 nights Queenstown

This morning you could kick start your day with the famously thrilling jet boating trip on the Shotover River.  The rest of the day is completely up to you and you can explore this fun loving town at your own pace.  We recommend that you take a ride on the Skyline Gondola and enjoy the amazing views of the area.

Drive along the southern shores of the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and travel across the rural farmlands that lead to Te Anau. While you're there, why not make the most of it by enjoying a scenic cruise across the lake and discover the underground wonders of the glowworm caves?

Stay 2 nights Queenstown

Travel along the Milford Road and venture through the Homer Tunnel before hopping on board for a nature cruise around Milford Sound. Prepare to be amazed by the world famous natural wonder as you cruise past waterfalls and rock walls.  Return to Te Anau where you will spend the evening.

Make your way across the river plains that pass through Gore on the way to Dunedin – the 'Edinburgh of the South'. Visit historic Olveston House or Larnach Castle with its gardens rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance.  An absolute must for nature lovers is a visit to some of the wildlife attractions of Otago Peninsula including the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve, Monarch Wildlife Cruise and Albatross Sanctuary.

Stay 2 nights Dunedin

Today explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, famous for its eco tourism and wildlife and there are a variety of tours and cruises showing all the best of the Dunedin region. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre. 

Included

Take a Monarch Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock for a one hour cruise along the rocky Taiaroa Head, home to the world’s only mainland Royal Albatross colony. Be amazed as the albatross soar and glide over the ocean with their huge 3 metre wingspans

Take time to explore Larnach Castle and learn about its scandalous history. You might also want to visit Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential address. End the day with a tour of the 125 year old Speights Brewery, finishing with a tasting of their range of world class beers. Dunedin is memorable for its historical architecture. 

Be sure to check out the unique geological formations known as the Moeraki Boulders located 70km's north of Dunedin. At historic Oamaru home of the Little Blue Penguins, carry on towards the Canterbury Plains.

From Timaru take the scenic route through Geraldine, before passing Methven to Christchurch.

Stay 1 night Christchurch

Make your way to the vehicle depot to return your motorhome before heading back home.