16 Day Northbound Explorer Self-Drive

Your New Zealand journey begins in Christchurch, a vibrant city known for its gardens and post-quake innovation. Settle into your accommodation and explore the central city’s unique attractions at your own pace.

Christchurch blends heritage architecture with green spaces and modern rebuilds. Ride a tram, stroll the botanic gardens, or see the innovative Cardboard Cathedral.

Pick up your rental car and enjoy a relaxed day exploring Christchurch and its surrounds. From scenic hills to creative precincts, the city is full of surprises.

Suggested Activity – Christchurch Gondola

Ride to the top of the Port Hills for panoramic views of Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps. Enjoy nature walks, a café stop, and an interactive discovery centre.

Suggested Activity – Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Home to New Zealand’s largest Kiwi viewing area, Willowbank lets you meet native wildlife up close. Enjoy a natural bush setting and the chance to hand-feed animals.

Leave the city behind as you cross the Canterbury Plains toward the Southern Alps. Arrive at Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where glacier lakes and towering peaks await.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Explorers

Board a boat and cruise among 500-year-old icebergs on Tasman Glacier Lake. This rare glacial encounter offers spectacular photo opportunities.

Travel through high country landscapes, historic towns, and scenic mountain passes. Arrive in Queenstown, framed by the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.

Suggested Activity – TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak BBQ Dinner

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship. Dine on a gourmet BBQ at Walter Peak and enjoy a farm demonstration before cruising back under the stars.

Spend the day soaking up Queenstown’s thrilling activities or its scenic charm. From adrenaline to wine tasting, there's something here for everyone.

Suggested Activity – Wilderness Jet with Dart River Safaris

Take a jet boat deep into Mt Aspiring National Park for an epic nature and cultural experience. Learn local legends while speeding through remote landscapes.

Drive over the scenic Crown Range to Wānaka and onward through ancient rainforests and alpine passes. Your journey ends in Franz Josef, home to one of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers.

Franz Josef is a small town surrounded by natural wonders, from glaciers to hot pools. Whether walking the valley or taking a heli-hike, this is nature at its finest.

Suggested Activity – Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Fly high above the glacier, then hike across shimmering blue ice with expert guides. This is the best way to experience the glacier’s dramatic terrain.

Drive the final stretch of the wild West Coast before boarding the TranzAlpine train. Journey across the Southern Alps to Christchurch through some of New Zealand’s most scenic landscapes.

Activity – TranzAlpine Scenic Train

One of the world’s most scenic rail trips, this journey traverses rivers, gorges and alpine passes. Enjoy stunning views from the comfort of your carriage.

Depart Christchurch and journey north through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Waipara Valley. Hug the coastline as you reach Kaikōura, famous for its marine life and dramatic mountain-meets-sea scenery.

Suggested Activity – Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura

Take a front-row seat on a whale-watching catamaran and witness giant sperm whales in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and albatrosses too.

Travel north along a breathtaking stretch of coastal highway with ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Arrive in Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough’s world-famous wine region.

It’s a short drive to Picton before boarding the Interislander ferry to cross the Cook Strait. This iconic journey leads you from South Island’s sounds to the buzz of Wellington city.

Activity – Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington

Sail past the bush-clad bays of Marlborough Sounds and into the open waters of Cook Strait. This 3-hour crossing offers incredible coastal views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Head north from the capital, travelling through charming towns and wide volcanic plateaus. Visit Taupō’s lakeside highlights before arriving in Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland.

Suggested Activity – Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wander through a colourful volcanic landscape of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the iconic Champagne Pool. Don’t miss the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.

Rotorua offers a unique mix of bubbling geothermal landscapes, Māori traditions and thrilling forest adventures. From spa treatments to ziplining, there’s something here for every traveller.

Suggested Activity – Original Ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours

Fly through ancient forest on ziplines and swing bridges while learning about native birdlife and conservation. It’s a thrilling and eco-friendly adventure.

Suggested Activity – Mount Tarawera Floatplane & Orakei Korako

Soar over volcanoes, lakes and steaming geothermal valleys before landing at the hidden thermal wonderland of Orakei Korako. This scenic flight and geothermal walk is simply unforgettable.

Suggested Activity – Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience

Spend the evening immersed in Māori tradition, enjoying haka, stories, and a seasonal feast. The forest setting and warm hospitality make it a standout cultural experience.

Drive through the heart of the North Island, passing farmland, quaint towns, and the mighty Waikato River. Arrive in Auckland, a city surrounded by harbours and volcanic hills.

Suggested Activity – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Walk through the movie-perfect village of Hobbiton with its round doors and lush gardens. Your guide shares behind-the-scenes tales as you visit famous filming locations.

Spend your final full day discovering Auckland’s blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Hike a volcanic cone, visit a beach, or relax in one of the city’s buzzing waterfront precincts.

Suggested Activity – Waiheke Island Explorer Hop On Hop Off Tour

Ferry over to Waiheke Island and explore vineyards, beaches, and local gems at your own pace. With flexible stops and stunning views, it's the ultimate island escape.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before returning your rental car and heading to the airport. Your journey ends with unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s wild landscapes and warm hospitality.