19 Day Queenstown to Auckland Classic Self Drive

Arrive in Queenstown today and settle into one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine settings. Surrounded by mountains and lake views, this lively town sets the tone for the journey ahead. A private driver will greet you on arrival and transport you directly from the airport to your Queenstown hotel for a smooth start.

Welcome to Queenstown
Queenstown offers far more than adventure, with fine dining, lakeside strolls, scenic drives and world‑class wine all within easy reach.

Touring, Tastings and Lake Time

Enjoy a full day to experience Queenstown’s highlights. You might spend time in Arrowtown, stop for photos along the Shotover River, and enjoy tastings in the Gibbston wine region, finishing with a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

Suggested Activity – Best of Queenstown Scenic Tour
Explore Arrowtown, Gibbston wine country and Lake Wakatipu on a guided tour that blends scenery, history and local flavours.

Suggested activity:
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner – a classic lake crossing on a historic steamship paired with a high-country farm visit, a generous BBQ buffet and a lively farm demonstration.

Coach Tour & Milford Sound Cruise (Lunch Included)

Sit back and enjoy a coach journey from Queenstown via Te Anau and along the spectacular Milford Road. In Milford Sound, join a scenic cruise to take in waterfalls, rainforest, sheer cliffs and the chance of wildlife sightings.

Return to Queenstown in the evening.

Collect Rental Car & Drive to Glacier Country

Collect your rental car this morning and begin your South Island road trip. Drive over the Crown Range to Wānaka, then continue past Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea to Makarora and on through Haast Pass.

Arrive at Fox Glacier, where rainforest meets alpine ice in one of New Zealand’s most striking landscapes.

Explore Glacier Country

Today is yours to enjoy the Fox Glacier region. Consider a walk at Lake Matheson for mirror-like reflections, visit the rugged coastline at Gillespie’s Beach, or take in glacier views from local tracks.

Suggested activities:

Lake Matheson Eco Tour – learn about the region while walking the gentle lakeside loop through lush rainforest.

Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing – see Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from above and enjoy a snow landing if conditions allow.

Return Rental Car & TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Drive north via Hokitika and Greymouth, with time to browse local craft stores and greenstone galleries. Return your rental car at Greymouth Train Station, then board the TranzAlpine train for one of New Zealand’s great rail journeys.

On arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Collect Rental Car & Explore the Garden City

Collect your rental car and enjoy time in Christchurch, a city known for its English heritage, botanic gardens and rejuvenated inner city. Choose from punting on the Avon, a heritage tram ride, or a gondola trip for panoramic views.

Suggested activity:
Christchurch Triple Pass – combine the tram, punting and gondola for a brilliant snapshot of the city.

North Canterbury Scenery and Coastal Views

Drive north through the Waipara Valley wine region, with the option to detour to Hanmer Springs for a soak. Continue toward the coast where the road hugs the ocean into Kaikōura, famous for its marine wildlife.

Suggested activity:
Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura – a standout encounter with sperm whales and often dolphins, fur seals and seabirds.

Wildlife Stops and Marlborough Wine Country

Follow the coastline north, keeping an eye out for seals and seabirds. Stop at Ohau Point for fur seal viewing, then continue into Marlborough, New Zealand’s leading wine region, for a tasting or leisurely lunch.

Arrive in Picton, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds.

Suggested activity:
Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise and Walk – cruise into the Sounds and enjoy a gentle section of the Queen Charlotte Track.

Cook Strait Ferry & Collect Rental Car

Cross Cook Strait by ferry, with unforgettable scenery through the Marlborough Sounds as you depart Picton. On arrival in Wellington, collect your rental car and settle into New Zealand’s creative capital.

Spend the evening exploring waterfront dining and buzzing inner-city laneways.

Culture, Food and Local Experiences

Enjoy a full day in Wellington, known for its museums, coffee culture and compact, walkable vibe. Ride the cable car, visit Te Papa, explore Cuba Street, or add a film-themed experience for something different.

Suggested activities:

Private Lord of the Rings Half Day Tour – visit filming locations and behind-the-scenes experiences in the city.

Zealandia by Night Tour – spot native wildlife in a protected sanctuary after dark.

Volcanic Landscapes and Central Plateau Views

Drive north via the Kapiti Coast and through classic rural towns, then skirt the volcanic peaks of the central plateau. Stop at Lake Taupō and Huka Falls before continuing to Rotorua, where geothermal steam and Māori culture shape the landscape.

Arrive in Rotorua ready for hot pools, cultural experiences and geothermal wonders.

Geothermal Highlights and Māori Culture

Rotorua is packed with experiences, from bubbling mud pools and geysers to forest adventures and restorative hot springs. Choose a cultural evening experience with traditional performances and a hāngī-style feast, or spend the day exploring colourful geothermal parks.

Suggested activities:

Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours – glide above native forest on a guided zipline adventure.

Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience (Dinner Included) – an immersive night of storytelling, performance and seasonal kai.

Waikato Countryside to the City of Sails

Drive through the green Waikato heartland, passing charming towns and rolling farmland. Arrive in Auckland and settle in, with time to explore the harbour precincts or enjoy skyline views.

Suggested activity:
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (from Shires Rest) – a popular stop en route for film fans and first-time visitors.

Harbour, Islands and City Views

Enjoy a day discovering Auckland, set between two harbours and dotted with volcanic cones. Take a ferry to Waiheke Island, visit Mt Eden for panoramic views, or enjoy time along the Viaduct and waterfront.

Suggested activities:

Auckland Wine Country Half Day Tour (Lunch Included) – vineyards and coastal scenery west of the city.

Harbour Sailing Cruise – see Auckland from the water on a relaxed sailing experience.

Northland Road Trip

Drive north into Northland, allowing time for scenic stops along the way. Break the journey in Whangārei or Kawakawa, then continue to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands.

Arrive to subtropical coastal scenery and an easy going holiday vibe.

Islands, History and Marine Life

Spend the day exploring one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal regions. Take a cruise among the islands, look for dolphins, enjoy a beach break, or visit Waitangi to learn about the country’s most significant historic site.

Suggested activities:

Hole in the Rock Cruise – a classic Bay of Islands cruise with island stops and wildlife spotting.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance – history, museums and a powerful cultural insight.

Kauri Trees and Wild West Coast Scenery

Return to Auckland via a scenic route through Hokianga and the dramatic west coast. Travel through Waipoua Forest, home to towering ancient kauri trees, including the legendary Tāne Mahuta.

Continue south with time for photo stops before arriving back in Auckland.

Return Rental Car & Farewell

Enjoy any final sightseeing or shopping before returning your rental car at the airport. Farewell Aotearoa New Zealand with memories of fiords, glaciers, wildlife, culture and two unforgettable islands.