14 Days Nature, Culture & Glaciers
National Self Drive Tour
Auckland to Queenstown
Days: 14 days / 13 Nights
Accommodation: 4-5 star
Vehicle: Modern Toyota Rav4 + GPS + Full Insurance
From $565 NZD Per Person, Per Day*
Price: $7950 NZD Per Person, Twin Share *(low season)
All Inclusive & Customisable
Experience the best of New Zealand on this 14 day driving holiday! In the North Island you’ll visit the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, relax with in the Polynesian Spa pools and get a taste of the Māori culture with the Te Pā Tū Hangi & Māori Cultural Experience. You’ll also explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a Lake Rotomahana Cruise and a full day scenic rafting trip at River Valley Lodge before taking the iconic Tranz-Alpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth.
In the South Island you’ll explore the stunning Franz Josef Glacier on a 3-hour heli-hike, indulge in an amazing degustation dinner at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, and visit four of Central Otago's finest and off-the-beaten-track cellar doors. And of course, no visit to New Zealand is complete without experiencing the thrill of Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world! Chat to our driving experts today for more information.
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Deluxe Tasting Menu at The Sugar Club
Hobbiton Movie Set 2 Hour Guided Tour
Twilight walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest & Lanterns
Polynesian Spa's private lake view bathing experience
Authentic cultural Hangi & Māori experience at Te Pā Tū
Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Lake Rotomahana Cruise - Pink and White Terraces
Full day scenic rafting trip down the Rangitikei River at River Valley Lodge
Domestic flight, Wellington to Christchurch
TranzAlpine train journey (5 hours) through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass and Greymouth
Guided 3 hour heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier
Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door Degustation Dinner
Visit four of Central Otago’s finest off the beaten track cellar doors with a 6 hour Queenstown wine tour.
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13 nights in 4-5 star/best available motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment featuring mountain, ocean and lake views (subject to availability)
14 days vehicle hire of a modern Toyota Rav4 or similar + GPS + full insurance
All meals as listed under each day's itinerary
All experiences as listed under each day's itinerary
All bookings and reservations + assistance for urgent matters during your trip via email and a free calling number
A digital travel guide APP outlining our top picks for what to see and do and where to eat along your route
The donation of 4 native trees – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions and re-grow Aotearoa/New Zealand's forests
Arrival and departure flights not included
Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day
Day 1
Stay: Rydges Auckland
Meals: Deluxe Dinner Included
Your Day: Auckland Arrival
Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Tonight you will enjoy a dining experience like no other, high above Auckland at The Sugar Club, located in the Skytower. The Sugar Club, sits majestically 53 floors above Auckland City and is the jewel in the crown at the top of the Sky Tower.
Day 2
Driving time: 250km, 3.5 hours driving
Stay: Regent of Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton
Today you farewell the ‘City of Sails’ and head south to Rotorua; a hot spot for Māori culture and geothermal activity. En route you will visit Hobbiton and The Shire’s Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies (included activity). Arrive in Rotorua in the late afternoon and perhaps explore Kuirau Park mud pool reserve and view the stunning government gardens and lakefront. This afternoon/evening you will enjoy a twilight walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest. The Redwoods Treewalk in this forest features 34 exquisite lanterns. Floating between 9-20 metres above the forest floor, this award-winning, eco-tourism walk is 700 metres long, spans across 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms and takes about 40 minutes to complete.
Day 3
Stay: Regent of Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast & experience dinner Included
Your Day: Rotorua
Late morning you will indulge in the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation with Polynesian Spa's private lake view bathing experience on the shores of Lake Rotorua, offering an unparalleled opportunity to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
This evening you will enjoy an authentic cultural experience at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village). In the summertime, Te Pā Tū offers their Summer Harvest Celebration experience, "Tū Te Rā." Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration, aligned with the maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar. This is a time when the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine.
Day 4
Driving time: 242km, 3 hours driving
Stay: River Valley Lodge Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Rotorua to River Valley Lodge
Your first stop for the day is Waimangu Volcanic Valley - a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. You will see the world's largest hot spring, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours. You'll also enjoy a cruise above the once famous Pink and White Terraces, buried by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886 (included activity). Heading south and stopping at the mighty Huka Falls en route, you will reach Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. You will wind your way south along Lake Taupō to the beautiful River Valley via the Tongariro National Park. The first sign you have arrived will be the magnificent volcano Mount Ruapehu appearing in the distance, as well as the Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. This gorgeous part of the country is otherworldly, and there are a number of short or long hikes in the National Park we can recommend for you to explore this area. One of The Road Trip’s favourites is 2 hours long featuring native bush, volcanic views and stunning waterfalls. From here you will have a relaxed drive to River Valley Lodge, deep in the wilderness of the central North Island! Enjoy a complimentary dinner at the lodge tonight.
Day 5
Stay: River Valley Lodge Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: River Valley Lodge Full Day
Today you will be taken on a full day scenic rafting trip down the Rangitikei River (grade 3 maximum rapids) which will see you drifting through dramatic landscapes which portrayed the stunning “River Anduin.” in the Lord of the Rings. This is not specifically a Lord of the Rings tour but is on the same river which filming was undertaken on and the scenery is breath-taking! This evening you will be staying overnight at River Valley Lodge. Enjoy a complimentary dinner at the lodge tonight.
Day 6
Driving time: 346km, 3 hours 50 minutes driving
Stay: Rydges Wellington
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: River Valley Lodge to Wellington via Martinborough
You will leave River Valley Lodge and head for Taihape - The gumboot throwing capital of the world! Give gumboot throwing a go at their specially designed gumboot throwing lane! Further down the road you will enjoy the picturesque drive through Martinborough and neighbouring towns in the Wairarapa, famous for its wine production. Perhaps pop in to Poppie's for a delightful wine tasting! Heading over the Remutaka Ranges, you arrive in Wellington in the afternoon to discover New Zealand’s capital city. You can take a city tour taking in sights such as Mt Victoria - Wellington’s most spectacular viewpoint with 360 degrees of the city, harbour and mountain ranges in the background or Te Papa – our national museum. In the evening perhaps have a wander through the bustling streets of Wellington where you can enjoy a meal on the waterfront (optional – extra cost).
Day 7
Domestic Flight Included: Wellington to Christchurch
Stay: Rydges Latimer
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Wellington to Christchurch (Flight)
35 minute flight
This morning you will catch a domestic flight to Christchurch. In the afternoon you could take a Christchurch city tour. Christchurch is known throughout New Zealand as ‘The Garden City”. This city tour could include a stroll in the botanic gardens and drive around the bays of Christchurch taking in Lyttelton which was the gateway for many of Christchurch and the Canterbury region’s first settlers. Perhaps go for a punt on the Avon River or visit the International Antarctic Centre. Tonight serves up the opportunity to enjoy dinner in one of the city’s many fantastic restaurants (all activities optional – extra cost).
Day 8
Transport: 5 hour train journey & 2 hours 15 minutes driving
Stay: Aspen Court Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier via TranzAlpine Train
Today you will take a journey through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass and Greymouth on the South Island’s west Coast on the Tranz Alpine Train. This was voted one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Keep a look out for the Bealey River and lakes Pearson and Lyndon with the towering Alps above. Arrive in Greymouth (named so for the Grey River flowing through the town), and head south to Hokitika where you can have a look at the greenstone factory Here we will view up close how the local people carve necklaces and sculptures from the precious stone (also a great souvenir or gift for loved ones back home!). Next up check out the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest. Late afternoon arrive in the beautiful Franz Josef township, where you will stay tonight surrounded by nature and with snow-capped alps above.
Day 9
Driving time: 250 km, 4 hours driving
Stay: Edgewater Resort Wanaka
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Franz Josef Glacier to Lake Wānaka
This morning you will enjoy a guided heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier - one of only three glaciers in the world to be surrounded by rainforest! A first-hand exploration of a glacier by chopper, seeing only what experienced mountaineers can reach is a wilderness experience you’ll never forget. You’ll fly up to the Franz Josef Glacier and walk for two hours amongst the ice formations and pinnacles and see first-hand the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow. Touch the ice, breathe in the fresh air.
One of the prettiest and most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on this tour over the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. En route you will visit Lake Matheson, otherwise known as ‘Mirror Lakes’ where on a clear day it is possible to see the reflection of New Zealand’s highest mountain Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and you can do one of or several walks, some of which feature spectacular waterfalls and deep blue coloured pools where it is possible to see trout swimming. One of our favourite spots at The Road Trip is Ship Creek, an isolated beach featuring native totara trees hugging rugged coastline. Tonight you stay in Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday spots.
Day 10
Stay: Edgewater Resort Wanaka
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Wānaka
Today is a chance to explore the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka. Options include a walk up one of our favourite look out spots featuring 360 degree views of Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Clutha River, a visit to Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World, kayaking on the lake, a visit to the Warbirds and Classic cars Museum or even fishing on the lake for some brown or rainbow trout. Perhaps take on the majestic Rob Roy Glacier hike or venture Roy's Peak if you're feeling especially fit! This afternoon you will visit one of Lake Wanaka’s 5 islands. Mou Waho Island is the most remote and most beautiful. With its steep rocky coastline, small secluded beaches, diverse birdlife, and a hidden lake (Arethusa pool) which sits atop the island.
Day 11
Driving time: 67km, 1 hour driving
Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Wānaka to Queenstown
Today your South Island tour takes you to the beautiful town of Arrowtown via The Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest highway. Arrowtown was an important location in the gold rush of Central Otago in the 1860s and is now a historic town with a very special vibe. Perhaps browse the preserved Chinese gold mining village or wander the boutique shops the town has on offer. Following this, perhaps enjoy a wine tasting at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, overlooking the stunning Lake Hayes. Arrive in Queenstown where the afternoon is free to spend as you wish (all activities mentioned are optional – extra cost). Tonight you will experience fine dining at the famous Amisfield Restaurant & Cellar Door, overlooking Lake Hayes..
Day 12
Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown Wine Sampler Tour (6hrs)
Did someone say Queenstown wine tour? It’s time to pinot! Travel in premium Mercedes vehicles visiting four of Central Otago’s finest and off the beaten track cellar doors, including a visit to New Zealand’s famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. Look, smell and taste over 18 spectacular cool-climate wines and enjoy an optional scrumptious lunch (additional cost ordered on the day) whilst your charismatic wine guide and knowledgeable cellar staff educate and amuse you with local winemaking facts and stories.
Day 13
Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown
Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities that this ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has to offer. Options for the adventurous include: Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Canyon Swings, White Water Rafting, Flyboarding and Paragliding. If you feel like taking a more relaxed approach to the day, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw 100 year old steam ship or a walk through Queenstown’s Botanic Gardens are not to be missed. Perhaps drive out to the head of Lake Wakatipu and experience the breath-taking scenery of the Glenorchy area.
Day 14
Meals: Breakfast Included
Onward flight is not included.
Your Day: Queenstown Departure Day
Depending on your flight time, we would recommend a drive to Glenorchy or Bobs Cove. The road that leads the way is one of the most beautiful drives in the world! There are lots of hidden coves to stop off and admire and an abundance of photo stops.
Today you will transfer to Queenstown Airport for your further travel arrangements. We trust you've had a wonderful time here in New Zealand!
Here's how it works.
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Step One.
Enquire by filling out our form with a few more details about your driving holiday plans. Our driving holiday experts will be in touch to discuss options and ideas with you.
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Step Two.
We will help match you to your perfect New Zealand driving holiday itinerary, complete with all the destinations you want to visit and any additional activities you would like to include.
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Step Three.
Once you are happy with everything, we can take a small deposit and you can get excited to hit the open road and explore New Zealand. With our 24/7 support, you can rest easy knowing that everything is arranged.
Plan your ultimate New Zealand driving holiday today with our expert travel agency.
Our team of specialists will help you create a seamless travel solution, tailored to your specific touring plans and desired duration.