Explore Custom Self-Drive Holidays in New Zealand

Top Road Trip Itineraries for North & South Islands

Kia ora (hello) and welcome to beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand

A country known for it’s abundance of natural wonders, friendly locals and a bucket load of adventure.

From the top to the toe of our incredible country you’ll find rich culture, rugged wilderness and show-stopping scenery.

Let us help you find your perfect car hire, campervan or privately guided tour.

We’re so excited to show you around

A picturesque hobbit house with a charming round blue door is nestled into a grassy hillside, surrounded by vibrant potted plants and flowers.

Popular North & South Island Driving Tours

Explore our top-selling customisable self drive tours, tried and tested frequently by our team! Our driving holidays offer a perfect blend of charming local stays, unique activities, and a reliable vehicle to ensure your trip is truly unforgettable. And don't worry, our team is here to support you every step of the way as you explore the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand at your own pace.

A person relaxes in a wooden hot tub, enjoying a stunning view of snow-capped mountains and a river valley at sunset. The setting appears to be a luxurious, open-air onsen in Queenstown, surrounded by wooden walls that frame the picturesque landscape

Top to Toe Highlights

Auckland to Christchurch - 21 Days
Self Drive Tour - Both Islands

  • Explore beaches, geothermal sites, glaciers, and iconic landmarks.

  • Includes whale watching, glowworm caves, Hobbiton, and Milford Sound.

  • Customisable itinerary with top-notch accommodations and a modern vehicle.

  • Immerse in Māori culture and stargaze at Mt John Observatory.

From $470 NZD Per, Person Per Day

A scenic aerial view of a winding road running alongside a pristine lake in New Zealand. The landscape features lush green fields on one side and the clear blue waters of the lake on the other, framed by rolling hills and distant mountains
Simplified map of New Zealand's South Island with a travel route marked by several pins connected by lines. The map indicates both land and air travel paths, with pins showing key stops along the route. The green landmass is on a white background.

Ultimate Southern Adventure

Christchurch to Christchurch - 12 Days
Self Drive Tour - South Island

  • Glacier hiking, glow-worm caves, wine tasting, and Milford Sound cruise.

  • Scenic highlights: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Fiordland National Park, Franz Josef Glacier.

  • Luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and private hot tubs.

  • Covers major natural attractions, offering both adventure and relaxation.

From $555 NZD Per Person, Per Day

Two people stand on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lake Wanaka in New Zealand, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. One person points towards the distance, while the other looks through binoculars.
Simplified map of New Zealand showing a travel route across both the North and South Islands. The map features multiple pins connected by lines, indicating stops along the route. Airplane and train icons represent air and rail travel paths.

Nature, Culture & Glaciers

Auckland to Queenstown - 14 Days
Self Drive Tour - Both Islands

  • Highlights include Hobbiton, Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, Māori cultural experiences, and the Tranz-Alpine Train.

  • Adventure activities like scenic rafting at the River Valley Lodge, heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier, and wine tours in Central Otago.

  • 4-5 star hotels and lodges throughout.

  • Ideal blend of culture, nature, and adventure.

From $565 NZD Per Person, Per Day

Popular North & South Island Campervan Tours

Check out our top campervan packages and itineraries. We’ll guide you to Aotearoa New Zealand's best-kept secrets, taking you off the beaten path to the most unique spots. With a reliable campervan and thoughtfully planned routes, your journey is sure to be one for the books. And don't worry, we’ve got your back every mile of the way as you explore the stunning landscapes on your NZ campervan holiday.

Both Islands Explorer

Auckland to Christchurch
Recommended days hire: 22

VEHICLE: 2 Berth

OPTIONS: 2 - 6 Berth Available

FEATURES: Double Bed | Shower | Toilet | Gas Cooker | Auto | Kitchen Kit | Dining Table | Microwave | Bluetooth | Sink | Fridge Freezer

FROM: $75 NZD Per Day, Per Person (Based on 2 Adults, travel between August - November 2024)

A scenic aerial view of a winding road running alongside a pristine lake in New Zealand. The landscape features lush green fields on one side and the clear blue waters of the lake on the other, framed by rolling hills and distant mountains

Southern Adventure

Christchurch to Christchurch
Recommended days hire: 15

VEHICLE: 2 Berth

OPTIONS: 2 - 6 Berth Available

FEATURES: Double Bed | Shower | Toilet | Gas Cooker | Auto | Kitchen Kit | Dining Table | Microwave | Bluetooth | Sink | Fridge Freezer

FROM: $80 NZD Per Day, Per Person (Based on 2 Adults, travel between August - November 2024)

Create-your-own Trip

Anywhere to Anywhere
Recommended days hire: 5-30+

  • HOW MANY DAYS?

  • NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS?

  • SELF CONTAINED CAMPERVAN?

  • WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

Contact our local campervan and motorhome experts to compare rental vehicles, prices and inclusions!

New Zealand Driving Holidays & Tours

We believe that Aotearoa New Zealand is the best country in the world for a scenic self drive tour. With so many breathtaking natural wonders from the sub-tropical North Island including the Bay of Islands, the City lights of Auckland and magical Hobbiton to the wild South Island’s pristine beaches of Abel Tasman, dramatic Franz Josef Glaciers, stunning Milford Sound and Queenstown - you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Our local NZ driving specialists have hand-crafted a selection of quality driving routes and itineraries that allows you explore the best of the land of the long white cloud. We go the extra mile to support you every step of the way and ensure that your journey is both personalised, and unforgettable.

Customer Reviews

  • “Thank you for organising our New Zealand trip around the South Island. We really appreciated the time that Emma put into personalising the itinerary for us and we were glad that we visited Milford Sound - what an incredible experience.”

    Izzy C (UK) 7 Day Queenstown & Milford Sound | Travelled 2023

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  • "We absolutely loved the experience. The way they organised things were top notch and there were no hiccups at any place in our 20 days of stay throughout NZ. Let it be north island or the South Island - we just loved every bit of the country - many thanks to the way the itinerary have been customised and executed."

    Dilip M (IND) Both Island Highlights | Travelled 2024

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  • "First time in New Zealand so hired NZ Driving Holidays to travel the South Island. The views were amazing as expected. The staff were very responsive and tried their best to make our trip smooth."

    Jongdae L (USA) 12 Day Ultimate South Island Tour | Travelled 2024

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  • "We had a great experience in New Zealand! This time we visited the North Island and was great. Everything went as planned, we just followed the itinerary and had not problem during the whole trip. Hotels were perfect for us, everything within our budget and with some spare time to do extra activities on the road."

    Hugo V (MEX) 7 Day North Island Explorer Tour | Travelled 2024

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  • "Thanks to NZ Driving Holidays, we experienced the adventure of a lifetime! Their professionalism and attention to detail, made the entire planning process easy! It was fun to just immerse ourselves in the local culture and tour at our own pace, with the guidance of a company that truly knows the lay of the land."

    Shelia L (USA) South Island Glacier Trip | Travelled 2024

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  • "Our self drive tour on the south island of New Zealand was the BEST trip we have ever done!! Every day we woke up to go on a new adventure and felt that every day was better than the last. We did so many fantastic things, saw the most beautiful places and still had plenty of time to relax and soak in the full NZ vibe. Truly the BEST!!!"

    Trina (US) | Travelled 2024

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We Go the Extra Mile

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    On the ground New Zealand support

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    Hand-crafted itineraries by travel experts

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    All-inclusive package deals

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    Caring for the community & the environment

Travel Australia

We also create personalised Australian Self Drive & Semi-Guided tour packages. We can combine both your New Zealand & Australia trip together!

ENQUIRE TODAY

A scenic winding road leads towards the snow-capped Mount Cook, reflected in the calm waters of Lake Pukaki, New Zealand. The landscape features lush green hills, dense forests, and majestic mountains under a clear blue sky.

Life's too short for ordinary holidays, get your New Zealand itinerary today.

Enquire about a customised all inclusive self drive holidays, and we will get back to you within 24 hours—let's do this!