21 Day Taste of New Zealand

National Self Drive Tour

Auckland to Christchurch

Self Drive

Days: 21 Days / 20 Nights

Accommodation: Motels (option to upgrade)

Includes: Car Hire, Accommodation, Activities, Travel App, 1:1 Local Support, Customised Itinerary

From: $295 NZD Per Person, Per Day*

Price: $6195 NZD Per Person, Twin Share *(low season)

100% Customisable to Fit Your Budget!

TSS Earnslaw - Queenstown

All Inclusive & Customisable

Begin your 21 day adventure in Auckland and finish in Christchurch, experiencing the best of both Islands. On the North Island, you’ll explore Rotorua’s rich cultural heritage and geothermal wonders, as well as New Zealand’s two largest cities. For those Lord of The Rings fans you will also hop on a day trip to Hobbiton. Head south on the scenic Interislander Ferry, where you’ll encounter Kaikoura’s diverse marine life with a Whale watch experience.

Get up close with Franz Josef’s striking glaciers, and the majestic waterfalls of Milford Sound on a small cruise. We have also included the iconic TranzAlpine scenic rail journey and the TSS Earnslaw steam boat cruise in Queenstown! This trip has it all in 21 days, and is a great way to make the most out of your time here in Aotearoa. Reach out to us for a personalised itinerary today.

21 Day Taste of New Zealand Trip Inclusions

    • Accommodation for 20 nights staying in Motels

    • Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to Auckland accommodation with Tourcorp

    • Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

    • Included activity: Larnach Castle and Gardens

    • Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise and picnic lunch with RealNZ

    • Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

    • Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

    • Included activity: Shared Transfer from the Railway Station to a City Hotel with Christchurch Touring Company

    • Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

    • Included activity: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

    • Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

    • Included activity: Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikoura

    • 1 lunch, 1 special dinner

Quick Summary - Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive into Auckland City

Accommodation: Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments

Day 2: Explore Auckland and surrounds and - if you can spare the time - take a tour of Waiheke Island.

Accommodation: Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments

Day 3: Drive south through the rich farmland of the Waikato and if you're a Lord of the Rings fan, take a short detour to Hobbiton before continuing to geothermal Rotorua

Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 4: A full day in Rotorua to discover the local Maori culture and see interesting volcanic landmarks

Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 5: Today take in spectacular scenery including Lake Taupo, The Desert Road and Kapiti Coastline as you make your way to Wellington

Accommodation: CityLife Wellington

Day 6: Discover the charms of Wellington City, including its many quirky cafes and museums

Accommodation: CityLife Wellington

Day 7: Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds

Accommodation: Picton Yacht Club Hotel

Day 8: Drive to Kaikoura today on the Pacific Coast scenic route

Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura

Day 9: Do an optional activity in Kaikoura before you continue south over the Hawkswood range and then crossing the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch City

Accommodation: Quest on Cambridge

Day 10: Explore the evolving city of Christchurch or take a day trip to the charming french town of Akaroa

Accommodation: Quest on Cambridge

Day 11: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country

Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 12: Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll head south to Dunedin

Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 13: Spend a full day exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 14: Travel through the rich farmland of Southland to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park

Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 15: Take the spectacular road to Milford Sound - allowing plenty of time for photo stops along the way

Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Meals included: Lunch

Day 16: Travel through the Southland countryside then follow the edge of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown

Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 17: A full day to take in the many delights on offer in Queenstown

Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Meals included: Speciality Dinner

Day 18: Take the Crown range road to Wanaka before travelling through the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast

Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 19: Explore Franz Josef and the wilderness of Westland National Park

Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 20: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch

Accommodation: Quest on Cambridge

Day 21: Depart Christchurch today

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.

Here's how it works.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.