21 Day Top to Toe Highlights
National Self Drive Tour
Auckland to Christchurch
Self Drive Tour
Days: 21 days / 20 Nights
Accommodation: 4-5 star
Vehicle: Modern Toyota Rav4 + Full Insurance
From: $470 NZD Per Person, Per Day*
Price: $9895 NZD Per Person, Twin Share *(low season)
100% Customisable to Fit Your Budget!
Contact our team to customise this self drive tour today!
All Inclusive & Customisable
Begin our favorite tour itinerary with 'The Driving Creek Railway,' the nation's sole narrow-gauge mountain railway, winding through a regenerating kauri forest to a breathtaking 360-degree viewpoint overlooking the ocean and Auckland. Explore Whitianga's marine wonderland on a glass-bottom boat cruise, revealing red snapper, kelp forests, and the chance to spot dolphins, orcas, and sea birds.
Journey to Hot Water Beach, a world-renowned thermal oasis beneath the sands. Dive into cinematic magic at Hobbiton and immerse in Māori culture at Te Pā Tū Hangi. Venture into the geothermal wonderland of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and cross treetop bridges at Redwoods Treewalk. Travel by ferry from Wellington to Picton, soaking in the beauty of Marlborough Sounds. You’ll also experience a thrilling whale-watching tour and explore remote magical Mou Waho Island.
Next, cruise Milford Sound's pristine waters, explore the twinkling Glowworm Caves in Te Anau, and enjoy a Dart River Jet Boat and Funyaks Safari (one of our favorite activities). Witness the grandeur of the Tasman Glacial Lake on a Glacier Explorers Lake Cruise, and stargaze at Mt John Observatory.
What are you waiting for?
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The Driving Creek Railway
Glass bottom boat cruise from Whitianga
Hobbiton Movie Set 2 Hour Guided Tour
Redwood Forest Treewalk
Authentic cultural Hangi & Māori experience at Te Pā Tū
Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Lake Rotomahana Cruise - Pink and White Terraces
Wellington to Picton - 3.5 hour ferry crossing
Whale watching tour
Wanaka Lake cruise - Mou Waho Island
Milford Sound 1 Hour 45 Minute Cruise Including Picnic Lunch
Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour with Lake Cruise
Dart River Jet Boat and Funyaks Safari
Glacier Explorers Lake Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake
Stargazing tour at Mt John Observatory
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20 nights in 4-5 star/best available motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment featuring mountain, ocean and lake views (subject to availability)
21 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: Airedale Boutique Suites
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.
Day 2
Driving time: 206km, 3 hours 20 minutes driving
Stay: Oceans Resort Whitianga
Your Day: Auckland to Whitianga via Coromandel
South you go. Leaving New Zealand’s largest city you head for the Coromandel, one of the key locations for the New Zealand gold rush in the 1800s. You follow the coast road to the town of Coromandel, where you will take a trip on ‘The Driving Creek Railway’- New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway, with a working pottery and wildlife sanctuary. Ride through a regenerating kauri forest to a 360 degree viewpoint at the top of the hill, looking out to the ocean and across to Auckland in the distance. From there you will take the stunning 309 Road to the coastal town of Whitianga, stopping at stunning Waiau Falls and the Waiau Kauri Grove - to see ginormous anicent kauri trees up close. You could also visit the quirky Waterworks theme park. Enjoy a fun day with heaps of creative upcycled attractions, two swimming holes, jumping boards and a huge water slide. The Waterworks will make you feel like a kid and bring back those crazy moments of genuine laughter. Arrive in Whitianga in the afternoon/evening and enjoy the beautiful Buffalo Beach.
Day 3
Stay: Oceans Resort Whitianga
Your Day: Whitianga and Surrounds (Glass Bottom Boat)
This morning you will enjoy a glass bottom boat cruise from Whitianga. You'll see Cathedral Cove and its fabulous white sandy beaches, iconic native New Zealand trees and incredible rock formations. Stunning volcanic coastline including sheer cliffs, towering pinnacles, blowholes and sea caves such as Orua Sea cave. Look through the glass panels to see a diverse amount of marine life including red snapper, red moki, leatherjackets and schools of demoiselles and blue mau mau. Look closely through the kelp forest to spot stingrays, crayfish and octopus. On the surface keep your eyes peeled for blue penguins, sea birds and marine mammals such as dolphins, orca and seals.
The rest of the day is free to explore the beauty of The Coromandel Peninsula. Perhaps take a walk to one of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches; Cathedral Cove where you wander through ancient native forest to the pristine beach that houses this striking rock formation. Other options for the day include a glass-bottom boat trip to a marine reserve, bathing at The Lost Spring, a visit to New Chum's Beach (self-drive only), horse-riding at a local farm or kayaking to the idyllic other worldly paradise of Whenuakura/Donut Island (self-drive only) - (all optional – extra cost).
Please note that if you choose a guided tour, your tour guide will have a full day off guiding and driving today.
Day 4
Driving time: 250km, 3.5 hours driving
Stay: Distinction Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Your Day: Whitianga to Rotorua via Hobbiton
This morning you will visit the world famous Hot Water Beach. This is one of the only places in the world where one can discover thermal water underneath a beach! Bring your swimming gear, as you will have the opportunity to dig your very own thermal pool and bathe in its waters (35-40 degrees Celsius in the right areas). Following this you farewell the Coromandel and head south to Rotorua; a hot spot for Maori culture and thermal 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. Enjoy a two hour tour of the beautiful grounds and enjoy a feast in the festive party marquee next to the Green Dragon! Arrive in Rotorua in the afternoon and you have the opportunity to take a city tour featuring Kuirau Park mud pool reserve and view the stunning government gardens and lakefront. This afternoon you could experience a relaxing soak in the thermal waters of the famous Polynesian Spa (optional – extra cost).
Day 5
Stay: Distinction Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Rotorua (Treewalk, Te Pā Tū)
This morning you will enjoy one of Rotorua's most magical experiences. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 75-metre-tall redwoods as you walk across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment.
The afternoon is free for leisure activities. Options include: Rotorua Gondola and Luge, zorbing, a trip to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, bike hire for the forest trails in the area or a walk around Kuirau Geothermal Park.
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 6
Driving time: 216km, 2 hours 45 minutes driving
Stay: Powderhorn Chateau
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park (Ohakune) - Waimangu Volcanic Valley + Lake Rotomahana Cruise
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 mightyl Huka Falls en route, you will reach Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Winding your way around Lake Taupō, you will eventually reach Tongariro National Park where you may wish to take a hike in the National Park itself. One of The Road Trip’s favourites is 2 hours long featuring native bush, volcanic views and stunning waterfalls. In clear weather there is a great opportunity to spot 3 of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaurauhoe (also known as Mt Doom). Following this you will continue on to the ski village of Ohakune.
Day 7
Driving Time: 419 km, 5 hours and 30 minutes driving
Stay: Bolton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Tongariro National Park to Wellington via Martinborough
This morning you head south through rural New Zealand to the Wairarapa Region. Here you will be able to stop for lunch at a local winery (optional – not included) as well as visit the quaint towns of Greytown (voted New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Town) and Martinborough, the viticultural hub of the lower North Island. Take a stroll around the Martinborough town square before continuing south over the Rimutaka Ranges reaching New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, in the late afternoon.
Day 8
Stay: Bolton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Wellington
Today is your day to explore the Coolest Little Capital in the World! This morning you could take the Cable Car from the city up to Kelburn, where you will be able to wander the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Late morning, perhaps hop on the free shuttle to Zealandia, the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 225 hectare ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area, 6 of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Tonight why not enjoy one of the delicious restaurants the city is famous for? Wellington is known as the cultural capital of New Zealand and due to its small size, the majority of the city can easily be covered on foot.
Day 9
Driving time: 3.5 hour ferry ride + 170 km, 2 hours driving
Stay: White Morph Inn
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Wellington to Kaikōura
Today you say farewell to the North Island and take a 3.5 hour ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island of New Zealand, also known as New Zealand’s mainland. Driving south, you will head through the premier wine growing region of New Zealand, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. Perhaps stop for lunch at our favourite winery ‘Rock Ferry’ and sample some of their delicious cuisine and wines (optional – extra cost). Further down the coast you can stop North of Kaikoura to see some New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment. We also recommend visiting our number one Kaikoura look out spot where you will experience the stunning beauty of the mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean.
Day 10
Driving Time: 189km, 2 hours 30 minutes driving
Stay: Fable Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Kaikōura to Christchurch via Waipara - Whale Watch Tour
This morning you will take a whale watching tour of 3 hours. Keep a look out for Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales and Orcas as well as many species of Dolphin. Following this you will leave Kaikōura and drive south into the Waipara wine growing region. This region is sheltered from the cool easterly winds by the Teviotdale Hills and has a predominating limestone sub rock giving different characteristics to the wine produced here.
Day 11
Driving time: 380km, 5 hours driving
Stay: Punga Grove Motel
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier
Today you will drive through the mighty Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass National Park. Keep a look out for the Bealey River as well as the reflective waters of Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon. Our favourite nature walk in this national park features a stunning 150 metre waterfall and spectacular views of the mountains as you peek through native beech forest. Be sure to keep a look out overhead for the Kea (New Zealand’s cheeky native alpine parrot)! Driving further you will reach the West Coast and the Tasman coastline. Head slightly inland where you can visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge to marvel at its beautiful bright blue waters and surrounding native forest. Continue further south through the rainforest to the town of Franz Josef glacier, nestled at the base of the towering alps and surrounded by dense native bush.
Day 12
Driving Time: 250km, 4 hours driving
Stay: The Moorings
Your Day: Franz Josef Glacier to Lake Wānaka
This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy a short scenic helicopter flight with snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier, or a 3 hour guided heli-hike on the ice of glacier itself! (Optional - Not Included in Quote). One of the most dramatic journeys in the country is what you can experience on your drive over the Haast Pass through to Wānaka. 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 Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m/12,316ft). The walking possibilities are endless today around Haast and Haast Pass and you can choose from several nature 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 Wānaka, one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday spots.
Day 13
Stay: The Moorings
Your Day: Wānaka (Mou Waho)
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 enjoy a cruise to one of Lake Wanaka’s five islands, Mou Waho. Mou Waho Island is the most remote and in our opinion, the most beautiful of the five. With its steep rocky coastline, small secluded beaches, diverse birdlife and a hidden lake (Arethusa pool) which sits atop the island. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on the two hour island walk and share insights on the geology, history, flora and fauna and local culture of the region.
Day 14
Driving Time: 260km, 3 hours driving
Stay: Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Wānaka to Te Anau
This morning 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. This afternoon you will drive a further 2 hours to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Day 15
Driving Time: 240km, 4 hours driving
Stay: Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Your Day: Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) Day Trip
Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route you will see spectacular valleys, breath taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky Kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot). This morning you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1 hour 45 minute cruise, featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea (included activity). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. On your trip back to Te Anau there is the opportunity to take some short walks in the Fiordland National Park.
Day 16
Driving Time: 175km, 2 hours driving
Stay: Sherwood Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Te Anau to Queenstown
This morning in Te Anau you will take a tour by boat across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to view the shimmering light of thousands of luminous glow-worms in a 12,000 year old grotto (included). Following this, you will head to Queenstown, ‘New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world’. Skirting your way around Lake Wakatipu makes for some stunning photography and you will be amazed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, one of the most famous back drops for Lord of the Rings. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish in Queenstown, and there is plenty to see and do! Perhaps enjoy a walk around the botanic gardens on the lake, enjoy a drop of Central Otago pinot noir at a nearby winery, or sample some fresh local cuisine on offer on the lakefront.
Day 17
Stay: Sherwood 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 18
Stay: Sherwood Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown - Dart River Funyak
Today you will drive out to the head of Lake Wakatipu and experience the breath-taking scenery of the Glenorchy area. Surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, ancient beech forests and at the edge of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, the frontier town of Glenorchy has provided the backdrop for many films, including The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Enjoy a funyaks experience which combines the thrill of a wilderness jet boat ride, and allows you to get even closer to the untouched wilderness with an unforgettable float downstream on an inflatable canoe (Funyaks!). Explore the dramatic landscape of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Area – an untouched natural wonderland - with its pristine waters, hidden side streams and the ancient Rockburn chasm.
Day 19
Driving Time: 263 km, 3 hours 15 minutes driving
Stay: Aoraki Court Mt Cook
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Queenstown to Aoraki/Mount Cook
You leave Central Otago today through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell where you can make a stop en route at a local fruit shop to try real fruit ice cream and perhaps sample New Zealand famous manuka honey products. From there, cross the Lindis Pass to the Mackenzie Country and travel alongside the stunning turquoise Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Spend the afternoon in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, nestled in the Southern Alps. Here you can enjoy several nature walks in the national park such as the famous Hooker Valley track. Another option in summer months is boat ride on Tasman Lake around icebergs to the terminal face of the glacier!
Day 20
Driving Time: 105km, 1 hour 10 minutes driving
Stay: Lake Tekapo Village Motel
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Aoraki/Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo (glacier explorers and stargazing)
Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier. The towering ice wall is really quite incredible, with an astonishing history.
On this tour you will explore and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the terminal lake. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake, making every day different to the next. This is a unique opportunity to truly feel small as the lateral moraines rear up almost 200m, reminding us of the scale and greatness that the glacier has reached in previous times.
With the effects of global warming and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, their retreat is imminent. Now approximately 23/23.5km long and 600m deep (at its deepest point), the Tasman Glacier is melting and calving at an exponentially increasing rate. In recent years the Tasman Glacier has changed from a 'melting only' to a 'calving and melting' terminus, resulting in a terminal lake that is rapidly increasing in size.
Today you will skirt around beautiful lakes Pukaki and Tekapo and discover one of The Road Trip’s favourite look out spots with 360-degree views of the lake and mountains; Mt. John. Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Tekapo and making the most of the beautiful turquoise waters. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and perhaps take one of the many walks in the area. This evening you will make the most of the clear skies above the lake, taking a stargazing tour at Mt John Observatory (included activity).
Day 21
Driving Time: 243 km, 3 hours driving
Meals: Breakfast Included
Rental Car Return
Your Day: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch + Departure
This morning you will drive through to Christchurch where you will transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust you’ve had a memorable tour with us and wish you safe travels to your next destination.
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.