On the other side of the world, opposite Europe, New Zealand’s North and South Island extend over a length of 1600 kilometres. Endless beaches, fiords, fern forests and geysers, the magnificent mountain world of the Southern Alps, as well as endless pastures, open up a multitude of unique opportunities for nature lovers. Hardly any other part of our world offers so many different landscapes in a relatively small area. The spectacular landscapes and the species-rich flora and fauna are the focus of this journey.
The natural beauty of our National Parks is one of the most impressive experiences of this tour. A boat trip in Milford Sound will certainly remain unforgettable. Covering the best features of both islands you will travel in comfort and by your own paste. Your accommodation is waiting for you. And it’s the perfect Honeymoon in New Zealand as well!
This tour package can be customized to suit your requirements precisely. All our self drive tours can also be booked with a chauffeur/tour guide as a private tour option! Please let us know your special requests.
Please take a look at our other New Zealand self-drive tours and if you can’t find the right tour- no problem! We are happy to advise you individually to offer you the perfect New Zealand holiday. Get in touch with us! Behind this website are sitting real people who want to share their enthusiasm and expertise for this country. Enjoy New Zealand and your holidays, we take care of the rest.
Private Tour Guide/Chauffeur and Activities:
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The following summary lists driving information for each major driving day of your itinerary. Times and distances are based on ideal conditions without stops. Plan to take longer to allow time to explore and enjoy some stops. While in New Zealand we offer 24 hour support – details on how to contact us at any time will be well documented.
Auckland with its suburbs has over 1 million inhabitants. It is the largest city in the country and spreads generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Over 60 extinct volcanic cones and craters characterize the landscape, while an endless procession of sails in the harbor is typical of the relaxed way of life here. Auckland was the state capital until 1865 and is today the economic center of New Zealand.
Welcome to New Zealand!
Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your first accommodation. On the way, you will get to know the “City of Sails”, as Auckland is also called. Afterwards, you can either walk along the harbour or stroll through the shopping centres in the city centre. A visit to the War Memorial Museum or the Sky City Tower is also recommended.
We recommend dinner at the Brazilian Wildfire Restaurant. This restaurant, located on the harbour, offers you a special culinary experience. If you prefer a dinner with spectacular panoramic views of New Zealand’s largest city, we recommend a visit to the rotating Orbit Restaurant in the Sky Tower (all activities optional).
Paihia is a tourist town in the Northland Region of New Zealand’s North Island. This popular hub is home to some great sights and attractions, as well as being an excellent gateway to the beaches and dive-sites of the area known as the Bay of Islands. Begin at the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the site of the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, before heading out of town to visit the spectacular Haruru Falls or the towering Waipoua Kauri Forest. Finally, cruises depart the Paihia Wharf multiple times per day, giving visitors the chance to explore the Bay of Islands’ many attractions, including swimming with dolphins, sea kayaking, relaxing on beautiful beaches (such as Taiputuputu Pahi Beach) and visiting geological marvels such as Hole in the Rock.
You leave the big city of Auckland and drive over the harbour bridge along the hibiscus coast to Matakohe and can visit the popular Kauri and Pioneer Museum (optional). In the afternoon you reach the Waipoua Kauri Forest, where the gigantic kauri trees can be found alongside the typical tree ferns. These are not only among the mightiest conifers on earth, but also among the oldest in natural history. After a tour of the forest, you continue via Opononi to the natural harbour of Hokianga. The strong westerly wind regularly leaves behind large masses of sand, which pile up into imposing dunes at the entrance to Hokianga Harbour. Your journey continues to Paihia in the Bay of Islands
Design today according to your wishes. You can take a trip along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, the tip of the North Island. Or you can take a boat trip through the islands of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand’s subtropical paradise. An interesting historical excursion is a visit to the Treaty House in Waitangi, where the peace treaty between the Maoris and the English was signed in 1840 and still has great significance in the coexistence of both cultures today. We recommend the Dolphin Eco Experience. This tour gives you the opportunity to swim and snorkel with dolphins in their natural environment. If you are lucky, you will encounter bottlenose dolphins, as well as other dolphin species, baleen whales, killer whales, seals, fish and penguins. You will also travel to some remote islands and gain an insight into this historically important region of New Zealand (all activities optional).
The city of Rotorua has been a spa town since the 1800s, thanks to the many geysers, hot springs and mud pools that can be found in what is one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. The Maori, who considered the region sacred, make up 35% of the population and a popular attraction is discovering their rich culture and traditions. Rotorua is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests and other natural features that afford visitors the opportunity to try out a number of outdoor activities between relaxing sessions in the hot springs and pools.
After breakfast, say goodbye to your warm hosts. On your way to Whakatane, we recommend a stopover in Matamata (optional). During a 2-hour guided tour, you will discover the real Middle Earth here and visit the film set of the “Lord of the Rings” and the “Hobbit” trilogies, which might be better known to you as the “Shire”. During your tour you will see the Hobbit Caves, The Green Dragon Inn and many other highlights.
The journey continues via the “avocado town” of Katikati and the harbour town of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, the main kiwi growing area. Finally, you will reach your destination for the day, Whakatane, where you will see White Island, an extremely active volcano rising out of the sea under a constant cloud of smoke. The town, shaped by Maori history, lies directly on the sea with its beautiful harbour.
Today is at your leisure. Your guide will be happy to help you with activities.
Rotorua is not only the centre of Maori culture, but also famous for its geothermal activity. Geysers, steaming lakes and rivers, bubbling mudholes and multi-coloured hot mineral springs known for their healing properties can be admired here.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, known for boiling mud pools, white sinter terraces, geysers and bubbling lakes. With its “Painter’s Palette, Devil’s Inkwell and Champagne Pool”, it is the most colourful of the thermal areas. The main attraction is the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts up to 20 metres high every morning (10:15 am). Such a geyser is formed where superheated deep water enters a groundwater reservoir, heats it up and partially causes it to boil. As a result, steam suddenly shoots upwards in metre-high water fountains.
In the evening we recommend a visit to a Maori village with participation in a marae (traditional Maori gathering place). Here you will be welcomed with a traditional challenge at the gate of the marae and then experience the rituals of the Maori. After the concert at the meeting house you are invited to “Hangi”, an earth oven meal. The meal is cooked in an earth cave on glowing stones.
The small rural town Ohakune is blessed with magnificent scenery, as well as some of New Zealand’s best skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of nearby Mount Ruapehu. Sporty travellers will be in their element here, with kayaking, hiking and cycling also high on the list of local activities. Ohakune is the kick-off point for trips to Tongariro National Park, the country’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO Wold Heritage Site, known for its stunning glacial lakes with aquamarine waters, rugged volcanic peaks blanketed with snow, and rich Maori culture. The town also has plenty of great wining, dining, shopping and entertainment options.
Today you will drive to Ohakune. On the way, a stop at the foaming Huka Waterfalls or the Craters of the Moon Geothermal Park is worthwhile.
You will then drive along Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park. This is defined by three sister volcanoes, Ruapehu (2797 m), Tongariro (1967 m) and Ngauruhoe (2291 m), and a landscape of black ash, brown dusty desert and mountain streams lined with native beech trees. Many Maori sagas and legends surround the three mountains. In 1991, the national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and two years later also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several scenes from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy were shot in Tongariro National Park. Mount Ngauruhoe is featured as Mount Doom in the film. You will spend the night here with a view of the volcanoes in Ohakune, at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.
Today you will drive to Ohakune. On the way, a stop at the foaming Huka Waterfalls or the Craters of the Moon Geothermal Park is worthwhile.
You will then drive along Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park. This is defined by three sister volcanoes, Ruapehu (2797 m), Tongariro (1967 m) and Ngauruhoe (2291 m), and a landscape of black ash, brown dusty desert and mountain streams lined with native beech trees. Many Maori sagas and legends surround the three mountains. In 1991, the national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and two years later also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several scenes from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy were shot in Tongariro National Park. Mount Ngauruhoe is featured as Mount Doom in the film. You will spend the night here with a view of the volcanoes in Ohakune, at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.
Located on the south-western tip of North Island on the Cook Strait, Wellington is the constitutional and cultural capital of New Zealand – dubbed ‘the coolest little capital in the world’. With its diverse architecture, world-class museums, cultural attractions and award-winning restaurants, Wellington is a popular destination for both local and international travellers. Due to its location in the ‘Roaring Forties’ the city experiences its fair share of wind and as a result, sailing is a popular activity here – with charters offering the visitors the experience of a relaxed cruise with beautiful views of the city and the surrounding bays.
The three partly still active volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park form the backdrop of your drive along the Desert Road. The drive through barren steppe country, surrounded by peaks up to 2700 m, brings you to the green, fertile farm areas of Rangitikei and Manawatu. The journey continues along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
Your tour guide has a free day today.
Here you can visit the Parliament, stroll along the promenade or explore the National Museum “Te Papa” (entrance free). The funicular takes you to the Observatory, Botanical Gardens and viewpoint over the harbour, while you can enjoy a magnificent view of New Zealand’s capital from the lookout mountain Mt. Victoria. In the evening we recommend a visit to Zealandia. With a local guide, you will take a short hike through the park and see various animals, which only become active in the evening hours. With a bit of luck, you may even see the kiwi bird, an endangered flightless bird and also the national symbol of New Zealand (all activities optional).
Rising from the cerulean waters of Pacific Ocean, the Marlborough Sounds are a sinuous network of partially submerged valleys, islands and winding waterways that lie on the northern end of South Island, New Zealand. The Sounds are comprised of the Queen Charlotte Sound, the Kenepuru Sound and the Pelorus Sound and boast pristine forest, stunning beaches, bays, coves and inlets that beckon to travellers. This collection offers endless opportunities for boating, fishing, diving, hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy the array of cafes, restaurants, galleries and speciality shops in the charming port town of Picton. The iconic Queen Charlotte Track is a 70-kilometre trail that stretches between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound and provides jaw-dropping coastal views, lush landscape, and historical landmarks.
In the morning, board the Interislander ferry that takes you to Picton on the South Island. You will sail across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds, an area of “drowned” valleys formed by the geological subsidence of a low mountain range. Steep ridges, which today protrude as narrow peninsulas between deep inlets, still bear witness to the original mountains.
From Picton you will be transferred by boat (unaccompanied by your tour guide) to your idyllic accommodation in the Marlborough Sounds. Situated directly on the water, you will discover a world without roads and everyday noise, which guarantees pure relaxation. In this unique atmosphere you will enjoy a delicious dinner at the end of the day.
On the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the seaside settlement of Kaikoura is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains. This little hamlet has become a popular tourist destination, primarily due to its famous wildlife watching opportunities. Few places can boast such a wide range of accessible wildlife. With whales, dolphins, fur seals, penguins and albatrosses frequently spotted, this area is truly a nature lovers dream. Visitors can join the Art Trail to witness the skilled local artisans at work in their own studios and galleries or visit the town’s first home which was built in 1842, remains remarkably well-preserved and, interestingly, was built using whale bone as its foundation. So, if you are looking for a bit of history, a touch of crafty culture and a whole heap of outdoor adventure, Kaikoura won’t fail to impress.
A boat transfer will take you back to Picton, where your tour guide will be waiting for you. You will then continue south along the east coast. You will first reach Blenheim in the Marlborough Plain. Viticulture in this region began in the 1970s when Montana Wines was looking for new land. The composition of the soil, high sunshine duration, a long autumn and cold winter are excellent conditions for a first-class wine, especially Sauvignon Blanc.
Your journey then continues along the wild and romantic coast to Kaikoura. Sperm whales regularly occur here, attracted by the abundant food supply of the warm ocean currents. You can also observe fur seals lying on the rocks along the highway here, and with a bit of luck, even dolphins acrobatically jump out of the water.
Hokitika or “Hoki” as locals have affectionately named this little town, is idyllically located on a stunning, driftwood-strewn beach on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Presided over by the towering Mount Cook and the Southern Alps this idyllic little town functions primarily as a gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park, however, the town itself offers plenty to keep you blissfully engaged. Hokitika is well-known for its excellent local crafts and has developed a prolific artistic community with an array of open studios and galleries displaying skilful artisans in the process of, among other things, weaving, greenstone carving or blowing glass. It’s a place of simple pleasures: scout the craft galleries, enjoy the fabulously fresh local seafood, or simply have a relaxing picnic on the banks of the picturesque Lake Kaniere surrounded exquisite snow-capped mountains. Hokitika is a great place to get away from the bustle of the city to engage in some wonderfully relaxing self-indulgence.
In the morning you have the opportunity to join a whale watching tour (optional). The journey continues into the hinterland, along little-used forest roads and over the alpine Lewis Pass and dense southern beech forests to the west coast. On your way, you will pass through the harbour town of Greymouth and a landscape characterised by grazing and forestry, as well as historic gold mining areas.
You will then reach your destination for the day, Hokitika, situated at the mouth of the river of the same name. The town is primarily the centre for processing greenstone, the very hard, New Zealand jade, which is turned into beautiful pieces of jewellery here.
The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, but numbers swell during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country, and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23km further south, are the main attractions. The town offers myriad options for cosy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer – combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevisses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.
Your journey continues to Ross, a forgotten old gold mining village. Ross is said to stand on 700 million dollars in gold. All the more reason that this area is once again attracting numerous adventurers. You then continue into the glacier region of the Southern Alps, whose highest peaks rise abruptly to an altitude of 3500m south of Hokitika. As a natural weather barrier, the high mountain ridge is responsible for one of the most extreme precipitation regimes. Above the snowline, large masses of ice accumulate, forming fast-flowing valley glaciers. The Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier – unique in temperate latitudes – push down to a height of 300 m above sea level.
Wanaka is a town located on the southern bank of Lake Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand. This resort is known for being a prime access-point to the unique Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park – featuring rich birdlife, enormous mountains and many astounding glaciers – and which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area of Te Wahipounamu. However, besides being near the famous park, Wanaka also offers an abundance of outdoor activities. When it’s warm, enjoy water sports like kayaking and canoeing on Lake Wanaka, as well as hiking, rock climbing and 4×4 routes; while, in winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding on the white peaks of Snow Farm, Treble Cone or Cardonia (all within a 40-minute drive from Wanaka), and extreme sports enthusiasts even have the opportunity to heli-ski.
This morning you will have the opportunity to see the Franz Josef Glacier up close. Take a helicopter flight followed by a hike on the glacier. Or take a hike through the Glacier Valley.
Today you can take a morning hike to Lake Matheson near the village of Fox. This lake is also known as “Mirror Lake”, because in good weather New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook, is reflected in the water.
The journey continues through the Westland National Park, which has been declared a “Natural Heritage of Humanity”. Over the Haast Pass, climate and watershed of the Southern Alps, past the high mountains of the Aspiring National Park and the deep glacial lakes Hawea and Wanaka, you reach the fantastically situated holiday resort of Wanaka.
The area is dominated by Mt Aspiring (often referred to as New Zealand’s Matterhorn) and its fascinating glacier-carved wilderness. Surrounded by unwooded, grass-covered mountains, it is a holiday destination for New Zealanders. This area is a hiker’s paradise with trails of varying length and difficulty.
Te Anau is situated in the southern region of New Zealand’s South Island, on the eastern bank of Lake Te Anau (the largest lake on South Island). The town is the perfect gateway to the unique and awe-inspiring geographical attractions of Milford Sound (boasting rich marine life and spectacular views), and the Fiordland National Park (offering the excellent Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford hiking and biking trails among astonishing landscapes). However, beautiful Te Anau has plenty to offer in its own right. Active travellers can enjoy water sports on the lake, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and trout fishing, while gentle boat cruises provide a more leisurely option. Make sure to visit the incredible Te Anau Caves to see other-worldly displays of glowworms and an impressive underground waterfall, and visit the beautiful native birds at the Punanga Manu o Te Anau aviary.
Today your tour guide will take you to Te Anau. Fiordland – New Zealand’s largest and also most undeveloped national park. Hardly any landscape embodies the term wilderness better than Fiordland. In the west, 14 fjords penetrate deep into the primeval forests of a rugged alpine world like overlong ocean tongues. Not far away, snow-capped mountain peaks rise above alpine grass mats to 2700 metres. You drive to Te Anau, the gateway to this World Heritage Site, and spend the night there.
Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and has stunning views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s adventure capitals, it offers visitors a wide selection of adrenaline-boosting activities to choose from, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, zip lining, skiing and skydiving. Queenstown also has a lively bar and restaurant scene, and for those who prefer the quieter things in life there are vineyards, golf courses, spas and wellness centres.
Today you will take an excursion to the famous Milford Sound. Milford Sound is the most developed of the fjords and has been called the eighth wonder of the world.
You first drive along the spectacular Milford Road. At the Homer Tunnel you often see the cheeky keas, the only mountain parrots in the world. Once in Milford, you board an excursion boat that takes you on a cruise along Milford Sound. The ship follows the course of the fjord and glides out to the Tasman Sea. Enjoy the wild and romantic scenery, which is dominated by almost vertical mountain walls.
Alternatively, a trip on the less developed Doubtful Sound is also possible.
Afterwards you leave Te Anau and cross the wide plains of Southland, known for deer farming. You will pass vast pastures full of sheep and cattle feed crops, but also native rare tussock grass. Along Lake Wakatipu, the journey continues to Queenstown, often referred to as the “St Moritz of the South Seas”. Due to its beautiful mountain location on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, the small holiday resort of Queenstown has developed into the popular tourist centre of the South Island. The elongated lake stretches between steeply rising mountain ranges.
Your tour guide has another free day today.
There is much to experience and discover in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure city. Today is at your leisure.
Take a trip on the steamship “TSS Earnslaw” and cross Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Here you can also get a barbecued lunch on request and join a farm tour. Alternatively, explore Queenstown’s wild hinterland by jeep, with an experienced off-road driver. Learn about the gold rush past as you drive over hill and dale through the rough terrain of Skippers Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of New Zealand”. Lord of the Rings tours to the filming locations are also available. Other recommended activities: Skyline Gondola, Shotover Jet and Dart River Safari (all activities optional).
Tekapo – commonly known as Lake Tekapo – is a small town located near the geographical centre of New Zealand’s South Island. As its name suggests, the town is primarily known as a lakeside resort village, offering some excellent outdoor activities in remote and tranquil surroundings. In addition to numerous hiking trails, mountain bike paths, horse trekking and a full array of water sports (including salmon fishing), Lake Tekapo is most famous for its stargazing opportunities. Head to the Mount John Observatory, where you will learn about the unique geography of its region and its cloud-free skies, which are supported by local light pollution laws, as the area seeks to secure World Heritage status for starlight preservation. Lake Tekapo also boasts the photogenic Church of the Good Shepherd and plenty of dining and lodging options.
Today you drive north along the east coast. In the small settlement of Moeraki, stop to see the mysterious ‘Moeraki Boulders’ – round rock formations scattered along the beach that fascinate visitors. The journey then continues north through the limestone town of Oamaru into the province of South Canterbury. This region is one of the most intensively farmed areas in New Zealand. As you approach the Southern Alps, you will experience an impressive change in vegetation. The shores of turquoise Lake Pukaki are an ideal vantage point for viewing Mt Cook with its 3754m peak, New Zealand’s highest mountain. At nearby Lake Tekapo you can visit the secluded ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’.
Despite the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch was placed second on The New York Times’ list of 52 ‘Places to Go’ in 2014. This speaks volumes of the spirit of this city and its people, whose collective creativity has seen a number of restorative art projects developed on the empty lots and buildings the disasters left behind. The city also offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot-air ballooning and whale and dolphin watching. Or stroll around the Botanic Gardens.
Today you will leave the three-thousand metre peaks of the Southern Alps and experience another spectacular change of vegetation. You will first reach highland farms, which differ from lowland farms in their livestock operations. The drive then continues through the Canterbury, the fertile heart of the South Island, where vast expanses of farmland stretch out like a patchwork quilt. The final destination is Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island.
Here you can take a walk through the beautiful botanical gardens and visit the Art Gallery. In the evening we recommend the “Tram Dinner”. Here you dine in style in the restored historic tram, in an air-conditioned carriage while you get to know the city on a sightseeing tour (all activities optional).
Your New Zealand tour ends today. Your tour guide will drive you to the airport. We hope you have enjoyed your trip and wish you a safe onward or homeward flight.
Please take a look at our other New Zealand self-drive tours and if you can’t find the right tour- no problem! We are happy to advise you individually to offer you the perfect New Zealand holiday. That’s why we are winner of the “Bespoke Tour Operator of the year” LTG-Award – New Zealand 2018, 2019″.
Get in touch with us! Behind this website are real people who want to share their enthusiasm and expertise for this country. You enjoy New Zealand and your round trip, we take care of the rest.
Get in touch for your unforgettable New Zealand holiday. That’s what we are here for. Behind this website are real people who are at your disposal with expertise and passion for this extraordinary place in the world. We know where to go as we live here – and we are looking forward to sharing our hidden gems with you.
