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.
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.
Itinerary Christchurch-Auckland NZD 3,695.00 p.P.
Please look at our selection of New Zealand self-drive tours and if you can’t find the right tour – no problem! We are happy to offer you the perfect and customized New Zealand tour. Get in touch with us! Behind this website are real people who want to share their enthusiasm and expertise for this country. Enjoy New Zealand, we take care of the rest.
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Accommodations and meals | Activity packages include all entries, tours and activities marked in the itinerary, detailed driving information, road maps, route book and more.
Numerous additional options and personalized tips available | Tour pricing options (upgrade/downgrade) available in Standard, Superior, and Luxury categories (3-5 star hotels/motels, boutique lodges, car rental category, tour extension, etc.) | Personal "Meet & Greet" service available | Transfers from airport, city hotel, cruise terminal, etc.)
Rental car insurance: All-inclusive or with variable excess | All Airport/ferry fees included | Unlimited mileage | Additional drivers
All prices in New Zealand Dollar (NZD) include 15% GST (Goods and Services Tax) and all taxes applicable in New Zealand. Ideal for you: We offer our tours in NZD$ (New Zealand Dollars). Payment in USD or EUR is possible, with currency conversion at the exchange rate on the day of invoicing. This is often advantageous for our valued guests during the booking period.
Details on how you can reach us at any time during your New Zealand holiday can be found in the travel documentation.
The following summary lists driving information for each major driving day of your itinerary.
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.
After your arrival, you will pick up your rental car at the airport. During the drive to your first accommodation you will get acquainted with the “City of Sails”, as Auckland is often called. Auckland offers a lot of sights and scenic highlights. The 328 meter high “Skytower” is Auckland’s landmark. A visit is recommended during the day, but also especially at sunset with its magnificent views.
Mount Eden, an extinct volcano, is also worth a visit. From there you have a great view of Auckland. Auckland was built exactly on 60 volcanic hills. In the “War Museum” you will learn a lot about the history and culture of the Polynesians. You have numerous opportunities for walks along the harbor or through the shopping centers. In the elegant suburb “Parnell” you can have a coffee while strolling through the shopping mall. This suburb is Victorian in character.
Set on the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula’s Mercury Bay, alluring Whitianga is a charming seaside destination best known for Buffalo Beach, a five-kilometer-long stretch of white sand perfect for swimming, fishing, and collecting seashells. There are plenty of other activities on offer, including hiking(through the grand Coromandel Ranges), or kayaking or snorkelling (among bright schools of fish in the secluded Cathedral Cove, where a cathedral-like tunnel separates two tranquil, pristine beaches lapped by calm, turquoise waters). Those seeking an unusual and relaxing experience can dig themselves a private spa bath on Hot Water Beach. Travellers visiting in September can look forward to the Whitianga Scallop Festival, a fun-filled weekend tradition with an emphasis on seafood cuisine and cooking demos.
Today you leave Auckland and in good weather you can see a long mountain silhouette. This mountain range forms the narrow spine of the 80km long Coromandel Peninsula, which juts north like a tongue.
Known for its pristine beaches, misty forests and relaxed atmosphere, the Coromandel Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s most popular vacation destinations. Seen through binoculars across the Gulf of Auckland, Coromandel is everything a big city is not. With its mountainous hinterland covered in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometers of dazzling white sand beaches, it’s rustic, unspoiled and relaxed.
Activities and attractions abound, from fishing and diving to hiking and biking. You might opt for a skydive in Whitianga or a guided kayak tour along the coast.
Today you can get to know the Coromandel Peninsula with all its contrasts between white beaches, lush green cultivated land, as well as mild mountain ranges, which are still overgrown with thousands of years old primeval forest.
From Hahei you can take an impressive hike to the famous “Cathedral Cove”. It is a one hour hike mostly along the coast with spectacular views before you reach a white beach where you can walk through a cathedral-like cave.
At the world famous “Hot Water Beach” you can take your own hot bath just a few meters from the Pacific Ocean. Great surfing, cafes and art galleries make this a true Kiwi experience.
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.
In the morning you will drive to the Bay of Plenty to Rotorua.
The city is known as an art and cultural center of the Maori, but is also considered the steaming thermal region of New Zealand. Rototua was built around numerous hot mineral springs and is the tourist center of the North Island.
A short walk through the public thermal park “Kuirau Park” gives you a first insight of Rotorua with mud pools and a small crater lake.
After the long drive it is recommended to relax in the “Polynesian Spa”. The spa is directly on the lake and has different pools with different temperatures (private pools can also be rented). They are fed from special healing springs. It is especially nice to visit on a clear evening.
Today we recommend to see some of Rotorua’s main attractions.
Colorful sinter terraces, geyser eruptions, bubbling mudholes and stinking fumes from sulfur fumaroles can be seen at Te Puia. TePuia has a brand new Kiwi Conservation Centre. Traditional Māori carving and weaving is performed before your eyes, including wood, stone and bone carving and flax weaving.
Kaituna white water rafting is an attraction for the adventurous. Your raft will take you through native forests, steep gorges and many swirling rapids. You will paddle and roll through spectacular scenery in the Kahikitea Forest.
Overnight stay with breakfast
National Park, situated in the North Island Central Plateau of New Zealand, is a small wilderness town sandwiched between the historic Tongariro National Park to the east and the spectacular Whanganui National Park to the west. This charming town is the perfect base for adventure seekers and nature lovers, flaunting lush green vegetation and sprawling views over the mountain trio of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu; while being the gateway to the wonderful hiking and biking opportunities of the Tongariro National Park and canoeing trips down the mighty Whanganui River in the Whanganui National Park. In wintertime, this magical destination’s snow-capped mountainous surroundings offer some of the best snow skiing and snow boarding around.
In the morning you will drive towards Taupo. A photo stop is possible at the Huka Falls. These waterfalls are located in a narrow gorge through the Waikato River.
Continue to Tongariro National Park, which is becoming one of the most popular parks due to its ever-changing, sometimes moon-like landscape and spectacular views. You will look at Mt. Tongariro (1968 m), its sister volcanoes Mt. Ngauruhoe (2291 m) and Mt. Ruapehu (2797 m).
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.
You will continue south and experience an interesting change of vegetation. The drive through barren steppe land surrounded by peaks up to 2800 m brings you to the green, fertile farm areas Rangitikei and Manawatu. Then, passing the self-proclaimed “gumboot capital” Taihape”, you will head towards the capital city of Wellington.
Wellington is exposed to the wild weather of the Cook Strait and is therefore also called the “Windy City”. Take a warm jacket with you. If you only have time for one thing, visit the National Museum of New Zealand “Te Papa”, which is located right at the harbor. You will get a deeper insight into Pacific culture and the history of how New Zealand came to be. Wellington has numerous nice cafes with pretty much the best coffee in the country.
The Lookout from the local mountain “Mount Victoria” gives you an unforgettable view over the city to the harbor Port Nicholson. Another highlight is the “Cable Car”, a small train that goes up to the Botanical Garden. From there you can take a leisurely walk back to your hotel.
Over 170 years old, Nelson is New Zealand’s oldest city and has recently made a name for itself as a thriving cultural centre. The city is home to a large number of artists and creatives who are celebrated during an array of popular events. With more than 2500 hours of sunshine, Nelson is also considered the country’s sunniest city, and is a perfect setting in which to enjoy an array of adventure and leisure activities – biking, horse trekking, rock climbing, wine-tasting at local estates, or simply taking in the superb views of the Tasman Bay.
In the morning, board the Interislander ferry bound for 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 still bear witness to the original mountains, which today protrude as narrow peninsulas between deep inlets. Continue along Queen Charlotte Drive towards Nelson, the city with the most hours of sunshine in the country.
In the morning, board the Interislander ferry bound for 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 still bear witness to the original mountains, which today protrude as narrow peninsulas between deep inlets. Continue along Queen Charlotte Drive towards Nelson, the city with the most hours of sunshine in the country.
The tiny township of Punakaiki on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is primarily used by visitors as a base for exploring the nearby Paparoa National Park. The park is best known for its dramatic blowholes and the distinctive Pancake Rocks. These picturesque limestone formations look curiously like stony stacks of pancakes which funnel blasts of water up to 15 m into the air as the waves crash into the caverns below the rocks. Visitors can explore the sub-tropical rainforests, horse ride along the spectacular coastline, paddle a canoe down the tranquil Pororari River, or climb the remarkable limestone formations for which this area is known. The town itself offers some delightful cafes and restaurants and is home to a small community of quirky local craftspeople including jewellers, carvers, painters and potters. This little town is the perfect place to take some time out between excursions into one of the West Coast’s most beautiful and untouched wilderness areas.
You will continue through beautiful areas towards the west coast, crossing the spectacular Buller Gorge before reaching Westport. At Cape Foulwind you can hike to a colony of New Zealand fur seals and also to the lighthouse. You will leave Westport behind and drive along the picturesque Paparoa National Park. A short walk will take you to the “Pancake Rocks.” The rocks look like pancakes: soft layers were washed out by the gnawing Tasman Sea. At high tide, the churning sea here offers a spectacular spectacle.
The South Island’s West Coast is a unique 600 km coast with the wild mountain world of the Southern Alps. This low populated region has sixteen different glaciers, many peaceful lakes and untamed rivers. The “Coasters” are proud of living in good harmony with the wild and original nature at their doorsteps. The lifestyle of the pioneer era is still omnipresent here – more than anywhere else in New Zealand. The West Coast rains have created an almost fairy-tale rain forest. Moss clad trees and fern trees are typical. We make a stop at Hokitika for the famous Jade manufactory.
Next we continue our tour to Franz Josef, reaching the Southern Alps.
There are not many areas in the world where one can watch seals and penguins at the beach, wander through the dense rain forest and walk on the eternal ice of the glaciers – all in one day. The Westland National Park offers these contrasts. The ice streams of the Franz Josef and the Fox glaciers start at approximately 3000 meters altitude and reach into the rain forests on a level of 300 meters. This makes both glaciers unique in the world.
Along the West Coast you will continue through historic gold mining areas to the glaciers. The west coast is also known for its jade or greenstone deposits. In Hokitika this precious rock is processed into beautiful jewelry.
In Franz Josef you reach the Southern Alps and now have the mountain range directly in front of you. As a natural weather barrier, the high mountain ridge is responsible for one of the most extreme rainfall regimes. These once huge glacier tongues have pushed down in their valleys to just 250 meters above sea level, but for some time now they have been retreating at a rapid rate.
If you have never seen a glacier before, you will be especially thrilled by a helicopter sightseeing flight or a glacier tour.
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.
Truly spectacular are not only the wild beaches and glaciers of the west coast, but also the hikes in the rainforest. Continuing your journey through evergreen rainforest, you will reach Lake Moeraki. Over the Haast Pass, climate and watershed of the Southern Alps, past the high mountains of the Aspiring National Park, you will reach Queenstown, the ‘adrenaline capital of the world’, where bungy jumping was invented!
Queenstown is located in a beautiful setting, with gorgeous lake and mountain views, The best view is from Bob’s Peak.
Besides jet boating and bungy jumping, you can also go rafting, rappelling, skydiving, ziplining, paragliding, delta flying, motocrossing, canyoneering, heli-skiing, off-roading, tobogganing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, take a cruise, zipriding, indoor climbing, golfing, quad biking, mountain biking, feed the ducks or take a wine tour.
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.
Short drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Today you will have the opportunity to take a cruise on Milford Sound. You will drive into Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest and also most undeveloped national park. To the west, 14 fjords penetrate deep into the primeval forests of a rugged alpine world like overlong ocean tongues. Not far, snow-capped mountain peaks rise above alpine grass mats to 2700m. You drive along the spectacular Milford Road. At Homner Tunnel you often see the cheeky Keas, the only mountain parrots in the world. At noon you depart for the Milford Sound cruise, gliding out almost to the Tasman Sea.
‘Te Anau Wildlife Centre’ is another recommended attraction where you have a good chance of seeing takahe, kea and kaka. A bit more touristy is the popular cruise to the ‘Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Twizel is set in the highlands of the Mackenzie district, amidst a magnificent setting of turquoise glacial lakes, sienna plains, and rugged snow-capped mountains. Thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element here, with the region’s natural assets lending themselves to a wide array of adventure activities including trekking, mountain biking, and helicopter rides, to horse riding, canoeing, fly fishing, and SUPping. The town offers a fantastic ongoing market and enticing shops, cafes, and restaurants. Twizel is also the gateway to excursions through the popular Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, known for its spectacular scenery and multitude of hiking trails, and the wider UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, renowned for the beauty of its star-studded skies. Make sure to play a game of mini-golf at the Twizel-themed miniature golf course, which features holes named after local farms.
Continue inland through the McKenzie Country. Sparse rainfall makes this highland appear as a barren steppe landscape. Wide “tussock” meadows, which cover the hills like a carpet, transform the landscape into a strange looking inner alpine basin landscape. At Lake Pukaki you will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent glaciers of Mt. Cook. The Maori call the with 3754m highest mountain of New Zealand “Aorangi”, the “cloud piercer”.
You can fish for salmon and trout in the local rivers, canals and lakes. If you are not lucky, visit the salmon farm and buy a fish – fresh or smoked.
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.
The drive continues through the vast farmlands of the Canterbury Plain to Christchurch. The city is the largest metropolitan area in the South Island and was once one of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand until the city center was destroyed in an earthquake in the spring of 2011.
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and is often referred to as the “most English city outside of England.” It is also known as the “Garden City” because of its many beautiful parks and private gardens. In the evening we recommend dinner at the “Tramway Restaurant”, where you will take a round trip on the streetcar.
Drive to Christchurch airport and drop off your rental car. You will fly towards your next destination. Have a good onward journey.
Please look at our selection of New Zealand self-drive tours and if you can’t find the right tour – no problem! We are happy to offer you the perfect and customized New Zealand tour. Get in touch with us! Behind this website are real people who want to share their enthusiasm and expertise for this country. Enjoy New Zealand, 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.
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