Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive Adventure - 16 Days

Highlights

• Feel the geothermal power of Rotorua, and stay at a lodge for total relaxation
• Go stargazing and hiking by ski plane in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
• Join a luxury overnight cruise on Milford Sound / Piopiotahi 
• Use your free time to go wine tasting, kayaking, hiking, and biking
• Explore cool cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, Explore

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand's North Island! Begin your adventure in Auckland, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Relax before heading out to explore the country's largest city. With two bustling harbors and more than 500,000 sailboats and yachts, it's easy to see why Auckland is nicknamed the "City of Sails."

This afternoon is yours to explore Auckland on your own. This playground for city lovers and adventure-seekers has something for every type of traveler. For supreme views of the city, scale the 1,075-foot (328 m) Sky Tower with its dizzying observation deck, or make your way to Mount Eden, one of its 48 volcanic cones. Shake off that jet lag by bungee jumping off the Sky Tower, or take a gentle stroll around Waitemata Harbour.

Day 2: Waiheke Island Zip, Wine & Dine Experience

Today, board a ferry from downtown Auckland and enjoy a 40-minute cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, New Zealand's famous wine island. Today's adventure includes ziplining, wining, and dining. Start with the thrills as you strap into a harness and ride three giant flying-fox ziplines across the lush landscape. After, you'll enjoy a guided walk through a lush tract of centuries-old native New Zealand forest.

After the morning of adventure, it's time for lunch. Pull up at a multi-award-winning vineyard for a beautiful meal and olive oil tasting. Then take a scenic detour via the mile-long (2 km) golden Onetangi Beach to Casita Miro—a stop where you'll savor the tastes of the Mediterranean. Your final stop is another gorgeous vineyard famous for its wines and dazzling gardens. Your guide will drop you back at the ferry terminal for your cruise back to Auckland.

Day 3: Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Rotorua, Relax at Solitaire Lodge

Pick up your rental car, grab a to-go coffee, and set the GPS for Rotorua, a 2.5-hour drive south. You'll pass the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and rich dairy pastures of the Waikato. Pause in the small town of Matamata, famously known as the home of Hobbiton, where you can join a guided tour of the Shire, visit the Green Dragon Inn, and immerse yourself in the fantasy world created by JRR Tolkien. Continuing, you'll soon reach Rotorua, a wonderland of geothermal activity with boiling mud pools, steaming geysers, and natural hot springs.

This afternoon, check into Solitaire Lodge, a nature lodge set on the tranquil shores of Lake Tarawera. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning lake and volcano views, it's the ultimate spot to relax and unwind after an adventurous day. You could borrow free kayaks or motorized dinghies from the lodge this afternoon or enjoy a hike around the lake. Return to the lodge to curl up by the fire with a book from the library and enjoy a sumptuous and romantic evening of fine dining with dishes that hero local, seasonal ingredients.

Day 4: Free Morning in Rotorua, Tarawera Thermal Springs

Today you'll explore Rotorua at your pace. Use your day to discover the natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers that define the landscape. It's also a great destination to experience New Zealand's fascinating Māori culture at one of many traditional villages, and it's fast becoming a haven for adventure-seekers. Explore the redwood forests with accessible trails for all levels of hikers and mountain bikers, or try adventure sports such as zorbing, ziplining, or whitewater rafting.

Day 5: Drive to Wellington, Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

There's another big 5.5-hour drive ahead today as you make your way into Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Make your first stop at New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupō—a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the world's largest eruptions. Just north of the town, take a short detour to Huka Falls, and if you love thrills, board the Huka Jet. Back on the road, you'll skirt Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand's three world heritage sites, and look for the peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe—three active volcanoes.

Farther south, if you are interested in military memorabilia, you could stop at the military town of Waiouru. Continue past rich farmland, pause in Taihape for a photo with the large gumboot statue or at Mangaweka Gorge. Just outside of Wellington, drop into the 500-acre (225 ha) eco-sanctuary Zealandia, home to native wildlife. The sanctuary protects animals like kiwi, tuatara, and tiny Maud Island frogs, and the best time to visit is in the evening with a guided tour by flashlight.

Day 6: Free Time in Wellington

Today you'll discover New Zealand's quirky capital. This small and compact city has a village feel and cosmopolitan sophistication where you'll find plenty of art, culture, food, fashion, and fun. Visit Te Papa, the national museum, or explore the fascinating Wētā Workshop, home to props and costumes from big-name movies. Ride up the cable car to the Wellington Botanic Garden and the Carter Observatory for a vantage point with excellent city and harbor views. Or stroll the city streets to soak up some of Wellington's famous café culture.

If you'd rather head out of town, try one of the nearby sandy beach bays, or take a two-hour round trip to Martinborough to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the beautiful wine country.

Day 7: Ferry to South Island, Drive to Blenheim, Marlborough Wine Tasting

You'll cross from New Zealand's North Island to the South Island aboard a car ferry this morning. After a few hours, you'll arrive in the picturesque seaside town of Picton. From here, drive 25 minutes to Blenheim, the heart of New Zealand's world-famous Marlborough wine region. This area is renowned for its sauvignon blancs, and the unique climate and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit destination for wine lovers.

Pull up at Cloudy Bay, one of the first estates established in the region, to enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch at the cellar door. Relax and soak up the beautiful landscape, surrounded by the Richmond Ranges, as you taste a glass or full flight of wines in one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. In the summer, pair your tasting with fresh oysters, seafood, and vibrant salads, and in the winter, you'll find soul-warming eats and shared platters.

Day 8: Drive to Kaikōura, Wildlife Experience

Cross Marlborough's "dry hills" this morning as you head toward the spectacular Kaikōura Coast, about 90 minutes south. The road hugs the shore for around 30 miles (50 km) as you cruise between the South Pacific Ocean and the towering Kaikōura Ranges. Kaikōura draws in huge numbers of visitors each year for its abundant sea life, which thrives in the local icy waters. Unlike other popular sea-watching spots, Kaikōura's whales, seals, and dolphins tend to visit year-round, so you may be able to spot them from a boat trip no matter when you visit. 

Day 9: Swim With Dolphins, Drive to Christchurch

Take advantage of being in Kaikōura this morning—it's one of the few places in the world where dolphins can be encountered daily. Join a catamaran trip off the coast where you can go snorkeling and have the chance to interact with the friendly dusky dolphins in a completely natural environment. Try singing to the dolphins and watch as they come closer to investigate!

New Zealand's South Island has a handful of famous wine regions, and this afternoon you'll continue south to North Canterbury and the Waipara Valley. Today's driving route takes you through New Zealand sheep territory. If you have time, stop by Hanmer Springs to check out the thermal pools or make time for a wine tasting. At the end of your 2.5-hour drive, you'll reach Christchurch, the largest city on the island.

Day 10: Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Stargazing Experience

Your epic road trip across New Zealand continues today with a four-hour drive west. New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook, measures 12,315 feet (3,754 m) and is also known by its Māori name Aoraki, which means "Cloud Piercer." It's one of 20 peaks in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your drive winds through the pastoral Canterbury Plains, where you'll stop off in Geraldine and Fairlie as you make your way to Burkes Pass and the lakeside town of Tekapo. Finally, you'll arrive in Aoraki / Mount Cook, your base for exploring glacial wonders.

Day 11: Tasman Lake Cruise & Hike by Ski Plane, Free Afternoon

Get up close with 500-year-old icebergs when you cruise across Tasman Lake. As you weave around floating icebergs in a specially-designed boat, you'll see the country's largest glacier, the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier. Later you'll experience the top of the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier when you fly a ski plane to the upper snowfield. Land at 7,200 feet (2,200 m), strap on snowshoes and a harness, and grab adjustable walking poles so you're ready to explore ice formations in this ever-changing environment.

Later in the afternoon, if time allows, you can embark on a short, scenic walk near the village. Some hikes range from 10 minutes to four hours long, so drop into the visitor center for updates and to grab a map. The easy Bowen Bush Walk takes you through tōtara and celery pine forests, or for a more challenging option, try the two-hour Red Tarns Track.

Day 12: Drive to Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner

From Aoraki / Mount Cook, it's a 3.5-hour drive to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Pass through the lakeside town of Twizel and a popular spot to go gliding, Ōmarama. Then, ascend the Lindis Pass into the Otago region. The route will take you through Cromwell, a town at the top of the Kawarau Gorge, and the Gibbston Valley wine-growing region. When you reach the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, consider bungee jumping or watching other people take the leap. The Remarkables mountain range heralds your approach to Queenstown.

Day 13: Shotover Canyon Jet Boat, Free Afternoon

Lean into the thrills of Queenstown and kick off your day with a ride through the Shotover River Canyon in a high-speed jet boat that seems to defy gravity. Take a ride on "Big Red" through the canyon walls of the upper Shotover River as your jet navigates 46 miles (75 km) of rapids and narrow twists and turns. The rest of the day is yours to explore Queenstown at your own pace.

As the self-proclaimed adventure capital of the world, you'll find plenty more adrenaline-inducing thrills, such as paragliding and bungee jumping, to fill the day. If that sounds like too much, you can turn it down a notch with a walk, jog, or bike ride around Lake Wakatipu. Explore nearby Arrowtown, a historic gold-rush town that attracted miners from Europe and China to the Otago region in the 1800s, or take a self-guided wine excursion to Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell—three subregions known for their cool-climate wines.

Day 14: Drive to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Overnight Cruise

Today you'll marvel at the peaks that soar above and below sea level of stunning Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Witness cascading waterfalls plunging into the sound, the lush untouched rainforests, and encounter nature as seals, dolphins, and penguins say hello. Best of all, you'll experience the majesty with an overnight cruise on the exquisite Fiordland Jewel. Depart Queenstown early to make the 3.5-hour journey to the departure point.

You'll journey along the southern side of the fjord, passing Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, the legendary Mitre Peak, and more. Venture into the mouth of the fjord to catch a glimpse of the West Coast before returning to the serenity of the sound. Then navigate the north side and appreciate the splendor of Dale Point, Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, Seal Rock, and Stirling Falls. Anchor at Harrison's Cove or Deepwater Cove for the evening. Set out to explore in the kayak before returning to enjoy dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.

Day 15: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Cruise, Drive to Queenstown

On day two, awaken to a breathtaking sunrise from your king-size cabin. When ready, return to the deck for breakfast as you bask in the serene beauty. Soak up your final moments aboard the Fiordland Jewel before returning to the terminal.

This afternoon you'll return to Queenstown, taking your time as you drive through the rolling tussock lands of Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. As you approach your final destination, follow the lake north and appreciate the Remarkable mountain range one last time.

Day 16: Depart Queenstown

Sadly it's time to say goodbye to New Zealand. This morning drop your rental car off at Queenstown airport in time for your departing flight home. Safe travels!

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