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New Zealand Self Drive Tours

Since 2004 we have used our experience and knowledge of New Zealand to design and create a truly memorable New Zealand Self Drive tours.

With New Zealand Self Drive Tours we don’t simply resell you other companies itineraries and tours relabeled as our own. While we do indeed have the largest choice of tour routes and accommodation/car/activity combinations we spend all of our time customising itineraries to suit our customers needs perfectly. In over 15 years and across more than 100,000 happy customers we haven’t sold exactly the same itinerary twice.

Right from your first contact with us the same New Zealand tour expert will handle your enquiry, planning process, reservation and documentation to ensure consistent quality. We have built our reputation on honest, accurate, relevant advice combined with an absolute no compromise approach to providing you with the best possible service.
Our dedicated team based amongst the lakes and mountains of Wanaka are all New Zealand enthusiasts and have visited or experienced virtually every property, activity and location we offer you.

We believe passionately that we live in, love and sell the most extraordinary country in the world. We are often reminded of how truly lucky we are to live here and that continues to motivate us to see that as much of the world as possible experiences the beauty of New Zealand for themselves.

New Zealand Self Drive Tours is part of the following groups: Australia Travel Agents, New Zealand Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for New Zealand Self Drive Tours

Trip of a Lifetime
New Zealand | Feb 27 - Mar 17, 2024

Katie
Katie F.
Franklin, NC | Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Our trip to NZ and Australia was fantastic. We enjoyed everything. Sabina did a great job of listening you our requests and fulfilling them.
Outstanding features of the trip included our overnight cruise on the Southern Secret in Doubtful Sound. The tour by Australia Nature Tours was also outstanding. Kangaroo Island staying at the Sea Dragon lodge was the highlight of the trip for me.
Our only wish was that we had more time in each location to explore.
Highly recommend KimKim Co.

Local specialist: Sabina Din
Sabina
Sabina Din
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Mar 20, 2024

Hi Katie,

Thank you for your lovely feedback. I'm glad you had a wonderful time in New Zealand and Australia. We did have a little limited time but I'm happy we were able to make it work and have you explore all the highlights on your bucket list. It has been a pleasure working with you and helping you create a vacation to remember!

Best Wishes
Sabina

Australia trip 2024
Australia | Feb 5 - Feb 16, 2024

NZ
NZ Z.
Harrison, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024
Jon created a trip plan that tailored everything perfectly as we wanted to do! Everything....down to the times and places were precisely as written in my plan! Everything was so perfectly set for us, all of the pick ups and tours and flights etc. I can't say enough about how well this was done, I am truly thankful I planned this part of our trip with Jon. During the trip, if I asked a question on the app, they responded right away, no questions left unanswered. Again, everything was... Read more

Jon created a trip plan that tailored everything perfectly as we wanted to do! Everything....down to the times and places were precisely as written in my plan! Everything was so perfectly set for us, all of the pick ups and tours and flights etc. I can't say enough about how well this was done, I am truly thankful I planned this part of our trip with Jon. During the trip, if I asked a question on the app, they responded right away, no questions left unanswered. Again, everything was absolutely perfect and I would definitely book with Jon and KimKim again. Thank you!!

Hotel Reviews
Desert Gardens Hotel
Yulara

Lovely hotel in the desert, WIFI could use a little boost otherwise everything was beautiful and as expected. Very clean. Free Laundry facilities a plus!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns

Great hotel in a wonderful area, we felt like we were in the rainforest every morning with the bird sounds. Great location, close to the Esplanade and Marina.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sydney

Great Hotel in the heart of darling Harbor! Easy to walk around the city and shop. Could use laundry facility in the hotel otherwise it was a great hotel and beautiful area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Wintjiri Wiru Aboriginal Drone Show: After Dark
Wintjiri Wiru Aboriginal Drone Show: After Dark
Uluru

Drone show was cancelled due to the winds. Laser light show instead

Quality of Experience
Staff still tried to make it a wonderful experience, drinks and food were superb
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kata Tjuta Sunset Tour
Kata Tjuta Sunset Tour
Uluru

Lovely sunset experience, There was sparkling wine and cheese and crackers given out during sunset

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Uluru - Camel to Sunrise
Uluru - Camel to Sunrise
Uluru

Great experience! So fun watching the sunrise and having the experience of riding the camels through the desert!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Desert Awakenings Tour with Voyages
Desert Awakenings Tour with Voyages
Uluru

Excellent breakfast and morning watching the sunrise, then over to to Uluru

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Down Under Cruise Evolution
Down Under Cruise Evolution
Cairns

Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef experience was amazing! Long day, could have used it to have been a little shorter of a day otherwise it was perfect

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jon Andrews
Jon
Jon Andrews
Local specialist in Wanaka, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 19, 2024

Thank you Nancy, was lovely working with you and I am glad you have had a fantastic trip, some major bucket list items ticked here!

Vickie put an enormously epic trip together f...
New Zealand | Feb 15 - Mar 14, 2024

L
Lea K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

Vickie put an enormously epic trip together for us with nary a flaw. From the first minute to the last everything was timed exactly right and the events and accommodations were perfect. She was available to us on a moment’s notice and always went the extra yard to provide yet another thoughtful gesture. You can hear the smile in her voice with every message. She showed us why NZ is a special country and she did magic to provide reasons (excuses) to return. She will go down in history with our memories of the holiday. Thank you!!

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Mar 17, 2024

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review and all the lovely messages you sent me whilst you were traveling. I am so happy that you loved New Zealand and all the wonderful experiences. If you ever need anything in the future please let me know :).

All the best to you and Charlie!

Vickie

Harriet's New Zealand
New Zealand | Feb 25 - Mar 10, 2024

Laura
Laura C.
New Canaan, CT | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024
Harriet was completely on target with both her recommendations and her alerts. We enjoyed every destination enormously and only wish we had more time to have fully enjoyed some of them. Harriet pointed out that our itinerary was aggressive (by our request), and it was! We wouldn't have changed it. Overnight on the Milford Sound was the highlight of a trip full of highlights. TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown was an unexpected pleasure. The Glow Worm tour with Steven at Real Rotorua was a personal... Read more

Harriet was completely on target with both her recommendations and her alerts. We enjoyed every destination enormously and only wish we had more time to have fully enjoyed some of them. Harriet pointed out that our itinerary was aggressive (by our request), and it was! We wouldn't have changed it. Overnight on the Milford Sound was the highlight of a trip full of highlights. TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown was an unexpected pleasure. The Glow Worm tour with Steven at Real Rotorua was a personal favorite--informative and intimate in size. Napier, the Blenheim wineries, Aoraki Mt. Hood, Te Anau, Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef...none disappointed! Car rental in Auckland was difficult, time-consuming, inefficient, frustrating. We were warned of long lines at that rental location, but it was not a well-run branch. All of our accommodations were exceptional or very good. We recommend Harriet and KimKim 100%.

Activity Reviews
Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
Auckland

Crew was personable but the food was awful.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Crew was friendly.
Transport
Under-whelming sail and views.
Hobbiton Tour
Hobbiton Tour
New Zealand

I had low expectations of this. I expected it to be kitschy and silly. Instead, the gardens were beautiful, the guide was entertaining, and I enjoyed far more than I thought I would.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Real Rotorua - Nocturnal Adventure Glow-Worm Tour
Real Rotorua - Nocturnal Adventure Glow-Worm Tour
Rotorua

My personal trip highlight. I was looking forward to seeing Glow-Worms, but the experience far exceeded even my high expectations.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Napier & Hawke's Bay
Explore Napier & Hawke's Bay
Napier

Accommodation was mind-blowingly good. Napier locale is beautiful, art deco town rivals Miami Beach, Bluff Hill is beautiful--it would have been easy to spend more time here.

Quality of Experience
Kaikoura
Kaikoura
Kaikoura

Kaikoura was a pit-stop for us, but along the drive we saw a HUGE dolphin pod feeding. Dolphins were swirling, breaching--it was quite amazing.

Quality of Experience
Historic Tram Dinner
Historic Tram Dinner
Christchurch

Good food and fun. Touristy in the very best way.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise ex Milford
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise ex Milford
Milford Sound

THE TRIP HIGHLIGHT!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner
TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner
Queenstown (NZ)

The sheep shearing, working dog exhibition, buffet dinner, gardens, transport by steamship were all unexpected and excellent.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Harriet McGregor

Jon planned an exceptional trip for us to Au...
Australia | Mar 1 - Mar 10, 2024

Debbie
Debbie M.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024
Jon planned an exceptional trip for us to Australia with our timeline and costs in mind. Read more

Jon planned an exceptional trip for us to Australia with our timeline and costs in mind.

Hotel Reviews
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sydney, NSW

Excellent location!!! Hotel could use a refresh.

Authenticity & Character
Had a coastal feel
Location
Darling Harbour had so many options and was close to get to everything.
Staff
Very nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms are tired.
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns

Excellent location!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to pier and many dining places.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sydney

Wonderful tour of the city. Service and food very nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour
Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour
Sydney

Lovely day out with a nice small group. The venues we went to were nice and the hosts were informative. Lunch was especially nice at a golf club with quick service and scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and informative
Transport
Clean and on time.
Down Under Cruise Evolution
Down Under Cruise Evolution
Cairns

The cruise was definitely a highlight of our vacation. The staff were exceptional and very helpful. The gear provided was in great shape and we appreciated the stinger suits with the jelly fish in the area. The morning there were a lot of waves/rain but it didn't stop the adventure. The staff were very considerate to those that were experiencing sea sickness. The lunch provided was ample and tasty. The second location was particularly exciting but more because the weather had shifted and we weren't combating the waves as much so we were able to enjoy it a bit more. We took advantage of the glass bottom boat ride and appreciated the marine biologist giving us further insight into what we were looking at below. Overall a 10++ experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A lot of staff to help make the day move effortlessly with many people on board.
Transport
Nice boat - even though we had huge waves going out to the reef, the boat handled them with ease
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway
Cairns

We took the skyrail both up and down as the train was out of commission due to flooding.

Quality of Experience
Seeing the rainforest from up above was special. The day we went had a lot of fog/rain so the experience kept changing throughout the ride.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We did a free walk with a guide and we learned a lot about the rainforest trees/spiders/snakes etc..
Transport
The Cable car was comfortable had lots of windows to view below.
Spirit of Cairns - Dinner Cruise
Spirit of Cairns - Dinner Cruise
Cairns

It was a pleasant evening. The food was good and the staff very pleasant. As it was a rainy night we didn't really get to enjoy the outside view.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Daintree, Cape Trib & Bloomfield Day Tour
Daintree, Cape Trib & Bloomfield Day Tour
Cairns

Great day out exploring the rainforest.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ride was comfortable.
Local specialist: Jon Andrews
Jon
Jon Andrews
Local specialist in Wanaka, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 19, 2024

Glad you had an amazing time Debbie! Definitely some fantastic memories made, Thanks for working with me to get everything perfect for you.

Jon was very patient in helping us plan the t...
Australia | Feb 24 - Mar 4, 2024

B
Barbara O.
North Charleston, SC | Reviewed on Mar 05, 2024
Jon was very patient in helping us plan the trip and called us several times for in depth discussions. He was conscious of our budget and time constraints. He promptly replied to our emails and even phoned us in Cairns when there was a glitch in our plans. We really loved using the app Jon provided us with, it was very easy to keep track of all the steps of the trips. Read more

Jon was very patient in helping us plan the trip and called us several times for in depth discussions. He was conscious of our budget and time constraints. He promptly replied to our emails and even phoned us in Cairns when there was a glitch in our plans. We really loved using the app Jon provided us with, it was very easy to keep track of all the steps of the trips.

Hotel Reviews
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns

Great location. Had the all basics and a pool. Not luxurious but clean and comfortable

Authenticity & Character
Nothing unusual about the hotel. Bar was never open
Location
Very Close to wharf, tour locations and restaurants
Staff
Helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms attended every other day. Had to bring towels down and pick up new ones in the opposite days
Rendezvous hotel Melbourne
Melbourne

Good location. Hallways and rooftop were not clean. Rooms and bath were small but comfortable

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near city
Staff
Everyone was very nice and helpfuk
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooftop, halls and elevator needed attention
Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks
The Rocks

Very large room with kitchen. Location was excellent. Some deferred maintenance needed...peeling paint on ceiling and around sliding door; rust on hinged glass over bathtub

Authenticity & Character
Lovely exterior that fit into neighborhood
Location
Central to everything
Staff
Helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great towels
Activity Reviews
Reef Magic outer reef cruise
Reef Magic outer reef cruise
Australia

We had a fantastic experience on the Reef Magic outer reef cruise. All of our trips were excellent, and this one was no exception. The tour was well-organized, and we got to explore the beautiful outer reef. The entire experience was smooth and enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway
Cairns

Our day with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway was mostly great. We had a funny incident with the train, but our guide, Jon, handled it brilliantly. Despite a small hiccup, we were impressed by how well everything was managed. The scenic views were breathtaking, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Great Ocean Road Day Tour
Great Ocean Road Day Tour
Melbourne

The Great Ocean Road Day Tour was a memorable experience, although it was quite a long day. The tour guides worked hard to ensure we saw everything, and the sights like the kangaroos were amazing. We felt the tour could have been condensed a bit as it was a full day excursion, but overall, we were happy with the experience.

Local specialist: Jon Andrews
Jon
Jon Andrews
Local specialist in Wanaka, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 18, 2024

Hi Barbara, I'm glad you had an amazing trip! It's been wonderful working with you and as I mentioned you were great at letting me know exactly what you wanted to experience so I could build the perfect trip around that for you.
These hiccups do happen now and again on a trip (A bit of confusion on the pick-up location for a tour) but I'm glad you knew I was a message/phone call away so could jump straight on it and get you back on track immediately.
Thank you so much for joining us and if you ever find yourself on this side of the world again please feel free to reach out.

Wow! New Zealand is BEAUTIFUL!
New Zealand | Feb 3 - Feb 26, 2024

Gabrielle
Gabrielle H.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 04, 2024
Wow! New Zealand is BEAUTIFUL! I am so glad we planned our honeymoon with Kimkim because I guarantee we would not have experienced as much as we did without it. Our itinerary was very well thought out by Carly, making sure that we did not drive too much on any particular day and getting to experience so many of New Zealand's beautiful towns. Each town had it's own unique attractions and the drives between them had stunning views! Some of our favorite places/activities were the Mount... Read more

Wow! New Zealand is BEAUTIFUL!

I am so glad we planned our honeymoon with Kimkim because I guarantee we would not have experienced as much as we did without it. Our itinerary was very well thought out by Carly, making sure that we did not drive too much on any particular day and getting to experience so many of New Zealand's beautiful towns. Each town had it's own unique attractions and the drives between them had stunning views!

Some of our favorite places/activities were the Mount Cook region, where you are surrounded by majestic mountains, and the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Waking up in the Doubtful Sound with dolphins swimming next to the ship was truly magical! Getting to learn more about the Maori culture everywhere we went was another highlight that I will remember forever.

Thank you for everything!!

Local specialist: Carly Baker
Carly
Carly Baker
Local specialist in Wanaka, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 14, 2024

Kia Ora Gabrielle, thank you so much for your great feedback. I am so pleased you enjoyed your trip in New Zealand, it is such a beautiful country and so glad you got to explore it! Your feedback is really important to me, so I do appreciate it. Was great to work with you, thanks Gabrielle!

Wonderful Week!...
Australia | Feb 23 - Feb 29, 2024

C
Cindy H.
Oneonta, AL | Reviewed on Mar 04, 2024
Everything was perfect! I cannot remember the guides names, but everything from our hotels to our tours, etc. were wonderful. The trip was well-planned by the KimKim team! Read more

Everything was perfect! I cannot remember the guides names, but everything from our hotels to our tours, etc. were wonderful. The trip was well-planned by the KimKim team!

Hotel Reviews
Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sydney

Everyone at this hotel was wonderful. They were very helpful and gave us maps and good recommendations. It is within walking distance of many great parts of Sydney.

Authenticity & Character
Modernistic. Comfortable.
Location
It is close to Darling Harbour where there great things to see and to eat. Ferry port is there too, so The Rocks are easy to get to if you want to visit the Opera House and Botanical Gardens.
Staff
The front desk people were wonderful. The restaurant people were ok.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was nice. We stayed two nights, so they didn’t clean, but brought fresh towels.
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns

Loved this hotel. It was so comfortable and in a great location. Very close to the Harbour where there are many good restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Has seating, a comfortable bed and good bathroom.
Location
Perfect location. Easy access to everything by foot.
Staff
Very helpful and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was nice.
Local specialist: Tia Chesser
Tia
Tia Chesser
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Mar 09, 2024

Thanks Cindy. I'm glad you enjoyed all your trip had to offer. What a great mix of experiences you had included and I hope you get to return again in the future to explore even more.

Great experience with KimKim
Australia | Feb 23 - Feb 29, 2024

J
Joe H.
Oneonta, AL | Reviewed on Mar 02, 2024
Tia was very helpful in planning and organizing our trip. We had to make a different plan due to an airline issue, and she worked it out for us easily. Everything went smoothly with pickups and getting us where we needed to be. All the excursions we did were fantastic. Spending the night on the Great Barrier Reef with Divers Den Oceanquest was just indescribable. Beautiful! Would love to do it again! Read more

Tia was very helpful in planning and organizing our trip. We had to make a different plan due to an airline issue, and she worked it out for us easily. Everything went smoothly with pickups and getting us where we needed to be. All the excursions we did were fantastic. Spending the night on the Great Barrier Reef with Divers Den Oceanquest was just indescribable. Beautiful! Would love to do it again!

Activity Reviews
Spirit of Cairns - Dinner Cruise
Spirit of Cairns - Dinner Cruise
Cairns

Great buffet, beautiful boat, very friendly staff. Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Daintree, Cape Trib & Bloomfield Day Tour
Daintree, Cape Trib & Bloomfield Day Tour
Cairns

Not to be missed! Gavin our guide was great. Very knowledgeable and passionate about the rain forest. Great experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Divers Den - Oceanquest Overnight Experience (Day 2)
Divers Den - Oceanquest Overnight Experience (Day 2)
Cairns

Food was great, checkin and disembarking went smoothly. Got to do 4 dives and the ‘Sharks in the Dark’ was a hit. Great experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

Well worth a visit. Very interesting.

Unchartered Blue Mountains Tour
Unchartered Blue Mountains Tour
Sydney

Beautiful drive into the mountains. It rained most of the day but Patricia our driver/guide got us to some great spots.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Divers Den - Oceanquest Overnight Experience
Divers Den - Oceanquest Overnight Experience
Cairns

Couldn’t have been any better. Great experience snorkeling and staying overnight was a highlight. Great attentive staff, especially Skye and Thomas. The room was much larger than we were expecting. Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tia Chesser
Tia
Tia Chesser
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Mar 05, 2024

Thanks Joe. Glad to hear you had such an incredible experience and trip exploring Australia. I'm so glad your highlight was the Overnight Stay on the reef, it's a personal favourite!

Best Honeymoon :)
New Zealand | Feb 4 - Feb 24, 2024

K
Karen R.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024

Vickie was amazing! She was very helpful in planning a great honeymoon. She was able to provide us with advice on logistics of travelling in New Zealand along with great recommendations on activities. Our honeymoon went smoothly and had us arriving to New Zealand ready to just enjoy our trip knowing everything has been taken care of.

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Feb 27, 2024

Aw Karen I cant believe your trip is over! It was such a long time coming. Thank you so much for working with me on this trip of a life time. You and Hamilton were so much fun to work with.

It was such a pleasure :)

Take care