Discover New Zealand’s contrasting beauty on this North-to-South self-drive. Explore Waitomo’s glowworms, Rotorua’s geothermal and Māori culture, and Wellington. Continue to Kaikōura’s coast, Franz Josef’s icy landscapes, and Queenstown’s alpine scenery.
9 Day / 8 Night Tour
$2,899
79+ Booked
9 Day / 8 Night Tour
$2,899
79+ Booked
Arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” known for volcanic hills, two harbours, and a lively waterfront. Explore the Viaduct, visit museums, or head up the SkyTower for panoramic views. Collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your central hotel for a relaxed evening.
Overnight in Auckland.
Breakfast at hotel. Travel south through Waikato to Waitomo for a small-group eco-guided glowworm cave tour, learning about geology and conservation in untouched limestone passages. Continue through rolling farmland until geothermal activity signals your arrival in Rotorua.
Drive: 345 km / 4.5 hrs
Included: Down to Earth Eco Tour
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast not included. Spend the day exploring Rotorua’s geothermal pools, geysers, spas, and lakes. In the evening, experience Māori culture with kapa haka, storytelling, and a traditional hāngī feast beneath the earth.
Included: Te Puia Te Pō Evening Experience
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast not included. Drive south via Lake Taupō, stopping at Huka Falls before crossing Tongariro’s volcanic plateau. Continue through farmland and small towns to Wellington’s vibrant waterfront, Cuba Street cafés, and Te Papa Museum.
Drive: 450 km / 6.5–7 hrs
Overnight in Wellington.
Breakfast at hotel. Board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic 3-hour Cook Strait sailing into Marlborough Sounds. From Picton, drive south past Blenheim’s vineyards to Kaikōura, framed by mountains and ocean.
Drive: 160 km / 2.5 hrs
Included: Interislander Ferry
Overnight in Kaikōura.
Breakfast at hotel. Travel west across alpine passes and river valleys to the rugged West Coast, passing Greymouth and Hokitika with their gold-mining and greenstone heritage. Arrive in Franz Josef, set beneath towering peaks and its famous glacier.
Drive: 500 km / 7.5–8 hrs
Overnight in Franz Josef.
Breakfast at hotel. Explore glacier country at your pace: walk rainforest trails to glacier viewpoints, visit the Wildlife Centre to see rare kiwi, or unwind in hot pools. Scenic flights and heli-hikes are available for more adventure.
No major driving
Overnight in Franz Josef.
Breakfast at hotel. Follow the West Coast south, then cross the stunning Haast Pass with waterfalls, blue pools, and rainforest walks. Continue past Lakes Wānaka and Hawea before reaching Queenstown beside Lake Wakatipu. Evening at leisure.
Drive: 350 km / 5.5–6 hrs
Overnight in Queenstown.
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a relaxed final morning by the lake, browse boutique shops, or take in alpine views. Drive to Queenstown Airport to return your rental car and check in for your onward flight.
Drive: 10 km / 20 mins
Self-Drive:
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3 days ago
This North-to-South trip was fantastic. The glowworms in Waitomo and the geothermal spots in Rotorua were unforgettable. Everything was mapped out so smoothly that driving felt effortless. A brilliant way to see New Zealand’s diverse landscapes.
1 week ago
I loved the mix of culture, coast, and mountains on this itinerary. Wellington was vibrant, Kaikōura’s coastline was stunning, and Franz Josef’s icy terrain felt like another world. The whole journey was well-planned and easy to follow.
5 days ago
Queenstown was the highlight for me, but every stop along the way had something special. From Māori culture in Rotorua to the dramatic South Island scenery, the contrasts were amazing. The self-drive setup made the adventure flexible and stress-free.
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Hey, I’m Roman, your go-to guide at Go New Zealand Tours. If you’re seeking something off the beaten path, I’m here for you. Whether it’s exploring the hidden gems of the North Island or hiking through the Southern Alps, I’ll make sure your trip is truly unique.
Hi, I’m Micheal, your Travel Consultant at Go New Zealand Tours. I’m passionate about crafting journeys that blend excitement and relaxation. Whether you’re after a thrilling adventure in Queenstown or a peaceful retreat in Lake Tekapo, I’ll make it happen.
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