Travel from Christchurch to the subtropical north on a 14-day self-drive trip. See Kaikōura wildlife, Abel Tasman beaches, and sail the Marlborough Sounds. Continue past volcanic and geothermal sights to Rotorua and Auckland, ending in the Bay of Islands.
14 Day / 13 Night Tour
$1,499
55+ Booked
14 Day / 13 Night Tour
$1,499
55+ Booked
Arrive in Christchurch, collect your rental car at the airport, and drive to your hotel. Explore the revitalised city centre, stroll the Botanic Gardens, and visit the Transitional “Cardboard” Cathedral before settling in for the evening.
Overnight in Christchurch.
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a leisurely day discovering Christchurch: explore the city centre, ride the heritage tram, or head to the Port Hills for views of the plains and Alps. Wine lovers can detour to Waipara Valley.
Optional: Christchurch Gondola
Overnight in Christchurch.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive north along the Pacific Coast past Waipara vineyards and the Kaikōura Ranges. Arrive in Kaikōura, known for dramatic mountains and marine wildlife.
Drive: 180 km / 2.5–3 hrs
Overnight in Kaikōura.
Breakfast at hotel. Travel north through Marlborough’s vineyards and past Nelson to Marahau, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Arrive to golden beaches, clear waters, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Drive: 350 km / 5.5–6 hrs
Overnight in Abel Tasman.
Breakfast not included. Enjoy a full day exploring Abel Tasman’s coast. Swim in clear bays, walk part of the Coast Track, or join a cruise to discover hidden coves and local marine life.
No major driving
Overnight in Abel Tasman.
Breakfast not included. Drive the scenic Queen Charlotte route to Picton and board the Interislander Ferry for a 3-hour Cook Strait crossing into Wellington via forested bays and turquoise inlets.
Drive: 190 km / 3–3.5 hrs
Included: Interislander Ferry
Overnight in Wellington.
Breakfast at hotel. Discover Wellington’s creative heart: visit Te Papa, stroll the waterfront, or ride the historic Cable Car. In the evening, enjoy the city’s food scene.
Optional: Zealandia By Night
Overnight in Wellington.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive north to Rotorua, exploring geothermal wonders, mineral spas, and Māori culture with performances and hāngī dining. Adventurers can add ziplining through native forest.
Drive: 450 km / 6.5–7 hrs
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes, Māori culture, galleries, and spa experiences at your own pace.
Optional: Te Pō Māori Evening, Wai-O-Tapu, or Rotorua Canopy Tours
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive north through Waikato farmland and Cambridge’s horse country to Auckland, the “City of Sails.” Spend the evening exploring the Viaduct or enjoying fine dining.
Drive: 230 km / 3 hrs
Optional: Hobbiton Movie Set
Overnight in Auckland.
Breakfast at hotel. Travel north via Whangārei to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, a region of 140 islands, subtropical beaches, and rich history.
Drive: 230 km / 3.5–4 hrs
Overnight in Bay of Islands.
Breakfast at hotel. Explore the Bay of Islands at your own pace: relax on golden shores or visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for New Zealand’s founding story.
No major driving
Optional: Waitangi Guided Tour
Overnight in Bay of Islands.
Breakfast at hotel. Return south via the west coast to Waipoua Forest to see Tāne Mahuta, the largest kauri tree. Visit Matakohe’s Kauri Museum before driving back to Auckland.
Drive: 350 km / 5.5–6 hrs
Overnight in Auckland.
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy free time in Auckland before returning your rental car to the airport depot for your flight home.
Drive: 20 km / 30 mins
The accommodations listed above are based on 3-4 Star hotels. Guests may request an upgrade to 5 Star properties; however, upgraded hotel options are subject to availability and will incur additional costs.
Self Drive
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Our self-drive tour of the South Island was simply unforgettable. The itinerary was perfectly planned with just the right balance of adventure and relaxation. We loved having the freedom to explore at our own pace, yet everything was organized for us. Highly recommend Go New Zealand Tours!
As first-time visitors to New Zealand, we wanted everything taken care of. The coach tour was amazing – comfortable, well-paced, and filled with breathtaking stops. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience fun and easy
Our chauffeur-driven tour was absolute perfection. From private wine tastings in Marlborough to a helicopter ride over Milford Sound, every detail was handled with care. It felt so personalized and special – worth every penny!
Our chauffeur-driven tour was the ultimate way to experience New Zealand! The comfort and luxury of a private vehicle made our trip so relaxing, and our driver was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing insights about each location we visited.
As first-time visitors to New Zealand, we wanted everything taken care of. The coach tour was amazing – comfortable, well-paced, and filled with breathtaking stops. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience fun and easy
Our chauffeur-driven tour was absolute perfection. From private wine tastings in Marlborough to a helicopter ride over Milford Sound, every detail was handled with care. It felt so personalized and special – worth every penny!
Planning a group trip should be fun, not stressful. Our easy-to-use payment system eliminates the hassle of chasing down payments from your group, making booking smooth and simple.
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