Overview
This 25-day self-drive adventure showcases the very best of Aotearoa, from Northland’s ancient forests and subtropical bays to the soaring peaks and wild fiords of the South Island. Travel at your own pace through a land of contrasts — explore iconic film locations, experience Māori culture, soak in thermal hot springs, and cruise the country’s most breathtaking coastlines.
Duration | 25 days / 24 nights |
---|---|
Starts | Auckland, North Island |
Ends | Christchurch, South Island |
Destinations | Auckland, Bay of Islands, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Hanmer Springs, Hobbiton, Hokianga, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Milford Sound, Napier, Queenstown, Rotorua, Te Anau, Wanaka, Wellington |
Code | TNZ25DPNZG |
Inclusions
- Edinburgh Flights
- 01 Oct 2025 – 06 May 2026: Fly from Edinburgh from £6,202* pp – Save up to £376 per person!
- Manchester Flights
- 01 Oct 2025 – 06 May 2026: Fly from Manchester from £6,323* pp – Save up to £376 per person!
- London Heathrow flight prices are reflected below
- 24 nights of handpicked accommodation
- ULTRA insurance included
- Pick up Auckland
- Drop off Greymouth
- Footprints Waipoua & Crossings twilight encounter
- Half day Hole in the Rock cruise
- 2 1/2 hour Hobbiton Movie Set tour
- Daytime Redwood Tree Walk admission
- 2 complimentary drinks included (wine, beer or non-alcoholic options)
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland admission
- 1 1/2 hour Art Deco morning city stroll
- Car transfer included
- Interislander Plus Lounge access
- Half day morning Taste the Valley tour
- Whale Watch tour Kaikoura
- Single entry to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
- 3-hour Progressive Kai Safari Walking Dinner Tour Christchurch
- Wellers Rock Wildlife Cruise Otago Peninsula
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Walter Peak gourmet BBQ dinner
- One-way TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
- One-way transfer from Christchurch Train Station to accommodation
- One-way transfer from accommodation to Christchurch Airport
Pricing & Dates
Back to topItinerary
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Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your accommodation in the city centre. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.
Hotel Grand Chancellor -
Begin your Northland adventure as you drive to Hokianga. This evening, experience the Footprints Waipoua & Crossings guided walk — a cultural journey through the ancient Waipoua Forest and its towering kauri trees.
The Sands Hotel -
Travel east to the Bay of Islands, a subtropical haven dotted with historic towns and over 140 islands. Settle in and enjoy the coastal vibe.
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands -
This morning, cruise through sparkling waters on the Hole in the Rock half-day tour. The afternoon is free to explore or simply relax by the water.
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands -
Return south to Auckland today. Spend the evening at leisure in the city — perhaps revisit the Viaduct Harbour or head up the Sky Tower for sunset views.
Hotel Grand Chancellor -
Drive to Matamata for the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, a 2.5-hour guided experience through Middle-earth. After your tour, continue on to Rotorua.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua -
Start your day with the Daytime Treewalk at Redwood Forest — a peaceful journey through the treetops. In the evening, enjoy a powerful cultural and dining experience at Te Pā Tū.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua -
Drive south, stopping at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to explore colourful geothermal pools and bubbling mud. Continue on to Napier on the sunny Hawke’s Bay coast.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania -
This morning, join a guided Art Deco City Stroll and learn about Napier’s unique architecture and history. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the wine region.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania -
Drive to Wellington today through the scenic Wairarapa region. On arrival, settle in and enjoy the capital’s food, arts, and harbourfront charm.
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor -
Take the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton, then drive to Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough wine country.
14th Lane Urban Hotel -
This morning, enjoy a half-day Taste the Valley wine tour, sampling some of the region’s finest drops. The afternoon is at leisure.
14th Lane Urban Hotel -
Drive down the coast to Kaikōura, where the mountains meet the sea. Keep an eye out for seals along the shoreline as you arrive.
The White Morph -
Begin the day with an exciting Whale Watch tour in Kaikōura. Then head inland to Hanmer Springs, where you’ll unwind in the thermal pools and spa this afternoon.
Edit Hanmer Springs -
Travel to Christchurch today. In the evening, join the Kai Safari, a 3-hour progressive walking dinner tour showcasing local food and flavour.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel -
Drive south to the heritage city of Dunedin, known for its Scottish roots, dramatic coastline, and lively student culture.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel -
This afternoon, cruise the Otago Peninsula on the Wellers Rock Wildlife Cruise — a chance to spot seabirds, seals, and rich marine life.
Distinction Dunedin Hotel -
Head west to the peaceful lakeside town of Te Anau — the gateway to Fiordland National Park. The evening is at your leisure.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau -
Drive to Milford Sound for a breathtaking 2-hour cruise through the fiord’s towering cliffs and waterfalls. Afterwards, continue on to Queenstown.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown -
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Queenstown. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation or a lakeside stroll, the choice is yours.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown -
Spend another day exploring Queenstown at your own pace. This evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak Station.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown -
Take the scenic drive to Wanaka, a laid-back alpine town known for its stunning lake views and mountain backdrop. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Edgewater Wanaka -
Travel north through the Haast Pass to Franz Josef. The rest of the day is yours to explore this glacial area at your leisure.
Glenfern Villas -
Drive to Greymouth and return your rental car before boarding the iconic TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch. A transfer will take you from the station to your accommodation.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel -
A transfer will take you to Christchurch Airport, where you’ll depart with unforgettable memories of your New Zealand journey.
Terms and Conditions
Back to topPackage price is based on 2 people and are priced in Great British Pounds. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for travel from 01 Oct 25 – 06 May 26. Car hire is based on an INCLUSIVE rate so has NIL excess and includes airport fees. Ask your consultant for more details. Blackout periods may apply. Surcharges may apply over special event periods and over school holidays. Inclusions are subject to change based on supplier operational capabilities. Return international flights are operated by Singapore Airlines OR Emirates Airways, both flying economy class with 23kg checked luggage. Flight pricing is based on departures from November 2025 and is indicative. For more accurate flight pricing please contact our team. Flight supplier terms and conditions apply.
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