Easy Going Kiwi Self Drive Adventure Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.

After checking into your hotel, relax, your Easy Going Kiwi Self Drive Adventure starts tomorrow.Take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Some activities and sightseeing options available are:

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Three and half hours easy drive from Auckland, sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire - Rotorua is a geothermaly spectacular. Giant geysers rocket into the air and colourful sulphur terraces hiss and boil. The earths crust at its most exciting and accessible in the downtown parks and lake front-  the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses.  But Rotorua is more than boiling mud, there are ancient forests set amongst prisitine lakes, and the area is steeped in the history and tikanga (culture) of Maori, the First People of New Zealand. 

Recommended excursions in and around Rotorua:

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 132 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights

Join this ‘well regarded’ small group tour of Rotorua's most popular and spectacular geothermal parks and colorful lakes on a day trip led by a local naturalist guide.

See the Lady Knox Geyser erupt, visit the Lake Tarawera lookout and see boiling mud pools and hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu. Along the way, you'll learn all about volcanology, New Zealand's stunning flora and fauna, and Maori history from your naturalist guide.

This Morning: Your tour takes you through forestry and farmland to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and a series of colorful hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu. After seeing the Lady Knox geyser erupt, you'll take a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where your guide will tell you about the Mt Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush-covered, geothermal park.

The Afternoon: Visit Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) are amazingly clear and colorful lakes, and their gorgeous scenery make them a favorite stop for visitors. You'll also visit the Buried Village, the site of a Maori village that was destroyed during the Tarawera volcanic eruption. You'll then take a walk through beautiful native bush to a waterfall and the Lake Tarawera lookout.

To the south of Hamilton, the small and pleasant town of Waitomo is the focal point of the region’s subterranean wonders. The caves at Waitomo are one of New Zealand's most commanding wonders – a celebration of nature's work over the last one hundred thousand years. There are hundreds of miles of labyrinthine caves, glow-worms, under ground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, and all manner of limestone crustaceans. Above ground, the area around Waitomo is also popular for horse riding and bush walking.

Take part in the small group personalized Spellbound Tour that allows you to spend 40 minutes under glow worms. This tour is one of the most unhurried glow worm tours in New Zealand, with plenty of time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness - intensifying the effect of thousands of softly shining glow worms.

A Gross Fact... about the New Zealand Glowworm

Approximate Distance: 140 kms | 87 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Waitomo - 1 night

Today gives you the opportunity to re-charge your batteries before the Tongariro Crossing. Enjoy a sleep in and a hearty breakfast before driving to National Park .  There are plenty of short walks available to give you a taste of the terrain in New Zealand's oldest National Park with dual World Heritage status (recognising both the cultural & spiritual importance to Maori along with its outstanding volcanic setting).

Approximate Distance: 145 kms | 90 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation National Park - 2 nights

The Tongariro Crossing is New Zealand's Best Day Walk. Our guided Crossing winds its way through the otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park. This was New Zealand’s first, and was created in 1887 when its three spectacular volcanoes – Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – were gifted to the people of New Zealand by the Tuwharetoa tribes. This mountain needs to be treated with respect - it has claimed more than its fair share of victims - that is why we recommend going with our expert guides - who are friendly and keen to share their alpine expertise.

Facts: The crossing passes over the volcanic terrain of the multi-cratered active volcano Mount Tongariro, passing the eastern base of Mount Ngauruhoe which can optionally be climbed as a side trip.

Time / Distance: The full distance of the track is usually 19.4 kilometre (12.1 mi) climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every aspect. On average the trek takes between six and eight hours to complete.

Fitness: A moderate to good level of fitness is required. It is a 19.4km (12.1 mi) walk which starts with a staged climb to Red Crater. You will be climbing nearly 800m (2,624 ft)in altitude to 1900m (6,233 ft) above sea level.

It is a stunning drive down to Wellington, the last part of the journey hugs quite a rugged coastline with views out to Kapiti Island. Wellington is another of our Harbour Cities situated at the southern most tip of the North Island. The Wellington vibe is creative and eclectic - the nations politicians and parliament rub shoulders with street performers all with a lively cafe culture.

Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets.Wellington is also famous for having some the New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world class. 

Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy Wellington:

Approximate Distance: 325 kms |202 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 night

Today you will return your rental vehicle to Wellington Airport and fly to Blenheim where you will collect your next rental vehicle on arrival. Blenheim is the winemaking engine room of the New Zealand wine industry. In the 1970's the plains would have been filled by sheep - now it  is vines as far as the eye can see, producing world class wines.

Interested in Aviation History? The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is an aviation museum located at the Omaka Air Field, 5 km (3 mi) from the centre of Blenheim. This is a world class museum and certainly worth a look.

Accommodation: Blenheim - 2 nights

Today explore the Marlborough region by bike with the company of a local wine aficionado, he or she will ensure you have an unforgettable experience sampling some of the best local wines and cuisine. Enjoy the tastes and soak up the atmosphere. Over 40 wineries can be explored by bike along quiet back roads. This is such a great way to experience Marlborough’s wonderful scenery, cycling along quiet country roads, stopping to rest on the odd riverbank and through vineyards.

Maximise your time and your tastings by letting our experienced guide do the planning for you. We will visit three wineries and sample their selection of cool climate wines. The route is easily modified to suit your preferences and abilities.

Distance / Fitness: This easy 10km (6 mi) loop is easy with an average level of fitness and will be matched to your interests in wine tasting, gourmet food, crafts or just cycling on these quiet country roads soaking up the scenery.

The vines will keep you company as you reach the headlands of the East Coast. Once down on the flats, this road - (worthy of any big budget car commercial) hugs the coastline - make sure you stop to enjoy the marine life as New Zealand Fur Seals bask and play along the rocky shoreline, before arriving in gorgeousKaikoura.

The Kaikoura peninsula enjoys a mild microclimate and is overlooked by majestic snowcapped mountains. This unique proximity of ocean and mountain range offers a host of eco-tourism oriented activities, including whale watching, dolphin and seal swimming, kayaking, fishing and hiking. Leaving Kaikoura and the coast you will then head inland towards the rural Canterbury plains, once again passing through viticulture of the Waipara wine region. Return your rental car on arrival - enjoy a couple of days off.

Approximate Distance: 310 kms | 193 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 nights

Experience the natural beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens on board electric powered vehicles. See the finest range of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in NZ and learn about the history of this treasured central city oasis. Stay on board for a full circuit which takes an hour, or get on or off at any of the stops along the way. The Tour departs every 30 minutes from outside the Museum or Gardens kiosk.

Rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world, the famous TranzAlpine Rail Journey will take you deep into the heartland of the South Island… a coast to coast journey through some of the world’s most extreme and beautiful scenery. The Tranz Alpine winds its way over massive viaducts and through spectacular gorges and river valleys, tracking slowly across the country's greatest mountain range, theSouthern Alps. It stops in the heart of the Southern Alps at Arthur’s Pass before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. From Greymouth collect your rental car and travel to Franz Josef Town in Glacier Country.

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 nights

This is a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice. The Franz Josef Heli Hike starts with a thrilling flight, high above the rugged terrain, you will land on the glacier, ready to undertake a three hour guided glacier hike. Your friendly guide will lead you through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery in the world. Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go and, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you'll soon be making your way through an extraordinary land of towering peaks and glistening blue ice explaing the dramatic environmental changes over the last few years.

You will explore the awe-inspiring landscape in this incredible experience through Franz Josef Glacier. 

Your driving days dont get much better than this. As you farewell the beech forests of th Mt Aspiring National Park and traverse the Haast Pass - be prepared to view lakes and rivers coloured like rare jewels - emerald and sapphire hued, intensified by the contrast of the surrounding mountain and tussock clad hillsides. Eventually arriving in Queenstown, the centre of adventure in New Zealand, there truly is something here for everyone. Every possible mode of transport and adventure is available to explore Central Otagos lakes (Wakatipu & Hawea), rivers (Shotover, Kawerau, Dart) and mountains (Coronet Peak, Remarkables, Ben Lomond) - you do not need to be an adrenalin junkie - although those who are, are well and truly catered for! 

Approximate Distance: 355 kms | 221 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 nights

Famous British author Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ – and, with some of the most spectacular fiord scenery in the Southern Hemisphere, it certainly is. Milford Sound is impressive in all weather – whether your visit is misty, rainy and moody or clear and sunny, this stunning fiord never fails to inspire.The road in to Milford Sound today will provide ample photo opportunities with reflective lakes, jagged mountain cliffs, native Kea parrots, and lots and lots of water tumbling from sheer mountain faces.  Couple the dramatic scenery with the engineering feat that is the Milford Road and Homer Tunnel - and you can see why Milford Sound is touted as a `must-do' on your travels. For a country forged by the shifting of tectonic plates and ancient flooded glaciers (Milford is technically a Fijord not a Sound) no where is this more evident than at Milford Sound. 

Boarding your vessel at Milford will give you expert commentary and another perspective of the staggering scale of the surrounding mountain peaks. Return to Queenstown via a stunning return fixed wing flight.

Approximate Distance: 578 kms | 359 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours

Today relax and enjoy the stunning lakes & rivers - there is a bounty of vineyards, cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the wider district of Queenstown, Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley.

Recommended excursions in and arouns Queenstown

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy the Easy Going New Zealand Self Drive Adventure and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Ready to find out more? Talk to us here in New Zealand about 'Easy Going New Zealand Self Drive Adventure'  - We Guarantee it will be the Holiday of a Lifetime!