The Grand NZ Self Drive Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, Auckland is a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. It straddles a slim piece of land with the coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.

After checking into your hotel, relax and stretch your legs with a stroll around our beautiful city. Explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available for a more in-depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area. Visit the iconic Sky Tower, join a whale and dolphin cruise, visit nearby Waiheke or Rangitoto Island.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

A three-hour drive north following the beautiful Hibiscus Coast, you arrive at the Bay of Islands. The ‘Bay’ encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. Many of the islands here have walking tracks and have regular ferry’s to get you there. On land, enjoy beautiful river and seaside walking tracks or encounter the mighty Kauri Tree in pristine subtropical rainforest.

Approximate Distance: 235 km | 146 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Paihia - 2 Nights

This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason! Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the 'Hole in the Rock'. This four-hour cruise includes an island stopover, dolphin viewing and the Hole in the Rock. Morning cruises depart daily and afternoon cruises are give you the chance to relax or explore at leisure during the afternoon.

'According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen.'

Returning to Auckland for the night, stop in and explore the famous Matakohe Kauri Museum.

The award winning Kauri Museum is famous for its storytelling, preserving our past and showing the viewer what living in early colonial New Zealand was like. The Kauri Museum recounts the history and the legacy left behind by our ancient Kauri Forests. In addition to preserving our past, the Museum plays a role to play in conserving the future of the mighty Kauri.

Continue on back to Auckland this afternoon.

Approximate Distance: 270 kms | 168 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf. An impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula - it’s bordered on each side by kilometres of spectacular coastline. On the west coast, there’s a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and harbours lined with pohutukawa trees. The eastern side is furnished with an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches. 

The coastal nature of the Coromandel makes it a brilliant choice if you like to fish, surf, dive, snorkelling, swim or wander along beaches. For contrast you can head for the hills and hike the trails in the-forest.

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Hahei - 2 Nights

Hot Water Beach
Head to the beautiful Hot Water Beach, you will find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Dig your own spa pool in the sand and relax in the natural hot springs - this is one experience that should be on your New Zealand bucket list and a truly unique Kiwi experience.

Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove offers everything you could want in a beach: crystal-clear blue water, pristine white sand, world-class snorkeling, and stunning rock formations, including the iconic naturally-formed "Cathedral" archway. With no development, the beach retains its timeless beauty, surrounded by native trees, a freshwater waterfall, and scenic views of nearby islands. The beach is only accessible by foot, boat or kayak. A (1.6 miles) coastal walk which takes you to Cathedral Cove.

This morning head to the heartland of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is host to some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Geysers and clouds of steam are dotted around the city and the unmistakable smell of sulphur gives the city an otherworldly feel.

This four-hour evening is a feast of knowledge as well as divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (sanctuary), its tawa trees and crackling bonfires. Within the forest-formed amphitheatre attention shifts to stories relayed through haka, song and drama, before torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to an al fresco dining space with three-course feast. The famous hāngī shares a table with Māori fusion dishes developed and curated by celebrated Māori chefs, prepared by our own ringawera (hot hands). 

Included Meals: Dinner

Approximate Distance: 215 km | 134 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Discover Maori customs, traditions, history, and protocols, both ancient and modern on a guided tour of Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural center. These intimate tours are limited to no more than 12 people.

Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in Rotorua’s rich Maori culture and geothermal wonders. Begin with a guided tour of Te Puia, where you'll visit the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house, and the impressive Pohutu geyser.

Then, head to the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and delve deeper into Maori history and customs. A brief stop at Kuirau Park will let you witness a recent geothermal eruption site. Conclude your day with visits to the pristine, tranquil lakes of the volcanic region, including views of Mount Tarawera, where you’ll learn about the area's volcanic and Maori history.

View the mighty Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project before stopping at Lake Taupō, the largest in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, often regarded as the world's Art Deco Capital. On arrival, after checking into your hotel we recommend a walk around the town centre and the beach promenade.

Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco- the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area. Napier is the world’s finest example of the Art Deco age and your guide will bring Napier's fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre.

Approximate Distance: 220 kms | 137 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

The Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand's premier wine producing regions. It is a veritable treasure trove of vineyards, offering wines of superlative quality, many of which have won both national and international acclaim.

Join a fun filled wine tasting afternoon in the sun driving through absolutely stunning scenery. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of this regions fantastic wine. We will visit four to five wineries and enjoy a cheese platter in the grounds of a winery vineyard weather permitting. You will taste around 30 different wines including the main varieties, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Pinot Gris, Viognier and the lesser known aromatics such as Gewurztraminer and Riesling.

Leaving the bays vineyards and orchards we are soon travelling through rolling farm land as we travel into the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region. Stop at historic Greytown to view excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture. The village has a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants making it one of New Zealand’s premier shopping destinations. Time for a shop before travelling over the Rimutaka Ranges and down to our capital city Wellington.

Check out the city's sights and head up Mt Victoria for stunning views over the harbour before heading down to see the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive 'Beehive', and Wellingtons Cathedral. You are staying right in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes.

Approximate Distance: 325 kms | 202 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 nights

Wellington is the nation’s capital city. A magnificent landscape of steep-sided hills sits beside a beautiful harbour, and the city itself bustles with a vibrant creative 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. The Museum of New Zealand 'Te Papa' is full of national treasures and sits beside the water in the downtown area of the city centre - well worth a visit. Wellington is also famous for having some of New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world-class. Culture, cuisine and scenic beauty abound in New Zealand’s iconic capital.

Return your rental vehicle before boarding the Interisland Ferry, sit back and enjoy New Zealand hospitality on the three hour journey across Cook Strait which connects New Zealand’s North and South Islands - This is one of the most scenic in the world. The journey offers a dramatic view of both the North and South Islands. As you enter the picturesque Marlborough Sounds keep an eye out for wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca that make the sounds home.  Enter the South Island through Picton, a picturesque harbour town located at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound. 

At Picton, board water taxi for a scenic cruise to the Bay of Many Coves Resort located in the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound.

Accommodation: Queen Charlotte Sound  - 2 Nights

The Bay of Many Coves offers a wide variety of activities at the resort such as kayaking, swimming, spa treatments, bird watching and fishing to name a few. Visitors can also enjoy many other activities in the surrounding area, including: Yachting and Cruising, Swim with the Dolphins or walk Queen Charlotte Track.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Return to Picton by water taxi, collect your rental vehicle and continue your journey traveling through Marlborough Wine Country, home to world famous Sauvignon Blanc (along with other white varietals and Pinot Noir). 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 the New Zealand Fur Seals bask and play along the rocky shoreline, before arriving in gorgeous Kaikoura. 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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 160 kms | 99 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night

A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura and living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. It is here that resident bachelors dive to immense depths in search of Giant Squid, so accessible to Sperm whales but still elusive to mankind. Visitors are drawn to Kaikoura by the ability to view these magnificent mammals in their own environment 12 months of the year and Kaikoura The rich diversity of wildlife found means that every day is a chance to see something different and unique - and you will - from seabirds to cetaceans (whales and dolphins), seals, or even Orca.

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins 

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Leave the city today westwards through the Canterbury plains, you will find a superb location for some great photos at Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable. 

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 206 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins 

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 Night

Experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and its icebergs, in the National Park. A unique guided experience departing Mt Cook village by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley followed by a 1/2hr gentle alpine walk. Board our MAC boat, and explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, where you will discover the ever-changing ice face of the Glacier and icebergs. Have you ever been alongside, discovered or touched an iceberg?

Drive down the beautiful Waitaki Valley to visit Oamaru before continuing on to Dunedin. It is for good reason that New Zealand's oldest city is known as the 'Edinburgh of the South' - Dunedin comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. 

Approximate Distance: 320 km | 199 miles  Total Driving Time 4 hours 

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Today cruise the length of the Otago Harbour. Experience an unforgettable half day cruise and peninsula tour and explore Careys Bay historic fishing village, Port Chalmers’ busy wharves and the harbour’s beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forest. Enjoy Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the NZ Furseals play and swim near their breeding colonies, out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

This journey takes you from the Eastern coastal climate into the dry-land region of Central Otago.

Say goodbye to the Dunedin district and cross the farmlands of the Taieri Plains turning inland through hill country and winding river valleys where the vegetation changes to the tussock covered schist Block Mountains of the Central Otago dry lands.

Follow the ever-broadening valley of the beautiful Clutha River. The roads get generally straighter with more expansive views of the upcoming Southern Alps in the distance over the rounded off glaciated terrain on the approach to Queenstown.

Approximate Distance: 285 kms | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

With camera batteries fully charged, we set out on an unforgettable journey into a World Heritage Site of absolute majesty. The Milford Road takes you from Te Anau to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic drives on the planet. A glorious labyrinth of soaring peaks is punctuated by unspoiled rainforest, plunging valleys, azure lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. 

The light at the end of the Homer Tunnel marks the final reaches of this amazing roadway and our arrival at Milford Sound. Following a boat cruise of the sound, you will understand why this place was once described as the '8th natural wonder of the world'. Enjoy the journey back to Queenstown with a scenic flight and experience the spectacular scenes of Milford Sound from the air as well as from the water. 

This is a coach/cruise/fly tour - return to Queenstown

Included Meals: Lunch

Discover Central Otago's scenic wine country on this fun and interactive afternoon tour. Your tour includes 3 visits to wineries around Queenstown and the Gibbston wine region, exploring New Zealand's largest wine cave, a stunning drive through the rugged Kawarau Gorge viewing the original AJ Hackett bungy bridge, a visit to the Lord of the Rings filming site: Pillar of the Kings and knowledgeable guides with fascinating commentary on wine, local sights & early history of Central Otago.

Included Meals: Lunch

Continue today to Franz Josef and travel along the rugged West Coast Road and over the Haast Pass. Discover the rich alpine rainforest as you journey through this historic region. Through the Gates of Haast is a lost world that’s so spectacular and remote UNESCO designated it a World Heritage area.

Franz Josef village is small (only 500 locals) and is located only ten minutes from the Glacier. The Franz Josef is a glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Together with the Fox Glacier 20 km to the south it is a unique in the fact that it descends from the Southern Alps to just 200 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest.

Approximate Distance: 355 kms | 220 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Accommodation: Franz Josef Village - 2 Nights

This morning you will enjoy a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier on a spectacular scenic tour that includes a landing right on the snow. Seeing both glaciers on a single helicopter flight offers an incredible perspective and understanding of New Zealand’s massive ice sheets, and you touch down on one of the glaciers to snap up-close photographs of the frozen terrain.

This morning travel to Greymouth and return your rental vehicle at the train station on arrival before boarding the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine Train,  is renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey in Christchurch.

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 108 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.