Naturally New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary

Woman rejoicing at the natural beauty of Milford Sound
1

Welcome to Queenstown!

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and ringed by towering mountains, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s ultimate holiday destinations. It may be the adventure capital of the world, but it’s also home to an excellent food and wine scene as well as great shopping, hiking and endless opportunities to relax. It’s just as easy to go fishing, golfing, gold panning or wine tasting as it is to bungy jump or sky dive. Famed for its international winter skiing profile and outdoor beauty, Queenstown is a brilliant destination to visit year-round. One thing is certain here: you won’t run out of things to do.  

Accommodation Queenstown - 3 nights

Queenstown Central Otago
The Scenic Suites offers well appointed rooms in an enviable position, with just five minutes walk to the bustling town centre. The hotels elevated position gives commanding views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. Featuring panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, this streamlined hotel is a 5-minute walk from art at Milford Galleries and a 7-minute walk from Skycity.
Scenic Suites Queenstown

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Nature Cruise on Beautiful Milford Sound

When it comes to visiting New Zealand’s famous Milford Sound, the journey is just as amazing as the destination. The Milford Road winds through the heart of Fiordland National Park; showcasing beautiful, tussock-filled valleys; stunning lakes, soaring mountains and rugged granite cliffs. Allow plenty of time for this 291km (180 mile) journey, as opportunities for spectacular photos await around every corner. There are a number of short nature walks dotted along the road as well. Experiencing the road by coach is a great option if you would prefer to relax and let someone else do the driving.

At Milford Sound join an informative cruise that sails the full length of Milford Sound - highlights such as the 150m (492 ft) Stirling falls, and the immensity of the high peaks above ranging from 300m to 900m (1000 to 3000 ft.).

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

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Explore the Lakes District

Take the time to today to explore this beautiful location. Options include visiting historic Arrowtown, driving over to Glenorchy Township on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu - Make sure you visit Paradise found only 20 minutes from Glenorchy. Visit the vintners in the ‘Valley of the Vines’. Queenstown’s Gibbston Valley is one of the most scenic wine growing areas you’ll ever encounter, vineyards here are perched between rugged schist mountains and the turquoise-blue waters of the Kawarau River. Pinot Noir is the signature drop, with more than 70% of the valley’s grapes being of this variety.

Recommended excursions in and around Queenstown

Routeburn Day Walk

   Highest Bungey Jump

   Explore Arrowtown

Wine Tasting Central Otago      

   Biking Skippers Canyon      

   Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise  

   Dart River Jetboat Safari      

   Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

Street of a beautiful city Arrowtown.

4

Travel via Haast Pass to Franz Josef - Glacier Country

Your driving days do not get much better than this. Farewell the aquamarine vibrancy of the Shotover River and Wanaka lakes, and take on the Haast Pass leading in to the beech forests of th Mt Aspiring National Park. Heading further north into the National park known as ‘Glacier Country’ – in parts, huge valleys of ice tumble down almost to sea level. Also blessed with lakes, rivers and wetlands; Westland is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Here, the landscapes are highly revered by those kiwis who have lived here for generations, as well as by the local Ngai Tahu tribe who hold this wild place in high spiritual esteem.

On arrival at Franz Josef Glacier, nestled in lush rainforest take the Opportunity to walk to the Glaciers Terminal Face, a perfect way to stretch your legs after the days drive.

Approximate Distance: 352 kms | 219 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation Franz Josef - 1 night

Franz Joseph Glacier
Holly Homestead whispers history.Enjoy the guest lounge and a glass of port before retiring to your room. Built in 1926 the Holly Homestead is a perfect example of “Arts and Crafts’, mixed with casual country chic. Your hosts Beradine and Gerard have refurbished the house and delivered a boutique B&B just three minutes drive from Franz Josef Village. Take in the charm of the property whilst enjoying breakfast in the country kitchen or simply relax in your private room.
Holly Homestead

5

Punakaiki - A Wild Coast & Unusual Rock Formations

An easy drive today - perhaps take a coffee break in the handicraft town of Hokitika. Your destination today is Punakaiki. The heaving, rugged swells of the Tasman Sea have carved the coastline of the South Island’s West Coast over millions of years, creating unique, otherworldly geological formations. Nowhere is this effect on the landscape more profound than on the Punakaiki coastline. Here, sandstone cliffs and ravines tower high above the ocean, complete with hundreds of horizontal slices along their vertical faces, closely resembling huge stacks of Pancake Rocks.

Deep inside these formations lie narrow, vertical air shafts that are met with horizontal tunnels. Around high tide or during stormy weather, ocean swells rush through these blowholes, throwing up columns of dazzling ocean spray high into the air. When the sun is peeking through spectacular cloud formations at the same time, reaching its rays through the columns of water, the effect is dazzling - Punakaiki is a must on the Naturally New Zealand Self Drive Tour.

Approximate Distance: 218 kms | 136 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 50 mins

Accommodation: Punakaiki - 1 night

Punakaiki West Coast New Zealand
Surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and with stunning views of the Tasman Sea, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is in a great location. The resort is situated only 300m from the famous Punakaiki Blowholes and has been designed in harmony with the local environment.  Evenings are spent relaxing in a standard resort room with views of the sea or an Eco Suite with rainforest and distant seaviews.

 
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

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Interisland Cruise - Wellington

Todays drive will find you traveling inland, following the Buller River before skirting past the beautiful Nelson Lakes Forest and following the Tophouse Road into the Marlborough District. You are left under no illusions as to the major industry here as grapevines cloak the Marlborough Valleys and plains in orderley rows. Enjoy the seaside town of Picton before returning your rental car and taking your Interislander Cruise to Wellington. This stretch of water connects the Tasman Sea to the Southern Pacific Ocean and the South to the North Island. 

Approximate Distance: 328 kms | 204 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 50 mins

Accommodation Wellington - 2 nights

InterIsland Sailing from Picton to Wellington
The Bolton is an independent hotel that provides the discerning traveller with a high degree of comfort and privacy. Located at the junction of Wellingtons central business district and political heart, the 5 star Bolton Hotel is elegant, welcoming and well equipped to make the most of your time in the Capital city.
The Bolton Hotel - Wellington

7

Wellington at Leisure

Located in at the southernmost end of New Zealand's North Island, 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. 

 Here are some suggested excurions in and around Wellington

National Museum - Te Papa

    Visit Cuba Street

   Weta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve     

    Wellington Cable Car    

   Carter Observatory 
Wellington New Zealand

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Great Lake Taupo

Today head north out of Wellington passing through several small towns along the way Paraparaumu, Shannon, Taihape and Waiouru (home of the NZ Army). You will travel the desolate alpine beauty of the Desert Road - catch a sunbeam burst through dramatic clouds as the snow capped peaks of Ruapehu and Tongariro loom nearby. Lake Taupo is set amidst rolling green countryside and spectacular mountain scenery. Similar in size to Singapore, Lake Taupo offers an exciting array of adventure activities – skydive from 5000 meters  (15,000 feet) - personally recommended by many First Light Travel staff. Try bungy jumping or take a jet boat to see the impressive Huka Falls. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious lunch at the local prawn farm. Thermal activity here includes natural hot pools, steaming craters and boiling mud pools; and the lake is surrounded by some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Don’t miss taking a Kayak to the Large Maori Rock Carvings on the lake cliffs, or enjoy stretching your legs with a stroll through one of the native bush trails.

Approximate Distance: 365 kms | 227 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 35 mins

Accommodation Taupo - 1 night

Great lake Taupo.
Accommodation:
Located on the lakefront of Lake Taupo, our self-contained, serviced, motel accommodation has a range of studios and one bedroom units, all with spa baths, air conditioning and unlimited complimentary WiFi. Take in the spectacular views or take a swim in their pool on those hot summer days. The Reef Resort is a great base to stay and explore all the Taupo region has to offer, and has hosts that ensure they go the extra mile to guarantee you the get most out of your stay.
Reef Resort Taupo

9

Rotorua - on the Pacific Ring of Fire

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 un-mistakable smell of sulphur gives the city an otherworldly feel. Here you’ll find natural wonders like the Pohutu geyser, erupting 20 times a day and spouting up to 100 feet, as well as bubbling mud pools, warm geothermal pools and sulphuric terraces in a variety of colours. Nowhere else in New Zealand are the turbulent forces that shape the world more evident. 

But the geothermal wonders of Rotorua are not the only attraction. Considered the Maori cultural centre of New Zealand, Maori history here spans from the 14th century, when the first inhabitants of this region – the Te Arawa Tribe – made practical use of Rotorua’s lively thermal areas. Villages were constructed around these areas, and food was cooked using natural steam and boiling pools. Eliminating the dependence on fire, geothermal elements were also used for warmth and washing. Rotorua is one of the best places in the country to explore the unique culture of the Maori people. 

Approximate Distance: 80 kms | 50 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation Rotorua - 2 nights

Maori Cultural Show Rotorua

Built in 1905, the Robertson House has been painstakingly renovated under the auspices of the Historic Places Trust, retaining most of the original features of a Victorian Bay villa. There are four spacious rooms offering all the modern comforts, each with an ensuite bathroom The tarrif includes a delicious continental breakfast and free internet access.

Robinson House Rotorua

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Māori Village & Geothermal Valley

Discover the heart of Māori culture in New Zealand at Te Puia, located in Rotorua in the Central North Island - a region that is surrounded by picturesque lakes and forests. This is also one of the most geothermally active environments in the country and Te Puia's 70 hectare park in the beautiful Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is right in the heart of the action. Restless forces boil to the surface in the enchanting, superheated mud pools and hot springs and geysers gush hot steam and water in spectacular fashion. The famous Pohutu Geyser erupts approximately every 20 minutes and bursts reach heights of 30m (100ft). Silica terraces, native bush and birdlife and a wonderful insight into Maori culture and tradition rounds off a fascinating and memorable experience.

Rotorua known for its geothermal activity.

11

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour / Auckland

Journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of the Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys, bluebells, and the Green Dragon Inn. Visit Bag End as well as the other 43 Hobbit Holes on this fully guided 2.5hr Hobbiton tour. Learn about the production of the movies – how did they make Gandalf appear so tall? Why was this exact site chosen to build Hobbiton? The passion and knowledge gleaned from your guide brings this authentic Middle-earth experience to life. Continue on to Auckland.

Approximate Distance: 228 kms | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 10 mins

Accommodaton Auckland - 2 nights

hobbiton is located in Matamata
Accommodation:
This hotel is a standout for location, comfort and style. The rooms offer either views of the Viaduct Harbour or the cityscape, enjoying a central position amongst the best restaurants, theatres, shopping and harbour-side attractions that Auckland has to offer.Accommodation options include luxury suites and apartments that include an LCD TV and a furnished balcony offering views of the harbour or the city.
Sebel Suites Auckland Waterfront

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The Essence of Waiheke Island Wine Tour

Just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland, across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a tranquil paradise. Since the late 1970's Waiheke Islands benign climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry. A "small is beautiful" philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high quality fruit, which is made into international award-winning wines. 

Visit three of the vineyards accompanied by friendly and knowledgable locals. At each vineyard you will taste a selection of premium wines. the tour inckudes a 2 hour lunch stop at a village or beachside cafe (additional cost). You can stay on the island into the evening with the last ferry departing for the day around 10pm.

Waiheke Island Wine Tour

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Homeward Bound

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast, relax your flight home is more than likley a late evening departure. 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 if you have time:

Explore Waiheke Island    Island Kayaking Adventure    America’s Cup Sailing
Auckland's Sky TowerRelax on the BeachRangitoto Island Cruise & Walk
West Coast Wine TourWhale and Dolphin SafariMuriwai Surf Beach


Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy the Naturally New Zealand Self Drive Tour 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 the 'Naturally New Zealand Self Drive Tour'  - We Guarantee it will be the Holiday of a Lifetime!

Sunrise over Auckland city.

Profile picture for user Elizabeth
What Elizabeth says about this tour: This tour delivers a 13 day iconic kiwi adventure. The classic drives through the Southern lakes and wild west coast are some of this country's most scenic drives. As you travel North you learn about Maori culture and experience the Hobbiton Movie sets. All the while you will enjoy plenty of kiwi hospitality, wining and dining to satisfy your curiosity about what sets New Zealand apart.
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