18 Day New Zealand Grandeur - A Luxury Self Drive Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand.

You will be transferred for Christchurch Airport to your accommodation on arrival. Christchurch is the city of renewal, where urban innovation meets heritage. Nestled between the majestic Southern Alps and the expansive Canterbury Plains, this dynamic city offers fresh experiences at every turn. Expect vibrant street art, cutting-edge projects, and a thriving hospitality scene amid lush green spaces. Known as "The Garden City", Christchurch blends modern architecture with some of New Zealand's oldest buildings, featuring inviting gardens and scenic parks that welcome all who seek to explore its charm.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Climb aboard the TranzAlpine and travel via Arthur's Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast. This rail journey is truly something special. Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiseled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Ranked among the world’s top 6 train journeys, these tracks flow through some of New Zealand's most splendid countryside from the Southern Alps to Greymouth. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see natural grandeur on such a scale. 

Collect your rental vehicle in Greymouth and travel to the west coast glacial village of Franz Josef where you can relax and soak in the thermal pools after an invigorating day.

Approximate Distance: 180 km | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night

Before you leave this morning you might want to experience a scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions).

The scenery is impressive all the way, and once over the Haast Pass, it changes dramatically as you head into the mountains and bid farewell to the coastline. Continuing up the Haast River into Mount Aspiring National Park and Central Otago (This pass was used by the Maori to trade Poumanu/Greenstone) you follow Lake Hawea nearly all the way through to Wanaka over the Crown Range to Arrowtown and Queenstown. This drive is world-class, some of the vistas to watch out for are: Lake Matheson, Views of Mount Cook, Bruce Bay, Ship Cove, Haast River/Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools, Lake Hawea & Lake Wanaka.

Included Meals: Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

Approximate Distance: 355 kms | 221 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Although celebrated as New Zealand's 'adventure capital' Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region's best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's 'Rata.' - but if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shot over Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks and Canapes

From Queenstown drive the scenic route to the lakeside town of Manapouri in Fiordland National Park a World Heritage Area.
 
From Manapouri embark on an amazing cruise through the moody and mysterious Doubtful Sound. Onboard the Fiordland Navigator experienced nature guides will provide commentary on the wildlife sightings ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights. As the onboard chef prepares lunch watch out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and the Fiordland yellow eyebrow crested penguin while.  The cruise will then pay a quick visit to the rocky shoals to maybe gather some kōura (lobster) to complement this evenings feast.

After anchoring for the evening you will have the opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak. Dinner will be prepared for you before retiring to your private cabin. Take time to gaze at the stars and listen to the sound of ‘silence’. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Accommodation: Doubtful Sound Cruise - 1 Night

After a hearty breakfast, spend the morning cruising Doubtful Sound back to Deep Cove. In particular, keep an eye out for the resident bottlenose dolphins that patrol the fiord or the New Zealand fur seal seen basking as the sun rises warming the rocks they occupy and when in season the rare Fiordland crested penguin.  

Retrace your steps back to Manapouri and travel to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 300 kms | 186 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Otago Peninsula - 2 Nights

Visit the beautiful Otago Peninsula and a private conservation area that ensures exclusivity with brilliant opportunities to photograph Hooker's Sea lions, Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals and other sea bird colonies. At Taiaroa head from a cliff face we watch and observe Royal Albatross flying about the headland and to and fro from the ocean. Then aboard the 'Monarch' cruise that allows viewing of the entire Royal Albatross breeding area and usually allows viewing of Albatross flying or sitting on the ocean as well as seeing many other species that live and breed around the headland.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Stop to view the mystical Moeraki Boulders 40 km (24 Miles) south of Oamaru. These otherworldly boulders are steeped in Maori Legend. Scientists explain the boulders as septarian concretions formed about 65 million years ago. The soft mud-stone containing the boulders was raised from the seabed around 15 million years ago and sea erosion is exposing the erosion-resistant boulders.

Your journey continues into the World Heritage Mt Cook National Park, with its 70,000 ha of breathtaking alpine scenery. After dinner, enjoy a guided tour of the Digital Dome Planetarium before your astronomy guides take you to their outdoor stargazing site where you explore different elements of the spectacular southern sky.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 Night

Heading North upcountry, look for a spot 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 are awesome.

This afternoon make your way to Christchurch.

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Head north to the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura and visit a New Zealand Fur Seal (Kekeno) colony. Continue to the charming town of Blenheim in the heart of the Marlborough Region, famous for producing New Zealand’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the town’s boutique galleries and shops.

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

Accommodation: Blenheim - 1 Night

Return your rental vehicle to Marlborough Airport before boarding your flight to Wellington where you will collect your next rental vehicle on arrival.

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.

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.

Enjoy a leisurely drive today continuing north to the the Art Deco Capital - Napier. The Hawkes Bay area is one of New Zealand’s leading wine producers and is a popular place for bicycle wine tours with over 30+ cellar doors in the region. Hawke’s Bay is also known as New Zealand’s Art Deco capital. Napier and Hastings were rebuilt in the architectural styles of the time following the devastating 1931 earthquake.

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

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

This tour is ideal for both casual enthusiasts and wine aficionados, offering a chance to connect with fellow wine lovers and savor the exceptional wines of Hawke's Bay. Discover the passion behind each bottle and learn about the region's unique growing conditions. Create unforgettable memories and take home outstanding wines. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the region's finest winery restaurants, followed by a delightful afternoon of wine tasting in the sun, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Visit four to five wineries and indulge in a cheese platter in the enchanting grounds of Ngatarawa Vineyard, nestled beside a tranquil lily pond.

Included Meals: Lunch

Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls and fascinating Wairakei Geothermal Project before arriving at the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu. Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, this uniquely different natural landscape is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction.

Then you will 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.

Approximate Distance: 220 kms | 137 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

This morning enjoy an exhilarating journey through prehistoric native forest. Explore the canopy as you fly on a network of ziplines, swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree top platforms and more.

This afternoon experience a thrilling high-speed journey across the picturesque Lake Rotorua, navigating through the Ohau Channel and onto Lake Rotoiti. There, you’ll be transported to the tranquil Manupirua Hot Springs, where you can unwind with a one-hour soothing soak. This hidden gem is only accessible by water.

An exciting day awaits this morning. 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 your journey on to the 'City of Sails' Auckland.

Approximate Distance: 252 kms | 157 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Return your rental car to Auckland Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Included Meals: Breakfast