Best of Both Islands • 21 Day New Zealand Itinerary
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Britz Motorhome, New Zealand
Auckland skyline
Hot Springs, Rotorua, New Zealand
Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua, New Zealand
The Dome, Napier, New Zealand
View from Mount Victoria, Wellington
Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait
Motorhome, Lake Tekapo
Bridge across Hokitika Gorge, South Island, New Zealand
Heli hike, Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Wakatipu Queenstown
Milford Sound, South Island
Kiwi Encounter, Stewart Island, New Zealand
Cityscape, Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand
Oamaru, New Zealand
Christchurch

Best of Both Islands

21 day Self Drive & Motorhome Holiday – from £1995

With flights from £3345

Take the wheel on a pre-planned North Island self drive tour before enjoying the freedom of the open road in a fully equipped motorhome around the South.

Highlights:
  • Marvel at the geothermal wonders of Rotorua
  • Visit Wellington’s museums and waterfront
  • Enjoy the scenic Interislander ferry crossing
  • Ride the Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch
  • Explore the South Island by motorhome

Your Itinerary

Expand All

You can customise your New Zealand motorhome holiday by adding extra nights, destinations or activities. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Auckland skyline

Day 1 & 2 – Welcome to Auckland

Arrive into Auckland International Airport and get transferred by private car to your downtown hotel. Spend…

Arrive into Auckland International Airport and get transferred by private car to your downtown hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your flight or exploring downtown Auckland.

Once you are well rested enjoy a day absorbing the lively atmosphere of Viaduct Harbour and the newly developed Britomart precinct, or marvel at the panoramic views of the city from the top of the skyline piercing Skytower.

Auckland skyline
Hot Springs, Rotorua, New Zealand

Day 3 – Rotorua

Collect your rental car this morning and make your way to Rotorua. Spend the remainder of…

Collect your rental car this morning and make your way to Rotorua. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Rotorua, the centre of intense thermal activity in New Zealand.

Geysers, pools of bubbling mud, crystal clear springs and richly coloured craters make Rotorua one of the world’s great tourist attractions. The city itself is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua where boat tours and excellent fishing is available.

    Auckland > Rotorua | 226 kms

    Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Hot Springs, Rotorua, New Zealand
Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua, New Zealand

Day 4 – Taupo & Huka Falls

There are more thermal wonders today as you make the short drive to Taupo, New Zealand’s…

There are more thermal wonders today as you make the short drive to Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and the dramatic Huka Falls nearby.

There will be time to witness the bubbling Champagne Pools of Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland or the colourful silica terraces of Orakei Korako.

    Rotorua > Taupo > Huka Falls | 76 kms

    Lakeland Resort Taupo

Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua, New Zealand
The Dome, Napier, New Zealand

Day 5 – Napier & Hawkes Bay

Continue your scenic drive to the coastal town of Napier. Spend the remainder of the day…

Continue your scenic drive to the coastal town of Napier. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the town.

The centre of the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand, Napier is renowned for both its Art Deco architecture, and its wine industry. It is said to be one of the warmest regions in the country with warm summers and mild winters perfect for growing gapes. There are many tours and activities you can choose from in Napier, including wine tasting and guided walks around the local art deco areas.

    Huka Falls > Napier | 151 kms

    The Nautilus, Napier

The Dome, Napier, New Zealand
View from Mount Victoria, Wellington

Day 6 – Napier to Wellington

Continue your drive to the south coast of the North Island. Make your way to Wellington,…

Continue your drive to the south coast of the North Island. Make your way to Wellington, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city.

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, lies on the shores of a magnificent harbour and is surrounded by green hills. It is one of New Zealand’s most scenic cities.

Some of the best views in Wellington can be obtained from the hilltops. Hop on board an historic tram to ride up to the Kelburn Lookout, and top entrance to the Botanic Garden. Or hike or drive up to Mount Victoria Lookout for panoramic vistas over the city and harbour.

    Napier > Wellington | 323 kms

    Travelodge Hotel Wellington

View from Mount Victoria, Wellington
Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait

Day 7 – Interislander Ferry & Coastal Pacific

Leave your car at the Interislander ferry depot and enjoy the scenic cruise…

Leave your car at the Interislander ferry depot and enjoy the scenic cruise over the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island.

From here board the Coastal Pacific train for your journey down the picturesque coastline of the South Island’s East Coast, eventually arriving into Christchurch, where you will stay overnight.

    Fable Hotel

Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait
Motorhome, Lake Tekapo

Day 8 – Christchurch to Hokitika

Pick up your comfortable motorhome for a total of fourteen days giving you ample time to…

Pick up your comfortable motorhome for a total of fourteen days giving you ample time to explore the wonders of the South Island at your leisure. New Zealand allows motorhome users the option to ‘Freedom Camp’ meaning you can wake up in some of the most spectacular settings in complete seclusion.

Begin your exploration with an amazing journey, across the spectacular Southern Alps mountain range to New Zealand’s west coast. On the way stop to explore the scenic mountain views at Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Once you reach the coast, overnight in Hokitika.

    Christchurch > Hokitika | 246 kms
Motorhome, Lake Tekapo
Bridge across Hokitika Gorge, South Island, New Zealand

Day 9 – Hokitika to Franz Josef

Take time this morning to visit Hokitika Gorge. This fast flowing river is famous for its…

Take time this morning to visit Hokitika Gorge. This fast flowing river is famous for its turquoise waters. The waters appear so vibrant, due to the high concentration of glacial silt in the river, indicating that the water comes direct from the glaciers high above the town.

In the afternoon, continue your journey down the picturesque coast to the town of Franz Josef, where you can stay for the next two nights.

    Hokitika > Franz Josef | 134 kms
Bridge across Hokitika Gorge, South Island, New Zealand
Heli hike, Franz Josef Glacier

Day 10 – Franz Josef Glacier

The town of Franz Josef is the starting point for exploring the Franz Josef Glacier. The Franz…

The town of Franz Josef is the starting point for exploring the Franz Josef Glacier.

The Franz Josef Glacier is a 12km long finger of ice that stretches towards the ocean from a huge icefield up in the Southern Alps. It features ice pinnacles as high as multi-story buildings, deep crevasses and stunning, pristine blue ice.

The best way to discover the glacier is to enjoy a scenic helicopter flight up the glacier, to join a guided trek across the ice with an experienced guide to lead the way and explain the ice formations. The Franz Josef Heli-Hike is an experience never to be forgotten.

Heli hike, Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Wakatipu Queenstown

Day 11 to 13 – Queenstown

Continue along the coast and then head inland around Mount Aspiring National Park. You will probably…

Continue along the coast and then head inland around Mount Aspiring National Park. You will probably want to stop alongside the beautiful lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, before continuing on to the amazing town of Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

During your stay in Queenstown you can enjoy some adventure activities such a jet-boat rides or bungee jumping, or perhaps something more relaxing as a cruise on the Steamship Earnslaw, or a visit to Onsen Hot Pools.

Queenstown is hive of activity with guided hikes and tours to movie locations all on the doorstep. There is also plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy in downtown.

    Franz Josef > Queenstown | 351 kms
Lake Wakatipu Queenstown
Milford Sound, South Island

Day 14 & 15 – Te Anau & Milford Sound

The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau shouldn’t be rushed as their are plenty of scenic…

The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau shouldn’t be rushed as their are plenty of scenic viewpoints to visit along the way. We suggest stopping at Devil’s Staircase Lookout and Kingston for panoramic views along Lake Wakatipu.

Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, and it is from here that you can make another spectacular journey to Milford Sound.

Milford Sound is a picturesque fjord, with steep-sided cliffs, that reaches out to the ocean. The best way to experience Milford Sound is a scenic cruise along the calm waters, allowing you to view the spectacular waterfalls up close.

The spectacular drive to and from Milford Sound is equally beautiful with mirror lakes and wild flowers adjacent to the road.

    Queenstown > Te Anau | 171 kms
Milford Sound, South Island
Kiwi Encounter, Stewart Island, New Zealand

Day 16 & 17 – Te Anau to Invercargill

Leaving Fiordland National Park, continue your motorhome adventure by heading to Invercargill. the most southerly town…

Leaving Fiordland National Park, continue your motorhome adventure by heading to Invercargill. the most southerly town in New Zealand.

The town of Invercargill has become known as the “City of Water and Light”, referring to the long summer daylight hours, the frequent appearances of the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), and the city’s position beside the Waihōpai River estuary.

Invercargill is also the departure point for exploring Stewart Island. As well as being a beautiful island, with many picturesque bays and ancient forests, the island is also famous for being a haven for New Zealand’s most unique bird, the kiwi. A guided tour at dusk is probably your best opportunity for a wild kiwi encounter.

    Te Anau > Invercargill |155 kms
Kiwi Encounter, Stewart Island, New Zealand
Cityscape, Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

Day 18 & 19 – Dunedin

From Invercargill you can simply follow the coast all the way to Dunedin, the principal city…

From Invercargill you can simply follow the coast all the way to Dunedin, the principal city of the Otago region. Ringed by green hills that overlook a pretty harbour, Dunedin is home to Edwardian and Victorian architecture that are relics of the brief gold rush in the area. Particularly worth a visit is Larnach Castle, on the Otago peninsula, which was built in 1871 and remains New Zealand’s only castle.

The area around Dunedin is also thriving with unique wildlife, including penguins, fur seals and albatross. The best way to view this wildlife is from the sea, so if you wish to see more it is worthwhile joining a guided Otago cruise around the bay.

    Invercargill > Dunedin | 204 kms
Cityscape, Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand
Oamaru, New Zealand

Day 20 – Oamaru

On your way back to Christchurch, break up the journey in Oamaru to soak in the…

On your way back to Christchurch, break up the journey in Oamaru to soak in the scenic hot tubs, marvel at the Moeraki Boulders or watch the natural phenomenon of the blue penguin colony returning from sea to their nests at night.

    Dunedin > Oamaru | 113 kms
Oamaru, New Zealand
Christchurch

Day 21 – Farewell from Christchurch

Complete your motorhome tour of the South Island by driving back to Christchurch. Your adventure on…

Complete your motorhome tour of the South Island by driving back to Christchurch. Your adventure on the open road ends when you return your motorhome to the depot, and transfer to the airport.

    Oamaru > Christchurch | 247 kms
Christchurch

Your Itinerary

You can customise your New Zealand motorhome holiday by adding extra nights, destinations or activities. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1 & 2

|

Welcome to Auckland

Arrive into Auckland International Airport and get transferred by private car to your downtown hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your flight or exploring downtown Auckland.

Once you are well rested enjoy a day absorbing the lively atmosphere of Viaduct Harbour and the newly developed Britomart precinct, or marvel at the panoramic views of the city from the top of the skyline piercing Skytower.

Auckland skyline

Day 3

|

Rotorua

Collect your rental car this morning and make your way to Rotorua. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Rotorua, the centre of intense thermal activity in New Zealand.

Geysers, pools of bubbling mud, crystal clear springs and richly coloured craters make Rotorua one of the world’s great tourist attractions. The city itself is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua where boat tours and excellent fishing is available.

    Auckland > Rotorua | 226 kms

    Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Hot Springs, Rotorua, New Zealand

Day 4

|

Taupo & Huka Falls

There are more thermal wonders today as you make the short drive to Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and the dramatic Huka Falls nearby.

There will be time to witness the bubbling Champagne Pools of Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland or the colourful silica terraces of Orakei Korako.

    Rotorua > Taupo > Huka Falls | 76 kms

    Lakeland Resort Taupo

Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua, New Zealand

Day 5

|

Napier & Hawkes Bay

Continue your scenic drive to the coastal town of Napier. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the town.

The centre of the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand, Napier is renowned for both its Art Deco architecture, and its wine industry. It is said to be one of the warmest regions in the country with warm summers and mild winters perfect for growing gapes. There are many tours and activities you can choose from in Napier, including wine tasting and guided walks around the local art deco areas.

    Huka Falls > Napier | 151 kms

    The Nautilus, Napier

The Dome, Napier, New Zealand

Day 6

|

Napier to Wellington

Continue your drive to the south coast of the North Island. Make your way to Wellington, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city.

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, lies on the shores of a magnificent harbour and is surrounded by green hills. It is one of New Zealand’s most scenic cities.

Some of the best views in Wellington can be obtained from the hilltops. Hop on board an historic tram to ride up to the Kelburn Lookout, and top entrance to the Botanic Garden. Or hike or drive up to Mount Victoria Lookout for panoramic vistas over the city and harbour.

    Napier > Wellington | 323 kms

    Travelodge Hotel Wellington

View from Mount Victoria, Wellington

Day 7

|

Interislander Ferry & Coastal Pacific

Leave your car at the Interislander ferry depot and enjoy the scenic cruise over the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island.

From here board the Coastal Pacific train for your journey down the picturesque coastline of the South Island’s East Coast, eventually arriving into Christchurch, where you will stay overnight.

    Fable Hotel

Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait

Day 8

|

Christchurch to Hokitika

Pick up your comfortable motorhome for a total of fourteen days giving you ample time to explore the wonders of the South Island at your leisure. New Zealand allows motorhome users the option to ‘Freedom Camp’ meaning you can wake up in some of the most spectacular settings in complete seclusion.

Begin your exploration with an amazing journey, across the spectacular Southern Alps mountain range to New Zealand’s west coast. On the way stop to explore the scenic mountain views at Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Once you reach the coast, overnight in Hokitika.

    Christchurch > Hokitika | 246 kms
Motorhome, Lake Tekapo

Day 9

|

Hokitika to Franz Josef

Take time this morning to visit Hokitika Gorge. This fast flowing river is famous for its turquoise waters. The waters appear so vibrant, due to the high concentration of glacial silt in the river, indicating that the water comes direct from the glaciers high above the town.

In the afternoon, continue your journey down the picturesque coast to the town of Franz Josef, where you can stay for the next two nights.

    Hokitika > Franz Josef | 134 kms
Bridge across Hokitika Gorge, South Island, New Zealand

Day 10

|

Franz Josef Glacier

The town of Franz Josef is the starting point for exploring the Franz Josef Glacier.

The Franz Josef Glacier is a 12km long finger of ice that stretches towards the ocean from a huge icefield up in the Southern Alps. It features ice pinnacles as high as multi-story buildings, deep crevasses and stunning, pristine blue ice.

The best way to discover the glacier is to enjoy a scenic helicopter flight up the glacier, to join a guided trek across the ice with an experienced guide to lead the way and explain the ice formations. The Franz Josef Heli-Hike is an experience never to be forgotten.

Heli hike, Franz Josef Glacier

Day 11 to 13

|

Queenstown

Continue along the coast and then head inland around Mount Aspiring National Park. You will probably want to stop alongside the beautiful lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, before continuing on to the amazing town of Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

During your stay in Queenstown you can enjoy some adventure activities such a jet-boat rides or bungee jumping, or perhaps something more relaxing as a cruise on the Steamship Earnslaw, or a visit to Onsen Hot Pools.

Queenstown is hive of activity with guided hikes and tours to movie locations all on the doorstep. There is also plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy in downtown.

    Franz Josef > Queenstown | 351 kms
Lake Wakatipu Queenstown

Day 14 & 15

|

Te Anau & Milford Sound

The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau shouldn’t be rushed as their are plenty of scenic viewpoints to visit along the way. We suggest stopping at Devil’s Staircase Lookout and Kingston for panoramic views along Lake Wakatipu.

Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, and it is from here that you can make another spectacular journey to Milford Sound.

Milford Sound is a picturesque fjord, with steep-sided cliffs, that reaches out to the ocean. The best way to experience Milford Sound is a scenic cruise along the calm waters, allowing you to view the spectacular waterfalls up close.

The spectacular drive to and from Milford Sound is equally beautiful with mirror lakes and wild flowers adjacent to the road.

    Queenstown > Te Anau | 171 kms
Milford Sound, South Island

Day 16 & 17

|

Te Anau to Invercargill

Leaving Fiordland National Park, continue your motorhome adventure by heading to Invercargill. the most southerly town in New Zealand.

The town of Invercargill has become known as the “City of Water and Light”, referring to the long summer daylight hours, the frequent appearances of the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), and the city’s position beside the Waihōpai River estuary.

Invercargill is also the departure point for exploring Stewart Island. As well as being a beautiful island, with many picturesque bays and ancient forests, the island is also famous for being a haven for New Zealand’s most unique bird, the kiwi. A guided tour at dusk is probably your best opportunity for a wild kiwi encounter.

    Te Anau > Invercargill |155 kms
Kiwi Encounter, Stewart Island, New Zealand

Day 18 & 19

|

Dunedin

From Invercargill you can simply follow the coast all the way to Dunedin, the principal city of the Otago region. Ringed by green hills that overlook a pretty harbour, Dunedin is home to Edwardian and Victorian architecture that are relics of the brief gold rush in the area. Particularly worth a visit is Larnach Castle, on the Otago peninsula, which was built in 1871 and remains New Zealand’s only castle.

The area around Dunedin is also thriving with unique wildlife, including penguins, fur seals and albatross. The best way to view this wildlife is from the sea, so if you wish to see more it is worthwhile joining a guided Otago cruise around the bay.

    Invercargill > Dunedin | 204 kms
Cityscape, Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand

Day 20

|

Oamaru

On your way back to Christchurch, break up the journey in Oamaru to soak in the scenic hot tubs, marvel at the Moeraki Boulders or watch the natural phenomenon of the blue penguin colony returning from sea to their nests at night.

    Dunedin > Oamaru | 113 kms
Oamaru, New Zealand

Day 21

|

Farewell from Christchurch

Complete your motorhome tour of the South Island by driving back to Christchurch. Your adventure on the open road ends when you return your motorhome to the depot, and transfer to the airport.

    Oamaru > Christchurch | 247 kms
Christchurch

This Holiday Includes

6 nights hotel accommodation
5 days car hire with unlimited kilometres
14 days motorhome hire, with unlimited kilometers
Interislander ferry crossing
Coastal Pacific rail journey

Flights & More

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:

  • Extra nights in Auckland, Wellington or any other location
  • A stopover to New Zealand in Singapore, Dubai or another destination
  • South Island day tours and experiences

Next Step

Please get in touch with our New Zealand Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Best of Both Islands

21 day Self Drive & Motorhome Holiday – from £1995

With flights from £3345

Guide prices shown are per person based on two people sharing standard accommodation and include full ABTA/ATOL protection. Prices vary according to season and standard of accommodation chosen.

Map

Best of Both Islands, New Zealand holiday route map