Arrive into New Zealand’s North Island and the gateway city of Auckland. On arrival collect your car from the airport and drive into the ‘City of Sails’ for an overnight stay. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore.

Standard: Sudima Auckland
Deluxe: Eden Park

Drive along the scenic Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands. Here you can relax and unwind and shake off the jet lag. Take a boat cruise through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, swim with dolphins and be sure to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand’s most significant historical sites.

Auckland > Bay of Islands | 236 kms

Standard: Copthorne Bay of Islands, Waitangi

Deluxe: The Sanctuary Bay of Islands

Travel back to bright lights of Auckland for an overnight stay. Dine in one of the waterfront restaurants of Viaduct Harbour or watch the sunset with a dinner cruise around Auckland Harbour.

Bay of Islands > Auckland | 236 kms

Standard: Sudima Auckland
Deluxe: Eden Park

Watch the North Island become a moving postcard as you travel from Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer rail journey. Travel through the fertile farmland of Waitoko and the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau before arriving at the nation’s capital for a two night stay.

Standard: Rydges Wellington
Deluxe: QT Museum Hotel

Board the InterIslander Ferry and sail across the Cook Strait to the South Island port gateway of Picton. Begin your South Island self drive as soon as you arrive by collecting your car at the ferry depot and driving to Nelson for an overnight stay.

Picton > Nelson | 140 kms

Standard: The Rutherford

Deluxe: Cambria House B&B

Drive through the Able Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks and meander down the dramatic and rugged West Coast. Marvel at the Pancake Rocks and blowholes of Punakaiki before arriving into Greymouth, a town laced in jade and gold mining history.

Nelson > Greymouth | 282 kms

Standard: Copthorne Greymouth
Deluxe: Breakers Boutique

Your journey continues south through untamed natural wilderness and rainforests to Franz Josef Glacier. This giant ice flow can be viewed from the valley floor or from the vantage point of an unforgettable helicopter and hike experience.

Greymouth > Franz Josef | 170 kms

Standard: Scenic Hotel, Franz Josef
Deluxe: Holly Homestead

Travel through the pretty lakeside town of Wanaka and onwards to the South Island’s most popular resort town. A three-night stay in Queenstown will allow you time to explore and enjoy many of the activities on offer. Take a cable car ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for the ultimate view of the town and surrounding Remarkable Mountains or opt for one of the more adrenaline fuelled activities such as a bungee or parasailing experience from this scenic lookout point.

Franz Josef > Queenstown | 350 kms

Standard: Copthorne Resort Lakefront, Queenstown
Deluxe: Browns Boutique Hotel

Make the final drive back along the Canterbury Plains and arrive into Christchurch for an overnight stay. Visit the International Antarctic Centre and stroll around the landscaped gardens of Hagley Park.

Queenstown > Christchurch | 480 kms

Standard: Crowne Plaza
Deluxe: Eliza’s

Check out of your hotel and return you car to the airport before boarding your onward flight.