Auckland to Christchurch Self Drive

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, collect your rental car at the airport, and explore the city of Auckland, New Zealand's self-proclaimed \"City of Sails\", which also happens to be the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or take a drive through one of over 28 regional National Parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls and native forest.




Overnight in Auckland

After breakfast at the hotel, start your journey by driving south from Auckland, which will take you past the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and rich dairy pastures of the Waikato. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of greater Auckland area and it's here you turn inland to central Waikato. Youll soon go through the town of Matamata where you can visit the fully intact Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Continuing on, youll pass several small farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signal your arrival into Rotorua.




Overnight in Rotorua

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. After breakfast, drive towards one of the Maori Villages, as Rotorua is home to several prominent Maori Tribes. Dont forget to visit a Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs. Fans of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit should drive to nearby Matamata and experience the actual movie set ‘Hobbiton.




Overnight in Rotorua

Today, after breakfast, you will start the drive from Rotorua to Wellington which will take you via the township of Taupo home to New Zealands largest lake. Following the lakeshore South youll pass Turani and then ascend the central plateau onto the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting the edge of Tongariro National Park, youll reach the military town of Waiouru before descending through rich farmland and the rural towns of Taihape And Mangaweka. Follow the coast through Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton to arrive at your destination, Wellington.




Overnight in Wellington

After breakfast, drop your Rental Car at the designated drop off area, and catch the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton.The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Leaving Wellington Harbour you pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the country's highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph). From the Cook Strait spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds and this region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays offer remarkable photographic opportunities. The final leg of your cruise travels through Queen Charlotte Sound before coming to an end in the picturesque town of Picton. Upon arrival in Picton, pick up your rental car from the designated pick up area at the Picton Ferry Depot, and check in to the hotel.




Overnight in Picton

Today, after breakfast, you will start driving from Picton crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges as you head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. To the east is the turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean and to the west the towering Kaikoura Ranges. Kaikoura Township is a bustling place with many cafes, restaurants and shops, but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife. Whale Watch Kaikoura is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. The drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch continues to follow the spectacular coastline before heading inland and through North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley to arrive into Christchurch City.




Overnight in Christchurch

After breakfast, you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes pass you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo. Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier fed turquoise blue colour. Continue along the lake to your final destination Mt Cook Village.



Please note: There are no food shops at Mt Cook, and dinner options are limited to one restaurant. If you wish to self-cater, you must stock up before arriving in Mt Cook, or make dinner reservations in advance.




Overnight in Mt Cook Village

Today, you'll leave Mt Cook National park and drive towards Queenstown. Go through the lakeside town of Twizel and then pass through the gliding capital of New Zealand Omarama, before ascending the Lindis Pass. Follow the road to Cromwell, located at the at the head of the Kawarau Gorge. Continue on towards the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions. See the historic Kawarau Bridge where you can bungy jump, or relax and watch others take the plunge. Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range comes into view as you arrive into the adventure capital of New Zealand.




Overnight in Queenstown

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders. Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. If you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski. Finally, if you're lucky enough to visit in winter (July-September) there are four ski resorts close by. You can head up to Coronet Peak and the Remarkables close to Queenstown, or head to Wanaka for Cardrona and Treble Cone.




Overnight in Queenstown

After breakfast, start your journey, by crossing the Crown Range the highest sealed road in the country, you'll pass through the alpine town of Wanaka. Following the shores of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you'll enter the township of Makarora, gateway to Mt. Aspiring National Park.  Stretch your legs on a walk to Blue Pools, a ten minute stroll through lush rainforest. Marvel at the native beach and countless waterfalls as you continue toward the West Coast. Crossing the Haast River you are now truly in the wild west, a 600 kilometre stretch of bush, rainforest and podocarp forest. Continue on to arrive in Fox Glacier, your destination for the night. Home to the largest glacier on the west coast, Fox is 13 kilometres long and ends in rainforest only 250 metres above sea level.




Overnight in Fox Glacier

After breakfast, start the last leg of the journey, by driving towards Christchurch. The road trip from Fox Glacier to Christchurch in New Zealand is a breathtaking journey through some of the country's most iconic landscapes. Starting with the stunning Fox Glacier, the route takes you past the reflective waters of Lake Matheson, through the scenic Haast Pass with its waterfalls and rainforests, and into the rugged beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park. The drive offers panoramic views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and the dramatic Lindis Pass, before entering the vast Mackenzie Basin, home to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, with Mount Cook in the distance. As you descend into the Canterbury Plains, the scenery transitions to sweeping farmlands, culminating in the vibrant city of Christchurch.




Overnight in Christchurch

After breakfast at the hotel, drop your rental car at the Christchurch Airport service area. Proceed towards the terminal building of Christchurch International Airport, to catch your flight back home.