28 Day Australia & New Zealand Highlights Self Drive Tour Itinerary

A warm welcome to New Zealand’s South Island, where heritage architecture, leafy parks, and innovative city spaces create the perfect introduction to your journey.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Riverside Market
• Explore Christchurch at leisure
• 1 night in Christchurch

Make it yours
Celebrate the start of your South Island adventure with an elegant four-course dinner aboard Christchurch’s beautifully restored heritage tram.

Suggested Accommodation:

Journey aboard one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys before entering New Zealand’s spectacular Glacier Country, where rainforest, mountains, and ice collide.

Inclusions at a glance:

• TranzAlpine scenic rail journey
• Rental vehicle collection
• Arthur’s Pass National Park
• 2 nights in Franz Josef

Approximate Distance: 170 kms | 106 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience the dramatic beauty of New Zealand’s glacier country from above, where vast ice fields spill from the Southern Alps towards lush rainforest.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Twin Glacier helicopter flight
• Alpine snow landing
• Franz Josef Glacier views
• Fox Glacier views

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For an even more adventurous glacier experience, upgrade to a guided heli ice-climbing expedition, combining a scenic helicopter flight with expert-led climbing on the ice. 

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your New Zealand adventure.

Travel through some of the South Island’s most breathtaking scenery, crossing Haast Pass before arriving beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wānaka.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Haast Pass scenic drive
• Lake Wānaka
• Puzzling World admission
• 1 night in Wānaka

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Round off your day with a relaxing happy hour cruise on Lake Wānaka, taking in the region’s stunning alpine scenery while enjoying refreshments on the water.  

Approximate Distance: 284 kms | 285 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Journey through the heart of the South Island to Fiordland, a region of pristine lakes, towering mountains, and untouched wilderness.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic Southland drive
• Lake Te Anau
• Te Anau Glowworm Caves
• 2 nights in Te Anau

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Discover one of New Zealand’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes on a journey through Fiordland’s untouched wilderness.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Doubtful Sound cruise
• Fiordland National Park
• Wildlife viewing

Follow spectacular alpine landscapes to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, nestled beside Lake Wakatipu.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic drive to Queenstown
• Lake Wakatipu
• Gibbston Valley
• 2 nights in Queenstown

Approximate Distance: 174 kms | 108 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Soak up the beauty of Queenstown's remarkable setting from the gondola, where panoramic mountain and lake vistas provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely day.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Skyline Gondola
• Bob’s Peak views
• Lake Wakatipu panoramas
• Free time to explore

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Enhance your Skyline experience with thrilling luge rides or a premium lunch overlooking Lake Wakatipu. For those seeking more adventure, add a high-speed jet boat ride or take the leap with Queenstown’s iconic bungy jump.

Travel through dramatic high-country landscapes to New Zealand’s highest mountain and most celebrated alpine region.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lake Pukaki
• Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
• Alpine scenery
• 2 nights in Mount Cook

Approximate Distance: 261 km | 163 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Immerse yourself in the stories of New Zealand’s greatest mountaineering legends and extraordinary alpine landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
• Museum exhibits
• Free time to explore

Make it yours
Enhance your day in Mount Cook with a spectacular heli-hike experience, showcasing breathtaking aerial views and exclusive glacier access or perhaps a guided stargazing tour to end the night.

Return to Christchurch through the Mackenzie Country, passing turquoise lakes and sweeping mountain vistas.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner
• Lake Tekapo region
• Canterbury Plains
• 1 night in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Fly north to New Zealand’s geothermal heartland, where steaming landscapes and rich Māori culture create an unforgettable experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Domestic flight
• Rotorua geothermal region
• Polynesian Spa
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Suggested Accommodation:

Explore one of the world’s youngest geothermal systems, where steaming valleys and volcanic landscapes meet pristine waterways.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Waimangu Volcanic Valley
• Geothermal walking trails
• Lake Rotomahana cruise
• Native wildlife

Make it yours
Elevate your day with a breathtaking flight over Mount Tarawera and its volcanic landscapes, or discover Rotorua after dark on a memorable glowworm kayaking experience.

Travel to New Zealand’s largest city, beautifully positioned between two sparkling harbours.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Auckland waterfront precinct
• Viaduct Harbour
• 2 nights in Auckland

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Stop by to visit the infamous Hobbiton Movie Set tour on your way to Auckland – a must-see experience enjoyed by all ages.

Approximate Distance: 225 km | 140 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Discover Auckland from above with spectacular views stretching across volcanic landscapes, islands, and twin harbours.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Sky Tower admission
• 360° city views
• Interactive exhibits
• Free time to explore

Make it yours
Enhance your day with a premium wine escape to Waiheke Island, or enjoy a private guided experience uncovering Auckland’s hidden gems and rich Māori heritage.

Cross the Tasman Sea and arrive in Australia’s cultural capital, renowned for its creativity, food scene, and vibrant atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

• International flight
• Explore Melbourne at leisure
• Laneways & cafés
• 3 nights in Melbourne

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, where dramatic cliffs, beaches, and rainforest create unforgettable views.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Morning tea
• Great Ocean Road tour
• Twelve Apostles
• Great Otway National Park

A day at leisure to uncover Melbourne’s hidden laneways, vibrant arts scene, and world-class dining.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore Melbourne at leisure
• Laneway culture
• Gardens & galleries

Make it yours
Personalise your Melbourne experience with a private city sightseeing tour or indulge in a guided food journey showcasing the flavours and stories behind Australia's culinary capital.

Leave the city behind and arrive in Australia’s spiritual heart, where ancient landscapes and rich Indigenous culture await.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Flight to Uluru
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Sunset viewing opportunities
• 3 nights at Uluru

Suggested Accommodation:

Witness one of Australia’s most magical experiences as light, landscape, and culture combine in the Red Centre.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Canapés, wine, dinner
• Field of Light Sunrise
• Stargazing experience
• Desert landscapes and cultural storytelling

Gain a deeper connection to Australia’s most iconic natural landmark through culture, storytelling, and extraordinary landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Dinner 
• Uluru base tour
• Indigenous cultural insights
• Sunset viewing

Make it yours
Add an unforgettable sunrise camel experience and witness the beauty of the outback as the first light of day illuminates Uluru.

Arrive in Tropical North Queensland, gateway to two World Heritage-listed natural wonders.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Flight to Cairns
• Esplanade Lagoon
• 3 nights in Cairns

Suggested Accommodation: 

Explore the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed environments meet.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Daintree Rainforest
• Cape Tribulation
• Daintree River cruise

Sail to the Great Barrier Reef and discover vibrant coral gardens, tropical marine life, and white sandy beaches.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Sailing experience
• Green Island
• Reef snorkelling

Arrive in Australia’s most iconic city, home to one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Flight to Sydney
• Circular Quay
• Sydney Harbour
• 3 nights in Sydney

Make it yours
Celebrate your first evening in Sydney aboard a sunset dinner cruise, taking in the sparkling city skyline and iconic harbour landmarks.

Suggested Accommodation:

A full day to experience Sydney your way, from world-famous beaches to harbour adventures and hidden neighbourhood gems.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore Sydney at leisure
• Harbour experiences
• Coastal walks

Make it yours
Escape the city on a private Blue Mountains adventure complete with Australian wildlife experiences, or delve into Sydney's cultural heart with a private tour of the world-renowned Opera House.

Escape to Australia’s oldest wine region for a day of award-winning wines, gourmet produce, and picturesque countryside.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Hunter Valley wine tour
• Boutique cellar doors
• Cheese tasting

Enjoy a final morning in Australia before departing with unforgettable memories of spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, world-class food and wine, and extraordinary experiences across New Zealand and Australia.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore Sydney at leisure
• Private airport transfer

Ready to make the journey yours? Speak with a Travel Designer today to customise your own Australia and New Zealand adventure.