NZ & AUS 21 Day Self Drive Tour Itinerary

Christchurch

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
Explore Christchurch at leisure
Riverside Market
2 nights in Christchurch

Make it yours
Elevate your first evening with a four-course dinner aboard the historic Christchurch Heritage Tram.

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The George - Christchurch

The George, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and river Avon and just steps from the cultural precinct and key attractions. The George will offer you a supreme comfort, with personalised stay and attentive staff.

Christchurch

Spend the day discovering Christchurch at your own pace, from beautiful botanic gardens and colourful street art to boutique cafés and vibrant riverside precincts.

Inclusions at a glance:

Explore Christchurch at leisure
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Street art and laneways

Make it yours
Visit the International Antarctic Centre for an interactive wildlife experience or explore the city on a privately guided sightseeing tour.

Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Journey into the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, where turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and dramatic alpine landscapes lead you to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

Inclusions at a glance:

Scenic drive through Mackenzie Country
Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki views
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
1 night in Mount Cook

Ready to make the journey yours? Speak with one of our Travel Designers to personalise your New Zealand and Australian adventure.

Approximate Distance: 311 km | 193 miles Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Hermitage - Aoraki/Mount Cook

A stunning destination surrounded by the silent splendor of the Southern Alps and with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding National Park World Heritage area. Guests can dine at several on-site restaurants. The hotel is also home to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, that features a museum, planetarium, and cinema.

Mount Cook to Queenstown

Travel south through ever-changing landscapes to Queenstown, where alpine scenery and lakeside charm await. This evening, cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw for a memorable dining experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

Dinner
TSS Earnslaw
Walter Peak High Country Farm
2 nights in Queenstown

Approximate Distance: 241 kms | 150 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

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Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Experience the sophistication of Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel. A boutique hotel with a modern romantic style and exclusive service awaits you in the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital. Set in peaceful parkland, and savour views of Queenstown’s majestic mountains. Enjoy easy access to the vibrant town centre where shopping, cafes and nightlife are nestled on the shores of spectacular Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown

Discover the flavours of Central Otago on a scenic wine journey through one of the world's southernmost wine regions.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner drinks & canapes
Full day wine tour
Central Otago landscapes
Wine cave experience

Make it yours
Continue your adventure with a thrilling jet boat ride or enjoy Queenstown's Skyline Gondola and premium dining experience.

Queenstown to Milford Sound

Journey deep into Fiordland National Park before boarding your overnight cruise through the spectacular landscapes of Milford Sound.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast, Pre-Dinner Drinks & Canapes
Milford Road overnight cruise
Kayaking and wildlife viewing opportunities
Private cabin accommodation

Approximate Distance: 288 kms | 179 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 50 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

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Milford Mariner

For the ultimate Milford Sound experience, spend the night aboard the Mariner and wake up to the dawn of a new day in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Anchor in a sheltered cove where as evening falls, enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon, prepared freshly by our onboard chef. Then relax in the company of fellow travellers or indulge in some star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin.

Milford Sound to Wānaka

Wake to the tranquility of Milford Sound before travelling to beautiful Lake Wanaka, one of the South Island's most picturesque alpine destinations.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Scenic Crown Range drive
Lake Wānaka exploration
2 nights in Wānaka

Make it yours
Take to the skies on a scenic flight or enjoy a wine tasting experience in the surrounding Central Otago region.

Approximate Distance: 343 km | 213 miles Total Driving Time: 5 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

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Tin Tub Luxury Lodge - Lake Wanaka

Tin Tub Luxury Lodge is situated on a stunning lake hosting mountain views in a simply spectacular Lake Wanaka location. The lodge gracefully sits in a garden setting on the hills overlooking the lake and mountains yet only a few minutes from Wanaka Township. Perfect for all seasons with its solar heated swimming pool, sauna, hot tubs (in the Lodge rooms), a gym and a drying room for the avid skier.

Wānaka

Spend the day enjoying Wānaka's relaxed atmosphere, spectacular lake views, and endless outdoor adventures.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Explore Wānaka at leisure
Lakefront walking and cycling trails
Boutique cafés and galleries

Make it yours
Enhance your day with a tranquil Mou Waho Island cruise and nature walk, or experience Wānaka from above on a breathtaking scenic flight or tandem skydive.

Wānaka to Franz Josef

Travel through one of New Zealand's most scenic regions as mountain passes, waterfalls, and rainforest lead you to glacier country.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Scenic Haast Pass drive
Westland National Park
2 nights in Franz Josef

Approximate Distance: 285 kms | 177 miles Total Driving Time: 4 hours

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Accommodation:

Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Franz Josef

Te Waonui is the only luxury property of its kind in the area. The retreat is nestled in the lush bush with views of the natural environment at almost every turn. Located in Franz Josef, the retreat offers easy access to the many natural wonders of the South West World Heritage Area. Mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, coastline, and native flora and fauna all lie in wait at the doorstep for visitors to admire and explore.

Franz Josef

Experience New Zealand's glacier country from an entirely new perspective on an unforgettable heli-hiking adventure.

Inclusions at a glance:

Helicopter flight
Guided glacier hike
Franz Josef Glacier exploration
All specialist equipment provided

Make it yours
After your glacier adventure, enjoy an intimate wildlife encounter with a backstage pass at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, offering rare access to kiwi and tuatara conservation areas.

Franz Josef to Christchurch

Enjoy a beautiful drive north to Greymouth before boarding one of the world's great rail journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Rail journey to Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

TranzAlpine rail journey
Southern Alps and river gorge scenery
1 night in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 173 km | 107 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The George - Christchurch

Christchurch to Sydney

Arrive in Australia's most iconic city, where sparkling harbour views and world-famous landmarks await.

Inclusions at a glance:

Flight to Sydney
Sydney Harbour precinct
1 night in Sydney

Make it yours
Elevate your Sydney experience with a sunset harbour dining cruise, complete with exceptional cuisine and breathtaking city views.

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall

Adina Town Hall Sydney is a stunning, fully refurbished apartment hotel centrally located on Kent Street in Sydney’s CBD. Conveniently adjacent to Town Hall Station, it offers easy access to the city’s top attractions. The hotel is within walking distance of the Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall, Chinatown, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Accommodations include spacious studio and apartment-style options with contemporary design and modern comforts. The hotel also features an on-site gym and indoor swimming pool.

Sydney to Jervis Bay

Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge before journeying south to the white-sand beaches and pristine waters of Jervis Bay.

Inclusions at a glance:

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Scenic coastal drive
Kiama Blowhole
2 nights in Jervis Bay

Approximate Distance: 198 km | 123 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours

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Paperbark Camp - Jervis Bay

Nestled in a peaceful bush setting on the banks of a tranquil waterway, the camp is just five minutes' drive from the natural wonders of Jervis Bay and is the perfect base from which to explore its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and unspoilt national parks.

Jervis Bay

Discover one of New South Wales' most spectacular marine environments, home to resident dolphins and seasonal whale migrations.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Whale or dolphin watching cruise
Jervis Bay Marine Park
White sand beaches

Make it yours
End your day with an unforgettable stargazing experience, discovering the Southern Hemisphere's dazzling constellations in the peaceful surrounds of Jervis Bay.

Jervis Bay to Mallacoota

Travel along the beautiful Sapphire Coast to beautiful Mallacoota, where picturesque fishing villages and pristine beaches showcase another side of Australia.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Sapphire Coast exploration
Eden township
1 night in Mallacoota

Approximate Distance: 421 km | 262 miles Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Mallacoota Hotel Motel

Situated in Mallacoota, just under a kilometer from Bastion Point Beach, Mallacoota Hotel Motel offers accommodations featuring an outdoor swimming pool, complimentary private parking, a garden, and an on-site restaurant.

Mallacoota to Lakes Entrance

Continue into Victoria's beautiful Gippsland region, renowned for its waterways, beaches, and exceptional seafood.

Inclusions at a glance:

Ninety Mile Beach
Gippsland Lakes region
Coastal scenery
1 night in Lakes Entrance

Approximate Distance: 202 km | 125 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Esplanade Resort & Spa Lakes Entrance

Set on a narrow strip of land between 2 stretches of water at the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, this relaxed resort is a 9-minute walk from the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum & Marine Display. The modern rooms to 3-bedroom apartments offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, plus tea and coffeemaking equipment; rooms add minifridges. Apartments feature full kitchens, washer/dryers, dining tables and balconies.

Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory

Journey to Victoria's beloved wilderness region, where granite mountains, hidden beaches, and abundant wildlife await.

Inclusions at a glance:

Scenic drive to "The Prom"
Native wildlife opportunities
Coastal walking trails
2 nights in Wilsons Promontory

Approximate Distance: 278 km | 173 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Wilsons Promontory Coastal View Cabins

Peaceful and quiet Coastal View Cabins offers outstanding accommodation with direct views to Wilsons Promontory. The cabins are set on 10 acres, which include 3 acres of old, growth forest offering sanctuary to a wide array of native flora and fauna. They are certified members of Land Care and Land for Wildlife and are officially accredited as 4 Star accommodation.

Wilsons Promontory

Spend the day exploring one of Australia's most spectacular national parks at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

Explore Wilsons Promontory at leisure
Walking tracks and secluded beaches
Native wildlife encounters
Granite mountain landscapes

Make it yours
Take to the water on an ultimate wilderness cruise or enjoy an incredible whale watching adventure along the spectacular coastline of Wilsons Promontory.

Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island

Travel along Victoria's coast before arriving at Phillip Island for one of Australia's most iconic wildlife experiences.

Inclusions at a glance:

Penguin Parade admission
Phillip Island wildlife
1 night on Phillip Island

Approximate Distance: 138 km | 86 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Comfort Resort Kaloha - Phillip Island

Comfort Resort Kaloha Phillip Island is a tropical, beachfront park, just 5 minutes' walk to the town centre. It offers a large hot tub, salt water solar heated swimming pool, children's playground, and BBQ facilities. All rooms and apartments feature reverse cycle air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, ironing facilities and tea/coffee making supplies.

Phillip Island to Melbourne

Arrive in Melbourne and discover the hidden laneways, historic arcades, and vibrant culture of Australia's cultural capital.

Inclusions at a glance:

Guided laneways and arcades tour
Melbourne street art
Historic arcades
1 night in Melbourne

Approximate Distance: 142 km | 88 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Alto Hotel On Bourke - Melbourne

Located in Melbourne CBD, this award-winning, eco-friendly boutique hotel features free Wi-Fi and relaxing massage chairs in the cosy lounge. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with an LED flat-screen TV, over 100 cable channels and an iPod dock. Guests enjoy free access to a fitness centre just 3 minutes' walk away.

Melbourne

Enjoy a final morning in Melbourne before making your way to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of New Zealand's spectacular landscapes and Australia's iconic coastlines.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Explore Melbourne at leisure
Private airport transfer

Ready to make the journey yours? Speak with one of our Travel Designers to customise your own unforgettable Australia and New Zealand adventure.

What Elizabeth says about this tour: "The perfect blend of beauty, adventure, and relaxation! Get your adrenalin going in Sydney with a Harbour Bridge climb, then unwind with a leisurely road trip to Melbourne along the gorgeous NSW and Victorian coastline. Then it's time to mix things up: we've lined up some incredible mountain landscapes in New Zealand's South Island with jaw-dropping views you'll never forget. Sleep on a boat among Milford Sound's fiords, cruise Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship and relax on
board one of the world's greatest train journeys: the magnificent TranzAlpine Scenic Railway."

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