23 Day Pacific Explorer Australia & New Zealand Self Drive Tour Itinerary

A warm South Island welcome awaits in Christchurch, a city where heritage architecture, vibrant public spaces, and beautiful gardens blend seamlessly with innovative urban regeneration. Often referred to as New Zealand's Garden City, Christchurch offers the perfect introduction to your New Zealand adventure.
    
  Inclusions at a glance:

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

Make it yours
Celebrate your evening with a four-course dinner aboard the Christchurch Tram Restaurant, where fine dining and city sightseeing come together for a truly memorable experience.

Suggested Accommodation:

Begin your South Island road trip with a scenic drive south to Oamaru, one of New Zealand’s most distinctive heritage towns. Known for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, thriving arts scene, and quirky steampunk culture, Oamaru is full of character and charm.
    
 Inclusions at a glance:

• Collect rental vehicle
• Scenic South Island drive
• Victorian Precinct exploration
• 1 night in Oamaru

Approximate Distance: 250 km | 155 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Discover the fascinating Moeraki Boulders before continuing south to Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Renowned for its Scottish heritage, grand Victorian architecture, and dramatic coastal landscapes, Dunedin offers a unique blend of history and nature.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Moeraki Boulders visit
• Historic city exploration
• 2 nights in Dunedin

Approximate Distance: 115 km | 75 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience one of New Zealand’s most remarkable wildlife destinations as you explore the stunning Otago Peninsula. Home to royal albatross, fur seals, penguins, and dramatic coastal scenery, this is a true highlight for nature lovers.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise
• Royal Albatross viewing
• Fur seals & seabirds 

Make it yours
Complete your day with a visit to the Speight’s Brewery Heritage Centre, where you'll enjoy a guided brewery tour followed by a delicious three-course dinner.

Journey through the rolling landscapes of Southland to Te Anau, the picturesque gateway to Fiordland National Park. Nestled on the shores of New Zealand's second-largest lake and surrounded by towering mountains, Te Anau Township is the ideal base for exploring one of the country's most spectacular wilderness regions.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic Southland drive
• Fiordland National Park gateway
• Lake Te Anau views
• 3 nights in Te Anau

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

​Suggested Accommodation:

Venture beyond the ordinary and explore one of New Zealand’s most remote and untouched regions. Journey deep into Fiordland’s wilderness by jet boat, discovering ancient rainforest, pristine rivers, and spectacular coastal scenery rarely seen by visitors.
    
 Inclusions at a glance:

• Full day Fiordland jet boat tour
• Waitutu Rainforest exploration
• Guided nature walks

Make it yours
After your Fiordland adventure, slow the pace with a guided nature walk or discover the enchanting underground world of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Experience Milford Sound from an unforgettable perspective as you soar above towering peaks, ancient glaciers, and dramatic fiords. This spectacular flight showcases one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes in truly extraordinary fashion.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic helicopter flight
• Milford Sound aerial views
• Remote alpine landings
• Fiordland National Park

Travel through some of New Zealand's most breathtaking alpine scenery as you make your way to beautiful Lake Wānaka. Surrounded by mountains and renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, boutique dining, and outdoor adventures, Wānaka is one of the South Island's most beloved destinations.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lake Wānaka exploration
• Lakeside scenery and alpine views
• 2 nights in Wānaka

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Suggested ​Accommodation:

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park on one of New Zealand’s most rewarding guided day walks. Towering mountains, native forest, suspension bridges, and hanging glaciers combine to create an unforgettable alpine experience.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Guided Rob Roy Glacier hike
• Mount Aspiring National Park
• Expert local guide

Follow the shores of the brilliant turquoise Lake Pukaki to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. The region’s dramatic alpine landscapes and glacier-carved valleys create some of the country's most spectacular scenery.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic Lake Pukaki drive
• Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
• 2 nights in Mount Cook

Approximate Distance: 210 km | 130 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Suggested ​Accommodation:

Enjoy a full day surrounded by New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring alpine scenery. Explore walking trails, admire glacier-fed rivers, learn about Sir Edmund Hillary’s legacy, or simply relax and soak in the incredible mountain views.
    
 Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Walking trails & viewpoints
• Dark Sky Reserve stargazing    

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

Journey through the Mackenzie Country, stopping at the stunning Lake Tekapo with its turquoise waters and iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue to Christchurch for a final evening in New Zealand’s South Island.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Lake Tekapo visit
• Church of the Good Shepherd
• 1 night in Christchurch

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Cross the Tasman Sea and arrive in Perth, Australia's sunniest capital city. Set along the Swan River and fringed by stunning beaches, Perth combines a relaxed lifestyle with vibrant dining precincts, expansive parklands, and easy access to Western Australia's remarkable natural landscapes.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Flight to Perth
• Rental vehicle collection
• Kings Park & Botanic Garden exploration
• 1 night in Perth

Suggested Accommodation:

Travel north along the Coral Coast to Cervantes, stopping to explore the remarkable Pinnacles Desert. Rising from golden sands, these ancient limestone formations create one of Australia’s most fascinating natural landscapes.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Pinnacles Desert visit
• Coral Coast drive
• 1 night in Cervantes

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Continue along Western Australia’s spectacular Coral Coast, stopping at Jurien Bay to encounter playful Australian sea lions in their natural habitat. Arrive in Kalbarri, where rugged gorges, towering sea cliffs, and colourful wildflowers showcase the region’s extraordinary natural beauty.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Jurien Bay Sea Lion Cruise
• Coral Coast road trip
• Shark Bay region
• 2 nights in Kalbarri

Approximate Distance: 410 km | 255 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a day at leisure discovering the remarkable landscapes of Kalbarri. Explore dramatic river gorges, rugged coastal lookouts, and pristine beaches, or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this beautiful seaside town.
    
 Inclusions at a glance:

• Kalbarri National Park
• Wildflower region
• Explore Kalbarri at leisure 

Make it yours 
Enhance your day with a guided Pink Lake and coastal cliffs tour, showcasing some of the region’s most striking natural wonders, or embark on a canoe safari for a unique perspective of Kalbarri’s waterways and wildlife.
 

Travel into the UNESCO-listed Shark Bay World Heritage Area, one of Australia's most important natural environments. Along the way discover ancient stromatolites, pristine beaches, and unique coastal landscapes before arriving at Monkey Mia, famous for its resident wild dolphins and extraordinary marine life.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Shark Bay World Heritage Area
• Hamelin Pool stromatolites
• 2 nights in Monkey Mia

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Explore the striking landscapes of Francois Peron National Park, where red desert dunes meet the turquoise waters of Shark Bay. Guided by local experts, discover rich Aboriginal culture, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking coastal scenery.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Morning tea, lunch
• Guided 4WD eco-tour
• Aboriginal cultural insights
• Wildlife encounters

Follow the spectacular Coral Coast north to Coral Bay, one of Western Australia's most idyllic beachside destinations. Sitting alongside the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay offers direct access to crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Carnarvon Blowholes
• Ningaloo Reef region
• 2 nights in Coral Bay

Approximate Distance: 580 km | 360 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the day enjoying one of Australia’s most accessible reef systems. Whether snorkelling among colourful coral gardens, joining a marine wildlife tour, or relaxing on the beach, Coral Bay offers the perfect tropical escape.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Snorkelling opportunities
• Coral Bay beaches
• Explore Coral Bay at leisure  

Make it yours
Enhance your Coral Bay escape with a manta ray encounter, a scenic reef cruise, or a glass-bottom boat tour, offering incredible opportunities to experience the vibrant marine life and pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef.

Continue north to Exmouth, gateway to Cape Range National Park and the northern reaches of Ningaloo Reef. This relaxed coastal town is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, and stunning natural landscapes.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Cape Range National Park
• Coastal exploration
• 2 nights in Exmouth

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience one of Australia’s most remarkable marine environments with an unforgettable day on the water. Depending on the season, swim alongside whale sharks, encounter humpback whales, or snorkel the pristine coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef.
 
Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Whale shark or humpback whale experience
• Ningaloo Reef snorkelling
• Marine wildlife encounters

Enjoy a final morning soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of Western Australia’s Coral Coast before departing from Exmouth. As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of spectacular landscapes, wildlife encounters, and remarkable experiences across New Zealand and Australia.
    
Inclusions at a glance:

• Rental vehicle return
• Learmonth Airport departure
• End of tour arrangements

Ready to make this journey your own? Speak with a Travel Designer to customise every detail and create your perfect Australia and New Zealand adventure.