18 Day New Zealand Grandeur - A Luxury Self Drive Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand. Now you can relax - you are officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of.

We will meet you at the airport and to transfer to your central city luxury accommodation. This New Zealand luxury Self Drive Itinerary has been designed to make your New Zealand experience as hassle-free as possible.

Some suggested activities around Christchurch

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Climb aboard the TranzAlpine and travel via Arthur's Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast. This rail journey is truly something special. Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiseled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Ranked among the world’s top 6 train journeys, these tracks flow through some of New Zealand's most splendid countryside from the Southern Alps to Greymouth. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see natural grandeur on such a scale. 

Collect your rental car in Greymouth and travel to the west coast glacial village of Franz Josef where you can relax and soak in the thermal pools after an invigorating day.

Approximate Distance: 196 km | 140 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 night

Before you leave this morning you might want to experience a scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions),

The scenery is impressive all the way, and once over the Haast Pass, it changes dramatically as you head into the mountains and bid farewell to the coastline. Continuing up the Haast River into Mount Aspiring National Park and Central Otago (This pass was used by the Maori to trade Poumanu (Greenstone) you follow Lake Hawea nearly all the way through to Wanaka over the Crown Range to Arrowtown and Queenstown. This drive is world-class, some of the vistas to watch out for are: Lake Matheson, Views of Mount Cook, Bruce Bay, Ship Cove, Haast River/Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools, Lakes Hawea & Wanaka.

Approximate Distance: 350 kms | 217 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 55 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights

The surrounding area is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards and the natural landscape with wild rivers, high peaks and deep canyons has allowed Queenstown to developed an exciting array of outdoor adventure activities - and there's plenty to choose from. But if you are just want to chill out then Queenstown's compact downtown area is relaxed during the day and huge fun at night. In any season, you can count on stylish designer shops and many trendy restaurants offering a kaleidoscope of dining experiences.

Recommended excursions around Queenstown:

From Queenstown drive the scenic route to the lakeside town of Manapouri in Fiordland National Park a World Heritage Area.
 
From Manapouri embark on an amazing cruise through the moody and mysterious Doubtful Sound. Onboard the Fiordland Navigator experienced nature guides will provide commentary on the wildlife sightings ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights. Watch out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and the Fiordland yellow eyebrow crested penguin.  After anchoring for the evening you will have the opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat.

Dinner will be prepared by an onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Before retiring to your private cabin (with ensuite bathroom) take time to gaze at the stars and listen to the sound of ‘silence’. 

Approximate Distance: 172 kms | 107 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 10 mins

*Please Note: The overnight cruise does not operate in the winter: 18 May – 20 Sept.

Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator Doubtful Sound  - 1 night

After a hearty breakfast, spend the morning cruising Doubtful Sound back to Deep Cove. In particular, keep an eye out for the resident bottlenose dolphins that patrol the fiord or the New Zealand fur seal seen basking as the sun rises warming the rocks they occupy and when in season the rare Fiordland crested penguin.  

Retrace your steps back to Manapouri and travel to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South.

Approximate Distance: 302 kms | 188 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 50 mins

Accommodation: Dunedin  - 2 nights

Today cruise the length of the Otago Harbour. Experience an unforgettable half day cruise and peninsula tour and explore Careys Bay historic fishing village, Port Chalmers’ busy wharves and the harbour’s beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forest. Enjoy Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the NZ Furseals play and swim near their breeding colonies, out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

Stop to view the mystical Moeraki Boulders 40 km (24 Miles) south of Oamaru. These otherworldly boulders are steeped in Maori Legend. Scientists explain the boulders as septarian concretions formed about 65 million years ago. Crystallization of calcium and carbonates around charged particles in muddy undersea sediments gradually formed the boulders in a process taking as long as four million years. The soft mud-stone containing the boulders was raised from the seabed around 15 million years ago and sea erosion is exposing the erosion-resistant boulders.

Then its time to visit Oamaru. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels, and restaurants, the residents ‘the Oamaruivans’ are certainly not. In fact quite the contrary, unlike the Victorians they (the locals) are bohemians artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops, and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.

Your journey continues into the World Heritage Mt Cook National Park, with its 70,000 ha of breathtaking alpine scenery. After dinner, enjoy a guided tour of the Digital Dome Planetarium before your astronomy guides take you to their outdoor stargazing site where you explore different elements of the spectacular southern sky.

Approximate Distance: 322 kms | 200miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 night

Heading North upcountry, look for a spot for some great photos at Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki are awesome.

This afternoon make your way to Christchurch.

Approximate Distance: 333 kms | 207 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 20 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Head north to the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura and visit a New Zealand Fur Seal (Kekeno) colony. Continue to the charming town of Blenheim in the heart of the Marlborough Region, famous for producing New Zealand’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the town’s boutique galleries and shops.

Approximate Distance: 310 kms | 193 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 25 mins

Accommodation: Blenheim - 1 night

Board the Interisland Ferry, sit back and enjoy New Zealand hospitality on the three-hour journey across Cook Strait which connects New Zealand’s North and South Islands - this is one of the most scenic in the world. The journey offers a dramatic view of both the North and South Islands. As you enter the picturesque Marlborough Sounds keep an eye out for wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales, and orca that make the sounds home.

Enter the North Island through Wellington Harbour. Situated on the Wellington waterfront, a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, is highly recommended.

Approximate Distance: 27 kms | 17 miles  Total Driving Time: 25 mins

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 nights

Wellington is the nation’s capital city. A magnificent landscape of steep-sided hills sits beside a beautiful harbour, and the city itself bustles with a vibrant creative culture. Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets. The Museum of New Zealand
'Te Papa' is full of national treasures and sits beside the water in the downtown area of the city centre - well worth a visit. Wellington is also famous for having some of New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world-class. Culture, cuisine and scenic beauty abound in New Zealand’s iconic capital.

Here are some sightseeing and activity suggestions while in Wellington:

Enjoy a leisurely drive today continuing north to the the Art Deco Capital - Napier.

Approximate Distance: 326 km | 203 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 20 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 nights

We believe there is only one way to experience wine and food in this region and that is by taking a private tour with a passionate local expert. You will visit a selection of wineries from the iconic to the boutique, under-the-radar vineyards, where you’ll be able to meet the winemakers, be treated to behind-the-scenes wine-making including barrel tastings. A popular option is lunch at one of the award-winning winery restaurants where your guide will answer any questions you might have about the region, its wines, food and its people. By the close of the day, you’ll have sampled some of the best wines in the New World under the expert tutelage of your guide and winemakers themselves.

Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls and fascinating Wairakei Geothermal Project before arriving at the thermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu. Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, this uniquely different natural landscape is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction.

An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture Enter the world of the Mitai family whose home is in a natural bush setting, see their warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream. This incredibly clear water is full of eels and trout and flows directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal steamed underground. During our cultural performance, you'll learn about the tribes past, see their carvings and ta moko (tattoo art). You'll be amazed by the spine-tingling haka finale.

Approximate Distance: 240 kms | 149 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 10 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

This morning enjoy an exhilarating journey through prehistoric native forest. Explore the canopy as you fly on a network of ziplines, swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree top platforms and more.

Relax this afternoon At Okawa Bay on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, board "Tiua", a 53ft catamaran for a relaxing sail to secluded coves and natural hot pools reached only by boat - a memorable journey.

An exciting day awaits this morning. Journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys, bluebells, and the Green Dragon Inn. Visit Bag End as well as the other 43 Hobbit Holes on this fully guided 2.5hr Hobbiton tour. Learn about the production of the movies – how did they make Gandalf appear so tall? Why was this exact site chosen to build Hobbiton? The passion and knowledge gleaned from your guide brings this authentic Middle-earth experience to life.

Continue your journey on to the 'City of Sails' Auckland.

Approximate Distance: 252 kms | 157 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Return your rental car to Auckland Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.