13N/14D Self Drive

Welcome to Auckland, the “City of Sails”. On arrival, collect your rental car and make your way to your hotel at your own pace. After check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city.
Auckland has a fantastic food and café scene, and we’ll share a list of recommended eateries, bars and cafés closer to your arrival. Should you wish to add any optional tours or activities, our team will be happy to assist.

After breakfast, visit the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy spectacular views across Auckland and its harbours, along with a range of dining options and unique experiences available at the tower.

Following breakfast, check out from your Auckland hotel and begin your drive to Rotorua via Waitomo. En route, experience the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including a peaceful boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of glowworms.
After the tour, continue your journey to Rotorua and check in to your centrally located hotel.

After breakfast, head to Te Puia to explore the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. This unique geothermal area has been central to Māori culture for generations.
Discover bubbling mud pools, steaming sulphur vents and the impressive Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts several times throughout the day. Knowledgeable Māori guides share stories and traditions passed down through their ancestors.
The experience concludes approximately 60 minutes after commencement.

After breakfast, check out from your Rotorua hotel and drive to the Bay of Islands. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area.

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise. Cruise through the picturesque Bay of Islands, past the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett and the iconic Hole in the Rock (Piercy Island/Motukōkako).
According to Māori legend, warriors once paddled through the Hole in the Rock before heading into battle, with water dripping from above seen as a sign of good fortune. If sea conditions allow, your skipper may guide the vessel through the narrow opening.
Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life during the cruise. The purpose-built catamaran is DOC-licensed, and the experienced crew are skilled at locating wildlife.
In the evening, drive back to Auckland.

After breakfast, check out from your Bay of Islands accommodation and drive to Auckland Airport. Return your rental car and board your flight to Queenstown.
On arrival, collect your rental vehicle and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Queenstown offers a vibrant mix of dining, nightlife and scenic spots. We’ll share recommended cafés, restaurants and bars closer to your arrival, and additional activities can be arranged if desired.

After breakfast, depart on a self-drive journey to Milford Sound (approximately four hours each way). On arrival, board a scenic cruise through one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
Admire dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls such as Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, and watch for wildlife including fur seals, penguins, dolphins and, occasionally, whales. Some vessels also offer underwater viewing observatories.

After breakfast, enjoy a ride on the Skyline Queenstown Gondola. Travel to Bob’s Peak aboard the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest gondola and take in panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Following breakfast, check out from your Queenstown hotel and drive to Wanaka. After check-in, visit Puzzling World, a fun and quirky attraction featuring optical illusion rooms, a 3D maze, puzzle challenges and the famous Leaning Tower of Wanaka.

After breakfast, check out from your Wanaka hotel and drive to Franz Josef. On arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to explore the township or relax.

After breakfast, unwind at the Glacier Hot Pools, set within lush rainforest surroundings. The naturally heated pools offer a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, ideal after travelling along the West Coast.
Choose from shared pools or private pools nestled among native bush, providing a tranquil and relaxing escape.

After breakfast, check out from your Franz Josef hotel and enjoy a scenic drive to Christchurch. After check-in, the remainder of the evening is free to explore the city at your own pace.

As per your onward flight schedule, drive to Christchurch Airport, return your rental car and proceed with your departure, taking home wonderful memories of New Zealand.