Highlights of New Zealand with self-drive on the South Island

Your journey to New Zealand starts today. You’ll depart from your selected airport, with connecting flights along the way to your final destination.

Kia ora – welcome to Aotearoa, New Zealand!

Right from the moment you arrive at the airport, you’ll be greeted with the warm “kia ora”, which means “hello” or “good health” in Māori. This is a traditional greeting you’ll hear time and again as you journey through this welcoming country. Aotearoa is the original Māori name for New Zealand, and throughout the country, you’ll notice both the English and Māori place names used side by side.

Following your flight, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel – a journey of around 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) is a vibrant metropolis, a melting pot of cultures rooted in Māori heritage and strongly influenced by Polynesian, Asian, and European traditions alike. Located on the northern coast of the North Island, it’s home to around 1.7 million people – almost a third of the nation’s population. Encircled by the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, Auckland beautifully blends spectacular natural scenery with world-class urban life. The city is also affectionately known as the ‘City of Sails’ due to the countless yachts dotting its coastline.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. We recommend heading down to Viaduct Harbour – the city’s lively waterfront district, brimming with inviting cafés, restaurants, and bars overlooking the water.

Remember to soak up plenty of daylight and drink lots of water – this will help your body recover from jet lag.

To give you the best possible introduction to Auckland, we’ve included a three-hour city tour with a local guide, who will show you some of the city’s most fascinating sights and share insights into Auckland’s culture and history.

In the morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel, and along the way, you’ll pass well-known spots such as the popular Queen Street, the university, and The Domain – a lush city park created in and around an ancient volcanic crater.

The tour will continue through the atmospheric suburb of Ponsonby, renowned for its historic homes and creative urban scene. From here, you’ll cross the impressive Harbour Bridge and head to North Shore, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy a walk along the beach with views of Waitematā Harbour and the iconic volcanic island of Rangitoto.

One of the highlights of this tour is Devonport, a historic district renowned for its beautiful architecture and breathtaking vistas from the summits of the extinct volcanoes scattered throughout the area. From here, you can soak up spectacular views across both the city and the harbour.

Your city tour will conclude with a visit to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest yacht marinas in the southern hemisphere. Here, you’ll have a stunning view of Auckland’s skyline and the Harbour Bridge, framed by a sea of masts.

You’ll return to the hotel around midday, with the rest of the day free for you to explore the city at your own pace.
Perhaps you’re intrigued by the Sky Tower, rising above the rooftops? At 328 metres, it’s New Zealand’s tallest free-standing structure, offering a 360-degree panorama of Auckland and its bay from the observation deck.

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, Sky Tower offers high-octane experiences such as the SkyWalk – a walk around a narrow platform almost 200 metres up – and the SkyJump, a controlled free fall from the tower itself.
If you’d rather savour the views with a meal and a glass of wine, you can take a seat in the revolving Orbit 360° restaurant, which slowly spins to give you panoramic vistas while you dine.

You also have the option to extend your city tour and join a wine-tasting excursion, which includes lunch, or perhaps experience Auckland from the water on a charming dinner cruise aboard a sailing boat. Read more below.

Today is yours to enjoy as you please in Auckland. Set your own pace and choose your own highlights. Perhaps you'd like to revisit somewhere you discovered yesterday, or seek out new corners of the city. The choice is entirely yours.

You can also immerse yourself in some of Auckland’s fascinating museums. In Domain Park, you’ll find the Auckland War Memorial Museum (Tāmaki Paenga Hira), home to engaging exhibitions on the country’s history and Maori culture. Art enthusiasts can head to the impressive Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Down by Viaduct Harbour, the New Zealand Maritime Museum invites you to dive into the country’s maritime history – from Polynesian canoes to today’s America’s Cup racers.

Auckland is built on more than 50 ancient volcanoes, the many now lush green hills offering wonderful opportunities for walking. One of the most famous is Mount Eden (Maungawhau), which boasts spectacular views across the city.

If you’re in the mood for a dip, Mission Bay Beach is both a popular choice and easy to reach from the city centre.

Auckland also boasts an excellent ferry network, connecting the city with its suburbs and nearby islands. Waiheke Island (Te Motu-arai-roa) is a particularly appealing option—famed for its vineyards and stunning beaches.

You might also wish to join a guided excursion to Waiheke Island with lunch at a vineyard, or set off on a full-day tour to the breathtaking Coromandel Peninsula (Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui).

Today’s itinerary features some of New Zealand’s most iconic highlights: a visit to Hobbiton and the geothermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu.

Setting off from Auckland, you’ll travel by minibus with a local guide towards Rotorua. Heading south through lush scenery, you’ll pass through the Waikato region—one of the country’s key agricultural heartlands. Nestled amidst these rolling green hills lies the Hobbiton Movie Set, the legendary filming location from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
On a 2½-hour guided tour, you’ll discover more than 40 hobbit holes and hear plenty of fascinating stories about the filming process. The experience ends with a refreshing drink at The Green Dragon Inn—an authentic hobbit-hole pub.

Time has been set aside for both lunch and coffee breaks along the way (at your own expense).

The tour then continues to Wai-O-Tapu, where the forces of nature have created a colourful and fascinating geothermal landscape. Here, you’ll discover the famous Champagne Pool, crater lakes and clouds of sulphur rising from the earth. It truly feels as though you’ve set foot on another planet – and yes, there is a distinct sulphur smell, but that’s all part of the experience.

Later in the day, you’ll arrive in Rotorua (Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe), where you have the evening to spend as you wish.

Rotorua is renowned for its vibrant Māori culture, its stunning setting on the lake of the same name, and the surrounding area with its geothermal wonders. You’ll have the day free to get out and discover the region as you like.

If you’re interested in wildlife, you might like to visit The National Kiwi Hatchery, only a 10-minute drive from Rotorua. Here, you can learn more about New Zealand’s shy national bird and the vital conservation work happening behind the scenes.

For your ultimate relaxation, treat yourself to a soothing spa experience at either Polynesian Spa or Wai Ariki Hot Springs, both centrally located in town. Unwind in naturally heated pools and soak up views of the lake in peaceful surroundings. We recommend booking your visit in advance.

If you’d like to experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders up close, you can join an excursion to Hell’s Gate, where you’ll have the chance to witness bubbling pools and steaming vents, and even try the famous mud spa.

For those wishing to explore Rotorua’s unique landscapes, the "Soul of Rotorua" tour is a fantastic choice. This outing includes a visit to Te Puia Thermal Park, where the Pōhutu geyser erupts up to 30 metres high several times a day. The tour also offers stunning views over the Blue Lake and Green Lake, as well as a walk through the awe-inspiring Redwood Forest, famous for its towering trees and soft forest floor.

You may wish to round off your day with one of our optional tours, giving you the opportunity to spend the evening with a local Māori community. Here, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into Māori traditions and history. The experience concludes with a traditional hangi dinner, cooked in an earth oven with hot stones, just as it has been for generations.

It's time to say farewell to Rotorua and New Zealand's North Island. You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Rotorua airport, where you will board your southbound flight to Christchurch (Ōtautahi).

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island, with a population of around 400,000 inhabitants. In 2011, the city was struck by a powerful earthquake, but Christchurch has since rebuilt itself with remarkable resilience and now stands as an inspiring example of modern regeneration and urban development. The city blends historic charm with contemporary architecture, all set within lush, scenic surroundings. Thanks to its many parks and green spaces – including Hagley Park, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and the meandering Avon River that peacefully winds its way through the centre – Christchurch truly lives up to its nickname as “The Garden City”.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will pick up your hire car and drive to your motel in the city, a journey of around 30 minutes. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish, exploring Christchurch at your own pace.

A wonderful way to end the day is with dinner alongside the Avon River in the lively areas near The Terrace and Oxford Terrace. Here, you'll find a vibrant and inviting neighbourhood brimming with modern restaurants, cafés, and bars, many offering outdoor seating with views of the river. Just nearby is the Riverside Market, a welcoming food hall with a selection of eateries, specialty shops, and local delicacies. There really is something here for everyone’s tastes.

See the size and photo of your included hire car, as well as options to upgrade your car category here.

You now have two full days to discover Christchurch and its surroundings at your leisure. Whether you’re drawn to culture, nature, or wildlife, the city and its environment offer countless exciting experiences.

You can choose to book an organised city tour with a guide, or simply set off and explore the city on your own.

Perhaps start with a stroll through central Christchurch, where historical charm blends effortlessly with contemporary architecture. Hop aboard the classic, heritage tram that loops around the city centre, stopping at some of Christchurch’s most iconic attractions. For a different perspective, enjoy a romantic boat ride in a gondola-style punt, gently poled along the tranquil Avon River.

A wander through the Botanic Gardens is a lovely way to soak up the city’s greener side. Right next door, you’ll find the Canterbury Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s rich history—think Māori culture, European discovery, natural sciences, and Antarctic expeditions.

If you have an interest in art, make sure to visit Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, which showcases a striking collection of both New Zealand and international contemporary art within a modern setting.

Incredible experiences in nature await just a short drive from the city, including Hanmer Springs – a charming alpine village famed for its natural hot springs and relaxed pace of life.

A visit to Akaroa is also highly recommended. This French-influenced coastal town sits beautifully in a bay surrounded by ancient volcanic hills. From here, nature cruises depart, offering the chance to spot the rare Hector’s dolphin, the world’s smallest and most endangered dolphin species, as well as seals and possibly even little penguins.

Further up the coast lies Kaikoura, world-renowned for its whale watching experiences. Here, you might be lucky enough to see sperm whales in their natural habitat.

We recommend booking your boat tour tickets in advance for Akaroa and Kaikoura to secure your place.

Today, we recommend getting an early start and packing up the car, as your road trip adventure truly begins now, promising unforgettable natural wonders ahead.  

Leaving Christchurch behind, you'll drive through the rolling Canterbury Plains before heading towards the central highlands and the snow-capped Southern Alps. Take a break for your morning coffee in the breathtaking setting of Lake Tekapo (Takapō), famed for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, and its charming, stone-built chapel, the Church of the Good Shepherd.

The journey continues along the shores of Lake Pukaki (Pūkahaki), where you'll be treated to magnificent views of New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook (Aoraki), rising to 3,724 metres on the horizon. You'll arrive at the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where the rest of the day is yours to explore and soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings.

For example, you might visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a museum dedicated to the legendary New Zealand mountaineer who, together with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, was the first to conquer Mount Everest in 1953. Hillary had a deep connection to the Mount Cook region, where he trained and climbed several of the country’s highest peaks.

Mount Cook Village is a haven for nature lovers and hikers, offering a range of beautiful self-guided walks with varying levels of difficulty, each with its own special highlights. For example, you could set out on the Kea Point Track (Easy – approx. 3 km), the Tasman Glacier View Track (Easy – approx. 2.5 km), or the Hooker Valley Track (Easy – approx. 10 km). Please note that part of the Hooker Valley Track is currently closed due to erosion and the construction of a new suspension bridge, with works expected to continue until the end of 2026.
We recommend stopping by the visitor centre upon arrival to get the most up-to-date information about walking routes, weather conditions, safety, and other activities in the area.

Mount Cook Village is set in one of the world’s darkest regions, making it perfect for fabulous night skies. You can enjoy a walk under the stars on your own or join a guided stargazing tour for a truly memorable experience.

We suggest you fill up with fuel and do your shopping before entering the National Park, as prices tend to be a bit higher inside, and the selection of groceries and petrol is much more limited.

Driving distance from Christchurch – Aoraki/Mt Cook: Approx. 330 km

Driving time: Approx. 4.5 hours (without stops)

Before you leave Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, we highly recommend pre-booking a boat tour on the Tasman Lake. This extraordinary experience brings you up close to small icebergs and the mighty Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest glacier. Alternatively, if the weather allows, you can enjoy the breathtaking landscape from above with a helicopter flight. We suggest booking helicopter tours locally as soon as you arrive in the area to secure your spot, especially if this is an experience you don’t want to miss.

It may be hard to say farewell to such majestic scenery, but your adventure will continue along the open road, with even more experiences waiting just ahead.

The route will take you via Twizel, where it’s well worth stopping at High Country Salmon if you fancy some fresh salmon or simply a relaxing break with a view across the fish farm.

From Twizel, your journey will continue through open, golden high country, passing Omarama and winding over Lindis Pass – an impressive mountain stretch where gentle hills roll out as far as the eye can see. From here, the landscape opens into Central Otago, bringing you closer to the charming town of Cromwell, nestled at the heart of one of New Zealand’s finest wine regions.

Leaving the vineyards behind, the route will lead you through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, where the road winds alongside the river, cutting through rugged rock formations. Along the way, you can make a stop at the Goldfields Mining Centre to try your hand at gold panning, or drop by the Kawarau Bridge, where adrenaline seekers take the plunge with a bungy jump from the bridge.

As you approach Queenstown (Tāhuna), the landscape opens up once more and the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu (Wakatipu Waimāori) come into view at the base of the iconic Remarkables mountains.

Driving distance from Aoraki/Mt Cook – Queenstown: Approximately 260 km

Estimated driving time: Around 3.5 hours (without stops)

Queenstown is renowned as New Zealand’s adventure capital, and if you have a taste for thrills and excitement, few places can rival it. This is where the world’s very first commercial bungy jump took place, and today you can throw yourself into everything from jet boating and white-water rafting to skydiving and paragliding. But Queenstown offers far more than just an adrenaline rush. Here, you’ll also discover breathtaking scenery, tranquillity and reflection, exquisite wines, and a wealth of culinary delights. There truly are experiences to suit every taste.

The town centre is charming and compact, with small shops, galleries, and a fine selection of restaurants and cafés, many of them clustered around the lively Shotover Street. A stroll along the lakeshore at Marine Parade comes highly recommended, and here you’ll also find the local tourist information centre—perfect for gathering inspiration for things to see and do in the area.

It’s a popular choice to take the historic gondola up to Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view over Lake Wakatipu and the mountains rising behind, with The Remarkables dominating the horizon. At the top, you can grab a bite to eat or have a go on the entertaining luge—a sort of toboggan run on wheels.

If you fancy exploring the great outdoors on foot, you can continue along the walking trail from Bob’s Peak to Ben Lomond Saddle, or press on all the way to the summit of Ben Lomond. This is a self-guided trek, offering breathtaking views across Queenstown’s stunning alpine scenery. The full return hike from Bob’s Peak to the summit takes roughly 5–6 hours. If you’re setting out from the town centre, allow an extra 2–3 hours to complete the round trip. Be sure to wear suitable clothing, sturdy footwear, and bring plenty of water. Always pay close attention to the weather, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.

You should also make time for an excursion to Milford Sound, including a boat cruise on the iconic fjord. The drive itself is scenic and full of adventure, and many travellers count it among the absolute highlights of New Zealand. If you’ve chosen a self-drive tour, we recommend booking your cruise tickets in advance to secure your spot. It’s a long day out, so it’s best to set off early. Alternatively, you can opt for an organised tour with a guide and transport included, so you can simply relax and take in the stunning landscapes and experiences along the way.

We also offer a variety of optional tours to suit your interests – find out more below.

Today, your journey will continue to Franz Josef, which is best known for the nearby glacier that shares its name. You’ll drive through some of the South Island’s most breathtaking scenery, passing mountains, lakes, and lush rainforests, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and get up close to nature.

If you choose to take the scenic Crown Range Road, you could make a stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel. As one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic pubs, it’s the perfect place for a break or a cup of coffee in truly authentic surroundings.

Another excellent option is a visit to the charming town of Wanaka, where you can snap the classic photo of the solitary willow in the lake, known as 'That Wanaka Tree'. The town boasts inviting cafés and a lovely lakeside promenade, ideal if you fancy stretching your legs.

As you make your way through Mount Aspiring National Park, you might like to take a short walk along the Blue Pools Track. This easy trail leads you through beech forests to striking, turquoise pools, their vivid colour created by glacial meltwater from the area.

You can also make a quick photo stop at Thunder Creek Falls, a 28-metre-high waterfall surrounded by lush forest, before continuing your drive through the scenic Haast Pass out towards the west coast, where the landscape becomes even more dramatic and verdant.

Before reaching Franz Josef, we recommend stopping at Lake Matheson (Te Ara Kairaumati), famous for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on its calm surface. The circular walk around the lake is 4.4 km and offers several stunning viewpoints. Nearby, you’ll also find the Te Kopikopiko o te Waka lookout; on a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe).

Late in the day, you’ll arrive in Franz Josef, a charming little town surrounded by rainforest and mountain landscapes. The town takes its name from the Franz Josef Glacier, which was named by German geologist Julius von Haast in 1865 after the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I.

Driving distance from Queenstown – Franz Josef: Approx. 350 km

Driving time: Approx. 5 hours (without stops)

The Franz Josef Glacier has been sculpted over tens of thousands of years by snow falling high up in the Southern Alps, gradually compressed into solid ice. The glacier also carries the beautiful Maori name Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, which translates as 'The Tears of Hine Hukatere'. According to local legend, Hine Hukatere lost her beloved in the mountains, and her heartbroken tears froze to form the glacier we see today.

Like many of the world’s glaciers, Franz Josef has been noticeably impacted by climate change, with the ice retreating significantly over recent decades. As a result, it’s no longer possible to reach the glacier’s ice directly on foot from the valley. However, you can still experience this breathtaking natural wonder up close, either from walking trails and viewing platforms, or from above on an unforgettable helicopter tour.

You will have a full day to explore Franz Josef as you wish. The town boasts cafés, restaurants, boutique shops, local galleries, and the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you can enjoy a fascinating insight into the region’s unique wildlife—including the rare rowi kiwi—and discover more about the area’s glaciers and the many local conservation initiatives.

The area is home to a wealth of beautiful hiking trails, ranging in both length and difficulty. One of the most popular is the classic Franz Josef Glacier Walk, a route that leads you to a viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the glacier and the surrounding forest. It’s easily accessible and covers about 1.5 km from the starting point to the return at Franz Josef Glacier Car Park, located roughly 4.5 km from the town centre.

If you’re after a shorter, easier walk, the Peters Pool Track is an excellent choice. This trail is around 1 km to the return from the car park and takes you through peaceful forest to a small tranquil lake, where – on clear days – you might be lucky enough to see the glacier perfectly reflected in the water’s surface.

If you’re curious about the region’s natural wonders and history, you can join a guided hike – read more below. Or treat yourself to a helicopter flight, offering not only spectacular views of the glacier from above but also including a landing directly on the ice. For a more active adventure, opt for a heli-hike, which combines the thrill of flying with a guided walk on the glacier itself, accompanied by an experienced guide and all the necessary gear.

Today, your journey will take you back towards Christchurch, with plenty of unforgettable experiences along the way as you travel down the untamed West Coast and across the South Island’s dramatic mountains and grassy plains.

You’ll leave Franz Josef behind and head north through the West Coast region, where the road winds its way through lush rainforest, over rivers, and past charming little villages. A perfect stop en route is Hokitika, a small town renowned for its artisans and jewellery made from the green stone pounamu (jade). Here, you can also visit the beach and take a break with stunning views of the wild Tasman Sea.

After Hokitika, you’ll continue towards Kumara Junction before turning east onto Highway 73, where you’ll start your ascent into Arthur’s Pass National Park. The scenery changes dramatically: the rainforest gives way to alpine shrubland and the mountains rise up all around you. Along the way, you can stop at the Otira Viaduct. Lookout for fantastic views of the spectacular viaduct winding through the steep valley. Keep an eye out, too, for the cheeky kea – the world’s only alpine parrot – which is often seen near the car park.

Arthur’s Pass Village is an ideal spot for a break at lunchtime. If you have the time and energy, there are several short walks in the area. One option is the short trail to Devils Punchbowl Falls (easy to moderate, approximately 2 km), where a staircase and woodland path lead you to an impressive 131-metre waterfall.

Leaving the mountains behind and continuing eastwards, the landscape opens out and soon you’ll come across one of the drive’s most distinctive sights: Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti). Enormous grey limestone boulders are scattered across the open grassland, lending the place an almost magical atmosphere. A short walk takes you among the rocks, where you can drink in the views and capture beautiful photos in this enchanting setting, made famous by films such as The Lord of the Rings and Narnia.

After Castle Hill, the journey continues through the rolling fields and farmland of Canterbury before you arrive in Christchurch.

Driving distance from Franz Josef – Christchurch: Approx. 385 km

Driving time: Approx. 6 hours (without stops)

It's time to say farewell to New Zealand. You'll drive yourself to the airport, return your car, and set off towards your selected airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll arrive back in Europe, your backpack filled with unforgettable travel memories from your adventure in New Zealand.