Compare Classic New Zealand self-drive by Audley Travel vs New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound) by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 2 : International outbound flight

On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 3 : Auckland

On arriving in Auckland you're welcomed by an Audley representative and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation in the central city. The rest of the day is at leisure. Relax after your flight, or start exploring the city by taking a trip up the Sky Tower for 360-degree views over the city and harbours.

Day 4 : Auckland

Enjoy a day at leisure around Auckland. We recommend taking a stroll along the waterfront and enjoying a bite to eat at one of the cafes on Viaduct Harbour. In the afternoon, you might like to take a Maori guided tour of One Tree Hill, an important cultural site for both Maori and New Zealanders alike, which also offers great views over Auckland. Alternatively, make the short ferry trip to bucolic Waiheke Island and visit its many wineries.

Day 5 : Coromandel Peninsula

Today you collect your hire car from the downtown depot and make your way to the Coromandel Peninsula. You can take the shorter drive, crossing the flat plains of the northern Waikato region and arriving at your accommodation in around two and a half hours. You could also, if you wish, take the more scenic five hour route. Sections of it hug the coast and you'll have great views of the Pinnacles mountain range.

Day 6 : Coromandel Peninsula

Today you explore the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula with one of our best-loved guides, Kiwi Dundee. The guides will take you around the peninsula as part of a small group, showing you sights such as historic gold-mining caves, Maori sites, and Hot Water Beach (tide permitting). You'll enjoy a picnic lunch on this full day tour, and be dropped back at your accommodation at the end of the day.

Day 7 : Rotorua

Depart the Coromandel Peninsula this morning and make your way to Rotorua. The drive takes around three hours or you can take it at a more leisurely pace and explore the sights along the way. At Tauranga and Mount Maunganu you can take a hike that gives great views of Tauranga Harbour, Matakana Island and the Bay of Plenty. Further south, you'll pass volcanic-formed lakes and lakeside villages before reaching Rotorua. Relax at your hotel on arrival.

Day 8 : Rotorua

A day at leisure to explore Rotorua. You may like to visit Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu for a chance to see some fascinating geysers and for an opportunity to learn a little more about the Maori culture (at Te Puia). In the evening you will experience a traditional Maori feast and performance.

Day 9 : Napier & Hawkes Bay

Make your way to Napier in the heart of the Hawke's Bay region today. The journey will take you via Lake Taupo where you may like to stop for lunch. The whole route lasts about four hours, passing through varied scenery including plantations and vineyards, as well as some wilder, more remote stretches.

Day 10 : Napier & Hawkes Bay

A day at leisure to explore Napier and the Hawke's Bay area. You may like to take a tour of the local winelands where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the country's finest wines. At Cape Kidnappers, you can visit a huge colony of nesting gannets. Alternatively, explore the Art Deco architecture of Napier.

Day 11 : Wellington

Leave Hawke's Bay this morning and make your way to the capital city of Wellington. This five and a half hour drive passes through rolling countryside, sheep farms, and the town of Norsewood. Drop off your hire car upon arrival and you'll have the rest of the day to explore at leisure. We can arrange a night tour of Zealandia, a wildlife reserve where you might spot the elusive kiwi as dusk falls.

Day 12 : Wellington

Today is yours to explore New Zealand's capital under your own steam. We highly recommend spending several hours in the national museum, Te Papa, where you have the opportunity to learn a little more about New Zealand's history and Maori culture. The museum features an excellent Maori meeting house and even a reconstruction of natural wonders such as a glow worm cave.

Day 13 : Hanmer Springs

Make your own way to the ferry terminal this morning for your Interislander ferry journey to the South Island. This is a stunning journey that will take you through the Marlborough Sounds and you will be rewarded with some fabulous photo opportunities en route. The crossing lasts around three hours.Pick up a hire car upon arrival and make your way inland and south to the pretty alpine town of Hanmer Springs.

Day 14 : Christchurch

This morning go for a walk to explore the beautiful scenery that Hanmer has to offer and then enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs before driving down to Christchurch this afternoon.This evening, try one of the city's many excellent restaurants. We can book you a meal in the quirky yet chic Tramway restaurant. It's a great way to see the city while dining on delicious traditional New Zealand cuisine.

Day 15 : Christchurch

You will have time at leisure to explore the 'Garden City' of Christchurch today. We recommend visiting the ingenious cathedral made of cardboard and ambling around Cashel Street's vibrant pop-up mall. You could also take a gondola ride to the top of Port Hills for panoramic views over the city and the Banks Peninsula.

Day 16 : Franz Josef Glacier

Drop your car off at the airport and take a taxi to the train station this morning for your scenic TranzAlpine rail journey to the West Coast. The journey normally lasts four and a half hours as you travel through the farmlands of Canterbury, then traverse the mountainous Southern Alps before arriving into Greymouth. Snacks, sandwiches, salads and drinks (including wine and beer) are sold on board. On arrival you pick up your hire car and make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier, a two hour drive through glaciated landscapes. We suggest stopping at the town of Hokitika to visit its jade museum, or to take a break in one of its cafes.

Day 17 : Franz Josef Glacier

You will have today at leisure on the West Coast. You may like to visit Lake Matheson at sunrise, New Zealand's most photographed lake where you will have some fantastic views of the surrounding Southern Alps. You could also take a scenic helicopter ride over the glaciers, which sometimes involve landing on the ice itself. Wildlife enthusiasts might enjoy birdwatching at Lake Okarito Lagoon, or visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre, which runs a rehabilitation and incubation project for kiwi birds.

Day 18 : Wanaka

Today you drive through the magnificent Haast Pass and make your way to Wanaka. This journey will take you through forests, coasts and mountains, and along the northern edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. There are lots of short walks and scenic viewpoints along the way: we like stopping off at Lake Moeraki and Ship Creek. With no stops the drive takes around five hours, but we recommend just taking your time and following your whims, pulling over to explore and admire views.

Day 19 : Wanaka

Spend today at leisure in Lake Wanaka. There are some excellent short and more strenuous walking trails here. Adrenaline-seekers will also find much to enjoy: jet boat rides, paragliding, white water rafting and rock climbing. Wanaka also has fine restaurants, bars and cafes, some with a view over the willow-lined lake.

Day 20 : Te Anau

Depart Lake Wanaka and make your way to Te Anau. This four and a half hour drive takes you past Queenstown (where you may wish to stop) and Lake Wakatipu, through apricot orchards and vineyards, and over New Zealand's highest public road. After arriving in Te Anau, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may like to visit the local glow worm caves this evening, or take in a visit to the tiny local cinema to watch Ata Whenua, a superb presentation about the local area.

Day 21 : Te Anau

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Manapouri. You will be taken by boat across Lake Manapouri where you will meet another coach that will take you across a mountain pass to Doubtful Sound. Here you will board your day cruise. This is an excellent opportunity to explore this remote part of Fiordland National Park. Look out for birds, seals, dolphins, penguins and, if you are very lucky, whales! At the end of the day you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Te Anau.

Day 22 : Queenstown

Drive about two and a half hours to Queenstown this morning and enjoy a day at leisure here. Although Queenstown is known for its high-risk activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving, these are certainly not the only ways to enjoy the area. You could drive up to Arrowtown, a place almost frozen in time as a former gold rush town, or take a gondola ride up to a mountaintop restaurant for a meal with a view over The Remarkables. We like to drive along Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy, a small settlement, and stop off at some luscious botanical gardens and tea rooms along the way, before enjoying a walk through the forest at Glenorchy.

Day 23 : Queenstown

Another day at leisure to explore Queenstown and its surroundings. Today you might wish to take a 4x4 safari into the remote backcountry to see the wilderness that is Mount Aspiring National Park. For something a little more pulse-racing, try jet boating on the Dart River. There are also several excellent Pinot Noir wineries in the area.

Day 24 : International return flight

Today you take a two hour flight from Queenstown to Auckland in order to connect with your international return flight.

Day 25 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1 Christchurch

Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand). Sparsely populated and spectacularly beautiful, the South Island is a paradise for lovers of nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. Your adventure begins in Christchurch. If you arrive early, you may like to take a pleasant stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to admire the collection of native plants, or stop by the Canterbury Museum to learn about the region’s cultural heritage. Meet your local leader and new travel buddies at your accommodation at 6pm for a welcome meeting, then the rest of the evening is yours.

Day 2 Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / Ohau

Christchurch is not just a pretty city – it’s also remarkably resilient. After a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the downtown area in 2011, the city has begun to rebuild in innovative and creative ways. Head out with your leader this morning to see this for yourself. Stop by the Christchurch Cathedral, which stood as a symbol of the city before collapsing in the earthquake, and has now been replaced with an architecturally striking and quake-proof structure made out of cardboard. After a morning of exploring, say goodbye to Christchurch and drive inland to Lake Tekapo. An eye-catching combination of purple lupins, turquoise waters and snow-dusted peaks makes this one of the most photo-worthy spots in the country. The Church of the Good Shepherd sits on the shores of the lakes and attracts couples from all over the world shooting their wedding pictures. It’s easy to see why – backdrops don’t get much better than this! Continue to Lake Ohau where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3 Mackenzie Country / Queenstown

Hit the road this morning for a journey to remember – watch out the window as you pass the sprawling grasslands of the Mackenzie Basin and showstopping peaks of the Southern Alps. Your drive will be broken up with plenty of scenic stops, including a visit to Kawarau Gorge, a popular spot for bungy jumping. If you’re feeling adventurous, get involved and jump off the suspension bridge crossing the gorge, or just stand back and watch brave jumpers take the plunge. Continue on to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world, and rightfully so! Aside from its high-adrenaline attractions, Queenstown has a booming culinary scene, produces some of the world's best wine and boasts unbelievable scenery at every turn.

Day 4 Queenstown

The day is all yours to discover the varied delights of Queenstown. There are loads of options to get your heartrate up, whether you fancy shooting down the river on a jet boat, river kayaking, flying above the town in a gondola or a 4WD adventure through landscapes of Lord of the Rings fame. If you’d like to take things a little slower, perhaps head to the Gibbston Valley to taste wines only topped by the inspiring scenery. A walk around the stunning Lake Wakatipu will give you a good dose of fresh air and epic views. There’s no shortage of dining options to tempt your tastebuds – if you’re willing to wait, a famous Fergburger is hard to beat!

Day 5 Queenstown / Wanaka

Take the chance this morning to cross off any Queenstown activities you didn’t have time for yesterday – be sure to speak to your leader for tips on the best way to spend a morning here. In the afternoon, get back on the road for a seriously scenic 1-hour drive to Wanaka through the Crown Range Mountains. Stop off along the way in Arrowtown, a little goldrush town with big personality. Take a walk along the tree-lined high street where historic buildings nod to the town’s glory days. Arrive in Wanaka in the afternoon and embrace the vibe of this laidback and beautiful town. With Lake Wanaka as its glittering centrepiece and dramatic mountains as its backdrop, the town is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most bewitching. This afternoon you may like to head out on a hike or just stretch out on the shores of the lake and take it all in.

Day 6 Wanaka

Visit the beautiful Mou Waho Island today. Accessible only by boat from Wanaka and famous for being home to an (unnamed) island, in a lake (Arethusa Pool), on an island (Mou Waho), in a lake (Lake Wanaka), on an island (the South Island) in the ocean (the Pacific). Sounds complicated, but once you are there it will all make sense! Enjoy a walk through this fascinating scenery and learn more about this predator-free reserve with a natural glacial-formed lake at its summit. Your afternoon is free to explore Wanaka and surrounds. No visit to Wanaka would be complete without seeing #thatwanakatree. Springing up from the waters of Lake Wanaka, this sloping willow is one of the most photographed trees in the world. There's no shortage of excellent hiking routes in the region if you'd like to get out and explore on foot, or you may prefer to hire a bike and hit the cycling trails.

Day 7 Wanaka / Franz Josef

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Wanaka before getting back on the road and making tracks for Franz Josef. This is another incredible drive that you're going to want to have your camera ready for. Depending on the weather, stop off at either Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka, both boasting incredible lookout points. Along the way, your leader will pause at some off the beaten track spots to snap some pictures and stretch your legs. Arrive into Franz Josef in the early evening and perhaps head out to one of the town’s cosy pubs for dinner.

Day 8 Franz Josef

Rise and shine – you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there's so much to discover here. Known for the dazzling Franz Josef glacier and awe-inspiring views of Mt Cook, this is natural beauty on the biggest scale. The region also has a cultural history that’s every bit as captivating as its natural wonders. Only found in the South Island of New Zealand, pounamu (greenstone) is an important part of Maori culture. Today you’ll pay a visit to a local gallery where you’ll have the chance to carve your own pounamu pendant while learning about its spiritual and cultural significance. If you’d like to get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier in the afternoon, you can arrange for a helicopter to drop you in for a hike. You may prefer to sit back and unwind in local hot springs, or head out kayaking on an icy blue glacial lake. Your leader will be on hand to help make arrangements.

Day 9 Hokitika / Greymouth / Christchurch

Begin the journey up the west coast – this is the rainiest part of New Zealand, resulting in greenery and lush rainforests like nowhere else in the country. Stop off in the lovely little town of Hokitika where a visit to a pounamu factory will give you the chance to pick up any last souvenirs of gifts. If time allows, there may be the chance to check out the National Kiwi Centre – the nocturnal house here gives visitors the opportunity to see how these delightful birds behave at night. The next stretch of your journey may just be the most magnificent – hop aboard the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch, widely believed to be one of the top train journeys in the world. Cross through the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass and travel past the rushing blue waters of the Waimakariri River and endless native beech forest. Arrive in Christchurch in the evening.

Day 10 Kaikoura

Get back on the road and drive up to Kaikoura, a seaside town known for its abundance of marine wildlife. Kaikoura is famously one of the world’s top spots for whale watching, so perhaps take advantage of your time here and head out on a boat trip in search of humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales. This evening perhaps go out for a crayfish dinner – it’s a real specialty here!

Day 11 Wellington

Drive on from Kaikoura to Marlborough. Aside from its marvellous scenery, the Marlborough region is known for its production of world-class white wine, so what better way to get a taste of the South Island than by visiting some of its best wineries? Stop by and sample their goods while learning what makes Marlborough wine so renowned. Continue north and bid farewell to the South Island as you hop aboard a ferry and cross the Cook Strait. Watch a vast and varied landscape unfold in front of you as you cruise through the iconic Marlborough Sounds and travel to the North Island. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy and attractive capital city. Strung between staggering green hills and a delightful harbour, Wellington holds onto a small-town charm despite its capital status. The city is known for its creative and artistic endeavours, making it a real joy to explore. A welcome meeting will take place at 7.30pm this evening to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey, then the rest of the evening is yours. If you’d like to experience Wellington’s top-notch food and craft beer scene, your leader will have tips on the best places to grab a bevvy or a bite to eat.

Day 12 Wellington

Today is all about getting to know windy Wellington, a charming place even on its most blustery days! Kick the day off with an orientation tour with your leader, checking out the bays, central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens and the Parliament Buildings. Next up it's a visit to Zealandia, a groundbreaking conservation project that has successfully reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife into this area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Pay a visit to Weta Workshop, the special effects studio used by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While here you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour around the studio to find out how the team here create film magic. This afternoon, you may like to check out Wellington’s most famous cultural attraction, Te Papa Museum. Displaying an intriguing combination of New Zealand’s history and cultural heritage woven with cutting edge technology and interactive displays, there’s something here to entertain everyone. If you’d rather spend the afternoon outdoors, a tour of Kapiti Island offers the chance to spot an abundance of rare and beautiful birds.

Day 13 Taupo

Make the most of your final morning in Wellington – perhaps check out the always-buzzing Cuba street for breakfast or have a wander around the City Gallery. Then it’s time to swap the city for the natural wonders of Lake Taupo as you hit the road and head north. This drive is one worth looking out the window for, as the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro draw closer. Arrive in Taupo, a bustling town on the shores of a stunning crater lake, and your home for the next two nights.

Day 14 Taupo

A volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago created the magnificent Lake Taupo, which now hosts visitors from around New Zealand and the world, keen to both relax and get their blood pumping with the adventure sports and hikes on offer. With a free day here, you’ll have plenty to choose from. If you’re a keen hiker, you may like to complete the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most famous day hike. At 19.4km long, the path takes you around a volcano, past lakes, craters and bush. A variety of guided or unguided options are available, but a good level of fitness and appropriate gear for all types of weather are a must for anyone considering tackling the crossing today. There are shorter hikes in the park available or, for the thrill seekers, you might like to go skydiving or bungy jumping.

Day 15 Rotorua

Leave Lake Taupo behind and get back on the road. Stop at the thundering Huka Falls – this forceful, icy blue torrent of water is a must-see! Continue your journey towards Rotorua, known for its Maori heritage, hotbed of geothermal activity and distinctive sulphur smell (you’ll get used to it!). To get your first look at Rotorua’s impressive scenery, take a treetop walk through an ancient redwood forest over a network of suspension bridges, reaching 12 metres at the highest point.

Day 16 Rotorua

Spend the day discovering the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua – this unique destination is really like nowhere else in the world. The geothermal activity in the area is second to none – simmering mud pools, dramatic geysers and fluorescent lakes must be seen to be believed. If you’ve got a head for heights, ziplining through Rotorua’s ancient forests is an unbeatable way to take it all in. This evening you’ll get a true taste of Māori culture during a visit to a cultural and geothermal wonderland. Here you’ll enjoy a hangi dinner, a traditional meal cooked underground, giving it a delicious earthy flavour. You’ll also experience a soul-stirring haka performance.

Day 17 Waitomo / Raglan

This morning’s adventure takes you underground during an optional visit to the Waitomo Caves, a subterranean system of caverns and passageways illuminated by thousands of ethereal glow worms. You may like to join a walking tour to hear the story of the caves’ history, geology and connection to Maori mythology. If you’d rather stay on the surface, the Ruakuri Forest walk is a must, cutting through dense rainforest and taking in views of verdant gorges and limestone arches. Tucked into the rolling green hills of Matamata you’ll find Hobbiton, the set where part of the Lord of the Rings films were shot. On a fully guided tour of the set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. From here, it’s on to Raglan, a chilled-out town with a reputation as New Zealand’s top surf spot. Tonight is set to be one to remember – get on the water for a sunset boat cruise around Raglan Harbour, and tuck into a tasty fish and chips feast while you’re at it – a true Kiwi experience!

Day 18 Raglan / Coromandel Peninsula

Raglan is the ideal place to catch some morning waves, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. If surfing isn’t your thing, the area offers a wealth of awesome activities. Check out creative local cafes, shops and galleries, stretch out on the beach and enjoy the view or head out on a hiking trail to get a better look at the landscape. Continue north in the afternoon towards the Coromandel Peninsula, passing tree-clad hills and dramatic valleys. The journey will be broken up with photo-worthy stops, including a visit to the magical 55-metre cascade of the Bridal Veil Falls.

Day 19 Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland

Your leader will spend some time showing you around The Coromandel this morning. A land of white sand beaches and lush rainforests, the Coromandel Peninsula feels a world away from where your journey began. Make a stop at Hot Water Beach, named after the famous warm waters found beneath its golden sand. If the tide allows, dig a hole on the beach and enjoy your own natural hot tub – absolute bliss! Later in the day, hit the road for a final time as you travel towards Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest, busiest and buzziest city. The journey is a highlight in itself, following the extraordinary coastline and watching clear blue water stream past the window. As always, your leader will have tips on some excellent places to grab a meal in this lively city.

Day 20 Auckland

Say your goodbyes this morning as your North Island adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend some more time in Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).