The ultimate New Zealand road trip

Auckland Airport - Auckland City

Day 1: Arrival in New Zealand

Upon your arrival, transfer from the airport in a shared shuttle: your driver will meet you at the airport to take you to your accommodation in Auckland, the ‘Big Little City’. Settle in and relax after your journey.

Auckland City - Waiheke Island

Day 2: Relax in Auckland

Spend a relaxed day in Auckland unwinding after your journey. Take it easy with a late breakfast, then stretch your legs and explore some of the city’s neighbourhoods on foot. Our favourite is Ponsonby with its interesting shops, great cafes and restaurants, and laid-back Kiwi atmosphere. You might like to head to the beach at Mission Bay, catch the ferry to the nearby Waiheke Island, or enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Sky Tower.

Auckland City - Rotorua

Day 3: Journey to Rotorua

After breakfast, you'll be picked up for a transfer to the car hire office, to get you all set up with your first New Zealand ride. The destination today is Rotorua, a small town world renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. It’s about a three-hour drive to this fascinating city set on a lake, and there’s a lot to see in the area.

Rotorua

Day 4: Geothermal activity in Rotorua

Spend the day exploring the fascinating geothermal activity in and around Rotorua. Start in the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland park where you will see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt at 10.15am sharp. Afterwards, continue exploring the area at Waimangu Volcanic Valley park with its fumaroles, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and lakes.

Rotorua - Tongariro National Park

Day 5: The road to Tongariro

Set off for Tongariro National Park, on a drive of approximately two hours and 30 minutes. New Zealand’s first national park was inaugurated way back in 1897. It then obtained its UNESCO World Heritage ranking in 1990 for both its cultural and natural value. In this wild landscape are three impressive volcanoes: Mount Tongariro (1,967m), Mount Ngauruhoe (2,287m) and Mount Ruapehu (2,797m). Enjoy the epic landscapes along the drive, before checking into your accommodation to rest up.

Tongariro National Park

Day 6: Hiking in Tongariro

Spend the day out and about in Tongariro National Park. We recommend going hiking to get a feel for the natural landscapes all around you. For a moderate two-hour hike the Whakapapanui Walk is a good bet, taking you along the Whakapapanui River and through pretty beech forests. Other beautiful walks of similar length are to be found along the Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes. For a more challenging hike, try the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which takes up to eight hours to complete. Pull on your hiking boots and take your pick!

Tongariro National Park - Wellington City

Day 7: Journey to Wellington

Today, hit the road to Wellington, the political capital of New Zealand and a very pleasant and lively little city. The drive will take up to five hours, so enjoy the ride and then get out there and make the most of the city before your onward flight tomorrow.

Wellington City - Queenstown

Day 8: Island-hop from North to South

Drop your car off at Wellington Airport this morning to catch a domestic two-hour flight from Wellington to Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. You’ll be welcomed at the airport; get the keys to your hire car for the next leg of your journey.

Queenstown started life in 1860 during the Gold Rush, but today it is the capital of a different kind of rush – obtained via adventure sports and outdoor activities. Spend the rest of the day settling in after your journey and taking a stroll around town.

Queenstown - Te Anau

Day 9: Journey into Fiordland

This morning, set off on a drive of up to three hours to Te Anau, in the heart of the incredible Fiordland region, part of the UNESCO-listed Te Wahipounamu Park. This is the ideal base camp for hikers looking to explore the park. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the area, perhaps with a hike, a visit to the Glowworm Caves, or a trip to the nearby Wildlife Centre.

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Day 10: Sensational Milford Sound cruise

Today, switch things up a notch with a Milford Sound Cruise. Milford Sound is a flooded glacial valley with sheer-sided walls that plunge hundreds of metres underwater as well as above. On this awesome fjord cruise, you’ll see countless tumbling waterfalls, mountains rising straight out of the sea, fur seals and (usually) dolphins playing in the waters. The trip will take around two hours, so you’ll be back in time for lunch and another activity of your choice in the area.  

Te Anau - Wanaka

Day 11: Drive to the Southern Alps

After breakfast, begin a three-hour drive to the town of Wanaka, beautifully positioned on a lovely lake with snowcapped mountain views. This is the gateway to the Southern Alps where you can ski, hike and enjoy a pristine alpine wilderness of lakes, mountains and forest. Check-in at your accommodation and enjoy an afternoon exploring the area or relaxing poolside.

Wanaka

Day 12: Exploring Wanaka

After a hearty breakfast, set off for a full day of exploring. There is so much to choose between in the area, from hiking to the Rob Roy Glacier to touring the Rippon Valley vineyards - you could take a vineyard tour independently or join a guided experience. Another nice option is a wildlife excursion to Mou Waho Island in the middle of Lake Wanaka. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and make the most of your time in this stunning wilderness. 

Wanaka - Mount Cook

Day 13: New Zealand's highest peak

Begin a scenic three-hour drive to Mount Cook Village in the shadow of New Zealand's highest peak, which soars to 3,754m. Check-in at your hotel and head out to explore. For walkers and hikers, the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View is a pleasant 40-minute hike with spectacular views of the Tasman Glacier and surrounding mountains. You'll find plenty more walks of varying lengths to enjoy locally, but if you’d rather not stray far, then you'll find an interesting exhibition of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Antarctic explorations at The Hermitage Hotel.

Mount Cook - Christchurch

Day 14: Welcome to Christchurch

Set off early for a four- to five-hour drive to the city of Christchurch, known as the Garden City of New Zealand. Check-in at your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring some of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Enjoy the youthful buzz of its coffee shops, restaurants and bars, and celebrate the last night of your epic New Zealand adventure.

Christchurch Airport

Day 15: Homeward-bound

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to enjoy the city a little more this morning. Then, head to the airport in time to drop off your hire car and catch your homeward flight.