3-Week boutique New Zealand self-drive tour

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Auckland
• 2 nights Coromandel Peninsula
• 1 night Rotorua
• 2 nights Napier
• 1 night Wellington
• 2 nights Marlborough Sounds
• 1 night Nelson
• 1 night Greymouth
• 1 night Franz Josef
• 3 nights Queenstown
• 1 night Lake Tekapo 
• 3 nights Akaroa

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive into Auckland           

Collect your rental car at the airport and make your way to your accommodation.

The rest of the day is at leisure so spend your afternoon exploring the ‘City of Sails’.

Included: Hotel & rental car

Day 3: Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula

It’s time to hit the road and head to the Coromandel Peninsula and Whangamata where you’ll spend the next 2 nights.

The rest of the day is at leisure, why not head to the idyllic harbour or explore the boutique shops along the parade.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 4: Coromandel Peninsula

A full day at leisure here.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 5: Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua

Today, you’ll drive on to the geothermal town of Rotorua, famous for its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and strong sulphuric scent.

The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy, but we highly recommend you take part in a ‘Hangi’ (traditional Maori feast).

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 6: Rotorua to Napier

Today you’ll head for Te Puia; another geothermal wonderland, where you’ll see steam shooting up from the ground in a spectacular display, have a chance to see NZ’s famous Kiwi birds and buy some traditional Maori arts and crafts.

Drive on to the pretty town of Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 7: Napier

A full day in Napier to explore on your own.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 8: Napier to Wellington

After breakfast, it’s time to head to the cultural capital of New Zealand, Wellington.

Why not visit the Te Papa museum (New Zealand’s national museum) or take a Lord of the Rings tour?

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 9: Wellington to Marlborough Sounds (via Picton)

Today you’re bound for the South Island.

After dropping your car off at the port terminal, you’ll board the ferry for a 3-hour journey across the Cook Strait; described as one of the most scenic ferry rides in the world.

Once you arrive, take a water taxi from Picton to Marlborough Sounds where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Included: Hotel, ferry, water taxi & breakfast

Day 10: Marlborough Sounds

A whole day at leisure.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 11: Marlborough Sounds to Nelson

Start by taking the water taxi back to Picton to collect a rental car, then continue on to Nelson, known for its golden beaches and national parks. It’s about a 2-hour drive to Nelson and another hour or so to water-taxis or sea shuttle to explore Abel Tasman's glorious bays and beaches.

Included: Hotel, water taxi and breakfast

Day 12: Nelson to Greymouth

Today you’ll journey on to Greymouth which is about a 4-hour drive. Situated at the mouth of the Grey River from which it takes its name, this is the largest town on the west coast.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 13: Greymouth to Franz Josef

The next destination is the small centre of Franz Josef, located right on the park boundary of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, home to the famous Franz Josef Glacier.

We recommend visiting the glacier for a hike, or even taking a scenic helicopter ride for some incredible aerial views.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 14: Franz Josef to Queenstown

Today’s drive will bring you to Queenstown. One of the South Island’s highlights, the city is known for its magnificent scenery, luxury lifestyle and abundance of thrill-seeker activities. You’ll find Queenstown is a great place to hike, bike and explore, so we’ve included 3 nights in this adventure capital.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 15: Queenstown

Spend the day exploring Queenstown and its adventurous pastimes, jump off one of the highest bungee jumps in the world or try your hand at luging, you can also take the Queenstown Gondola and witness stunning views across the snow-capped mountains and clear lakes as you travel up to the top of Bob's Peak.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 16: Queenstown

You have another day to explore Queenstown today. Why not head out to Milford Sound; an absolute must-see? The sounds provide some of the most stunning scenery you’ll encounter anywhere in New Zealand.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 17: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

Today’s drive will take you to Lake Tekapo village; located on the shore of the country’s highest large lake. It's home to the stone ‘Church of the Good Sheperd’, which has hosted thousands of weddings since its dedication in 1935. Nearby is the Mount John Conservatory, a world heritage site.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 18: Lake Tekapo to Akaroa

Enjoy a continental breakfast before driving on to Akaroa, nestled on Banks Peninsula, in the heart of an ancient volcano.

Spend the afternoon in the village with its colonial architecture and craft stores.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Days 19 & 20: Akaroa

Day at leisure.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 21: Akaroa to Christchurch - Depart

Today you have a one hour journey back to Christchurch with plenty of time to return your car and connect with your flight back to the UK.

Included: Hotel & breakfast

Day 22: Arrive UK