Best of New Zealand: Both Islands Self-Drive in 14 Days
New Zealand · Auckland · Rotorua +2
Drive from Auckland to Christchurch across both islands without retracing your route. The North Island combines Waitomo’s glowworm caves, Hobbiton, Te Puia’s geothermal and Māori experiences, Napier’s Art Deco heritage and the Cook Strait ferry crossing. Continue south through Kaikoura, the West Coast glaciers, Queenstown and the Mackenzie Basin, with Milford Sound available as a recommended optional experience. Thirteen nights’ accommodation, rental car hire and nine selected activities are included, while the self-drive format leaves room to explore at your own pace. This itinerary suits independent travellers who want the breadth of both islands with a clear route, useful inclusions and freedom from a fixed daily group schedule.
A Glimpse of Your Journey
- ◆Self-drive — 13-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability, Auckland to Christchurch
- ◆Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton — both on a single day's drive to Rotorua
- ◆Rotorua — Te Ra and Te Po at Te Puia, plus Napier's Art Deco district by guided walk
- ◆Cook Strait ferry — Wellington to Picton through the Marlborough Sounds
- ◆Dark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo and Antarctic Centre in Christchurch — both included
Itinerary & Route
Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your accommodation. The car is included for 13 days with zero or reduced excess liability — confirm the specific excess terms at collection. Auckland Airport is 21 kilometres south of the city centre; allow 30–45 minutes for the drive in depending on traffic.
Auckland Waterfront — Viaduct Harbour and the Wynyard Quarter are within easy reach of most central hotels. The ferry terminal connects to Devonport and Waiheke Island for those arriving with time to spare.
Optional: Sky Tower observation deck (own expense); Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise (own expense); Weta Workshop Unleashed Tour (own expense).
Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your accommodation. The car is included for 13 days with zero or reduced excess liability — confirm the specific excess terms at collection. Auckland Airport is 21 kilometres south of the city centre; allow 30–45 minutes for the drive in depending on traffic.
Auckland Waterfront — Viaduct Harbour and the Wynyard Quarter are within easy reach of most central hotels. The ferry terminal connects to Devonport and Waiheke Island for those arriving with time to spare.
Optional: Sky Tower observation deck (own expense); Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise (own expense); Weta Workshop Unleashed Tour (own expense).
What's Included
- hotel
Accommodation
13 nights’ accommodation
- restaurant
Meals
Lunch at Hobbiton and hāngī dinner at Te Puia
- airport_shuttle
Transport
13-day rental car and Wellington–Picton ferry
- tour
Guide
Guided Waitomo, Hobbiton, Te Puia and Napier experiences
- local_activity
Activities
Glowworm cruise, Hobbiton, Māori experiences, gondola, stargazing and Antarctic Centre
Dates & Prices
Dates are flexible
This is a private, ground-only itinerary — travel on dates that suit you. Enquire and we'll quote you for your preferred dates.
