Cross both New Zealand islands in seven days with the flexibility of a self-drive journey. Collect your car in Auckland, visit Hobbiton on the way to Rotorua, then explore Wai-O-Tapu and the illuminated Redwoods Nightlights walk. Fly independently from Rotorua to Queenstown, where a free day is followed by a full Milford Sound excursion and fiord cruise with lunch. Rental car hire, six nights’ accommodation and four key experiences are included; the domestic flight between islands is not. This compact route suits travellers who want New Zealand’s essential highlights and the freedom to travel at their own pace, without spending valuable time retracing roads or following a fixed coach schedule.
A Glimpse of Your Journey
- ◆Self-drive — 6-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability, Auckland to Queenstown
- ◆Hobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour — The Shire at Matamata, self-driven
- ◆Rotorua — Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park and the Redwoods Nightlights walk
- ◆Milford Sound — self-drive to Fiordland with fiord cruise and lunch
- ◆Both islands in 7 days — North Island by road, South Island by road and flight
Itinerary & Route
Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your city accommodation. Auckland sits on an isthmus between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours; the drive into the city centre from the airport takes 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. The car is included for 6 days with zero or reduced excess liability — confirm the specific excess terms at collection.
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 early enough to use the afternoon.
Sky Tower — At 328 metres, the observation deck gives the clearest overview of Auckland's two-harbour layout. Entry own expense.
Note: The car is not needed for city driving on Day 1; most central Auckland accommodation has parking available if you want to leave it overnight.
Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your city accommodation. Auckland sits on an isthmus between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours; the drive into the city centre from the airport takes 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. The car is included for 6 days with zero or reduced excess liability — confirm the specific excess terms at collection.
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 early enough to use the afternoon.
Sky Tower — At 328 metres, the observation deck gives the clearest overview of Auckland's two-harbour layout. Entry own expense.
Note: The car is not needed for city driving on Day 1; most central Auckland accommodation has parking available if you want to leave it overnight.
What's Included
- hotel
Accommodation
6 nights’ accommodation
- restaurant
Meals
Lunch on the Milford Sound cruise
- airport_shuttle
Transport
6-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability
- local_activity
Activities
Hobbiton, Wai-O-Tapu, Redwoods Nightlights and Milford Sound cruise
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.
