Majestic New Zealand: Both Islands Self-Drive in 12 Days
Duration
12 Days 11 Nights
Destinations
New Zealand, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown
Twelve days across both islands, self-driven from Auckland to Christchurch. The itinerary covers the North Island's geological highlights in three days, crosses to the South Island by domestic flight, and spends the remaining eight days on the West Coast, in Queenstown, and through the Mackenzie Basin. The rental car is collected at Auckland Airport and returned at Christchurch Airport; the route moves in one direction without retracing. Five activities are included. The North Island leg packs Waitomo and Hobbiton into the same day's drive from Auckland to Rotorua — 364 kilometres with two stops, requiring an early start. Day three in Rotorua covers Wai-O-Tapu in the morning and the Redwoods Nightlights in the evening. The domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch on day four is not included and must be booked independently; at approximately 2 hours it is the only practical connection given the itinerary's pace. The South Island gives two nights to the glacier region, which is the right allocation: Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are worth a full day each, and the optional heli-hike on the current ice face is best planned with a weather buffer. The Haast Pass drive to Queenstown on day seven is the South Island's most varied single day of self-driving. Milford Sound on day nine is approximately 12 hours round trip from Queenstown. The return to Christchurch on days ten and eleven covers Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. This is a tour for you if you want both islands over twelve days, driving at your own pace with the key North Island and South Island experiences all included.
- ◆Self-drive — 11-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability, Auckland to Christchurch
- ◆Waitomo and Hobbiton — both on one day's drive from Auckland to Rotorua
- ◆West Coast glaciers — two nights in Franz Josef to explore glacier country at your own pace
- ◆Milford Sound — self-drive to Fiordland with fiord cruise and lunch
- ◆Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo — the Mackenzie Basin on the return to Christchurch
Day-by-Day
Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your accommodation in the city. The car is included for 11 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 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: Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise (own expense); Sky Tower and Orbit Restaurant (own expense).
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Independent.
Included
- check_box11-day rental car hire with zero or reduced excess liability (collected Auckland, returned Christchurch)
- check_box11 nights accommodation
- check_boxWaitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour including underground boat cruise
- check_boxHobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour with lunch at the Green Dragon Inn
- check_boxWai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland admission
- check_boxRedwoods Nightlights walk, Rotorua
- check_boxMilford Sound cruise with lunch
Not Included
- disabled_by_defaultDomestic flight Rotorua to Christchurch (Day 4) — to be booked independently
- disabled_by_defaultInternational flights
- disabled_by_defaultTravel insurance
- disabled_by_defaultFuel and road tolls
- disabled_by_defaultMeals not specified in the itinerary
- disabled_by_defaultOptional activities and entrance fees
- disabled_by_defaultPersonal expenses, laundry and minibar
Majestic New Zealand: Both Islands Self-Drive in 12 Days
12 Days 11 Nights
Operated by NEXTRIP
