Scenic New Zealand: Both Islands Self-Drive in 10 Days
New Zealand · Auckland · Rotorua +2
Explore both New Zealand islands over ten self-driven days, travelling from Auckland to Christchurch without retracing your route. Begin with Rotorua’s Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park and Redwoods Nightlights, then fly independently to Queenstown for Milford Sound and its included fiord cruise with lunch. Continue through Haast Pass to the West Coast glaciers before crossing Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch. Waitomo, Hobbiton, Wānaka and other experiences can be added according to your interests and timing. Nine nights’ accommodation, rental car hire and three selected activities are included; the domestic flight between islands is not. This route suits travellers who want the freedom to personalise the journey while retaining a clear, scenic structure across both islands.
A Glimpse of Your Journey
- ◆Self-drive — 9-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability, Auckland to Christchurch
- ◆Rotorua — Wai-O-Tapu and the Redwoods Nightlights on a full geothermal day
- ◆Milford Sound — self-drive to Fiordland with fiord cruise and lunch from Queenstown
- ◆West Coast glaciers — two nights in glacier country, reached via the Haast Pass
- ◆Arthur's Pass — the alpine crossing back to Christchurch through the Southern Alps
Itinerary & Route
Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your accommodation in the city. The car is included for 9 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 at the bottom of Queen Street connects to Devonport and Waiheke Island.
Optional: Sky Tower observation deck (own expense); Weta Workshop Unleashed Tour (own expense); Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise (own expense).
Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your accommodation in the city. The car is included for 9 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 at the bottom of Queen Street connects to Devonport and Waiheke Island.
Optional: Sky Tower observation deck (own expense); Weta Workshop Unleashed Tour (own expense); Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise (own expense).
What's Included
- hotel
Accommodation
9 nights’ accommodation
- restaurant
Meals
Lunch on the Milford Sound cruise
- airport_shuttle
Transport
9-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability
- local_activity
Activities
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.
