Discover the very best of New Zealand on this unforgettable 22-day self-drive journey, designed for independent travellers who want the freedom to explore at their own pace. Beginning in vibrant Auckland, the itinerary takes you through the stunning Bay of Islands, the golden beaches and forests of the Coromandel Peninsula, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua before heading south to the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park and the capital city of Wellington. After crossing the Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island, continue through the sun-soaked Nelson region and along the wild West Coast to the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Experience the adventure capital of Queenstown, the breathtaking fiords of Fiordland, the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, and the majestic scenery of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, before finishing in the charming city of Christchurch. Combining iconic highlights, diverse landscapes and plenty of leisure time to explore, this itinerary offers a comprehensive introduction to New Zealand’s natural beauty and unique culture.

Contact Us

Example Itinerary

  • 01

    DAY 1

    Auckland

    Auckland is the main gateway city to New Zealand. Greater Auckland, with a population of over one million, is New Zealand’s largest urban area and centre of commerce and industry, but within minutes of the city you can experience uncrowded beaches, rural countryside and forests.

  • 02

    DAY 2

    Auckland to Paihia

    Travel north from Auckland along State Highway 1 via Warkworth and Wellsford to Whangārei, Northland’s cultural hub, set among forested hills and a picturesque harbour. Detour to nearby surf beaches such as Langs Beach, visit the unique Clapham Clock Museum, then continue through Kawakawa to Paihia in the Bay of Islands.

  • 03

    DAY 3 & 4

    Paihia

    On these days you have time at leisure to explore the magnificent Bay of Islands. The area provides a maritime park of over 144 islands and bays with miles of white sandy beaches to explore.

  • 04

    DAY 5

    Paihia to Coromandel Peninsula

    Travel south via State Highway 1 through Auckland or take the scenic west coast route past Opononi and Waipoua Forest, home to the giant Tāne Mahuta kauri tree. Continue to the Coromandel Peninsula via historic Thames, finishing in the coastal towns of Pauanui or Whangamatā.

  • 05

    DAY 6

    Coromandel Peninsula

    The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful area, with cool forests, picturesque beaches, rugged coastlines and swimming holes. Take a bushwalk, a walk on the beach, dangle a fishing line, or do nothing at all.

  • 06

    DAY 7

    Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua

    Travel south past many more beautiful beaches, and the township of Tauranga, one of the North Island’s largest ports. Your route takes you through Kiwifruit country around Te Puke and on to the heart of thermal activity and the cultural centre of New Zealand, Rotorua.

  • 07

    DAY 8

    Rotorua

    Time today to visit some of the major tourist attractions in the Rotorua Township and surrounds

  • 08

    DAY 9

    Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

    Travel to Taupō on the shores of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake and a hub for fishing and outdoor adventure. Visit the dramatic Huka Falls before continuing along the lake’s eastern shore to Tūrangi, then follow State Highway 47 into Tongariro National Park.

  • 09

    DAY 10

    Tongariro National Park to Wellington

    Leaving Tongariro National Park journey south via Palmerston North and Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. Wellington sits on a beautiful harbour, with Mount Victoria overlooking the city and surrounds.

  • 10

    DAY 11

    Wellington to Nelson (via Picton and Ferry)

    Catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton at the Inter-Islander terminal on Wellington’s waterfront. The motorhome will need to be dropped off before catching the ferry and another vehicle picked up in Picton. Cruise through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

  • 11

    DAY 12

    Nelson

    A day at leisure to explore the Nelson and Abel Tasman regions.

  • 12

    DAY 13

    Nelson to Greymouth

    From Nelson you will head out past the Abel Tasman National Park region to the “wild west coast” of the South Island, through the small town of Westport and on to Greymouth

  • 13

    DAY 14

    Greymouth to Glacier Region

    Travel south from Greymouth to Hokitika, the West Coast’s cultural hub, with pounamu carvers, goldsmiths, and glass artists. Continue to Westland National Park to see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, with options to walk to the glacier face or onto the ice.

  • 14

    DAY 15

    Glacier Region to Queenstown

    Leave the glaciers, heading southwest on SH6 via Haast and Lake Wanaka to Wanaka. Continue to Queenstown via the main highway or scenic Crown Range (winter caution). Afternoon at leisure: adventure activities like jet boating, rafting, bungy, or helicopter rides, or relax with a Lake Wakatipu cruise or picnic.

  • 15

    DAY 16

    Queenstown

    Day at leisure

  • 16

    DAY 17

    Queenstown to Te Anau

    From Queenstown, travel south along Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, on Fiordland National Park’s edge. This 1.52-million-hectare World Heritage site includes Milford Sound, home to the iconic Mitre Peak, which soars 1,692 m straight from the water, making it one of New Zealand’s grandest fiords.

  • 17

    DAY 18

    Te Anau to Dunedin

    Travel east via Lumsden and Gore, famed for brown trout fishing, to Dunedin. Founded by Scottish settlers in 1848, this university city sits on the scenic Otago Peninsula, with bays for picnics and swimming, and hills marked by historic stone walls.

  • 18

    DAY 19

    Dunedin

    Drive along the Otago Peninsula to experience unique South Island wildlife. Visit Taiaroa Head, the mainland nesting site of the Royal Albatross, and the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve, home to the rare Yellow-eyed penguins.

  • 19

    DAY 20

    Dunedin to Mt Cook Region

    Drive north on SH1 through Palmerston to Moeraki’s famous boulders. Turn onto SH83 past Oamaru through Kurow and Omarama, a hub for trout fishing, bush walks, and gliding. Continue north on SH8 to Twizel, gateway to Mt Cook and the Mackenzie Region.

  • 20

    DAY 21

    Mt Cook Region to Christchurch

    Travel north via Lake Tekapo and turquoise Lake Pukaki, stopping at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, a historic English-style city rebuilding after the 2010/11 earthquakes, featuring highlights like the container-filled RE:Start precinct and the unique Cardboard Cathedral.

  • 21

    DAY 22

    Christchurch

    Your program ends today with returning your motorhome.

Departure Dates: Available year-round

Contact Us
*This itinerary can be flexible and can be amended to suit your requirements.

Speak to our New Zealand experts

Paul Webster

Paul

Australia & New Zealand Expert

 Tracey Bates

Tracey

Australia & New Zealand Expert

 Jenny Taylor-Page

Jenny

Australia & New Zealand Expert
Request a consultation Call us

Find out more about New Zealand

Explore New Zealand