1N Auckland + 2N Paihia + 1N Auckland + 2N Rotorua + 1N Christchurch + 2N Franz Josef
Day 01 : Arrival in Auckland
Pick up your rental car from Auckland Airport and drive to your accommodation. Settle in and prepare for your self-drive adventure through New Zealand.
Day 02 : Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands)
Drive: 226km, approximately 3 hours
Self-drive north to Paihia, the gateway to the stunning Bay of Islands. This scenic coastal drive takes you through Northland's rolling hills and beautiful countryside. Arrive in Paihia and explore the charming waterfront town at leisure.
Day 03 : Bay of Islands - Hole in the Rock Cruise
Discover the Bay Cruise (4.5 hours)
Board the Explore Group catamaran from Paihia or Russell Wharf for a spectacular half-day cruise. Discover the very best of the Bay of Islands, an area rich in culture and history. Cruise among 144 islands with fascinating skipper's commentary. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, travel through it. Encounter diverse wildlife with over 70% dolphin sighting success rate. Includes an island stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for swimming, walking, or relaxing on pristine beaches.
Day 04 : Paihia to Auckland
Drive: 226km, approximately 3 hours
Self-drive back to Auckland with time to explore the city at leisure. Visit Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour, Mission Bay, or enjoy waterfront dining.
Day 05 : Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo and Hobbiton
Drive: 358km, approximately 5 hours (excluding attraction stops)
Auckland to Waitomo Caves (3 hours 45 minutes) - Drive to Waitomo, one of New Zealand's best natural attractions. Explore an ancient world 30 million years in the making on a boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Marvel at thousands of magical glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa), unique to New Zealand, radiating their luminescent light in a subterranean wonderland. Experience the serene ambience as you glide silently through this galaxy of tiny living lights.
Waitomo to Hobbiton (2 hours 30 minutes) - Continue to Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of the Waikato region. Step into the lush pastures of the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Journey past colorful Hobbit Hole Doors including iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Visit Bagshot Row for an authentic glimpse of a Hobbit's home interior, designed and crafted by the renowned film trilogy creative teams.
Continue to Rotorua for overnight stay.
Day 06 : Rotorua Cultural and Nature Day
Te Puia (Te Rā Guided Tour) - Experience discovery, culture, and connection at Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Explore bubbling mud pools, native bush, and the mighty Pōhutu Geyser. Visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre to see New Zealand's national icon up close. Delve into Māori heritage at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where students master traditional weaving and carving.
Waitomo to Hobbiton (2 hours 30 minutes) - Continue to Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of the Waikato region. Step into the lush pastures of the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Journey past colorful Hobbit Hole Doors including iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Visit Bagshot Row for an authentic glimpse of a Hobbit's home interior, designed and crafted by the renowned film trilogy creative teams.
Continue to Rotorua for overnight stay.
Polynesian Spa - Relax in New Zealand's leading international spa on the shore of Lake Rotorua. Enjoy deeply restorative hot mineral spring bathing with stunning lakeside views. On-site café serves fresh juices, gelatos, and smoothies.
Redwoods Nightlights (Evening) - Experience one of New Zealand's top design-led tourism attractions featuring 34 exquisite lanterns by world-renowned designer David Trubridge. This award-winning 700-meter eco-tourism walk spans 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms floating 9-20 meters above the forest floor. Perfect evening activity taking about 40 minutes to complete.
Day 07 : North Island to South Island
Return your North Island rental car at Rotorua Airport. Fly to Christchurch (domestic flight not included). Pick up your South Island rental car from Christchurch Airport and drive to your accommodation.
Day 08 : Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika
Drive: 384km, approximately 5 hours
Self-drive from Christchurch through the Canterbury Plains to the rugged West Coast. Cross Arthur's Pass through the Southern Alps with spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive at Franz Josef, home to one of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers.
Continue to Rotorua for overnight stay.
Day 09 : Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Experience
Neve Discoverer (The Helicopter Line)
Explore one of New Zealand's stunning West Coast glaciers from the air. Gaze over spectacular ice formations and rugged South Island terrain with breathtaking views of snowy glacial plains. Includes a thrilling snow landing on the glacier, with your pilot selecting the best location based on conditions. Experience the pristine beauty of the glacier up close in one of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes.
Day 10 : Franz Josef to Queenstown
Drive: 353km, approximately 5 hours
Scenic self-drive through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery. Travel via Haast Pass through native beech forest, crossing from the West Coast to Otago region. Journey through Mount Aspiring National Park along the historic route Māori used to search for pounamu (greenstone). Skirt the shores of Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Dunstan before arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital.
Day 11 : Milford Sound Full Day Tour
Glass-Roof Coach & Nature Cruise - Board the glass-roof coach for a seamless journey to Milford Sound. Travel alongside Lake Wakatipu through farming countryside to Te Anau. The overland journey showcases sheer mountains, towering cliffs, rugged valleys, native rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and glacial lakes. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound on a modern vessel with comfortable indoor seating and panoramic windows. View Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and wildlife including seals, dolphins, and penguins (seasonal). Large outdoor deck for optimal viewing and photography
Day 12 : Queenstown Adventure Day
Skyline Gondola with Luge - Take a scenic gondola ride 450 meters up Bob's Peak for spectacular 220-degree views of The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and surrounding peaks. Experience the thrilling Luge, a fun-filled gravity ride suitable for all ages with multiple track options ranging from scenic to advanced.
Shotover Jet - Experience New Zealand's most thrilling jet boat ride. Shotover Jet is the only operator permitted in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. Speed through narrow gorges with canyon walls towering 200+ meters above, executing thrilling 360-degree spins just inches from rocky outcrops. An unforgettable adrenaline rush through one of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes.
Day 13 : Queenstown to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo
Drive: 480km, approximately 6 hours
Self-drive through the Southern Alps with spectacular alpine scenery. Travel via Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell's fruit orchards, and Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. Stop at Lake Tekapo to photograph the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the lake foreshore. This small stone church, built in 1935, is one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings with stunning turquoise lakes and mountain backdrop. Continue through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Day 14 : Christchurch to Kaikoura Whale Watching
Drive: 180km, approximately 2.5 hours
Drive north along the scenic coastal route to Kaikoura for your whale watching experience.
Whale Watch Kaikoura Cruise (12:45pm check-in) - Board the modern catamaran designed for whale watching from The Whaleway Station. The vessel features enclosed, air-conditioned cabin with comfortable seating and large outside decks for viewing and photography. Prepare for exciting up-close encounters with Giant Sperm Whales. May also see migratory Humpback Whales (June-July), Hector's and Dusky Dolphins, Orcas (December-March), NZ Fur Seals, Royal Albatross, Petrels, and Shearwaters. Cruise duration is approximately 3.5 hours.
Drive back to Christchurch for final night.
Day 15 : Departure from Christchurch
Return your rental car at Christchurch Airport and depart on your onward flight.