New Zealand Self Drive Ultimate Explorer

Journey to the heartland of Maori culture, to the center of New Zealand’s spectacular geothermal wonderland and discover the spirits of Rotorua.  Spend the next day at leisure for you to explore Rotorua and surroundings.

Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region. The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia’s largest lake and provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout, visit Tongariro World Heritage National Park and explore the local geothermal phenomena.

Today you will travel to the Hawke’s Bay region via the Tarawera Ranges. Journey from rugged mountain range to gentle plain, from desert-like pumice lands to a vineyard area and from marginal farmland to well cultivated fields. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke’s Bay region is known for its wine, food and lively arts scene. Spend next day at leisure for you to explore the Hawkes Bay region.

Travel onto the tiny wine village of Martinborough and discover a host of top-class vineyards in and around Martinborough, famed for its international award-winning Pinot Noir. Spend the afternoon out and about on a wine trail of the Martinborough vineyards.

Continue over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills onto Wellington, the nation’s capital. The compact city is nestled between an expansive harbour and bush-clad hills. The downtown area is ideal for walking around, with all shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation and the city’s attractions within close proximity. Perhaps visit the national museum, Te Papa. Spend the next day of leisure in Wellington.

Board the Interislander Ferry for the scenic journey to Picton on the South Island.

Continue south to Blenheim which is located in a wide river valley, which has proven to be perfect for growing grapes – not least of which is the flagship Sauvignon Blanc variety. Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest grape-growing and wine making region with 65 wineries.

Depart Blenheim and journey to the Nelson. The town is a gateway to rugged mountains, lush green forests, rolling vineyards and golden beaches.

The region is known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches, three national parks, 300-plus working artists and craftspeople, boutique wineries, fresh local produce and seafood, historical streetscapes, waterfront cafes and restaurants, and a thoroughly relaxed lifestyle.
Spend the next day is at leisure for you to explore the wonderful beaches and national parks. The Abel Tasman National Park is very popular for hiking and kayaking.

Continue through the Victoria Forest Park and along the spectacular west coast to Punakaiki in Paparoa National Park. see Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, distinctive geological formations formed over tens of thousands of years of pummeling from the Tasman Sea.

Travel onwards with awe-inspiring coastal scenery to the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier region. It is an area of mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and lush rainforest. En route stop at Hokitika where you can see greenstone (NZ jade) being polished and sculpted.

Drive through the scenic wilderness of Haast Pass, stopping along the way to take advantage of many short nature walks and picnic spots, pass crystal clear Lake Wanaka before continuing to Queenstown.

Queenstown is snuggled into a picturesque valley beside Lake Wakatipu and with the Remarkables Ranges towering alongside. Known for the wide range of adventure and outdoor activities that make the most of the scenery and the environment, Queenstown also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options in and around the township. Spend the next day at leisure in Queenstown.

Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown via Cromwell (391km)
Alternative Route via Cardrona & Crown Range Road (350km)

From Queenstown journey through mountains and alongside lakes to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area and the largest national park in New Zealand.

The Park covers 1.2 million hectares and has natural wilderness on a grand scale, where waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into pristine, forested valleys, and glacier-carved fiords indent its coastal boundaries. Milford Sound provides visitors with an unequalled experience of the natural beauty and wilderness of New Zealand.

Today you will continue onto Dunedin, an historic university town that spreads around a sheltered harbour. The Victorian and Edwardian spires and towers of notable neo-Gothic buildings and stately homes punctuate Dunedin’s cityscape. The city centre is compact, with a surprising array of kerbside cafes, high quality local craft, art, jewellery and fashion design outlets. Spend the next day at leisure explore Dunedin and surroundings. Don’t miss the nearby Otago Peninsula which is home to rare wildlife including albatross, penguins and seals.

Depart Dunedin and head north to Timaru, stop and enjoy the coastal views from Caroline Bay before continuing on to Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island.

Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Christchurch is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. The city centre is comfortingly compact and the most delightful central feature is the gently winding Avon River.