15 Days from $5,290 USD / person
Road Trip: South to North Island
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 2
International Arrival
You will be transferred from Christchurch airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
1 Night
Christchurch
Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay. With innovative architecture, public installations such as the 185 Chairs, and international street art, Christchurch is undergoing an extraordinary urban regeneration. Explore Quake City, a space that showcases the aftermath of Canterbury’s recent earthquakes, Māori galleries that contain some beautiful pounamu (greenstone) pieces, and the International Antarctic Center with its interactive and educational exhibits. Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer delightful green spaces within the city. Not to be missed is the hop-on-hop-off loop tram, a fun ride infused with commentary, to navigate the city’s highlights. For a more leisurely experience, go punting on the Avon River, passing through the heart of Christchurch, and sit back and relax on a gondola ride that offers stunning vantages of the Canterbury Plains, the Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps beyond!
Hotel options
The Classic Villa – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Heritage
The George – Opt 2
Room
Executive Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 2 – 3
You will be transferred from your hotel to Christchurch train station in a private vehicle
Board the Tranz Alpine Train departing from Christchurch at 08:15 hrs and arriving in Greymouth at 1305 hrs.
Make your own way to the Greymouth city center and pick up your rental car
1 Night
Greymouth
The stretch of land comprising Greymouth, Punakaiki, and Westport, situated along the West Coast of South Island, is a treasure trove of natural resources. Explore the diverse geographical features of this region, from snow-capped mountains to rainforests and from beaches to rivers to limestone formations. Visit the Paparua National Park near Punakaiki and the famous pancake rocks with winding walkways and “blowholes”. Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast with spellbinding views of the Southern Alps. Visit Monteith’s Brewery here, one of New Zealand’s oldest, and Shantytown, a recreated 1900s gold mining town. Among places of interest at Westport are the coal museum, Hawk’s Crag canyon and cliff and Lake Rochfort.
Hotel options
Kingsgate Greymouth – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
The Ashley Hotel – Opt 2
Room
Superior Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 3 – 4
Drive yourself from Greymouth to Franz Josef in your rental car (Duration: 2-3 hrs)
1 Night
Franz Josef Glacier
Welcome to glacier country! Explore Franz Josef (also Waiau), a small township perched alongside the Waiho river that serves as a gateway to the majestic Franz Josef Glacier. Surrounded by dense rainforests, secret waterfalls, suspension bridges, and tartare tunnels with glow worms, Franz Josef is a treasure trove of natural wonders, making it an ideal base to enjoy numerous outdoor activities. The area’s stunning beauty can be enjoyed through a number of ways – Scenic flights and heli-hikes over the West Coast glaciers, kayak tours on Lake Mapourika, glacier valley walks and more. Unwind at the natural hot pools found around the region. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the West Coast Wildlife Center which prides itself on its conservation efforts of the Rowi and the Haast tokoeka, two of the most endangered Kiwi species in the world.
Hotel options
Holly Homestead (B & B) – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Heritage
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier – Opt 2
Room
Standard Room -Graham Wing
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Lodge
Day 4 – 6
Drive yourself from Franz Josef to Queenstown in your rental car (Duration: 5 hrs)
2 Nights
Queenstown
Queenstown is where adventure seekers head out to for a shot of adrenalin! The region’s dramatic landscape is wrapped around the scenic lakes, velvety mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps. Summer or winter, there’s always plenty to do along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the slopes of the Coronet Peak. Arguably the bungee jumping and skydiving capital of the world, get ready to plunge down bridges, planes and hill tops. The fiord of Milford Sound, home to the rare black coral, seal colonies, penguins, dolphins and the Mitre Peak, is not too far away. Kayaking along Lake Wakatipu, camping at the Routeburn Track, jet-boating down the Shotover and Dart rivers, and skiing down Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are some of the city’s popular pastimes. Queenstown also forms a base for exploring South Island’s other adventure destinations, charming vineyards and old mining settlements around Wanaka, Glenorchy and Arrowtown.
Hotel options
Heartland Hotel Queenstown – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room with A/C
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – Opt 2
Room
Alpine Suite Garden View
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 6 – 7
Drive yourself from Queenstown to Mt Cook in your rental car (Duration: 4 hrs)
1 Night
Mount Cook
Explore Mount Cook, a picturesque village tucked at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. This dramatic alpine landscape is bestowed with spectacular glacier lakes, rivers, meadows, and valleys that entertain horse treks, dinghy cruises, fishing trips, 4×4 drives, and scenic flights with glacier landings. The numerous trails, from the Hooker Valley track to the Tasman Valley lookout and the trek to Mueller Hut are a treat for both beginner hikers and seasoned mountaineers. Accessible via the scenic State Highway 80, majestic snow capped mountain vistas of the Southern Alps beckon. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center offers a glimpse into the region while the historic Old Mountaineers Lodge provides locally sourced, organic, and free-range produce. As part of the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, Mount Cook also offers wonderful opportunities to marvel at the constellations!
Hotel options
Mt Cook Lodge and Motels – Opt 1
Room
Motel Studio
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Lodge
The Hermitage Hotel – Opt 2
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 7 – 8
Drive yourself from Mt Cook to Christchurch in your rental car (Duration: 4 hrs)
1 Night
Christchurch
Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay. With innovative architecture, public installations such as the 185 Chairs, and international street art, Christchurch is undergoing an extraordinary urban regeneration. Explore Quake City, a space that showcases the aftermath of Canterbury’s recent earthquakes, Māori galleries that contain some beautiful pounamu (greenstone) pieces, and the International Antarctic Center with its interactive and educational exhibits. Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer delightful green spaces within the city. Not to be missed is the hop-on-hop-off loop tram, a fun ride infused with commentary, to navigate the city’s highlights. For a more leisurely experience, go punting on the Avon River, passing through the heart of Christchurch, and sit back and relax on a gondola ride that offers stunning vantages of the Canterbury Plains, the Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps beyond!
Hotel options
The Classic Villa – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Heritage
The George – Opt 2
Room
Executive Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 8 – 9
Drive yourself from Christchurch to Kaikoura in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)
1 Night
Kaikoura
Enjoy delightful wildlife encounters, and crayfish delicacies at the dreamy coastal city of Kaikōura. Sitting on a dramatic peninsula, Kaikōura boasts a superb location between the snow capped Kaikōura mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, dotted with whaling sites and historic pā (Māori defensive terrace), offers stunning cliff top vistas from various viewpoints. Get up close to whales, fur seals, and dolphins in the coastal waters, or enjoy birdwatching tours and sheep shearing shows. The state-of-the-art Kaikōura Museum showcases the region’s diverse culture and is a hub of events and exhibitions. Located on the city’s outskirts is the Lavender Farm that cultivates over 50 varieties of lavender! One can experience the region’s pioneering whaling history at the pink Fyffe House, Kaikōura’s oldest surviving building!
Hotel options
Lobster Inn Motor Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Studio
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Guest house
Lemon Tree Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Garden View Suite
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Homestay
Day 9 – 11
Drive yourself from Kaikoura to Picton in your rental car (Duration: 2 hrs)
Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington
2 Nights
Wellington
Discover Wellington, a cosmopolitan harbor city brimming with art, culture, entertainment, and natural wonders. Wellington is also home to the protected Matiu/Somes Island reserve, and the Zealandia Ecosanctuary that conserves rare native flora and fauna including the ancient-looking tuatara! Explore the city’s wooded hillsides, swanky bays, and golden sand beaches that provide for great watersports adventures and leisure activities. As the country’s moviemaking hub, Wellington offers exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, theater shows, workshops, studio visits, and screening of old-time classics at restored cinemas. World-class coffee and craft beer dominate the food culture at bohemian markets, gourmet streets, and waterfront neighborhoods. A variety of interactive exhibits and immersive museums showcase contemporary Māori and Pasifika art experiences. Take a ride up Wellington’s historic cable car to Kelburn and stroll down the Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway that affords panoramic vistas of the city.
Hotel options
Travelodge Wellington – Opt 1
Room
Guest Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Sofitel Wellington – Opt 2
Room
Classic Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 11 – 12
Drive yourself from Wellington to Napier in your rental car (Duration: 4 hrs)
1 Night
Napier
A peaceful seaside town, Napier stands on Hawke’s Bay by the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. This seaport is best known for its resilient comeback following a devastating earthquake in the 1930s. Redeveloped according to the design and architecture prevalent at the time, the city displays a number of iconic Art Deco building and structures. Savor the flavors offered by some of New Zealand’s best regional eateries and wineries, especially around the cliffs of Cape Kidnappers, which is also a destination for golfers. The National Aquarium of New Zealand with its marine exhibits and underwater tunnel is worth a visit, as is the statue of the Maori maiden by the waterfront.
Hotel options
Art Deco Masonic Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Art Deco Studio
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Heritage
McHardy Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Heritage
Day 12 – 14
Drive yourself from Napier to Rotorua in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)
2 Nights
Rotorua
From geothermal wonders at Kuirau Park located within the city center, to fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and the pastel silica terraces of the Wai o Tapu valley, Rotorua is a haven for wellness enthusiasts. This town, situated in North Island is an active lifestyle destination for outdoor adventures, holistic excursions, and cultural encounters, thanks to its fantastic surroundings around a natural crater lake. Whakarewarewa, a living geothermal village with hundreds of hot springs, and the famous Pōhutu geyser, also offers Māori cultural experiences including a traditional hāngi feast, Tā moko tattoo art, and local handicrafts. Enjoy loop walks around Lake Tikitapu, long hikes to the Rainbow Mountains, tree canopy boardwalks, ziplining, fantastic mountain biking trails in redwood forests, and rafting on the Class 5 rapids of Kaituna river, among others. Amid all the action, explore urban parks, working farms, native bird conservation centers, the historic buried village of Te Wairoa, and Mount Ngongotaha that affords a bird’s eye view of the Bay of Plenty in North Island!
Hotel options
Robertson House (B & B) – Opt 1
Room
Blue Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Homestay
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel – Opt 2
Room
Pool View Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 14 – 15
Drive yourself from Rotorua to Auckland in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)
1 Night
Auckland
Experience Auckland, a stunning natural playground and melting pot of cultures with a strong Māori influence. Straddling natural harbors on the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea, Auckland sits on a volcanic isthmus flanked by contrasting coastlines. From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand! The city also entertains adrenaline seekers at the iconic sky tower while rugby fans can catch an All Blacks’ match the country’s biggest stadium, Eden Park. Relax in the laid-back neighborhoods or head out to explore the series of walking paths that present spectacular vantages of the Auckland region. Short ferry rides away, the nearby islands are home to boutique vineyards, wineries, olive groves, rainforests, and reserves. Enjoy tranquil island vistas with a plethora of sailboats on the east, and the Waitakere Ranges with rugged black sand beaches and farmlands on the west.
Hotel options
Auckland City Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Heritage
M Social Auckland – Opt 2
Room
Social View Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Make your own way to the Auckland airport and drop off your rental car
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation & meals as specified in the itinerary
- Activities & excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees & meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips & personal expenses
- Visa & tourism fees
- Travel, health and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
