Best of New Zealand
Overview
A memorable self-drive tour of the nation's most famous locations is provided by Best of New Zealand. It combines nature, culture, and adventure for a genuinely immersive travel experience, from the glowworm caverns of Waitomo and the allure of Hobbiton to the picturesque grandeur of Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Lake Tekapo.
Highlights
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Te Ra Guided Day Tour
- Te Po Evening Cultural Experience
- Art Deco Afternoon Walk
- Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
- Skyline Gondola Queenstown
- Dark Sky Experience
- International Antarctic Centre
Tour Details
Themes
Best For
Detailed Itinerary
Auckland (Arrival)
Greetings from the island nation of New Zealand! When you get to Auckland, the biggest city in New Zealand, you will pick up your rental car and drive yourself to the hotel to check in. Spend the night in Auckland.
Auckland - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Rotorua
Take a tour of an underground wonderland of tunnels adorned with galaxies of glowworms today as you travel through Waitomo's undulating green hills. Proceed to Matamata for a delightful tour of distinctive Hobbiton homes, gardens, and the watering hole, just like in the movies. Go to Rotorua after your visits. Spend the night in Rotorua.
Rotorua
Take a guided tour of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the geothermal valley at one of the area's geothermal attractions in the afternoon. After that, take in a 40-minute cultural performance and a Hangi meal with views of the valley and geyser. Spend the night in Rotorua. (D)
Rotorua - Napier
Travel from Rotorua to Taupo via the wooded road. Take a guided tour of Napier's distinctive history and architecture as you continue your picturesque journey. Spend the night in Napier.
Napier - Wellington
Today, head south to Wellington via the breathtaking Manawatu Gorge or the stunning Tuki Tuki Valley and Wairarapa region. Spend the night in Wellington.
Wellington - Picton - Blenheim:
Today, take a ship from Wellington to the historic port town of Picton, passing across the Cook Strait and the picturesque bays and coves of the Marlborough Sounds. Blenheim's small town center is just a short drive away. Spend the night at Blenheim.
Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch:
Travel to Christchurch via the Pacific Coast Road from Blenheim. Go past the halfway beach town of Kaikoura, which is surrounded by towering mountains. Arrive at Christchurch, the "Garden City," and register. Spend the night in Christchurch.
Christchurch - Greymouth:
Today, leave Christchurch and travel to the West Coast and the breathtaking Arthurs Pass National Park. Arrive at Greymouth and make your hotel reservation. Spend the night in Greymouth.
Greymouth - Glacier Region:
Go to the Glacier Region today. Take your time exploring the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers during the day. Spend the night at the Glacier Region.
Glacier Region - Queenstown:
Today, leave the Glacier Region and travel through rivers, waterfalls, and wilderness settlements on your way to Queenstown. Once you arrive in Queenstown, head to the Skyline Base to take a gondola ride to the summit of Bob's Peak and take in the breathtaking views from above Queenstown. Spend the night in Queenstown.
Queenstown
A free day to explore the magnificent vistas and majestic mountains that dominate this compact alpine resort town. With such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World. Overnight in Queenstown.
Queenstown - Tekapo/Mt Cook Region
Today, leave Queenstown for a picturesque wonderland featuring turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, and golden tussocks. The tallest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mt Cook, can then be reached by following the breathtaking Lake Pukaki shoreline to a harsh region of rock and ice. Spend the night on Mount Cook or Tekapo.
Tekapo / Mt Cook - Christchurch
You will get access to the Dark Sky Project today to learn more about the night sky. After leaving Mount Cook, make a halt on the shores of Lake Tekapo, where the Church of the Good Shepherd is prominently displayed against the backdrop of a bright blue lake that is fed by glaciers. Then proceed northeast, where familiar plains and winding rivers will indicate that you have returned to Christchurch. Spend the night in Christchurch.
Christchurch (Departure):
Your tour comes to an end today when you return your rental car at Christchurch Airport.
Map & Logistics
Cities Covered
What's Included
- Accommodation in comfortable hotels on twin / double sharing basis
- Daily breakfast at hotel (except arrival day, if applicable)
- Self-drive rental car from Auckland to Christchurch (basic insurance included)
- Inter-island ferry from Wellington to Picton across Cook Strait
- Entry to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Entry to Hobbiton Movie Set
- Rotorua cultural experience at Te Puia including Hangi Dinner
- Napier guided city / architecture tour
- Entry to Skyline Queenstown Gondola (Bob’s Peak)
- Visit to Franz Josef Glacier / Fox Glacier region
- Admission to Dark Sky Project
- Visit to Church of the Good Shepherd
- All applicable hotel taxes
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- New Zealand visa charges
- Fuel charges, tolls, parking, and GPS for rental car
- Additional car insurance (zero excess / full coverage)
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, shopping, porterage, etc.
- Optional tours and adventure activities in Queenstown
- Travel insurance
- One-way car rental drop charges (if applicable)
- Early check-in / Late check-out charges
- Any increase in government taxes or currency fluctuations
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Dates & Availability
Stay & Hotels
Photo Gallery
