
Drive around the south island's beautiful southern alps, lakes and national parks, all the way to the tip of the south island for the ferry across to the north. All those famous mountain passes you've heard about are on your itinerary - Burkes Pass, Lindis Pass, The Catlins, Haast Pass, Milford Highway, Arthurs Pass, West Coast, and the fabulous Buller Gorge. Leave everything to us, all you have to do is press 'Go' on your GPS!
The scenic ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds to the North Island marks the start of your next great adventure to the land of volcanoes, lava plateaus and crater lakes, making for fantastic driving. And then there's the icing on the cake and the highlight of the trip, the legendary Forgotten World Highway. This 150km stretch of road is New Zealand's oldest heritage trail, with four mountain saddles, a mysterious tunnel, a long river gorge, and 15kms of unsealed track to navigate - awesome!
Head west towards the perfectly formed cone volcano of Mount Taranaki, then wind your way over lush green rolling hills of 'The Lord of the Rings' Country to a land of glow-worm caves, bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers.
The twisty and scenic corners of The Coromandel will have you in sports car heaven as you glide around the peninsula finishing up in the Auckland, City of Sails marking the end to this brilliant trip.
You'll be driving between 9 and 5pm daily with time for lunch and snack breaks, photo shoots and some activities which we'll recommend to you when you book.
You'll be travelling around 4000 kms in total
Driving times:5-6 hrs daily approx + breaks
Distance:Approximately 4000 kms (2500 miles)
Rest or Drive:2 night stay in Te Anau, no driving on Day 9
Route Grade:Fully tar sealed except for 15kms of optional gravel road. Multiple mountain pass switchbacks and some tight hair-pins
Support Vehicle Info:Route-loaded GPS, Personalised Handbook/Itinerary, 24-hour on-call service
All prices are in New Zealand Dollars. Price shown includes sports car hire. Click on the prices to convert the prices into a currency of your choice. The default is NZD to USD but you can choose any currency you like on the conversion tool.
Day 1
Christchurch to Mount Cook (368km, 5hrs + breaks)
Enjoy fabulous care-free driving across the sheep-filled plains and over the mountain pass towards Mount Cook National Park. Check out quaint country villages and local craft galleries along the way. At Lake Tekapo there's the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and the Dark Skies Project to check out before the fabulous sprint into Mount Cook Fiordland National Park. Overnight Mount Cook Village
Day 2
Mount Cook to Dunedin (400km, 6hrs + breaks)
This is driving at its very best as you make your way in an easterly direction along-side the bright blue hydro-lakes from the alps to the Pacific Ocean. Stop at a pretty Edwardian harbour village before continuing south to Dunedin with its fascinating scottish heritage and an awesome brewery and romantic castle! Overnight Dunedin
Day 3
Dunedin to Te Anau (244km, 3.5 + breaks)
Blast your way on empty ribbon roads towards the wonderfully isolated Fiordland National Park, the jewel in the crown being Lake TeAnau your home for this evening. There's a great aviation museum along the way, or get to your destination in time for a boat ride across the lake to the glowworm caves. Overnight Te Anau
Day 4
Explore Milford Sound (250kms, 4 hrs + breaks)
Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, drive the magical Milford Highway today to Milford Sound. Golden grasslands and mirror lakes give way to rainforest, majestic waterfalls, raging rivers, and mile-high mountains. Emerge from a dark tunnel into a forgotten world and descend down deep into the valley, until in front of you stands iconic Mitre Peak towering 1692 meters from the sea floor. Let us book you a highly recommend boat trip before your blast back to Te Anau. Overnight Te Anau
Day 5
Te Anau to Queenstown (213km, 3 hrs +breaks)
This glorious five star drive snakes its way between Lake Wakatipu and the world’s most photographed mountain range, 'The Remarkables'. You’ll soon find yourself in The Lord of the Rings country, where there’s time for bungy jumping, wine tasting, jet-boating, rafting, or more fantastic driving to Paradise!
Overnight Queenstown Region
Day 6
Queenstown to Franz Josef (351km, 5-6hrs + breaks)
Today you’ll be driving over the highest tar-sealed road in New Zealand through mountain passes and lush rainforest. You’ll experience beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterfalls on your way to the Tasman Sea, not to mention the legendary Haast Pass and Mt. Aspiring National Park. At Franz Josef village there’s time to visit the glaciers, hunt for glow-worms, or soak away your aches in hot pools surrounded by rain forest. Overnight Franz Josef Glacier Village
Day 7
Franz Josef to Hanmer Springs 488km, 6hrs + breaks)
Take a blast alongside the wild west coast and check out the local arts and crafts of jade and gold. Then head inland on yet another legendary sprint over the alps. Mountains give way to vineyards and pretty limestone rolling hills to the alpine thermal spa town of pretty Hanmer Springs. Take a well-earned soak in the therapeutic open-air hot pools surrounded by mountains and pine trees. Overnight Hanmer Springs Village
Day 8
Hanmer Springs Village to Westport (350km, 4hrs + breaks)
Another legendary mountain pass to traverse today as you head over the alps yet again for some awesome driving, and back to the wild West Coast. Isolated and stunningly beautiful, this is the real New Zealand with its huge ferns and unique Nikau palm trees. Stop to explore the amazing Pancake Rocks and blow-holes of Paparoa National Park. Overnight Westport
Day 9
Westport to Picton (378 km, 6hrs + breaks)
This is close to sports car heaven! Travel north along the coast then inland through lush native forests. The adrenalin kicks in once again as you drive beside the mighty Buller River with its famous swing-bridge. The glorious sweeps and bends of the Motueka Valley Highway and Queen Charlotte Drive will have you beaming from ear to ear before arriving at the quaint Picton port village. Overnight Picton
Day 10
Picton to Wellington (4hr ferry)
Take a well-earned day off from driving today. Instead, embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry crossings today and soak up the fabulous scenery of the Marlborough Sounds as you cruise across the Cook Strait to the North Island. You will soon be in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city where we recommend visiting the famous Te Papa Museum or Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Overnight Wellington
Day 11
Welington to Tongariro National Park (325km, 5-6hrs + breaks)
Heading north via the best biking route, the welcome leg-stretch at the Mount
Bruce Wildlife Centre and Bird Sanctuary will delight animal lovers and coffee drinkers amongst you. Enjoy stunning scenery as you drive northwards to the volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu and learn about the forces which created the dramatic landscapes of the Volcanic Plateau, rich in Maori cultural history.
Overnight Tongariro Village
Day 12
Tongariro to Waitomo (413km, 6-7 hrs + breaks)
Welcome to New Zealand’s most secluded ‘forgotten’ roads – the legendary Forgotten
World Highway. This 150km scenic stretch winds over four mountain saddles alongside the Tangarakau Gorge and passes through an 180 metre long single lane tunnel! Stop at a a famous settlement and go back in time to see undisturbed hills, untouched native beech and podocarp forest, and glimpses of volcanoes. Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a forgotten labyrinth of glow worm caves and underground rivers for you to explore following a fantastic day at the wheel. Overnight Waitomo
Day 13
Waitomo to Rotorua (170km, 3hrs + breaks)
Time for visiting the glow-worm caves today before excellent driving cross-country via rolling hills and lush farmlands taking you all the way to Rotorua which sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with evidence of volcanic activity everywhere you look. Time this afternoon for exploring the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year. Overnight Rotorua
Day 14
Rotorua to Whitianga (265km, 4hrs + breaks)
Experience ‘Middle-Earth’ today with an optional visit to the Hobbiton Movie
Enjoy the beautiful Pacific Coast beach of Mount Maunganui before the great blast northwards to The Coromandel. Visit a unique Beach where you dig your own natural spa pool! The Coromandel Peninsula provides a mecca for sports car enthusiasts with its twists, turns, convoluted hills and pretty bays providing a challenging variety of corner-carving delights. Add mile upon mile of beautiful beaches and cathedral coves to cruise though, and you have a wonderful
destination. Overnight Whitianga
Day 15
Whitianga to Auckland City (233km, 4hrs + breaks)
Enjoy delightful narrow and twisty bends with ancient native tree-lined beaches and spectacular scenery as you continue your journey around the beautiful Coromandel Peninsular today. Discover Clevedon Village’s
boutique food and wine, rich history and country charm. Then look out for
the iconic Skytower and Harbour Bridge which signals your arrival into the
Vibrant Auckland, City of Sails.
15 Day Forgotten World GPS Tour |
Day |
Route |
1 |
Christchurch - Mount Cook National Park |
2 |
Mount Cook National Park to Dunedin |
3 |
Dunedin to Te Anau |
4 |
Explore Fiordland National Park (Milford Sound) |
5 |
Fiordland National Park to Queenstown |
6 |
Queenstown to Fox/Franz Josef Glacier |
7 |
Franz Josef Glacier to Hanmer Springs |
8 |
Hanmer Springs to Westport |
9 |
Westport to Picton |
10 |
Picton to Wellington (via ferry) |
11 |
Wellington - Tongariro National Park |
12 |
Tongariro Naional Park - Waitomo |
13 |
Waitomo - Rotorua |
14 |
Rotorua to Coromandel Peninsula |
15 |
Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland |
Tour Highlights:-
- Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
- Aoraki Mount Cook - the 'Cloud Piercer'
- Southern Alps and Lakes
- Dunedin
- The Catlins
- Milford Sound Road & Fiordland National Park
- Queenstown - New Zealand's Adventure Capital
- New Zealand's highest sealed road
- Haast Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park
- West Coast Rainforests & Glaciers
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
- Buller Gorge
- Te Papa Museum, Wellington
- Tongariro National Park, Volcanic Plateau
- The Legendary Forgotten World Highway
- Huka Falls, Lake Taupo
- Rotorua - Maori Cultural region
- Coromandel Peninsula
- Auckland City of Sails
Recommended extra activities:-
Here's a guide about some extra activities that we can incorporate seamlessly into your Trip. There's no booking fee, the retail rate is simply added to your account, and in the unlikely event the operator cancels you will be refunded in full. Your friendly Tour Planner will send you further information about each activity to help you decide.
- Dark Sky Project, Tekapo
- Bill Richardsons Transport World
- Nature Boat Cruise, Milford Sound
- Jet-boat Ride, Queenstown
- Bungy-jumping, Queenstown
- Vintage Steam-ship Cruise & Farm Tour, Queenstown
- Glacier Helicopter Ride, West Coast
- Glow-worm Caves, Waitomo
- Geyser & Geothermal Wonderland Day Pass
The following is included in the Tour Price:-
Easy Rider (Motor-lodge no breakfast) |
- 15 Days Vehicle Hire
- 15 Nights Accommodation
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack and Itinerary
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- 3-hour ferry boat cruise
|
Kiwi Classic (Bed & Breakfast) |
- 15 Days Vehicle Hire
- 15 Nights Accommodation
- 15 Breakfasts
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack and Itinerary
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- 3-hour ferry boat cruise
|
Supreme (Hotel Full Breaklfast) |
- 15 Days Vehicle Hire
- 15 Nights Accommodation
- 15 Breakfasts
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack and Itinerary
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- 3-hour ferry boat cruise
|
Platinum - (Hosted Luxury Lodge Full Breakfast Full Dinner) |
- 15 Days Vehicle Hire
- 15 Nights Accommodation
- 15 Full Breakfasts
- 15 Evening Dinners
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack with Full Colour Itinerary Booklet
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers between Christchurch hotel and Christchurch Base
- Transfers between Christchurch airport and Christchurch hotel
- Transfers between SPMT Auckland Base and Auckland Hotel
- Transfers between Auckland hotel and Auckland Airport
- Inter-island ferry boat cruise with Premier Lounge Upgrade
|
Not included:- Flights, travel insurance, drinks (except where indicated in lodgings inclusions) , fuel, activities (unless stated), room service, hotel incidentals (unless stated)