Starting in Christchurch, South Island and ending in Auckland, North Island, this is the most wonderful way to explore New Zealand, driving at your leisure and just perfect for individual travellers and couples or for those wanting a slower pace of life for a few weeks.
From Fiordland National Park in the South Island, to Cape Reinga in the Far North, this trip includes all the hot-spots for seeing and doing, and we've allowed plenty of time to do them all.
No rush, no hassle, no worries! For those who want to drive leisurely each day to really explore and savour New Zealand's history, culture, amazing scenery, and all the must-see, must-do attractions, this is the tour for you. And with our unique and complimentary personalisation service we will turn this tour into the most amazing tailor-made vacation just for you, check out the Itinerary for more information or call us for a friendly chat today.
You'll be travelling around 5000 kms in total. (+4 optional non-driving days).
Driving times:9am-4pm approx with breaks throughout the day for lunch, coffee, activities etc.
Distance:5000 kms (3125 miles) approximately, option to do more on Explore Days
Rest or Drive:Dunedin, Queenstown, Rotorua, Bay of Islands
Driver Competence:Suitable for all Drivers
Route Grade:100% asphalt, multiple mountain pass switchbacks/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 Lake Tekapo (270km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Enjoy fabulous care-free driving across sheep-filled plains and over the mountain pass towards Mount Cook National Park. Check out quaint country villages and local galleries along the way. At stunning Lake Tekapo there's the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, hot springs, and big skies for stargazing. Overnight Lake Tekapo
Day 2
Tekapo to Oamaru (210km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Pure enjoyment is driving along-side pristine lakes from Mount Cook National Park today then there’s the awesome sweeps and bends on traffic-free roads that take you through Mackenzie sheep country, along-side hydro-lakes and dams, through limestone foundations all the way to Oamaru. Overnight Oamaru
Day 3
Oamaru to Dunedin (176km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Super back-road driving today through ancient limestone landscapes that lead you to the Pacific Ocean where you can explore the beach with its 65 million year old boulders. From here it’s a leisurely drive to Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula., home to the Royal Albatross, penguin and other sea creatures. Overnight Dunedin
Day 4
Dunedin to Invercargill (244km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Your special route today skirts the white sand beaches of the deserted Catlins Coastline for mile upon mile. Quirky locations South Pacific secrets and fabulous care-free riding all day create a wonderful day. Time for a photo-shoot at NZ’s most southerly point before arriving at Invercargill with its awesome transport museums, gardens etc. Overnight Invercargill
Day 5
Invercargill to Fiordland National Park (191km, 2-3hrs + breaks)
We highly recommend a visit to Bill Richardson's Transport World before heading around the coastline towards the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park with its huge mountains surrounded by stunning waterfalls, lakes and beautiful marine reserves. Te Anau township nestled beside the lake is the ideal place to relax, revive, and visit the glowworm caves! Overnight Te Anau
Day 6
Milford Magic (121kms. 2hrs each way + breaks)
Combine one of the finest scenic highways with one of the world’s most scenic higways and you have the Milford Road. 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 the iconic Mitre Peak towering 1692 metres from the sea floor. We highly recommend a boat cruise on Milford Sound before retracing your steps back to Te Anau. Overnight Te Anau
Day 7
Te Anau to Queenstown 213km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
You'll be driving along the 'Devil's Staircase' today, snaking your way between beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the world’s most photographed mountain range - The Remarkables! Arriving in spell-binding Lord of the Rings country, try your hand at bungy jumping and jet-boating, or relax with a pint at a historic pub in a quaint old gold-mining village. Overnight Queenstown
Day 8
Explore Queenstown
Choices of things to see and do today are endless! From some of the world's finest roads for a short drive, from sky-diving to wine-tasting or wonderful boat trips to remote sheep stations, immerse yourself in the adventure capital of the southern hemisphere! Overnight Queenstown
Day 9
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier Village (351km, 5hrs + breaks)
Today you’ll be driving over the mountain via New Zealand's highest tar-sealed road. Check out beautiful Lake Wanaka with it's famous tree in the lake! Lake vistas turn into rainforests and the most mind-blowing scenery of rushing rivers, gushing waterfalls, glacier topped mountains and rugged coastline. At vibrant Franz Josef village get up closer to the glaciers or relax in the hot pools surrounded by rain forest. Overnight Franz Josef Glacier Village
Day 10
Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki (217km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Continue your journey along the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Sea, stopping to sample the local arts and crafts along the way. Enjoy simply superb driving to Paparoa National Park for a visit to see the amazing Punakaiki Rocks and blowholes. Overnight Punakaiki
Day 11
Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs Village (259km, 5-6hrs + breaks)
Starting with one of the best coastal rides in the world, meander your way via the
traffic-free roads to peaceful Hanmer Springs village via the mighty Buller River and the legendary Lewis Pass. Celebrate this most amazing drive with a hot soak at the open-air thermal spring pools. Fancy a massage? This is the place! Overnight Hanmer Springs Village
Day 12
Hanmer Springs Village to Kaikoura (131km, 2-3hrs + breaks)
Explore Hanmer Village this morning before the back-roads drive via an old Maori trail takes you to the Pacific Ocean on the east coast. This afternoon sample Kaikoura's
local delicacies such as crayfish and scallops, and get up close to seal slumbering in the sun. Highly recommended though is the adrenalin-pumping boat ride out to sea to see the mighty whales as they breach out of the Pacific Ocean and plunge into the depths below. Overnight Kaikoura
Day 13
Kaikoura to Picton (156km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
You’ll be in heaven this morning as you drive north along the coast and through the pretty vineyards of the famous Marlborough Wine region. Try some award-winning wines
before resting up in Picton nestled amongst the beautiful islands of the Marlborough Sounds. Overnight Picton
Day 14
Picton Ferry & Wellington City
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 highly recommend visiting the innovative and interactive national museum Te Papa before checking out the nightlife of New Zealand's capital city. Overnight Wellington
Day 15
Wellington to Napier Art Deco City (329km, 4-5hrs + breaks)
From Wellington you will enjoy a great blast
northwards and a welcome leg-stretch at a Wildlife Centre and Bird Sanctuary
before arriving into Napier Art Deco City. Nowhere else other than here can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century. Overnight Napier
Day 16
Napier to Rotorua (220km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
Our chosen route to Rotorua provides a wonderful, easy day’s drive along the Thermal Explorer Highway. At Lake Taupo check out the the iconic Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres per second of crystal clear water crash into a turbulent pool 11 metres below. The scenic highlights between Taupo and Rotorua will not disappoint as you traverse the unusual, volcanic geography combined with large pine forest plantations. Overnight Rotorua
Day 17
Explore Rotorua
Rotorua, on the Volcanic Plateau, has one of the world’s most lively fields of geothermal activity. Visit skyrocketing geysers, hot springs and boiling mud pools, enjoy a Hangi Feast and Maori Cultural Performance, or treat yourself to an indulgent spa therapy. If adventure is your thing, Rotorua has many attractions to get the adrenalin flowing. Skydiving, Luging, Zorbing, it's all here!
Overnight Rotorua
Day 18
Rotorua to Coromandel Peninsula (222km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
The Coromandel Peninsula provides a mecca for all drivers with twists, turns, convoluted hills and pretty bays providing a challenging variety of corner-carving delights. Sea-side villages provides light refreshment before the fun really begins! Fabulous Beaches including the famous Hot Water Beach set the scene for your wonderful overnight stay with clear blue waters and sea cave adventures.
Overnight Whitianga
Day 19
Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland West (233km, 4-5hrs + breaks)
Enjoy delightful narrow and twisty bends and white sand beaches lined with ancient native trees. The scenery is spectacular as you continue your journey around the Coromandel Peninsular via the Pacific Coast Highway. Skirt the City of Sails to discover the
serenity of the West with its black-sand beaches and forest ranges. Overnight Auckland West
Day 20
Auckland West to Hokianga Harbour (242km, 3-4hrs + breaks)
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is a stunning drive and leads through the most beautiful areas of Northland. Take a break to visit the Kauri Museum providing a perfect insight into Northland’s pioneering past. This great riding road winds through ancient native forests, check out the huge Tane Mahuta Tree before arriving at the Hokianga Harbour, an untouched area made up of lush forests giant sand dunes, and calm harbour waters. Overnight Omapere
Day 21
Hokianga Harbour to Bay of Islands (210km, 34hrs + breaks)
A small ferry boat will take you across the harbour. then drive all the way to Cape Reinga taking a final walk to the lighthouse. This is New Zealand’s most northerly point and full of Maori legend. Or you can take the short cut to your desination for the next two nights to explore the beautiful Bay of islands.
Overnight Paihia
Day 22
Explore the Bay of Islands
Spend the day lazing on the beach or on a yacht to explore the hundreds of
islands. Or take a Dolphin Cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock. Visit New Zealand’s oldest European building and the famous Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Check out the
tiny historic village of Russell with its fascinating colonial heritage, relax with a beer by the water’s edge. This is the beautiful Bay of Island! Overnight Paihia.
Day 23
Bay of Islands to Auckland - End of Tour
The scenic route south via the Pacific Coast Highway is pleasant, with historic villages to explore along the way where you can sample the local delicacies, beers, wines, arts and crafts. Stop at the beach for a well-earned break before making your way via the quieter roads into Auckland to return your vehicle. End of Tour
23 Day Twin Island Sports Car Tour |
Day |
Route |
1 |
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo |
2 |
Lake Tekapo to Oamaru |
3 |
Oamaru to Dunedin |
4 |
Dunedin to Invercargill |
5 |
Invercargill to Te Anau (Fiordland Nat Park) |
6 |
Te Anau to Milford Return |
7 |
Te Anau to Queenstown |
8 |
Queenstown Rest or Drive Day |
9 |
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier |
10 |
Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki |
11 |
Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs |
12 |
Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura |
13 |
Kaikoura to Picton |
14 |
Picton to Wellington (Ferry to North Island) |
15 |
Wellington to Napier |
16 |
Napier to Rotorua |
17 |
Rotorua Rest or Drive |
18 |
Rotorua to The Coromandel Peninsular |
19 |
Coromandel Peninsular to Auckland West |
20 |
Auckland West to The Hokianga Harbour |
21 |
Hokianga Harbour to the Bay of Islands (Cape Reinga) |
22 |
Explore the Bay of Islands (Rest or Drive) |
23 |
Bay of Islands to Auckland City |
Tour Highlights:-
- Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
- Aoraki Mount Cook - the 'Cloud Piercer'
- The ancient Moeraki Boulders
- The Fossilised Forest, Catlins
- Magical Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park
- Queenstown - Adventure Capital of the Southern Hemisphere
- Ride New Zealand's highest sealed road
- Haast Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park
- The West Coast Rainforests & Glaciers
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
- The amazing Buller Gorge
- Lewis Pass
- Hanmer Alpine Thermal Hot Springs
- Great Alpine Highway
- Pacific Ocean-side riding
- Wellington Capital City
- Napier Art Deco City
- Huka Falls, Lake Taupo
- Rotorua's bubbling mud & geysers
- See the Giant Kauri Trees of Waipoua Forest
- Coromandel Peninsula
- Cape Reinga, NZ's most northerly point
- Relax at the beautiful Bay of Islands
- Drive our secret back roads!
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 Experience, Tekapo
- Yellow-eyed Penguin Tour (Oamaru)
- Penguin Tours (Dunedin)
- Royal Albatross Tour (Dunedin)
- Larnach Castle (Dunedin)
- Brewery Tours (Dunedin)
- Bill Richardsons Transport World
- Glow-worm Caves (Te Anau)
- Milford Sound Boat Cruise (highly recommended)
- Jet-boat rides, boat cruises, wine tours, bungy, rafting, skydiving, bungy swing, (Queenstown)
- Glacier Helicopter Rides, Franz Josef
- Westcoast Wildlife Centre, Franz Josef
- Thermal Hot Springs, Hanmer
- Whale-watching, Kaikoura
- Omaka Aviation Centre (Blenheim)
- Kayaking & Boat Cruises (Abel Tasman)
- Glow-worm Caves (Waitomo)
- Jet-boat Ride (Taupo)
- Maori Village Cultural Evening with Dinner (Rotorua)
- Geothermal Wonderland Entry (Rotorua)
- Gondola, Lugw, Skyswing, Zipline (Rotorua)
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Bay of Islands Boat Cruises (Catamaran or Tall Ship)
The following is included in the Tour Price:-
Easy Rider (Motor-lodge no breakfast) |
- 23 Days Vehicle Hire
- 23 Nights Accommodation
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack and Full 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) |
- 23 Days Vehicle Hire
- 23 Nights Accommodation
- 23 Breakfasts
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack and Full 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 Breakfast) |
- 23 Days Vehicle Hire
- 23 Nights Accommodation
- 23 Full Breakfasts
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack and Full 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
- Inter-island ferry boat cruise with Premier Lounge Upgrade both ways
|
Platinum (Hosted Lodge Full Breakfast Full Dinner) |
- 23 Days Vehicle Hire
- 23 Nights Accommodation
- 23 Full Breakfasts
- 23 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 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)