Start in Auckland and journey through Waitomo’s glow-worm-lit caves before reaching Rotorua’s geothermal marvels and Maori heritage. Visit Hobbiton, Wellington’s cultural sites, and Queenstown’s thrill-seeking hubs. Take a scenic drive to Milford Sound for a spectacular cruise, followed by serene views of Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook as you return to Christchurch for your flight home. This Self Drive New Zealand Highlights tour is a comprehensive self-driving tour of the country.
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Arrive at Auckland International Airport, pick up your rent car.
(please note the operation hours 0600hrs – 0200hrs)
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
After breakfast, drive to Waitomo to enjoy a guided tour of the WAITOMO GLOW WORM CAVES and a short boat ride through the famous Glow-Worm grotto.
See twinkling lights emitting from the ceiling like starts in a dark night. Then continue driving to Rotorua.
On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of TE PUIA THERMAL RESERVE you will see boiling mud pools and the mighty Pohutu geyser.
Be enthralled by the Maori culture of wood carving, flax weaving demonstration and the replicas of the Maori buildings here.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
After breakfast, continue drive to visit Rotorua’s top attractions – enjoy an entertaining farm show at AGRODOME highlighting sheep farming industry with sheep shearing demonstration.
After enjoying the farm show, you will drive over the Kaimai Ranges to the Matamata for your HOBBITON MOVIE SET TOUR.
Visit the farm where Sir Peter Jackson built the village of Hobbiton for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.
Learn how the private farm was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth and see Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and the Mill on a guided Hobbiton tour before returning to Rotorua.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
Drive for journey to Taupo, travel along the shore of the huge lake to spectacular Tongariro National Park comprising of massive active volcanoes and site of North Island’s ski fields.
From the barren land of this plateau, you descend to the “Capital City”. Arrive Wellington by early evening.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
Suggested sightseeing: depart on city tour including Lambton Quay, Parliament “The Beehive”, Cathedral of St. Pauls, Mt. Victoria Lookout and Te Papa Museum (Free admission except for some exhibition).
Enjoy a guided tour of WETA CAVE WORKSHOP TOUR for a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of Weta Workshop for some famous movies such as Lord of The Rings, Hobbiton, Narnia, Avatar, etc.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
Drive to Wellington domestic airport and drop off your rental car (please note the operation hours 0700hrs – 0030hrs on Monday to Saturday / 0730hrs – 0030hrs on Sunday) RENTAL TIP: Make sure you refuel the rental car before returning.
Fly to Queenstown (AIRFARES ARE NOT INCLUDED).
Proceed to pick up your rental car at Queenstown airport (please note the operation hours 0800hrs -2100hrs on Monday to Tuesday / 0800hrs – 2130hrs on Wednesday to Friday & Sunday / 0800hrs to 2000hrs on Saturday).
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
After breakfast, depart hotel for self-drive to Milford Sound.
You could visit at Te Anau; Eglinton Valley – ancient alpine beech forest, stunning waterfalls; Mirror Lakes – photo opportunity; Homer Tunnel; Fiordland National Park, Monkey Creek.
Enjoy MILFORD SOUND SCENIC CRUISE and Buffet lunch on board.
Dinner on own arrangement
Enjoy a free day in Queenstown. Apart from beautiful scenery surrounding the resort, this is also the capital of adventure tourism.
Why not try thrilling jet-boating or heart-stopping bungy jump? A gondola ride up Bob’s Peak for panoramic view couple with a luge ride is recommended. Or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
Depart your journeys back to Christchurch. Suggested sightseeing stops at Mrs Jones Orchard, Cromwell where you can purchase some seasonal fruits on own expenses.
Also you may stop at local souvenir shop at Ashburton Upon arrival Christchurch, free time at your own leisure.
“Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements ”
Drive to airport for your international flight home then drop off your rental car
(please note the operation hours 0600hrs – 0200hrs)
RENTAL TIP: Make sure you refuel the rental car before returning.