This scenic self-drive journey offers an immersive New Zealand experience, starting in Auckland with visits to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Te Puia’s geothermal wonders. Continue to the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set before heading south to Christchurch. Explore Lake Tekapo, marvel at Queenstown’s adventure options, and cruise the breathtaking Milford Sound.
Travel through the rugged West Coast to see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, then board the TranzAlpine train for a scenic return to Christchurch. This Self Drive New Zealand Picturesque Tour is ideal for those seeking picturesque landscapes, iconic attractions, and the freedom to explore at their own pace.
WWT22285
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 enjoy an entertaining FARM SHOW AND ECO FARM ORCHARD TOUR 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.
Enjoy a guided tour of 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 Auckland.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
Drive to Auckland domestic airport and drop off your rental car (please note the operation hours 0630hrs – 2230hrs). RENTAL TIP: Make sure you refuel the rental car before returning.
Fly to Christchurch (AIRFARES ARE NOT INCLUDED).
Proceed to pick up your rental car at Christchurch 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
Depart for your journey across Canterbury Plains and climb the mountains to picturesque Lake Tekapo. You may stop at local souvenir shop at Ashburton.
At Tekapo, take in the view of the stone church and Sheep Dog Monument set against the backdrop of the alpine range beyond.
Continue across rabbit ravaged Mackenzie Country and scenic Lindis Pass to arrive Queenstown late afternoon.
Suggested sightseeing stops at Mrs Jones Orchard, Cromwell where you can purchase some seasonal fruits on own expenses.
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
After breakfast, check out and travel along the shore of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass.
Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges and vative forest to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Overnight at Glacier Region.
Lunch on own arrangements
Travel north to Greymouth today and board the famous Trans Alpine train (coach passenger only).
Arrive at Greymouth Train Station, drop off your rent car. (please note the operation hours 1000hrs – 1600hrs). RENTAL TIP: Make sure you refuel the rental car before returning.
Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular SouthernAlps onto Christchurch.
Arrive at Christchurch Train Station, meet and greet on arrival and proceed to your accommodation by private transfer.
Rest of the day free at leisure. Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements
Pick-up and transfer to the airport by shuttle service. END OF SERVICE.