Explore New Zealand - Great Self Drive Road Trips

A great itinerary highlighting the varied and wonderful scenery of New Zealand. From the beaches of the Coromandel Coast to the Glaciers of the Southern Alps.

This 9 day scenic route will give you a wonderful introduction to the natural wonders of the South Island. Visit its two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook National Park and Milford Sound. Then Queenstown's excitement and adventure before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. Finally cross the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch. A fitting end to your  South Island holiday.

On the North Island travel through the cultural centre of Rotorua, a volcanic heritage site and visit NZ's two largest cities. Discover bubbling mud pools & incredible Geothermal activity! Move South on the breathtaking Interislander Ferry before seeing wildlife such as Dolphins in Kaikoura, the dramatic glaciers in Franz Josef, Milford Sounds staggering waterfalls & much more. Contact us for a custom made plan!

Travelling through the heart of the country you’ll journey past an incredible diversity of New Zealand landscapes and scenery.  From the North Island’s rich Maori culture and modern cosmopolitan cities you’ll venture south crossing the Cook Strait to the mountains, alpine lakes and glaciers of the South Island.  This tour is also flexible enough to add additional days onto if you have extra time.

Travel through the heart of the North Island on this short 'highlights' New Zealand self-drive tour. From Auckland journey south through the Waikato countryside to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand. It’s then on to the Art Deco city of Napier in the Hawkes Bay, home to New Zealand’s oldest vineyards.  The final leg of your whirlwind tour of the North Island takes you past sheep farms and wineries as you travel through the Wairarapa region to your final destination, the capital city of Wellington.

From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.  Continue south to Te Anau and Milford Sound for you Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown where you have time to enjoy the countless activities on offer here and explore the natural beauty of the region. On your return to Christchurch you journey up the West Coast, with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight if you choose.  You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Mt Cook. From Mt Cook journey south via Queenstown to Te Anau.  From Te Anau you can take the day to drive the return trip along the stunning Milford Road to reach Milford sound, where you will take a scenic nature cruise. Next day you will travel through Southland to Otago, stopping in Dunedin before heading back to Christchurch.

Explore the highlights of Middle Earth and the spectacular scenery made famous in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary. Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island. Cruise through Milford Sound, visit Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glaciers, and travel on the TranzAlpine scenic train.