Discover New Zealand (Self Drive)
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15 Nights
from $3,089*
* Sample price: priced within the past 7 days for a 5/23/2026 arrival, departing Los Angeles LAX (CA), US. Choose departure city, cabin and dates.
❮Discover New Zealand (Self Drive)
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This 15 night sample itinerary includes:
- Flight into Auckland and out of Queenstown
- Rental Car for 8 days
- Hotel for 2 nights in Auckland
- Hotel for 2 nights in Rotorua
- Hotel for 1 night in Napier
- Hotel for 2 nights in Wellington
- Ferry Wellington - Picton
- Rental Car for 9 days
- Hotel for 1 night in Picton
- Hotel for 1 night in Nelson
- Hotel for 1 night in Kaikoura
- Hotel for 2 nights in Christchurch
- Hotel for 1 night in Lake Tekapo
- Hotel for 2 nights in Queenstown
Driving Time
Auckland - Rotorua: 2 hrs. 50 mins. approx.
Rotorua - Napier: 6 hrs. 20 mins. approx.
Napier - Wellington: 4 hrs. 10 mins. approx.Driving Time
Picton - Nelson:2 hrs. approx.
Nelson - Kaikoura: 3 hrs. 30 mins. approx.
Kaikoura - Christchurch: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx.
Christchurch - Lake Tekapo: 2 hrs. 45 mins. approx.
Lake Tekapo - Queenstown: 3 hrs. 20 mins. approx.
New Zealand Must-do Itinerary. Begin this unforgettable trip flying into Auckland and travel around these amazing cities by car. You will discover the best of Auckland (with so many beautiful beaches and Hiking trails waiting to be explored, enjoy nightlife and shopping), Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Kaikoura, Christchurch (home to adrenalin activities such as Jet Boating on the Waimakariri River , Sky diving, Tramping, Hiking and Mountaineering the high country lakes), Lake Tekapo and Queenstown, from the tropical golden beaches of the North Island to the wild and wonderful South Island.
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New Zealand
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, off the southeast coast of Australia, New Zealand is made up of two spectacular islands. The North Island is well known for its beaches, islands, volcanoes, geothermal areas, and Maori heritage, while the major cities of Auckland and Wellington, are also exciting hubs of culture, cuisine and nightlife. The South Island is famous for its dramatic landscapes, outdoor activities, and astounding wildlife. The majestic Southern Alps stretch almost the length of the island, sheltering glaciers, alpine lakes, and some of the world's best skiing.
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Auckland
Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand and one of the world's most livable and beautiful cities. Auckland boasts a sunny, warm climate with spectacular beaches, a breathtaking harbor, world class shopping, a vibrant nightlife with a diverse population creating a colorful blend of European, Polynesian and Maori cultures. The city is set on a field of ancient volcanoes with breathtaking landscapes and magnificent views of the city. The cities location puts you just half an hour away from the exquisite beaches, hiking and biking trails, secluded islands and a wide range of exciting outdoor activities.
Explore the amazing Waitakere Ranges, Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, Devonport, Museum of Transport and Technology, Mount Eden, Auckland War, Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain and so much more!
Explore the amazing Waitakere Ranges, Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, Devonport, Museum of Transport and Technology, Mount Eden, Auckland War, Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain and so much more!
Rotorua
The city of Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most popular destinations, boasting magnificent geothermal springs, rejuvenating spas and Maori culture that date back to the 1900's. The captivating area of Rotorua sits in the heart of an ancient volcanic zone filled with bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, steaming rocks and hot springs. Visitors travel to Rotorua for world-class mountain biking through the lush landscapes of the Whakarewarewa Forests and white water rafting on the famous Kaituna River. Explore the history and culture of the Maori tribe who call Rotorua home, see the beautiful lakes in the region and enjoy plenty of activities and thrill seeking adventures in this spectacular city.
Visit the Lady Knox Geyser, Whakarewarewa Forest, Kaituna River, Blue Baths, The Polynesian Spa, Government Gardens, Rotorua Museum, Wai-o-tapu, Zorb Rotorua, Rotorua Agroventures and so much more.
Visit the Lady Knox Geyser, Whakarewarewa Forest, Kaituna River, Blue Baths, The Polynesian Spa, Government Gardens, Rotorua Museum, Wai-o-tapu, Zorb Rotorua, Rotorua Agroventures and so much more.
Napier
Napier is not only the largest city in the sunny Hawke's Bay region, famous worldwide for its unique concentration of 1930's Art Deco architecture, it also has one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country, a statue on Marine Parade called Pania of the Reef. Enjoy its Mediterranean style climate and proximity to one of New Zealand's foremost wine producing regions as well as the Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery, which features information on both the 1931 earthquake and Napier's redesign as an Art Deco city, the National Aquarium and the Soundshell.
Discover the beauty of Napier's art deco architecture, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Marine Parade, Tremains Art Deco Weekend, Otatara Pa: a Maori fortified village, Cape Kidnappers, MTG Hawke's Bay, Bluff Hill, Napier Cathedral, Te Mata Peak, and so much more!
Discover the beauty of Napier's art deco architecture, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Marine Parade, Tremains Art Deco Weekend, Otatara Pa: a Maori fortified village, Cape Kidnappers, MTG Hawke's Bay, Bluff Hill, Napier Cathedral, Te Mata Peak, and so much more!
Wellington
Surrounded by a natural amphitheater of wooded hills, Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, and the country's second largest urban area. Wellington features a variety of architectural styles ranging from 19th century wooden cottages, such as Katherine Mansfield Birthplace in Thorndon, some streamlined Art Deco structures such as the old Wellington Free Ambulance headquarters, to the curves and vibrant colors of post-modern architecture in the CBD.
Explore The Beehive, City Gallery Wellington and Cake, Wellington Waterfront, Old St. Paul's, The Keburn Lookout, Katherine Mansfield House, Wellington Botanic Gardens, Zealandia, Colonial Cottage Museum, Mount Victoria, Cuba Street District, and so much more.
Explore The Beehive, City Gallery Wellington and Cake, Wellington Waterfront, Old St. Paul's, The Keburn Lookout, Katherine Mansfield House, Wellington Botanic Gardens, Zealandia, Colonial Cottage Museum, Mount Victoria, Cuba Street District, and so much more.
Picton
Nestled at the head of the Marlborough Sounds, some of the most beautiful waterways in the world, and located in one of the sunniest parts of New Zealand, Picton is a great holiday destination. It's the perfect base to explore the Marlborough Sounds and surrounding areas, home to one of the largest collections of New Zealand marine life: seahorses, preserved giant squid, sharks, rays, octopus, crayfish, cod, snapper, a rocky shore display as well as life-size Orca and Hector's dolphin models. A wide range of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking and cycling are popular.
Cruise the Marlborough Sounds, hike the Queen Charlotte Track, visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, kayak the Queen Charlotte Sound, take a wine tour, visit the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, go fishing, and so much more.
Cruise the Marlborough Sounds, hike the Queen Charlotte Track, visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, kayak the Queen Charlotte Sound, take a wine tour, visit the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, go fishing, and so much more.
Nelson
Located on the shore of Tasman Bay, Nelson is a popular tourist destination, an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape. It has a vibrant local music and arts scene hosting popular events such as the Nelson Arts Festival and the annual Wearable Art Awards.
Wander the Saturday market in Montgomery Square, take an adventure walk at Harwoods Hole, explore six acres of Gardens of the World, visit Vortex Wind Karting, see the native species at Natureland Zoo, explore the unparalleled scenery at the Abel Tasman National Park, and so much more.
Wander the Saturday market in Montgomery Square, take an adventure walk at Harwoods Hole, explore six acres of Gardens of the World, visit Vortex Wind Karting, see the native species at Natureland Zoo, explore the unparalleled scenery at the Abel Tasman National Park, and so much more.
Kaikoura
Situated midway between Christchurch and Picton, on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Kaikoura boasts a unique combination of ocean and mountains offering to its visitors breathtaking coastal alpine scenery. Whether you are looking for relaxation, ecotourism oriented activities like whale watching, dolphin swimming, or you simply look for art, history and culture, or fine wines and cuisine, Kaikoura offers it all. Experience some of the best reef diving in the country, or kayaking around the ruggedly beautiful peninsula.
Take a whale watching tour, walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and check out the fur seal colony, swim with the dolphins, explore the coastline by kayak, discover the Ohau Waterfall Walk, go rock climbing, and so much more.
Take a whale watching tour, walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and check out the fur seal colony, swim with the dolphins, explore the coastline by kayak, discover the Ohau Waterfall Walk, go rock climbing, and so much more.
Christchurch
The largest city in the South Island of New Zealand is the charming Christchurch. This eclectic, energetic city has something to offer everyone, bordered by the ocean and hills the activities here are endless. Hike through the magnificent mountains ranges, including Mt Cook, go white water rafting, mountain biking, surfing or whale watching. You'll also enjoy vibrant street art, delicious food and a unique container mall.
Explore around the amazing Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Square, Hagley Park, Avon River, Christchurch Art Gallery, Quake City, Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch Gondola and so much more.
Explore around the amazing Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Square, Hagley Park, Avon River, Christchurch Art Gallery, Quake City, Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch Gondola and so much more.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a village located at the southern end of the lake of the same name in the inland South Island of New Zealand. From New Zealand's best walking trails and the South Island's largest lake to glowworm grottos and nerve-jangling jet boats, there are so many reasons to visit this beautiful little town.
Marvel at the beautiful lake, take a short walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd, take flight with an Air Safari, visit the Mount John University Observatory, discover Tekapo Springs, spend a day on the slopes at the Roundhill Ski Area, go horse trekking, paddleboarding, stargazing and so much more.
Marvel at the beautiful lake, take a short walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd, take flight with an Air Safari, visit the Mount John University Observatory, discover Tekapo Springs, spend a day on the slopes at the Roundhill Ski Area, go horse trekking, paddleboarding, stargazing and so much more.
Queenstown
Queenstown is the epicenter for adventure in New Zealand, known as the 'Adventure Capital of the World.' The town is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. Queenstown provides a wide variety of sports including skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking and hiking. In the winter time Queenstown is a major gathering place for snow sports with people from all over the country, and the world for that matter, traveling to ski here. Locally, Queenstown has a reputation as one of New Zealand's wine and cuisine centers and also feature a vibrant nightlife.
Visit and explore Queenstown Beach, Lake Wakatipu, Skippers Canyon, Bob's Peak, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Hill, Coronet's Peak, Onsen Hot Pools, Otago Wine Region, Arrowtown and so much more!
Visit and explore Queenstown Beach, Lake Wakatipu, Skippers Canyon, Bob's Peak, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Hill, Coronet's Peak, Onsen Hot Pools, Otago Wine Region, Arrowtown and so much more!