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Complete New Zealand Self Drive

  • Singapore
  • Auckland
  • Rotorua
  • Napier
  • Wellington
  • Blenheim
  • Kaikoura
  • Franz Josef
  • Wanaka
  • Queenstown
  • Christchurch
  • 23 nights from
  • £4,995 per person
  • Trip Code: SD-1415

Holiday Overview

Embark on a 23-night self-drive holiday showcasing the highlights of New Zealand, with an exciting stopover in Singapore.

In New Zealand, start your North Island adventure in Auckland, then travel to Rotorua to marvel at its spectacular geysers and natural hot springs. Immerse yourself in Maori culture through a traditional performance and cultural experiences. Next, visit the renowned wine regions of Napier and Hawkes Bay, sampling exquisite wines at New Zealand's oldest winery.

Take the scenic ferry from Wellington to Marlborough Sound traveling onwards to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Take part in a spectacular whale watching experience and spot humpbacks whales breaching in the water. Continue your journey along the South Island to Franz Josef and view the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier in a once in a lifetime helicopter ride. In Queenstown enjoy a scenic tour of Milford Sound view breathtaking waterfalls and spot fur seals and dolphins. Conclude your trip in Christchurch, where you can enjoy a tranquil punting boat ride on the Avon River and explore the city's unique blend of historic charm and modern architecture.

Complete New Zealand Self Drive includes:

  • Return flights from the UK
  • 23 Nights accommodation
  • Car Hire
  • Singapore Hop on Hop off Bus
  • Te Ra Guided Experience
  • Hawkes Bay Winery Tour
  • Whale watching experience in Kaikoura
  • Helicopter experience in Franz Josef
  • Milford Sound cruise
  • Ferry from Wellington to Picton
1

Day 1 - UK to Singapore

Arrive in Singapore and transfer to your chosen hotel.

Featured accommodation

Shangri-La Singapore

2

Day 2 - Explore Singapore

A day at leisure to explore Singapore, we have included the Hop on Hop off bus to allow you to explore the city at your own pace. 

Featured accommodation

Shangri-La Singapore

3

Day 3 - Singapore to Auckland

Today check out of your Singapore hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Auckland. Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure. 

Featured accommodation

Heritage Hotel Auckland

Enhance your experience

Fable Auckland

Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

4

Day 4 - Explore Auckland

A day at leisure to explore Auckland, speak to your consultant if you wish to add on one of our Auckland experiences. We recommend visiting the Auckland Museum here you can learn about the country’s history or take part in the All Blacks Experience where you will learn about the history of the team and also part take in interactive activities. 

Featured accommodation

Heritage Hotel Auckland

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Fable Auckland

Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

Unmissable Experiences

Auckland Experiences

5

Day 5 - Auckland to Rotorua

Pick up your car hire and make the drive to Rotorua, spending your day at leisure. 

Featured accommodation

Rydges Rotorua

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Pullman Rotorua

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel & Spa

6

Day 6 - Explore Rotorua

Today we have included the Te Ra experience. Be guided through the greenstone, wood carving and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley including Pohutu geyser.

Featured accommodation

Rydges Rotorua

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Pullman Rotorua

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel & Spa

7

Day 7 - Rotorua to Napier

Your drive continues towards Napier an art deco town with 1930s buildings. Spending your day in Napier at leisure. 

Featured accommodation

Scenic Hotel Te Pania

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Breckenridge Lodge

415 Marine Parade

8

Day 8 - Hawkes Bay Wine Experience

You will visit 4 very different top performing Wineries, One Boutique Winery located out on the world famous Gimblett Gravels Visit another "unique" Boutique Winery producing spectacular "Natural" Wines. Here you will enjoy a cheeseboard or local platter and breads along with their lovely wines. Visit New Zealand's third oldest Winery and taste a flight of premium Wines in the beautiful French styled Cellar. Finally learn the history and taste a flight of Wines at New Zealand's oldest Winery.

Featured accommodation

Scenic Hotel Te Pania

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Breckenridge Lodge

415 Marine Parade

9

Day 9 - Napier to Wellington

Your drive today takes you to Wellington known as the coolest capital in the world. After checking into your hotel spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Featured accommodation

Rydges Wellington

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Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay

Intercontinental Wellington

10

Day 10 - Explore Wellington

A full day to explore Wellington, enjoy relaxing at Oriental Bay a golden sand beach located within the city. Explore the many museums located across the city with a highlight being the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum New Zealand's national museum. 

Featured accommodation

Rydges Wellington

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Intercontinental Wellington

Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay

11

Day 11 - Wellington to Blenheim

Drive to Picton for your scenic ferry across to Blenheim.

Featured accommodation

Scenic Hotel Marlborough

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Chateau Marlborough

12

Day 12 - Blenheim to Kaikoura

Take the scenic drive from Blenheim to the coastal town of Kaikoura. 

Featured accommodation

White Morph

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Kaikoura Boutique Hotel

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses

13

Day 13 - Whale Watching Experience

Today enjoy a scenic whale watching experience in Kaikoura. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings.

Featured accommodation

White Morph

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Kaikoura Boutique Hotel

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses

14

Day 14 - Kaikoura to Hokitika

Continue your journey to Hokitika a cool little town home the original pounamu (greenstone). 

Featured accommodation

Beachfront Hokitika

15

Day 15 - Hokitika to Franz Josef

Your drive today takes you to Franz Josef the access point to the glacier which the town shares its name. 

Featured accommodation

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

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Te Waonui

16

Day 16 - Franz Josef Helicopter Experience

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glaciers and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier and experience the solitude of a landing in this wonderful natural alpine environment. 

Featured accommodation

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

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Te Waonui

17

Day 17 - Franz Josef to Wanaka

Your drive today continues to Wanaka for your overnight stay. 

Featured accommodation

Edgewater

18

Day 18 - Wanka to Queenstown

Your drive today continues to Queenstown. 

Featured accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

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Heritage Queenstown

Scenic Suites Queenstown

19

Day 19 - Milford Sound

Today we have included a spectacular Milford Sound tour.

Start the tour off with pick up from your Queenstown accommodation and travel in comfort and style in a Mercedes van fully equipped with panoramic windows for superior viewing with complimentary Wi-Fi, bottled water and videos onboard so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. On this full day tour to Milford Sound experience a stunning two hour small boat nature cruise on the fjord - see waterfalls, fur seals and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy lots of fun and informative commentary from your local guide, and plenty of off the beaten track visits away from the crowds before returning back to Queenstown.

Featured accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

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Heritage Queenstown

Scenic Suites Queenstown

20

Day 20 - Explore Queenstown

A day at leisure to explore Queenstown, speak to your consultant if you wish to add on one of our Queenstown experiences including a ride on the Queenstown Gondola or explore Skippers Canyon. 

Featured accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

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Heritage Queenstown

Scenic Suites Queenstown

Unmissable Experiences

Queenstown Experiences

21

Day 21 - Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

Depart Queenstown for Tekapo, a charming township that looks northward across the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. The lake's unique milky-turquoise hue comes from fine rock flour, ground by glaciers and suspended in the water. Tekapo is also home to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a popular subject for photographers.

Featured accommodation

Peppers Bluewater Resort

22

Day 22 - Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Today’s drive takes you to Christchurch, a city that beautifully blends heritage architecture with modern urban design. The Avon River weaves through the heart of the city, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing punting boat ride along its tranquil waters.

Featured accommodation

Heritage Christchurch

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Distinction Hotel Christchurch

The George Hotel

23

Day 23 - Explore Christchurch

A day at leisure to explore Christchurch, speak to your consultant about which Christchurch experiences are available to add on.    

Featured accommodation

Heritage Christchurch

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Distinction Hotel Christchurch

The George Hotel

24

Day 24 - Christchurch to UK

Today make your way to the airport for your onward flight home. 

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