North to South Explorer Self Drive Tour

This 16 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

Explore the cities of Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington before embarking on a circuit of the South Island. The wineries of Marlborough, the whales of Kaikoura, the garden city of Christchurch and the mighty Southern Alps. The alpine adventure town of Queenstown awaits, before heading to the West Coast Glaciers. Return to Christchurch on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic train.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to Auckland accommodation with Tourcorp

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Shared Transfer from the Railway Station to a City Hotel with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

Included activity: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

Included activity: Whale Watch Tour Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikoura

1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: North to South Explorer Self Drive Tour

Day 1: Arrive into Auckland City
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Day 2: Today is free to explore Auckland and surrounds
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City

Day 3: Drive south through the rich farmland of the Waikato and maybe stop at Hobbiton Village on your way to Rotorua
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 4: Your day in Rotorua could be spent discovering Maori culture or thrilling adventure rides
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 5: Today is filled with fantastic scenery including Lake Taupo, the Desert Road and the Kapiti Coastline as you approach Wellington
Accommodation: CityLife Wellington

Day 6: This morning cross the Cook Strait. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: Bella Vista Blenheim

Day 7: Travel the Coastal Pacific Highway to Kaikoura
Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura

Day 8: Continue south through north Canterbury to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 9: Explore Christchurch City or maybe take a day trip to Akaroa
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 10: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 11: Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 12: Explore the mountain scenery of Queenstown or try one of the thrilling adventure activities
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 13: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 14: Explore Franz Josef and Westland National Park
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 15: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 16: Depart Christchurch today