This 42 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

Itinerary summary for: Ultimate New Zealand Self Drive Tour

Day 1: Start your adventure today in Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Auckland

Day 2: City views from the iconic Sky Tower
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Auckland

Day 3: Northward bound to the beautiful Bay of Islands
Accommodation: Sea Spray Suites

Day 4: Enjoy a scenic cruise of the Bay of Islands out to the Hole in the Rock
Accommodation: Sea Spray Suites

Day 5: Coastal drives from Paihia to charming Matakana
Accommodation: Snells Beach Motel

Day 6: Travel to the golden sands of Coromandel
Accommodation: Coromandel Court Motel

Day 7: Glide past limestone sea caves to the iconic arch
Accommodation: Coromandel Court Motel

Day 8: Inland towards the lakes of Rotorua
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 9: Discover Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, thrilling adventure or Māori culture
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 10: ## Journey to the magical glowworm caves of Waitomo
Accommodation: Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge

Day 11: Witness the thunderous power of New Zealand’s most visited waterfall
Accommodation: Anchorage Resort

Day 12: Cross the ranges towards the Hawke's Bay
Accommodation: Navigate Seaside Hotel

Day 13: Discover the Art Deco architecture and vineyards of the Hawkes Bay
Accommodation: Navigate Seaside Hotel

Day 14: ## Rolling hills and boutique wines in Martinborough
Accommodation: The Claremont, Martinborough

Day 15: Travel over the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington

Day 16: Uncover the charms of Wellington City and treasures of Te Papa
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington

Day 17: ## Crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry
Accommodation: The Hotel Nelson

Day 18: Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: The Hotel Nelson

Day 19: Seals, beach cruises and walks in Abel Tasman
Accommodation: The Hotel Nelson

Day 20: Follow the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive to the vineyards of Blenheim
Accommodation: Blenheim Palms Motel

Day 21: Drive to the seaside town of Kaikoura today
Accommodation: Lobster Inn

Day 22: Explore Kaikoura home to an abundance of marine wildlife
Accommodation: Lobster Inn

Day 23: Continue south through Canterbury farmland to Christchurch
Accommodation: Merivale Manor

Day 24: Explore Christchurch City and enjoy panoramic views from the gondola
Accommodation: Merivale Manor

Day 25: To the French-inspired town of Akaroa
Accommodation: Akaroa Village Inn - Bruce Waterfront Deluxe Apartments

Day 26: Alpine peaks of Aoraki-Mount Cook
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 27: Glaciers on Tasman Lake before heading to the Wildlife Capital of Aotearoa
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 28: ## Exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula albatross colony
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 29: Follow the coastline through the Catlins to Invercargill
Accommodation: The Lodges At Transport World

Day 30: Catch a flight to the wild Stewart Island
Accommodation: Kaka Retreat

Day 31: ## Native birds and forest walks on Ulva Island
Accommodation: Kaka Retreat

Day 32: Follow the Southern Scenic Route to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 33: ## Cruising the majestic fiord of Milford Sound
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 34: Venture deep into Fiordland National Park to the 'Sound of Silence' Doubtful Sound
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 35: Through rolling Southland countryside to Lake Wakatipu and Tāhuna-Queenstown
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Day 36: Endless thrills and adventure on your Queenstown free day
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Day 37: Drive the Crown Range Road to the alpine town of Wanaka
Accommodation: The Moorings Wanaka

Day 38: Enjoy one of the many lakeside walks or enjoy a boat cruise to Mou Waho Island
Accommodation: The Moorings Wanaka

Day 39: Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 40: Explore Franz Josef and the glaciers of Westland National Park
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 41: Coast to Coast: Glacier Country to the Garden City on the TranzAlpine Train
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 42: Depart Christchurch today