Self-drive New Zealand itinerary with luxury lodges

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Auckland
• 2 nights Matauri Bay
• 2 nights Coromandel Peninsula
• 1 night Rotorua
• 2 nights Taupo 
• 1 night Wellington
• 2 nights Abel Tasman
• 2 nights Franz Josef
• 2 nights Wanaka
• 3 nights Queenstown

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport for your overnight flight.

Included:  International flight

Day 2: Arrival into Auckland

On arrival, you’ll be greeted and taken by private car to your hotel.

Included: Hotel and private transfer

Day 3: Auckland to Matauri Bay

Breakfast at your hotel.

This morning your rental car will be delivered to your hotel, so you can make your way to The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs near Matauri Bay.

We recommend stopping off at the spectacular Bay of Islands, a great place for a spot of lunch. It has over a kilometre of beautiful white sand and crystal clear water.

Included: Hotel, breakfast, dinner and car hire

Day 4: Matauri Bay

Breakfast at the hotel.

If you’re a keen golfer, enjoy the lodge’s world-class golf course and if you’re looking for some pampering and ultimate relaxation, why not check out the spa? You could head north to Ninety Mile Beach (90-minute drive) which is close to Cape Reinga, the most northerly tip of New Zealand.

Included: Hotel, breakfast and dinner

Day 5: Matauri Bay to the Coromandel Peninsula

Today involves a little more driving as you make your way to Cooks Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. The impressive Whangarei Falls make a great stop on your way back down south, as does the small town of Thames. From here, the road clings to the coast for spectacular views of the tranquil bays of the Coromandel.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 6: Coromandel

Spend today exploring the local area. Nearby are the well-known tourist spots of Hahei and Hot Water Beach. Hahei is home to a Marine Reserve and the Cathedral Cove walkway – an easy coastal walk with spectacular scenery. At Hot Water Beach you can dig out your own natural spa on the beach either side of low tide.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 7: Coromandel to Rotorua

Depart the Coromandel and make your way to Rotorua, which is about a 3-hour drive. Rotorua is a spiritual home to the Maori of Te Arawa and is set amongst a myriad of crystal clear crater lakes.

This evening we suggest joining a small group cultural tour to experience the traditional hangi meal and learn about Maori legends and history.

Included: Hotel, breakfast and dinner

Day 8: Rotorua to Taupo

Before heading to Taupo today (an hour’s drive), we’d suggest a visit to one of the thermal reserves to experience nature’s awesome earth forces – bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers and hot water lakes. The Lake Taupo region is also rich in Maori tradition and is home to some of the country’s finest trout fishing as well as a fantastic spot to relax and take in the lakeside views.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 9: Taupo

Enjoy your day in and around Taupo. You could try your hand at trout fishing with a local guide, or if you’re feeling adventurous try bungy jumping or a jet boat ride at Huka Falls. There are excellent cycling and hiking routes here if you’d like to rent a bike or take a closer look at the volcanoes in Tongariro National Park.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 10: Taupo to Wellington

Today, you’ll continue south towards Wellington. New Zealand’s compact capital city offers an urban experience in a stunning natural setting. Renowned for its great cafés and restaurants and home to the Te Papa Museum (we highly recommend a visit here). Set off early to enjoy the afternoon and evening here.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 11: Wellington via Picton to Abel Tasman region

After breakfast, you’ll drive to the ferry terminal and drop off your rental car. The 3-hour crossing to Picton on the South Island provides your first glimpse of the spectacular Marlborough Sounds.

On arrival in Picton, collect your car and make your way south to the Abel Tasman region. Your hosts will put together a suggested itinerary for your next two days.

Included: Hotel, breakfast, ferry (access to Premium Lounge is included) and dinner

Day 12 & 13: Abel Tasman Region

Nearby Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park. It is famous for its golden beaches, we have given you two full days to explore.

Local sea-kayaking operators offer full and half-day easy paddle guided trips to enjoy scenery like Split Apple Rock and take you to watch seals along the beach. There is a coastal and inland walking track, or you could take a wine tour around nearby Nelson.

Included: Hotel, breakfast and dinner

Day 14: Abel Tasman Region to Franz Josef

Continue down the West Coast to Franz Josef today, enjoying a scenic coastal drive. Franz Josef is home to the Franz Josef Glacier, one of only two glaciers that penetrate as far as the lower rainforests.

Included: Hotel, breakfast and dinner

Day 15: Franz Josef to Wanaka

Don’t leave Franz Josef without seeing the glacier, either by a guided hike or better still a helicopter flight!

Wanaka is set on the southern shore of Lake Wanaka. Here you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and look over clear blue lake waters lapping the shores, with the Alps as a backdrop.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 16: Wanaka

Spend a day at leisure; we recommend a lake cruise and nature walk to discover the local wildlife and some of the best panoramic views in New Zealand. You could take a flight over Mount Aspiring National Park, or explore further into Fiordland.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 17: Wanaka to Queenstown

Make your way to Queenstown via the Crown Range Road. It’s a 90-minute drive so you’ll have time to fit in a vineyard tour before you leave Wanaka!

Once you’ve checked in to your lodge, spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Queenstown follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu, a deep blue pool of pure mountain water, and the ‘Remarkables’ mountain range with its purple-brown peaks topped with snow.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 18-20: Queenstown

You have three full days to explore Queenstown and its surrounds. Queenstown is NZ’s adventure capital, so if you’ve ever wanted to skydive canyon swing, jet boat, zip line, river raft or heli cycle – this is the place!

For more sedate options, we’d recommend a trip to magical Doubtful or Milford Sound, the walking trails around the lake, a day spa experience, sampling the famous Central Otago Pinot Noir or a visit to nearby Arrowtown.

Included: Hotel and breakfast

Day 21: Depart Queenstown

Make your way to Queenstown Airport and return your rental car prior to your onward flight.

Included: Breakfast

Day 22: Arrive UK

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