New Zealand self drive

Explore scenic Auckland

Day 1–2 in Auckland

Forget the city’s high-rise centre; the beauty of Auckland is the scenery surrounding it. From surf beaches to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, volcanic peaks to fertile farmland, it’s no surprise that the greater Auckland region features high in lists of the world’s most liveable places. This is the perfect introduction to New Zealand.

Explore Lake Taupo and visit a thermal wonderland

Day 3–5 in Lake Taupo

Vast Lake Taupo is as big as Singapore and was created 2,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption so huge it would have been seen from China. Today, visitors come for the magnificent Huka Falls, Maori rock carvings and watersports. Lake Taupo is also an excellent base for exploring nearby Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike and skiing at Whakapapa.

After Lake Taupo you can drive to Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal system created over thousands of years of volcanic activity. The brilliant green jewels of geothermal waters are an impressive sight and another example of the sheer number of natural wonders New Zealand has to offer.

Combine wine-tasting with cycling in Hawke’s Bay

Day 6–7 in Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is the first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and is a great place to try cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay wines. From here, you can visit numerous wineries all connected by more than 200km of biking trails.

See regeneration in action in Christchurch

Day 8 in Christchurch

Most travellers use Christchurch as a base for exploring the south island, but there is plenty to see in this upwardly-mobile city. Hit by a series of earthquakes between 2010-13 that destroyed many of its buildings, Christchurch is now an intriguing mix of cutting-edge architecture and historic buildings.

Cross the Southern Alps highest pass

Day 9 in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Head into Arthur’s Pass National Park by road and you’ll encounter some of New Zealand’s most spectacular engineering, including viaducts, precipitous bridges and redirected waterfalls. Crossing the Pass offers beautiful views of rainforest and deep gorges.

Go stargazing in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Day 10 in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park includes the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve, so head into the hills – or just Mount Cook Village near Lake Pukaki – and marvel at the light show in the sky.

New Zealand’s highest mountain — Aoraki Mt. Cook (3724m) — sits within the park and there are 19 more peaks over 3000m, and around 180 glaciers. As well as being a training ground for mountaineers, various treks can be enjoyed here, such as the three-hour Mueller Glacier walk in the Hooker Valley. Butterflies, grasshoppers, dragonflies, and moths are abundant here.

Queenstown – the adventure capital of the world

Day 11–14 in Queenstown

New Zealand’s adventure sports capital is a surprisingly small town, famously the birthplace of bungy jumping, it’d be possible to spend days here hiking, biking, rafting, canyoning, zip lining or riding the luge.

However, if you’re after something less strenuous, it’s worth noting that Queenstown also has excellent vineyards and an exciting food scene. Tour nearby wineries, and enjoying the views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. It’s not a “typical” South Island town, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying this pretty place.