Cultural New Zealand self-drive tour

On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Spend the day exploring the Bay of Islands. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic location of the treaty signed between the Māori chiefs and the British Crown, or take a boat trip through the 'Hole in the Rock'.

Today, you will drive down to the Warkworth area, where you will stay three nights at a vineyard in the Northland. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the region.

Today is at leisure to explore the local sanctuary that helps to re-introduce native flora and fauna or spend the day wine tasting around the region.

Head over to Kawau Island for a day of hiking and exploring. Here you can see some historical landmarks from the 1800s or hike around the coastline.

Drive from Warkworth to Lake Taupo via Auckland. As you drive south, we recommend making a stop in Rotorua or the Waitomo Caves to explore the geology and geothermal activity.

Join a cruise on Lake Taupo to see the famous Māori rock carvings then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit Huka Falls or the interesting Wairakei Terraces thermal area.

Today you make your way down to Wellington through some lovely little country towns and return your hire car on arrival.

Early this morning you will depart from Wellington for a day trip to Kapiti Island, known for its birdlife and Māori culture. You will get to hike around the island, possibly taking in rare bird sightings and learning about the local Iwi.

Enjoy the morning with a tour behind the scenes of the Te Papa Museum, home to many Māori and New Zealand relics. After, we recommend spending more time in the main part of the museum.

Make your way to the ferry terminal this morning and take the Interislander to the South Island. You will stay in the waterfront town of Picton for a couple of nights. This is a great place to enjoy the famous New Zealand green-lipped mussels.

Take a morning guided sea kayaking tour through the Marlborough Sounds to enjoy the surroundings and hopefully, see different types of marine life, like dolphins and seals.

You collect your car this morning and make your way south along the coast to Kaikoura. On arrival, you have the afternoon to explore the mountainous and oceanside town.

This morning, head out to sea to possibly get a chance to swim with wild dolphins that frequent the area due to the deep ocean currents bringing through nutrients and fish. The afternoon is open to explore the mountain hiking trails that surround the town.

Continue south about an hour to the Waipara and Greta Valley and hike into your PurePod accommodation. Stay two nights off-grid and explore the region.

Today is at leisure to relax at your PurePod or explore the local wine region.

This morning, head south to Christchurch and drop off your vehicle at the airport car depot in time for your onward flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival in Queenstown, you will be met by a private driver who will transport you to your accommodation, where you will spend the next three nights.

Enjoy a boat cruise along Lake Wakatipu to Mt Nicholas Station, where you will hop on a bike and ride to Walter Peak. Take in the surrounding mountains and lake views before taking another cruise back to Queenstown. Spend the rest of the day at leisure around Queenstown.

Today is at leisure to explore the surrounding towns. We recommend taking a drive to Glenorchy, famous for its mountain and river views.

You will be collected from your city accommodation and transported to Queenstown Airport in time for your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.