New Zealand’s spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords, gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests and fascinating animal and plant life. It is a haven for those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. Its temperate climate makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination.
This is a great country for self drive holidays. You do not need an International Driving Permit, as your Indian Driving Licence is recognized by the authorities. The vehicles have right-hand drive and you can choose from mid–size 1.5L cars to high-end 4-wheel-drive vehicles. The light traffic, well-maintained roads and the passing scenery makes driving a pleasure. So get ready for an exciting motoring holiday down the vast landscape of New Zealand.
New Zealand Self Drive is a suggested self drive itinerary. You can extend your holiday with a short holiday at Australia or Tahiti. Mercury Travels offers customized holidays to New Zealand and other captivating destinations. Come and see New Zealand the way you want you to!
New Zealand Self Drive
North & South Island (17 nights/18 days)
Day 1 – Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails. You are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you at leisure. Overnight in Auckland.
Day 2 – Auckland/Bay of Islands
Following breakfast, your chosen rental car will be delivered to you at your hotel. Drive north, for around 4 hours, over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, along the Hibiscus Coast and through Whangarei – Northland’s only major city and port, to reach the fabulous Bay of Islands. Upon arrival, check in and relax. We recommend you drive down to the historic Treaty Grounds where the Waitangi Treaty was signed, giving birth to the country of New Zealand. Overnight in Bay of Islands.
Day 3 – Bay of Islands
The Kings Coach Company will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a full day trip to Cape Reinga and the 90 Mile Beach. Learn about the Bay and the history of the Maoris. Return to the hotel later this evening. Overnight in Bay of Islands.
Day 4 – Bay of Islands/Auckland
Make your way to the pier at around 0800 hours to board the Kings Ferry for a cruise into the waters and to the Hole in the Rock - the icon of the area. You can choose to get off and spend some time midway at the island of Russell with its quaint landscape and great restaurants. On your return, drive back to Auckland. Overnight in Auckland.
Day 5 – Auckland/Coromandel
Drive down the scenic south route to the Coromandel Peninsula. Stop over at the historic township of Thames, famous for its gold mining in the 1990s. Continue down the Pacific Coastal Highway to the township of Coromandel. A highly recommended optional here is the Driving Creek Train which takes you amidst the lush Kauri trees up the mountains for the most spectacular views of the Bay. Continue eastwards, over the semi tropical bush clad mountains to Mercury Bay. Check in and the rest of the evening is for you to relax and unwind. Overnight in Coromandel.
Day 6 – Coromandel
Post breakfast, indulge yourself either at the sandy Hahei Beach or visit the world famous Hot Water Beach with warm water bubbling out of the sand. The spectacular coastline of sandy beaches, coves and harbours provide boundless opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. We recommend that you the take a gentle farmland walk to visit the beautiful and romantic Cathedral Cove for a walk or a swim. At an added cost, you can arrange for boat transfers into the cove. Do stop for lunch at the Waves Café, located next to the Hot Water Beach. Overnight in Coromandel.
Day 7 – Coromandel/Rotorua
Its time for a long drive south through Pauanui, to the Bay of Plenty and onwards to Rotorua. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and the spouting geysers, bubbling mudpools and warm geothermal pools create a keleidoscope of colour. Check into the hotel and relax. Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 8 – Rotorua
Post breakfast, drive back up north for a full day excursion to Whakatane from where you head off to the White Island. This is the country’s only active marine volcano and is located just off the main coast. It is an unforgettable experience but totally weather permitting. Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 9 – Rotorua
Start your day with a drive to the Agrodome for an entertaining show on sheep farming. Follow this up with a visit to Rainbow Springs to see the local flora and the breeding of kiwis. Then head off to the thermal geysers and mudpools at Waiotapo to soak in the world famous Champagne pool, coloured springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Visit the village of Mitai for an authentic introduction to Maori culture - their homes, cuisine, attire, crafts and arts like the poi dance and spine tingling haka finale. Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 10 – Rotorua
Today is free for you enjoy at leisure. In the evening, drive to Hells Gate for a well deserved mudpool soak and some authentic spa treatments. A very strong recommendation is the unparalleled experience of a skydrive that you can take en route. Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 11 – Rotorua/Queenstown
Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car before flying to Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand. Pick up a rental car from the airport counter and drive to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 12 – Queenstown
The day is at leisure for you to indulge in any of the endless activities - from bungy jumping to jetboating, from white water rafting to four wheel driving, from cruising on lake Wakatipu to riding a gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak, or simply enjoy the excellent shopping and dining available. Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 13 – Queenstown
Spend the day at leisure. We strongly recommend you enjoy the world famous Doubtful Sound experience with a cruise down the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri to experience some of Fiordland’s densest rainforest and the colourful alpine moss gardens, while keeping a lookout for the bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and rare penguins. Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 14 – Queenstown/Mt Cook
Drive past Lake Wakatipu through the central Otago Region to the small town of Twizel. Continue north along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook, or as known in Maori Aorangi - the cloud piercer. Mt Cook boasts of some spectacular scenery and you can spend a relaxed day here. Overnight in Mt Cook.
Day 15 – Mt Cook/Farm Stay
Drive to the Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Tekapo before travelling across the Cantebury plains to arrive at a typical New Zealand farm in Ashburton or Geraldine. Spend a memorable day experiencing life on a working farm by getting involved with the daily chores. Overnight on the farm.
Day 16 – Farm Stay/Christchurch
Wake up to hot scones and some great home made breakfast after which its time to bid farewell to your hosts and drive your way up to the Garden City of Christchurch. Check in and unwind for the rest of the day. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 17 – Christchurch
Take a ride in the restored heritage Christchurch Tram for a view of the attractions of the inner city, including the Anglican Cathedral, Arts Centre, Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens, the Avon River and Cathedral Junction. A must do is the Snow and Ice Experience and the Antarctic storm at the outstanding Antarctic Centre. A recommended optional is the Skyline Gondola ride and an early morning Up Up Away hot air balloon flight. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 18 – Depart Christchurch
Its time to bid farewell to New Zealand today. Catch up on some last minute shopping before driving to the airport to return your car to the car rental company, in time for your onward flight.
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