Here is a 21 day tour itinerary suggestion, where you will depart from Auckland.
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New Zealand rental cars - travel itineraries

Enjoy the highlights of New Zealand with a Car Rental from AllWays

Duration: 21 days | Start: Auckland | Finish: Christchurch

DAY 1 – Auckland

Upon arrival in Auckland pickup your AllWays Rental and enjoy what New Zealan'd largest city has to offer. Check the places you can visit here and things you can do here.

Attractions include:

  • Auckland Sky Tower
  • Waiheke Island
  • Beaches
  • Harbour cruises
  • Mt Eden
  • Auckland Museum
  • Auckland Zoo
   Auckland City

DAY 2/3 – Auckland to the Bay of Islands

Travel north over the Auckland Harbour bridge on SH1 towards the Bay of Islands. We recommend to turn left off SH1 at the bottom of the Brynderwyn’s onto SH12 to head towards Waipoua Forest.

Explore the beautiful Bay of Islands with its Pohutukawa lined beaches, secluded bays, and tranquil harbours which offer a maritime playground for fishing, swimming, boating, diving or relaxing on the beach in the warm, northern sunshine.

Attractions include:

  • Waitangi National Reserve
  • Board a cruise to the intriguing 'Hole in the Rock'
  • A full day tour to Cape Reinga
 

Bay of Islands


Day 4/5 - Bay of Islands to the Coromandel Peninsula

Take your time and perhaps stop at Thames - the first major township you encounter when you cross the Kopu Bridge. Thames started its life as a gold-mining town. Here you will find the Historical and School of Mines Museums, historical buildings, cafes, restaurants, and even a 100-year-old gold mine you can visit.

Explore the Coromandel, an area known for its golden sand beachs and natural attractions.

The Coromandel also has a fascinating history of Maori settlement, logging and mining. The tranquil harbours on the western coast and big surf beaches on the east. The Coromandel Forest Park is full of hiking tracks and scenic attractions.

 

Coromandel Peninsula

Photo Source: Tourism New Zealand, Gareth Eyres


Day 6/7 - Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua

Head towards Rotorua through Katikati a town known for its large number of murals that line many walls and fences.

Rotorua is filled with cultural experiences & geothermal attractions. Information about activities in the area, such as the Thermal Reserves or a Maori Hangi you can find here.

Attractions include:

  • Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
  • Agrodome
  • Maori Hangi & Concert experiences
  • Thermal spas & hot springs
  • Gondalas & Luge
  • White water rafting
 

Rotorua, New Zealand

Photo Source: Tourism New Zealand, Rob Suisted


Day 8/9 - Rotorua to Taupo

Drive south to Taupo to see New Zealand’s largest lake.

Take your time to enjoy the sights along the way. You will find many photo opportunities; don't forget to get one with your AllWays Rental!

Take the day to relax & enjoy what Taupo has to offer.

Attractions include:

  • Skydiving
  • Fishing
  • Bungy Jumping

Day 10 - Tongariro National Park

Spend the day exploring Tongariro National Park. Information about the park can be found at DOC website here.

One of the best one day treks in the country is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It can be done as part of the longer Northern Circuit, one of New Zealand's Great Walks.

 

Tongariro National Park

Photo Source: Tourism New Zealand, Rob Suisted


Day 11 - Tongariro national Park to Wellington

Tongariro national Park to Wellington is a long drive so take it easy and enjoy your drive to New Zealands capital city.

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, has a lot to offer to its visitors. Set on the edge of a stunning harbour and surrounded by rolling hills, it's a city waiting to be explored.

Attractions include:

  • Te Papa Museum
  • Parliament building
  • Galleries
  • Gardens
  • Walks
  • Cafe's, restaurants and shopping
  Wellington Landscape

Day 13 - Wellington - Picton - Nelson

Today you will cross the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton by ferry. You can book your ferry Crossing through AllWays Rentals & it is recommended you do this a few days in advance. Cross during the day will allow you to enjoy the stunning views this journey has to offer!

On arrival into Picton you will depart the ferry and head to Nelson – known as New Zealand’s sunniest city & is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.

  Wellington – Picton Ferry

Day 14 - Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches and sculptured granite cliffs.

Attractions include:

  • Boating
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Mountain biking
  • World-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track
  Abel Tasman National Park

Day 15 - Abel Tasman - Punakaiki – Franz Josef

Travelling from the Abel Tasman National Park to Franz Josef down the West Coast of the South Island takes about 8 hour drive. So we recommend a stop at Punakaiki which is known for its amazing Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

After your break continue travelling south to Franz Josef where you will stay the night.

  Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki

Day 16 - Franz Josef Glacier

Spend the day exploring the Glaciers! There are different tours you can take including full day hikes & half day hikes, heli-hikes or the Glacier Valley Walk.

Once you have finished your Glacier adventure head to the Glacier Hot Pools - the perfect way for you to unwind and experience a blissful state of pure relaxation.

  Franz Josef Glacier

Day 17/18 - Franz Josef to Wanaka

Travel from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Wanaka offers a wide selection of quality tourist attractions & activities for all tastes.

Attractions include:

  • Puzzling World
  • Skydiving - don't forget to take your discount voucher you received when you picked up your AllWays car
  • Caving & Climbing activities
  • 4WD adventures
  • Skiing & Snowboarding at Treble Cone (Winter)
  Wanaka

Day 18/19 - Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive from Wanaka to Queenstown - the adventure capital of the world.

Explore Queenstown. Enjoy the sights and dare some of the many adrenalin activities which Queenstown has to offer. Queenstown has something to offer to all ages and year round.

Attractions include:

  • Gondola & Luge ride
  • Jet boating
  • Bungy Jumping
  • Sky Diving
  • Hiking
  • White water rafting
  • Skiing / Snowboarding (winter)
  • Scenic Flights
  • Café’s, restaurants and shopping
  Queenstown

Day 20 - Queenstown to Milford Sound

To get to the Milford Sound from Queenstown you will have to leave early in the morning. During winter season we recommend taking the coach tour instead of self drive.

The road to the majestic Milford Sound is an experience by itself. Stop on the way to appreciate the views and give your camera a workout.

Arriving at Milford Sound it is recommended you take a cruise down the Sound to see the magnificent waterfalls, Mitre Peak & natural life.

Head back to Queenstown to stay the night.

  Milford Sound

Day 21 - Queenstown to Christchurch

Leave Queenstown and begin your travel to Christchurch via Mount Cook.

Alternatively, at Lake Tekapo take the Mt John walkway and stop for a hot chocolate at the Astro Café.

Once you get into Christchurch enjoy a relaxing evening & meal.

  Christchurch Art Gallery

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