How exactly does a self-driving trip through New Zealand work?

After your arrival in Auckland, you pick up your rental car and follow a thoughtfully planned itinerary with booked hotels, special activities, and inspiring stops. The route is flexible but perfectly balanced - you experience New Zealand individually and at the same time stress-free.

Is my German driving license sufficient or do I need an international version?

An international driving permit or an official English translation of your national driving license is necessary for New Zealand. This way, you are on the safe side and can drive locally without problems.

What special experiences can we expect along the way?

Look forward to a mix of nature, culture, and adventure: sailing tour in the Bay of Islands, geothermal landscapes at Rotorua, a Maori evening show with Hangi, volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, fjords in the south, glacier hikes, and much more.

Is accommodation included in the travel price?

Yes, all accommodations are booked in advance for you. Breakfast is usually included - either as a continental or hot menu. You will find details in the itinerary.

Can we book additional activities spontaneously on site?

Yes, you can spontaneously add many activities along the way, such as whale watching, a helicopter flight, or dinner at a historic farm. Some highlights are already included in the travel package.

Is the trip suitable for families with children?

Yes, this self-driving trip is designed to be relaxing for families. Many hotels have family rooms, and the nature experiences offer plenty of discoveries for children.

Is there Wi-Fi and mobile reception along the way?

Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations. In remote areas, reception may be limited. Those who wish can obtain a local SIM card on site or rent a mobile router.

When is the best time for this New Zealand trip?

The ideal travel time is between November and March - New Zealand's summer. During this time, the weather is usually stable and perfect for nature excursions, hiking, and boat tours.

Hello Luke, I am a USA tour operator and also offer special motorcycle tours for the USA. Can we cooperate with you?

Hello! There is no information about partnership collaboration on this tour site. Please contact our team for cooperation inquiries. Should I prepare a short request template for your USA offer that you can send to our team? If you like, someone from the team can give you a quick call.

How do you want to travel?

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A wide alpine lake glows gold at sunset below a snow capped mountain range

ROUND-TRIPS · NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand adventure tour: with rental car to Milford Sound

This New Zealand self-drive adventure trip takes you from Auckland via Rotorua, Tongariro, Wellington, Kaikoura to Queenstown and Milford Sound.

How long? 21 Days

When? Winter, Autumn

Price € 4,429 / Person

The Journey

Discover New Zealand - Māori, Rotorua and Fox Glacier

Explore New Zealand intensively and individually on a 21-day rental car journey from Auckland via Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Fox Glacier, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown to Christchurch. Discover geothermal wonders such as the Whakarewarewa Thermal Springs, hike through Tongariro National Park, experience the fjord landscape at Milford Sound, and visit the glacier region around Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Stay in carefully selected boutique hotels, enjoy Māori culture, optional activities such as boat tours, hikes, and helicopter flights, and indulge in culinary highlights. This rental car journey combines freedom, comfort, and adventure - ideal for anyone who wants to explore New Zealand independently.

A long truss bridge crosses a braided turquoise river with mountains behind under a cloudy sky

A hiker in a red jacket sits by a turquoise crater lake beneath a volcanic cone

A person stands before a still fjord reflecting steep mountain peaks under a cloudy sky

A group of hikers wearing crampons stands on a snow covered glacier below rocky peaks

New Zealand adventure tour: with rental car to Milford Sound

from € 4,429 / Person

21 Days from 8 Intermediate

Select your date

07 Feb. 2027 to 27 Feb. 2027

28 Nov. 2027 to 18 Dec. 2027

Additional options

Give this tour as a gift

Key Highlights of the Trip

01 Dinner with a view in Auckland

Dinner with a view in Auckland

Enjoy a three-course meal in the rotating restaurant with stunning skyline.

02 Sailing trip with sunset

Sailing trip with sunset

Experience a magical boat trip in the Bay of Islands with regional specialties.

03 Mysterious Waipoua Forest

Mysterious Waipoua Forest

Discover the millennia-old Kauri trees in this impressive forest area.

04 Immerse yourself in Māori culture

Immerse yourself in Māori culture

Experience a traditional evening with Hangi food, Haka dance, and a walk through glowworm forests.

05 Adventure in Tongariro National Park

Adventure in Tongariro National Park

Wander through the spectacular Tongariro National Park, known for its active volcanoes and breathtaking landscapes. Experience the fascinating blue lakes and majestic mountains as you explore the hiking trails that offer stunning views of nature. Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Days 1-21

Four sea kayakers paddle across clear turquoise water toward a sandy beach backed by native bush — Arrival in Auckland

Arrival in Auckland

After landing in Auckland, you will be warmly welcomed and taken to your centrally located accommodation with a private transfer. Included: The first evening begins with a stylish three-course dinner at the revolving restaurant Orbit360, offering you an impressive view of the Auckland skyline.

Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands)

Today you will take over your rental car and start your flexible journey along the North Island. The drive takes you along coastal roads and green hills to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Your accommodation awaits you with modern comfort and a fantastic view. Optional: you can explore the Whangārei region.

Two hikers with backpacks walk along a grassy ridge above a valley with snow capped mountains behind — Sailing trip in the Bay of Islands

Sailing trip in the Bay of Islands

In the afternoon, a sundowner sailing tour awaits you on the traditional schooner R. Tucker Thompson. You will sail through the bay, enjoy regional specialties and the sunset over the water. Optional: Earlier in the day, you can drive to Russell to explore this historic village.

Hikers cross a long suspension bridge over a forested gorge, tree ferns framing the view — Paihia to Matakohe

Paihia to Matakohe

You drive along the west coast to Matakohe, past the Waipoua Forest with its millennia-old Kauri trees. The charming Matakohe House B&B awaits you for a peaceful night. Optional: Guided tour of the Waipoua Forest, 4WD sand dune adventure at Opononi, visit to the Kauri Museum in Matakohe.

A New Zealand fur seal rests on a rocky outcrop beside the sea — Matakohe to Hahei

Matakohe to Hahei

You travel through places like Warkworth, Auckland, Takanini, Bombay, and Kopu, before finally reaching Hahei via Tairua and Whenuakite. Optional: A one-hour boat tour with the Hahei Explorer takes you through the marine reserve around Cathedral Cove, past volcanic coastlines, sea caves, and reefs - a special natural experience off the coast of Hahei.

Hahei to Rotorua

The route from Hahei leads over Tairua and Kopu through the green hinterland with stations in Omahu, Paeroa, and Te Aroha. It continues over Gordon and Tapapa to Rotorua, passing rural villages like Te Ohaki Pa and Selwyn. Optional: visit Hobbiton, the film set of the Lord of the Rings films, with a guided Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.

Maori culture in Rotorua

A traditional evening in the Mitai Maori Village with a welcoming ceremony, Haka dance, Hangi food from the earth oven, and a walk through the glowworm forest - a remarkable cultural experience in Rotorua.

Rotorua to Ohakune

Today the journey takes you over Lake Taupo to the Tongariro National Park. Your accommodation, the Powderhorn Chateau, is located right at the foot of the volcanoes and offers ideal conditions for hiking and experiencing nature. Optional: Both the Whanganui National Park are easily accessible from the hotel.

A couple stand by a lake lined with autumn trees, snow capped mountains and a white campervan behind them — Ohakune to Wellington

Ohakune to Wellington

The route leads from National Park Village through Raetihi and Whanganui to places like Bulls, Foxton, and Levin, before reaching Wellington via Porirua. Wellington offers a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful cafés. Optional: National Museum Te Papa.

A whale tail rises from the ocean, water cascading off its flukes — Wellington to Abel Tasman (Marahau)

Wellington to Abel Tasman (Marahau)

Included: you take the ferry from Wellington to Picton and continue your journey through Spring Creek, Havelock, Rai Valley, Nelson, Richmond, and Motueka until you finally reach the coastal village of Mārahau. The Abel Tasman Lodge is just a five-minute walk from the entrance of Abel Tasman National Park and is located close to cafés, restaurants, as well as providers of kayak tours and water taxis. Optional: explore Abel Tasman National Park.

Maori performers in traditional dress dance with poi beside a firelit carved meeting house — Open Day Pass

Open Day Pass

Inclusive: Wilsons Abel Tasman Ltd, Open Day Pass (ODP). You can explore the Abel Tasman National Park flexibly and according to your wishes. It secures you a spot on one of the most popular boat tours including a beach stop at Medlands Beach. The day before your trip, simply choose your preferred route and activity by phone with the organizer. Optional: Cruises with a beach stop at Medlands. Kayaking.

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Abel Tasman (Mārahau) to Hokitika (via Reefton)

The route from Mārahau to Hokitika takes you through the Motueka Valley, over Murchison and Reefton to the rugged west coast of New Zealand. In Murchison, the white-water capital of the country, rivers like the Buller invite you to kayak, raft, or jet boat. Reefton impresses with its historical role as the first city in the southern hemisphere with public electricity. Hokitika awaits you with Maori greenstone, glowworm caves, and the impressive Hokitika Gorge. Optional: The Shantytown Heritage Park with a museum and a steam train.

Fog covered mountains reflected in still water with a white heron standing on a sandbar — Hokitika to Franz Josef / Waiau

Hokitika to Franz Josef / Waiau

The route takes you from Hokitika via Mananui, Ross, Harihari, and Whataroa to Franz Josef / Waiau. On the way, it's worth stopping at the treetop walkway south of Hokitika by Lake Mahinapua. Between November and March, you can participate in a guided tour to the rare nesting sites of the eastern white heron (Kotuku) in Whataroa. A detour to the Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest untouched wetland, is also recommended - it's only 10 kilometers from the main road and is home to numerous shorebird species. Optional: Franz Josef Glacier Guides Heli-Hike.

A hiker with a backpack overlooks turquoise volcanic crater lakes on a steaming alpine trail — Franz Josef / Waiau to Queenstown

Franz Josef / Waiau to Queenstown

The route leads from Franz Josef over Fox Glacier and Gillespies Beach to the wild West Coast at Bruce Bay and Ship Creek, continuing through Haast and the Haast Pass with a short stop at the Blue Pools to Wānaka. From there, it goes over Cardrona and the historic Cardrona Hotel to Arrowtown and finally to Queenstown. The main attractions include Lake Matheson at Fox Glacier, the hiking trails along the coast at Ship Creek, the Blue Pools at Haast Pass, the charming Arrowtown, and Queenstown with the Skyline Gondola. Optional: Cruise over Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw, a century-old coal-powered steamship.

A small tour boat cruises a steep sided fjord with a waterfall in the distance — Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Inclusive: Enjoy a picturesque boat trip over Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a typical New Zealand BBQ buffet awaits you in an idyllic lakeside setting. After the meal, experience an entertaining farm demonstration with herding dogs and insights into New Zealand's rural life. A relaxed evening program amidst impressive nature.

A round red hobbit style door opens onto a rural garden with a wheelbarrow of firewood — Queenstown to Te Anau

Queenstown to Te Anau

The route from Queenstown to Te Anau goes through Frankton, Garston, and Mossburn. In Te Anau, the route to Milford Sound and the Great Walks such as the Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn Track begins. Visit the bird sanctuary, the Trout Observatory, or the Fiordland Cinema. Optional: Boat tours to the glowworm cave, excursions to the Mirror Lakes, and scenic flights by seaplane or helicopter are available.

Snow capped mountain peaks rise above a fog filled valley — Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau with Bus, Cruise & Lunch

Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau with Bus, Cruise & Lunch

Inclusive: A relaxed small group trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound by bus and an extended boat tour through the fjord to the Tasman Sea. Along the way, you can expect photo stops, short nature hikes, and explanations from local guides. The route travels away from the crowds along the Milford Road with stops at Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and depending on the weather, also at Gertrude Valley or Humboldt Falls. Includes a tea break with homemade cookies.

Te Anau to Dunedin (via Catlins)

From Te Anau, the route leads over Invercargill, Fortrose, and Waipapa Point through the Catlins with stops at Slope Point, Curio Bay, Purakaunui Falls, Nugget Point, and Kaka Point. Further over Balclutha and Milton to Dunedin with possible visits to Olveston Historic Home, Larnach Castle, Royal Albatross Centre, yellow-eyed penguin colony, Speight’s Brewery, Taieri Gorge Railway, and Vogel Street. Optional: Peninsula Encounter & Wildlife Cruise.

Dunedin to Twizel

From Dunedin, the route leads over Palmerston and Oamaru to Duntroon with stops at the Moeraki Boulders, Katiki Point Lighthouse, and the Victorian Quarter in Oamaru. Continuing past the Elephant Rocks, the Takiroa Rock Art Shelter, and the Clay Cliffs in Omarama, it heads to Twizel, an ideal starting point for activities around Aoraki/Mount Cook. Popular hikes include the Hooker Valley Track, Red Tarns Track, and tours to Tasman Glacier Lake. Optional: Guided boat tour on Tasman Glacier Lake, penguin and seal watching tour at Katiki Point Lighthouse, visit to the Steampunk HQ Gallery in Oamaru.

Twizel to Christchurch

The route from Twizel to Christchurch passes through Lake Tekapo with the Church of the Good Shepherd and Burkes Pass, through Geraldine with historical buildings, continuing over Ashburton to Christchurch. There you can expect highlights such as the Botanical Garden, the Antarctic Centre, the Christchurch Tram, the art galleries, the Riverside Market, and the Avon River. Inclusive: Christchurch Attractions, Tram.

Journey Home

After breakfast, you return your rental car and begin your journey home, rich in impressions and experiences from 21 days in New Zealand.

Want a detailed description of all tour days?

Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.

Verified Reviews

What riders say about Round-trips in New Zealand

5.0

1 reviews

Jan B.

The New Zealand experience trip is clearly structured and offers a well-thought-out route from Auckland to Rotorua and Tongariro to Milford Sound. Particularly...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Neuseeland Erlebnisreise ist klar strukturiert und bietet eine durchdachte Routenplanung von Auckland über Rotorua und Tongariro bis zum Milford Sound. Besonders hervorzuheben ist der Prozess des Fahrzeugübergangs in Auckland und die nahtlosen Transfers, die den reibungslosen Ablauf der Etappen garantieren. Jeden Morgen gibt es verlässliche Informationen über die Tagesaktivitäten, darunter der Segeltörn zum Sonnenuntergang und das Hangi Dinner in Rotorua, die den Teilnehmern die Māori-Kultur näherbringen. Diese Organisation lässt wenig Raum für Unsicherheiten während der Reise.

PRICE

from

€ 4,429 / person

Price Options

Double room per person € 4,429

Trip includes

Rental car (CDAR category) Hyundai Kona or similar, pickup in Auckland, drop-off in Christchurch, including necessary standard insurance
20 overnight stays in pre-booked accommodations hotels, motels and B&Bs according to travel itinerary, e.g. Auckland City Hotel, Decks of Paihia, Regent of Rotorua, Punga Cove, Ramada Queenstown, Carnmore Christchurch etc.
Breakfast according to travel itinerary in most accommodations included (Continental, Cooked or Full Breakfast - depending on hotel description)
Private transfer upon arrival at Auckland Airport to accommodation (Hallmark Limousines)
Ferry crossing Wellington to Picton with Interislander Ferry
SkyCity Orbit360, Orbit 360 Dinner, Adult 3 course set menu (2 hours 30 mins)
R Tucker Thompson, Sundowner Sailing, incl Shared Platters, Adult (2 hours) Includes shared platters
Mitai Maori Village, Maori Cultural Evening Experience & Hangi Dinner, Adult (3 hours)
RealNZ ex Queenstown, Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner, Adult (4 hours)
Christchurch Attractions, Tram
Wilsons Abel Tasman Ltd, Open Day Pass
Trips & Tramps, Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, Walk and Lunch, ex Te Anaut

International Flights & Airport Taxes
Lunch and Dinner, except: • Hangi Dinner in Rotorua • possibly breakfast according to hotel description
Everything that is not included is excluded.

FAQS

How exactly does a self-driving trip through New Zealand work?

After your arrival in Auckland, you pick up your rental car and follow a thoughtfully planned itinerary with booked hotels, special activities, and inspiring stops. The route is flexible but perfectly balanced - you experience New Zealand individually and at the same time stress-free.
Is my German driving license sufficient or do I need an international version?

An international driving permit or an official English translation of your national driving license is necessary for New Zealand. This way, you are on the safe side and can drive locally without problems.
What special experiences can we expect along the way?

Look forward to a mix of nature, culture, and adventure: sailing tour in the Bay of Islands, geothermal landscapes at Rotorua, a Maori evening show with Hangi, volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, fjords in the south, glacier hikes, and much more.
Is accommodation included in the travel price?

Yes, all accommodations are booked in advance for you. Breakfast is usually included - either as a continental or hot menu. You will find details in the itinerary.
Can we book additional activities spontaneously on site?

Yes, you can spontaneously add many activities along the way, such as whale watching, a helicopter flight, or dinner at a historic farm. Some highlights are already included in the travel package.
Is the trip suitable for families with children?

Yes, this self-driving trip is designed to be relaxing for families. Many hotels have family rooms, and the nature experiences offer plenty of discoveries for children.
Is there Wi-Fi and mobile reception along the way?

Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations. In remote areas, reception may be limited. Those who wish can obtain a local SIM card on site or rent a mobile router.
When is the best time for this New Zealand trip?

The ideal travel time is between November and March - New Zealand's summer. During this time, the weather is usually stable and perfect for nature excursions, hiking, and boat tours.
Hello Luke, I am a USA tour operator and also offer special motorcycle tours for the USA. Can we cooperate with you?

Hello! There is no information about partnership collaboration on this tour site. Please contact our team for cooperation inquiries. Should I prepare a short request template for your USA offer that you can send to our team? If you like, someone from the team can give you a quick call.

OVERCROSS note on itinerary

The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS