ROUND-TRIPS · NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand experience trip with rental car to Rotorua
New Zealand adventure trip - 18-day self-drive adventure with a rental car between volcanoes, fjords, and rainforest. Explore Rotorua, the Tongariro National Park, Milford Sound, and Queenstown with hot springs, glaciers, and unique nature.
The Journey
New Zealand Experience Tours - From Auckland to Queenstown
Explore New Zealand in 18 days flexibly and individually with a rental car - from Auckland through the subtropical Bay of Islands, Rotorua with its geothermal wonders, and the Tongariro National Park to the glaciers and fjords of the South Island. This road trip takes you to the highlights of New Zealand: Maori culture, volcanic landscapes, fjord cruises, and natural wonders like Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, and Mount Cook. All mentioned activities - such as cruises, Hāngī evenings, dolphin watching, hikes, or helicopter flights - can be added individually to the itinerary and planned flexibly. This adventure trip is ideal for adventure travel lovers who want to experience the North Island and South Island of New Zealand intensely.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Arrival Into New Zealand
The Auckland City Hotel is located in the heart of Auckland's entertainment and business district and offers quick access to the main highways. A five-minute walk takes you to the Sky Tower, Aotea Square, the city center, and Queen Street, ideal for a first impression of the city.
Auckland - Paihia (Bay of Islands) via Whangārei (234 km)
You drive through the picturesque landscapes of Northland towards Paihia, where you will spend the next two nights at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands is a region with 144 islands, secluded beaches, and beautiful walking paths along the coast. Here you can swim with dolphins, sail, go deep-sea fishing, or kayak and fully enjoy the maritime atmosphere; it is a real highlight on the North Island.
Paihia (Bay of Islands)
Optional: Island and Wildlife Day Cruise includes BBQ Lunch Sail and discover the stunning landscape and the fantastic wildlife of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Surrounded by turquoise water, vibrant green islands, and diverse wildlife, sailing on the 50-foot catamaran Carino NZ is the best way to experience the breathtaking Bay of Islands. Observe wild dolphins and seabirds in their natural habitat at sea. Carino is the only yacht permitted for the observation and exploration of wild dolphins in the bay, making it ideal for adventure travel in New Zealand.
Paihia - Matakohe
Today the journey takes you over Opononi and Dargaville to the small town of Matakohe. Along the way, it's worth stopping for a walk through the mangrove forest of Rawene or to explore the massive sand dunes near Opononi. A highlight of the route is a visit to Waipoua Forest with its millennia-old Kauri trees, including the famous Tane Mahuta. Upon arriving in Matakohe, the Kauri Museum offers exciting insights into the history of timber extraction and resin production in this region.
Matakohe - Rotorua
The journey continues via Auckland and Matamata to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Along the way, you can discover the "Lord of the Rings" filming location Hobbiton in Matamata. In Rotorua, you will find the famous Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with its vividly colored springs, as well as the Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Valley. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley with its dramatic landscape is also worth seeing. Rotorua also offers a wide selection of cafes and restaurants, making it ideal for winding down at the end of the day.
Rotorua - Maori Cultural Evening & Hāngī Dinner
Inclusive: In the evening you will experience an impressive cultural performance with Haka dance, traditional songs, and an impressive canoe ride at Mitai Maori Village. Afterwards, a traditional Hāngī dinner will be served, which has been cooked in an earth oven. The evening ends with a walk through the forest, where you can admire the glowing glowworms along a stream, an unforgettable experience on your adventure journey through New Zealand.
Rotorua - National Park Village
Today we continue to the National Park Village. On the way, a stop at the Huka Falls, the Craters of the Moon, and the shrimp farm near Taupo is worthwhile. Your hotel is located at the foot of the Tongariro massif, it is perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an active trip through New Zealand.
National Park - Wellington
Travel to the capital Wellington, with stops in Whanganui or Levin. In Wellington, a visit to the Te Papa Museum, a ride on the Cable Car, or a walk along Oriental Bay is recommended. Enjoy the urban diversity during your individual rental car journey through New Zealand.
Wellington - Picton, Marlborough Sounds
Early morning Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton, with spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds. Afterwards, a water taxi will take you to Punga Cove Lodge. Hiking, cycling, or enjoying the view, that's perfect for a relaxing nature trip through New Zealand.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Picton - Kaikōura
The drive leads along the East Coast to the former whaling town of Kaikōura. Along the way, a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim is recommended. In Kaikōura, you have the opportunity for whale watching; sperm whales come particularly close to the coast here. Dolphins, seals, and albatrosses are also regularly seen, a perfect addition to any adventure trip in New Zealand.
Kaikōura - Hokitika (via Arthur’s Pass)
Crossing the South Island via Arthur’s Pass are impressive alpine landscapes with waterfalls like the Devil’s Punch Bowl. In Hokitika, you can visit Pounamu workshops or explore the glowworm caves in the evening.
Hokitika - Fox Glacier
Pure nature along the West Coast. Visit to the treetop walkway, then on to Fox Glacier, there is an option for glacier flight New Zealand or a walk around Lake Matheson.
Fox Glacier - Wānaka
Drive over Bruce Bay, Haast, past waterfalls to Wānaka. Visit the toy museum, Puzzling World, hike to Mt Iron or enjoy regional craft beers. Ideal for an active self-drive trip in New Zealand's South Island.
Wānaka - Te Anau
The route leads over the spectacular Crown Range Road through Cardrona and Arrowtown - a charming gold mining town. Arriving in Te Anau at the largest lake on the South Island, you have access to various natural highlights. Take a boat tour to the glowworm cave or visit the Fiordland Cinema.
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Early ride along the spectacular Milford Road to the famous Milford Sound with fjord cruise - waterfalls, seals, glacial air. Continue to Queenstown with optional BBQ dinner at Walter Peak Farm.
Queenstown - Twizel
You leave Queenstown via Cromwell and cross the Lindis Pass before reaching Twizel. Along the way, Old Cromwell Town, wineries, fruit orchards, and the impressive Clay Cliffs near Omarama beckon. In Twizel, you will spend the night close to Mt Cook National Park, which is ideal for outdoor activities.
Twizel - Christchurch
Via Lake Tekapo with a photo stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd, through Geraldine to Christchurch. Visit the Botanical Gardens, take a ride on the TranzAlpine train, or explore the street art scene.
Christchurch - Departure
After breakfast, your journey ends. You drive to the airport and begin your onward or home journey - a crowning conclusion to your adventure trip through New Zealand between North and South.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
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Trip includes
- Rental car (CDAR - Gasoline Compact Hyundai I30 Hatch/Sedan or similar) – Pickup at Auckland Airport, drop-off in Christchurch – including necessary standard insurance
- 17 overnight stays in pre-booked accommodations – hotels, B&Bs, motels according to itinerary – e.g. Auckland City Hotel, Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Distinction Rotorua, etc. – room category: standard, studio or executive according to hotel description
- Breakfast according to itinerary – e.g. Cooked Breakfast, Continental Breakfast, Full Breakfast – included in most hotels (as described)
- Ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton (Interislander)
- Water taxi from Picton to accommodation (Cougar Line Water Taxis)
- Maori Cultural Evening & Hangi Dinner in Rotorua – show, food & rainforest tour in Mitai Maori Village
- Detailed daily itinerary with route recommendations & hotel times
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Upon arrival in Auckland, you will receive your rental car and follow a carefully planned route that already includes all hotels, activities, and highlights. The trip ends in Christchurch, where you return the vehicle. You travel flexibly while still maintaining a clear structure.
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Yes, an international driving license or a certified English translation of your national driving license is required to drive a vehicle in New Zealand.
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You will experience subtropical coasts in the Bay of Islands, geothermal wonders in Rotorua, a Maori cultural show with Hangi dinner, volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, glacier landscapes, and the fjords of Milford Sound. Additionally, you will visit cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
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Yes, all accommodations are pre-booked and included in the price. Most hotels offer daily breakfast (continental or cooked). You can find details in the itinerary.
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Many activities are already included in the program. Additional experiences such as boat tours, whale watching, or bungee jumping in Queenstown can be booked on-site or optionally in advance.
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Yes, the trip is also very manageable for families. The daily stages are deliberately chosen to be moderate, many hotels have family rooms, and there are numerous nature and animal experiences for children.
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Almost all accommodations offer Wi-Fi. In rural areas, the network coverage may be limited. Optionally, you can book a local SIM card or a mobile hotspot on-site.
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The best time to travel is from November to March, when it is summer in New Zealand. During this time, you have ideal conditions for outdoor activities, fjord tours, and hiking.
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