Self Drive Tours & Trips in New Zealand
New Zealand is a true dream. Christchurch and Queenstown bring the big city vibes, with the latter sitting beautifully on Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains. Tongariro National Park's volcanic peaks dominate, while Auckland sprawls across an isthmus between two harbors. Visit the Coromandel Peninsula for beaches, while Wanaka has the famous willow tree. New Zealand rewards self-drive exploration total freedom.
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10 best Self Drive New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- Best of Australia and New Zealand Highlights18 Days Tour
- New Zealand South to North Drive, Cruise & Rail
- New Zealand Vanlife: North Island & Road Trip Wonders
- New Zealand Vanlife: Road Trip Adventure & Kiwi Culture
- Sounding Sud States up close (11 destinations)
- Sounding Sud States up close (8 destinations)
- New Zealand South Island 9-Day Drive, Cruise & Rail
- A Taste of New Zealand (Auckland-Christchurch)
- A Taste of New Zealand
- New Zealand on your own (Auckland-Christchurch)
Drive independently through New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown, passing through the Southern Alps with stops at turquoise Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,754m). Cruise the full length of Milford Sound's UNESCO-listed fiord aboard the Milford Mariner, spotting waterfalls and wildlife during the 2-hour nature cruise. Ride the TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, passing through Arthur's Pass with views of beech forests and river valleys. Stay at Hotel Ibis Christchurch, Blue Peaks Lodge Queenstown, and Punga Grove Franz Josef during the trip.
Duration 18 days Destinations Cairns, Sydney, Auckland, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Christchurch Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$7,990
New Zealand South to North Drive, Cruise & Rail
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was able to experience New Zealand from bottom to top.”
David, traveled in January
Your 6-day adventure starts in Queenstown. The Crown Range leads to Wanaka, Franz Josef Glacier awaits exploration, and Haast Pass guides you to Greymouth. The TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass and Coastal Pacific along Kaikoura coast complete the journey.
No departure dates availableDuration 14 days Destinations Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd 
A fully-equipped campervan carries you through North Island, from Auckland's Sky Tower to Cape Reinga's lighthouse. Camp at Lake Ōkāreka and Tapotupotu while exploring Tongariro National Park and Coromandel's Hot Water Beach.
No departure dates availableDuration 18 days Destinations Auckland, Raglan, Tongariro National Park, New Plymouth, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Coromandel, Bay of Islands, PaihiaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
A fully-equipped campervan sets the stage for your New Zealand adventure. The route runs from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo, Franz Josef Glacier, and Tongariro National Park. Camp at scenic spots including Punakaiki Beach Camp and Havelock Holiday Park, with flexible routing options.
No departure dates availableDuration 21 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Lake Pukaki, Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
Take your rental car through Arthur's Pass from the West Coast to Christchurch, with stops at the 131-meter Devils Punchbowl waterfall and the Pancake Rocks blowholes. Paddle across Lake Mapourika along rainforest shores, walk the Blue Pools Track suspension bridges in Mount Aspiring National Park, and complete the Routeburn Track to Routeburn Falls. This self-guided trip passes through 11 South Island destinations including Lake Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd and Glenorchy's Lagoon Track.
No departure dates availableDuration 24 days Destinations Brisbane, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
Drive yourself through New Zealand's South Island between Queenstown's Kawarau Bungee Center and Wanaka's Diamond Lake Track, with stops at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Your rental car package includes unlimited kilometers for checking out the famous Hooker Valley Track, the historic gold-rush town of Arrowtown, and the Routeburn Track to Routeburn Falls. The Crown Range Scenic Route leads to Wanaka, where you can hike Roys Peak for panoramic lake views and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before reaching Christchurch via New Regent Street.
No departure dates availableDuration 21 days Destinations Brisbane, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch, Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
Six days of unlimited driving freedom await on the South Island. The Crown Range leads to Wanaka, Milford Sound's Mirror Lakes captivate, and the West Coast Highway guides you to Franz Josef Glacier.
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd 
New Zealand's diverse landscapes unfold before you. The route stretches from Auckland's cityscape to Rotorua's geothermal wonders, along West Coast to Fox Glacier, and through Mount Cook National Park. Quality stays at hotels like Sudima Lake Rotorua included.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Tongariro, Wellington, Nelson, Greymouth, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Te Anau, TwizelSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
- US$2,447
The route from Christchurch through Canterbury Plains to Mackenzie Country awaits. Milford Sound via Homer Tunnel, West Coast highways past Pancake Rocks, and Tongariro National Park's volcanic landscapes create unforgettable memories.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Twizel, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Greymouth, Nelson, WellingtonSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
- US$2,447
Your 19-day self-drive adventure starts at Auckland's Adina Apartment Hotel, winding through Coromandel's Hot Water Beach, Marlborough's wine routes, and Mount Cook National Park. The journey includes ferry crossing and nights at select properties like Rydges Wellington.
Duration 19 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Rotorua, Napier, Taupo, Wellington, Blenheim, Marlborough, PunakaikiSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
- US$1,910
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in New Zealand
What is the best time of year to do a self-drive tour in New Zealand?
season runs from December to February during the Southern Hemisphere summer with reliable weather and longer daylight hours. The South Island's Franz Josef region is particularly accessible during these months while autumn (March-May) transforms routes like the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka into corridors of gold and red. Winter driving from June to August requires more preparation especially on mountain passes but rewards travelers with snow-dusted landscapes along Arthur's Pass. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We had perfect weather conditions driving through the South Island in March with clear views of Mt. Cook and comfortable temperatures for exploring."
What kind of accommodation can I expect on a New Zealand self-drive tour?
Self-drive tours typically combine stays at quality motels hotels and boutique lodges positioned in key locations. Properties range from the waterfront Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier to the centrally located Quest Hotel in Queenstown near Lake Wakatipu. Many accommodations like the Punga View Motel in Franz Josef include kitchen facilities for self-catering. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The accommodations were perfectly positioned for exploring each region though quality varied between cities. The Queenstown hotel was particularly memorable with amazing lake views."
What are the must-see highlights on a New Zealand Self Drive tour?
Key destinations include Rotorua's geothermal areas the fjords of Milford Sound and the coastal beauty of Bay of Islands. Most routes incorporate stops at Lake Tekapo known for its bright blue waters Franz Josef Glacier and Napier's art deco architecture. Tours often arrange stays at well-located properties like the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier and The Park Hotel Ruapehu near Tongariro National Park. According to TourRadar travelers: "The route was super with all important highlights of the South Island beautiful hotels great rental car and prompt support for questions and problems."
What type of vehicle is recommended for a New Zealand Self Drive tour?
Mid-size SUVs or sedans work best for New Zealand's diverse roads. Standard vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Hatch automatic offer comfort for both urban and countryside driving. Rentals come equipped with unlimited mileage GPS navigation and comprehensive insurance coverage. The vehicles handle well on common routes such as Queenstown to Te Anau (180km) or Auckland to Bay of Islands (240km). Tour operators like DERTOUR provide reliable vehicles with 24-hour roadside assistance.
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive New Zealand Self Drive tour?
A complete exploration of both islands works best with 14-21 days on the road. Standard itineraries such as "A Taste of New Zealand" cover the essentials in 14 days from Auckland to Christchurch. More detailed experiences like "Discover New Zealand" span 22 days allowing deeper exploration of each region. Tours include nights at select properties like M'Social Hotel Auckland and Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel with daily drives averaging 200-300km.
How difficult is driving in New Zealand for international visitors?
New Zealand offers straightforward driving conditions with good road maintenance and clear signs. Left-side driving becomes natural quickly especially in automatic vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Hatch. Popular routes such as Auckland to Rotorua (234km) or Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (350km) feature good signage and scenic stops. Tours provide GPS systems and detailed directions with overnight stays at convenient locations like Heartland Hotel Queenstown or Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch to break up longer journeys.