17-Nights North & South Island Road Trip Across New Zealand - Road Trips from $3,689

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland and travel to the Coromandel Peninsula

Depart Auckland and travel the Pacific Coast Highway touring route to the Coromandel Peninsula.

The Coromandel's dramatic and unspoiled coast, and beautiful white sandy beaches, offer endless opportunities for fishing, diving, boating, surfing and swimming.

Hotel: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort Pauanui (4 Star Rating)

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is a secluded hideaway located at Pauanui Beach. Situated 800m away from the 3km long sandy beach and nestled into the slopes of Mt. Pauanui select from 48 romantic chalets surrounded by native bush. Our Restaurant offers an intimate ambience, superb local cuisine and beautiful views, while other facilities include an outdoor swimming and spa pool, gym, tennis court and bikes for hire, with an international 18-hole golf course and excellent fishing nearby.

Idyllically located at beautiful Pauanui Beach in the Coromandel, Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is the perfect vacation spot for couples, groups and families seeking a secluded and tranquil spot to enjoy the scenery and indulge in simple relaxation. Take long walks along the pristine sands of Pauanui Beach, take a stroll through local bush reserves, or take a short drive to the local Pauanui Paintball attraction to burn off some energy after all that rest and relaxation.

Rental Car: Hertz - Auckland Airportto Wellington Ferry

Enjoy the unique experience of Hot Water Beach where at low tide you can dig in the sand, allowing the sulphur-heated waters to rise to the top to create your very own thermal spa.

Swim with dolphins, hire a kayak and explore the many offshore islands or simply let the azure water lap at your feet and marvel at the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Depart Coromandel and arrive in the Bay of Plenty region early afternoon, in time for a swim or lunch at one of the many restaurants. Continue on to Rotorua, famous for its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and warm geothermal ponds.

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (4 Star Rating)

Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a short stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination offering comfort and convenience in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Perfect for leisure and business travellers, our hotel is within walking distance of Polynesian Spa, Rotorua’s vibrant dining scene, and local attractions.

Spend the day experiencing the many wonders of Rotorua. Perhaps book a 4WD trip to Mt Tarawera to see an amazing crater and hear the stories of Maori legends.

Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region. Taupo is the main centre of the region and Lake Taupo is one of the North Islands most popular holiday destinations.

Hotel: Millennium Hotel and Resort Taupo Manuels (4 Star Rating)

Set on the shores of the country’s largest lake, this is one of Taupo's luxury hotels with uninterrupted views of the magnificent lake and mountains. Many of Taupo’s famous attractions are just minutes away, including Huka Falls, water and snow skiing, hot mineral pools, golf courses, and lake cruises. The charming Edgewater Restaurant is a superb choice for savoring award-winning cuisine as swans gracefully swim by.

Our Lake Taupo resort has also been artfully decorated to create an air of glamorous elegance, and its heated swimming pool, private grotto plunge pool, sauna, and gym provide guests with leisure options right at their doorstep. With 3 stylishly appointed event venues, 12 luxurious suites, and 39 boutique guest rooms, Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo is undoubtedly the town’s most desirable location for events and vacations.

Depart Taupo for the Hawke's Bay region. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke's Bay region is known for its wine, food and fabulous scenery. Over 30 vineyards offer visitors a wine tasting and indoor/ outdoor dining experience. Napier and Hastings, the two main centres in the region, have a high concentration of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the many vineyards and wonderful restaurants in the area.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier (3 Star Rating)

Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier's attractions.

We invite you to enjoy quality 4-star hotel accommodation of an international standard. From the moment you step into our spacious, light-filled lobby, you will experience our commitment to quality and customer service. If you fancy waking up to serene ocean views, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is the perfect place to start your day in Hawke’s Bay. Simply leave the curtains open, roll over in bed, and soak it all in. See you soon.

Today travel south, options include stopping at the small country towns of Carterton, Greytown and Featherston. Travel to Martinborough well known for the range of vineyards in the area and its growing worldwide reputation for its Pinot Noir wine. The afternoon is at leisure.

Hotel: Martinborough Hotel (4 Star Rating)

A beautiful old girl full of charm and quirks, The Martinborough Hotel offers boutique accommodation located on the doorstep to everything Martinborough and the South Wairarapa has to offer.

Come and wander around Martinborough wine village, enjoy a tasting at award winning vineyards, dine at commended local eateries, or discover the natural environment of the South Wairarapa. Whatever your desires, The Martinborough Hotel is the perfect location.

Drive over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills to Wellington. The nations capital is home to Te Papa - the interactive Museum of New Zealand, numerous art galleries and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi. A diverse range of cafes and restaurants support the city's vibrant nightlife.

Hotel: InterContinental Wellington (4 Star Rating)

Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally-located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. Guests can spend time with the award-winning concierge team whose tips and insider knowledge help travelers discover the arts, events, shopping, and culinary cultures surrounding the hotel.

This morning is at leisure before returning your rental vehicle.

Cross the Cook Strait between New Zealand's North and South Islands.

On arrival in Picton, collect your rental car and drive to Nelson.

Hotel: Grand Arden Monaco Nelson (3 Star Rating)

The Nelson Tasman region is spectacularly beautiful and we’re right in the middle of it.

Located between Nelson CBD and Richmond and just a quick five minutes from Nelson’s new airport terminal, we are ready to welcome you with our beautiful gardens, handcrafted spaces, plenty of fresh air and sunshine and our fabulous staff to look after you.

Rental Car: Hertz - Picton Ferryto Christchurch Airport

Lots of options today including beaches to explore, harbour cruises, walks or adventure activities.

Nelson is also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views.

From Nelson journey through scenic reserves to Westport. Westport is a historic coal-mining settlement; the coal town museum has historical exhibitions and photographic displays. Visit the seal colony before continuing on to Punakaiki.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (4 Star Rating)

From the time people first came to Aotearoa, New Zealand, this weathered, craggy terrain has seen wayfarers, prospectors, and settlers trekking their way into the wilderness in search of resources and the routes by which to reach them.

Maori were well aware of the areas dramatic landscape, stretching from mountains to sea, and the natural taonga ( treasures)found within and beyond the ranges here.The coastal and inland journeys made over generations can be traced through the descriptive names they gave to many of the features of this land. Te Waipounamu ( The Waters of Greenstone) is one such name. It refers to pounamu, the Aotearoa New Zealand jade that is found in this region and that has long been prized by Maori, so much so that Te Waipounamu is also the name they gave to New Zealand's South Island.

This morning explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the Blowholes before continuing south to Franz Josef, an area of mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, tranquil lakes, raging rivers, lush rainforest and a magnificent coastline. Explore the base of the glaciers or take a scenic flight.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (4 Star Rating)

In the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier.

Our hotel offers everything you need to be able to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. With an exceptional restaurant, serving hearty, West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace, you are never without choice. Plus, with the private hot pools and our Amaia Luxury Spa close by, you can enjoy time out to rejuvenate after a day taking in the many walking tracks and other outdoor pursuits.

Travel through the scenic wilderness of Haast pass, stopping along the way to take advantage of many short nature walks and picnic spots before continuing to Queenstown.

Hotel: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (4 Star Rating)

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. Queenstown is recognized as New Zealand's premier visitor destination.

Journey through mountains and alongside lakes to Te Anau. We suggest a cruise on Milford Sound with its sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and majestic Mitre Peak.

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (3 Star Rating)

Located in the heart of the town, The Distinction Luxmore is a popular choice with both visitors and locals alike. Basing yourself in Te Anau enables you to explore the Fiordland World Heritage National Park and staying at Distinction Luxmore ensures your experience will be enjoyable. Distinction Luxmore has 186 rooms consisting of Standard, Superior and Deluxe. There are two on site restaurants and bars. Highlights Restaurant and bar has seating for 160 guests offering buffet breakfast daily and a scrumptious Carvery Buffet dinner. Guests can enjoy the views overlooking the township towards Lake Te Anau and surrounding mountain ranges.

Today is spent driving the southern scenic route exploring the Catlins area. The Catlins is home to an abundance of wildlife, and Nugget Point is a stunning and accessible place for viewing seals and penguins. Continue to Dunedin, a historic university town, that was first settled by the Scottish as it is renowned as the "Edinburgh of the South".

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross Dunedin (3 Star Rating)

The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross provides stylish inner city accommodation, giving the convenience of having entertainment, shopping and restaurants close at hand. Just a short walk from the Octagon, railway station, theatres, shops, and close to Otago university, it is the perfect location from which to explore Dunedin. Whether you are staying for business or pleasure, it is hard to go past the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross. Dating back to 1883, this landmark building now blends Dunedin’s distinctive charm and heritage with modern styles and comforts. Your every comfort is well provided for, with 178 attractive rooms and suites, extensive hotel facilities, and a very high standard of service. This has earned the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross a 4-star plus Qualmark rating, as well as the Enviro-Silver award.

Depart Dunedin and head north to Timaru a place known for its extensive Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Stop and enjoy the coastal views from Caroline Bay before continuing on to Christchurch

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (4 Star Rating)

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

This morning is at leisure before returning your rental vehicle.