Welcome to Auckland for your unique New Zealand car hire tour. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by the tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day you have time for your own explorations. For example, visit the Sky Tower, where you have a unique view of the city from a height of 328 metres. Afterwards, you could visit one of the attractive districts of the city, such as the harbour district Viaduct or the Brittomart quarter with many restaurants, bars and cafés. 

Enjoy a day at leisure in Auckland and explore the city on your own. 

Enjoy a day at leisure in Auckland and explore the city on your own. 

In the morning you will collect your rental car and leave Auckland heading south. The area south of Hamilton, the so-called "King Country", was feared by the English during the colonial wars of the 19th century because of the warlike Maori population living there. Today's first destination is the firefly cave of Waitomo, a real wonder of nature. It is only one of many caves in the region and was only explored in 1887 and is now one of New Zealand's most famous attractions. Afterwards, you will drive to the Rotorua geothermal area.

Today you will visit the thermal area of Te Puia (Whakarewarewa). Here you can see boiling mud pools, geysers and other thermal activities. It is also recommended to get to know the Maori culture in the Te Puia Institute. A walk through the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park brings you closer to the flora and fauna. Afterwards, the visit to an active sheep farm is on the program. In the evening there will be cultural performances with traditional Hangi food in a special atmosphere.

Along Lake Taupo, you reach Tongariro National Park, where the three mighty volcanoes Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro dominate the landscape. The park is the oldest National Park in New Zealand and one of the first in the world. The region also has UNESCO cultural and natural heritage status. Your daily destination is the capital, Wellington.

Use the day to explore Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. During a city tour, you will get to know Wellington, visit the Te Papa Museum or the parliament buildings. The Weta Caves or Zealandia are also worth a visit. From Mount Victoria, you have a fantastic view of the city. Take the historic Cable Car to the Kelburn Lookout and to enjoy the entire route, board at Lambton Quay between Panama and Grey Street.

It's your last day on North Island so you will return your rental car today. Afterwards, take the ferry crossing to the South Island, for the onward train (Coastal-Pacific train ride) from Picton via Kaikoura to Christchurch (seasonal).

Today you will cross the South Island through impressive mountain landscapes on the TranzAlpine train. Upon arrival in Greymouth, you will take over their rental car. From here you continue along the wild west coast and past rainforests, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains into the New Zealand glacier world.

Today you will explore the 10 km long Franz Josef Glacier on a guided tour and enjoy spectacular views. The glacier is very easily accessible, especially since it almost reaches the sea. Afterwards, you can relax in the hot springs.

Past unspoilt forests and across the Southern Alps, the drive to Queenstown offers an unforgettable panorama. Queenstown, the most visited resort on the South Island, was built after its namesake Queen Victoria. We recommend a boat trip on the Shotover River. Others may prefer a romantic boat trip with the old steamboat "Earnslaw" on Lake Wakatipu. Mountain lovers are recommended to take a cable car ride up Bob's Peak. From here, various hiking trails start, which lead you through the impressive landscape.

The day takes you along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, where you will take a jet boat ride on the Dart River. Glenorchy is also the gateway to numerous hiking trails including the popular Routeburn Track. Afterwards, you will hike through mystical forests and explore the famous landscape from the film "The Lord of the Rings" in a 4x4 vehicle. 

From Queenstown, we go to Milford Sound, located right in the heart of the Fiordland National Park. Discover the world-famous fjord with waterfalls, rainforest and the impressive Mitre Peak on a panoramic cruise. The region has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its uniqueness. Afterwards, you will drive through dense forests and tussock area, to Te Anau.

Today you drive to Invercargill, the southernmost city of New Zealand. Scottish settlers settled here in the 1850s. The cityscape is characterised by architecture from the Victoria and Edward era and the Art Deco style. Take part in a tour that will introduce you to the historical highlights of the region.

Today you continue to the Scottish influenced town of Dunedin. Self-drivers should not miss the fascinating route via the Catlins region, which is known for its contrasts and fantastic nature and wilderness. Explore Dunedin or visit the penguin colonies on the Otago Peninsula. Here you can see the rare yellow-eyed and blue penguins. Royal albatrosses also live here. In Dunedin itself, it is recommended to have a look at the railway station. The "Railway Station" was built in the style of the era of King Edward. Visit the steepest street in the world - Baldwin Street. The street was concreted because the asphalt would "flow" away in the heat.

The morning is at your leisure. Visit the Otago Museum, where you will be guided through various exhibitions, culture, nature and science - it's worth it! Afterwards, you will set off north to Christchurch.

It's time to say goodbye to Christchurch. Drop your rental car off at the airport before proceeding to the Check In counters.