Kensington
24 Day New Zealand: Ultimate Road Trip
24 Day New Zealand: Ultimate Road Trip
The epic expanse of New Zealand awaits you in a self-driving discovery, introducing you to the country’s best treasures during an unforgettable road trip. Cruise the fjords of Milford Sound, learn about Maori culture face-to-face, visit the legendary Hobbiton, sip wine in the Marlborough region, and experience so much more at your own pace.
Begin in Auckland, set on 48 dormant volcanic cones and known as the City of Sails, where you’ll enjoy a morning tour of how Aucklanders live and play. Explore the vineyards of beautiful Waiheke Island in a private guided wine tour, sampling delicious vintages. Hit the road to Matamata, also known as Hobbiton, where you can walk in the footsteps of the Fellowship from “The Lord of The Rings”, viewing The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures transformed from Waikato farmland into The Shire. A short drive to Rotorua awaits before you discover colorful hot springs and a moon-like landscape in Wai-o-Tapu, home of the world-famous Lady Knox geyser. Visit the traditional Maori village of Te Puia to experience award-winning interactive galleries, see a kiwi bird up-close, and hear stories told by descendants of the valley. Expect a lavish banquet meal during the evening, where you’ll indulge in a steam-cooked Hangi meal. As you depart Rotorua, the road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. Rise to the challenge of a 12 mile hike along the Tongariro Crossing, famous for its unique, extraordinary landscapes and its fascinating cultural significance. Continue your journey to Napier, known as the Art Deco capital of the world, before exploring Hawke’s Bay in an unforgettable and privately guided discovery of its beauty and gourmet epicurean offerings. After savoring wines at an award-winning vineyard, you’ll take a private safari across the stunning Cape Kidnappers peninsula to visit the world’s largest mainland gannet colony.
Enjoy clean, green scenery as you drive south through a procession of friendly townships, finally reaching the cosmopolitan city of Wellington. Consider visiting the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa where you can learn about the art, culture and natural history of the region with a particular focus on Maori and Pacific cultures. Cross the Cook Strait to Picton before returning to the road and journeying to the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park, a true seaside paradise. Cruise the coastline of Torrent Bay and kayak along beautiful beaches, tidal estuaries, and rivers of the most scenic area of the park.
From here, the road leads southward through low hills before crossing the Wairau River and turning east to Blenheim, nestled in the beautiful Marlborough wine region. Enjoy a fabulous mix of natural scenery around Marlborough on the famed Queen Charlotte Track, followed by a wine sampling produced from the iconic vineyards. The South Island’s largest city of Christchurch offers an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement for you to discover. Board the iconic TranzAlpine train to voyage through a spectacular gorge, leading to the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass, offering plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Travel southwards across the Canterbury Plains to your destination of Mount Cook National Park, home to glistening glacial lakes and high mountain peaks. Visit the area’s Dark Sky Reserve for a memorable stargazing experience, enjoying unique views of planets, moons, and distant galaxies after night falls. During the day, you’ll soar the skies in a scenic flight over the parkland, observing golden tussock lands, the braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin, and more natural wonders. Your final destination is Queenstown, where you’ll board a cruise to enjoy the unforgettable scenery of the Fiordland and unique views of mist-shrouded Milford Sound. Journey along Dart River is a high-speed jet boat ride for one last adventure, the perfect end to a journey curated for those who yearn for extraordinary experiences.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
| Day 1 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Day 2 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Day 3 |
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| Day 4 |
Natural wonders await you in the steaming, geothermally active North Island city of Rotorua, New Zealand. Pohutu Geyser erupts several times per day, and blistering mud pools provide a truly unique sightseeing experience. When in Rotorua, tourists also visit its living Maori village, as well as Te Puia (New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute), where weaving and woodcarving is featured. Those not afraid of heights can get a bird's eye view on the Skyline Rotorua gondola, and more earthbound souls can reinvigorate themselves at the Polynesian Spa wellness center, with its hot pools and therapies. |
| Day 5 |
Natural wonders await you in the steaming, geothermally active North Island city of Rotorua, New Zealand. Pohutu Geyser erupts several times per day, and blistering mud pools provide a truly unique sightseeing experience. When in Rotorua, tourists also visit its living Maori village, as well as Te Puia (New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute), where weaving and woodcarving is featured. Those not afraid of heights can get a bird's eye view on the Skyline Rotorua gondola, and more earthbound souls can reinvigorate themselves at the Polynesian Spa wellness center, with its hot pools and therapies. |
| Day 6 |
Lake Taupo, New Zealand offers a premier trout fishing experience. The famed sight fishing for large Brown & Rainbow trout is arguably the finest in the world. Located New Zealand's North Island, Lake Taupo is an all year round sight fishing destination. Surrounded by high country lakes, rivers and mountain streams, the spectacular New Zealand scenery is sure to amaze. |
| Day 7 |
Lake Taupo, New Zealand offers a premier trout fishing experience. The famed sight fishing for large Brown & Rainbow trout is arguably the finest in the world. Located New Zealand's North Island, Lake Taupo is an all year round sight fishing destination. Surrounded by high country lakes, rivers and mountain streams, the spectacular New Zealand scenery is sure to amaze. |
| Day 8 |
On the east coast of North Island, Napier is considered the "Art Deco capital" of New Zealand and the gateway to the Hawke's Bay wine region, whose popular varietals include pinot gris and syrah. |
| Day 9 |
On the east coast of North Island, Napier is considered the "Art Deco capital" of New Zealand and the gateway to the Hawke's Bay wine region, whose popular varietals include pinot gris and syrah. |
| Day 10 |
On Cook Strait sits Wellington, New Zealand's charming windy city. Must-sees here include the waterfront, the lovely beaches, and the Wellington Cable Car that takes riders to botanical gardens. For cultural exposure, visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with its Maori national treasures and art gallery. Wellington Zoo is another key attraction, and features Tahi, a one-legged kiwi, as its mascot. |
| Day 11 |
On Cook Strait sits Wellington, New Zealand's charming windy city. Must-sees here include the waterfront, the lovely beaches, and the Wellington Cable Car that takes riders to botanical gardens. For cultural exposure, visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with its Maori national treasures and art gallery. Wellington Zoo is another key attraction, and features Tahi, a one-legged kiwi, as its mascot. |
| Day 12 |
Abel Tasman National Park, located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Renowned for its golden beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters, the park offers an array of activities, from hiking to kayaking. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, stretches over 60 kilometers and provides breathtaking views of the coastline, making it a must-do for visitors. The park's unique combination of pristine beaches and native bush creates a haven for wildlife, including the little blue penguin and the New Zealand fur seal. Kayaking along the coast offers the chance to explore secluded coves and spot marine life up close. For those interested in history, the park is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642. Fun fact: Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, yet it boasts some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems in the country, making it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand. |
| Day 13 |
Abel Tasman National Park, located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Renowned for its golden beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters, the park offers an array of activities, from hiking to kayaking. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, stretches over 60 kilometers and provides breathtaking views of the coastline, making it a must-do for visitors. The park's unique combination of pristine beaches and native bush creates a haven for wildlife, including the little blue penguin and the New Zealand fur seal. Kayaking along the coast offers the chance to explore secluded coves and spot marine life up close. For those interested in history, the park is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642. Fun fact: Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, yet it boasts some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems in the country, making it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand. |
| Day 14 |
Abel Tasman National Park, located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Renowned for its golden beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters, the park offers an array of activities, from hiking to kayaking. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, stretches over 60 kilometers and provides breathtaking views of the coastline, making it a must-do for visitors. The park's unique combination of pristine beaches and native bush creates a haven for wildlife, including the little blue penguin and the New Zealand fur seal. Kayaking along the coast offers the chance to explore secluded coves and spot marine life up close. For those interested in history, the park is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642. Fun fact: Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, yet it boasts some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems in the country, making it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand. |
| Day 15 |
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| Day 16 |
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| Day 17 |
Welcome to Christchurch, a picturesque city with English heritage. This South Island destination is currently in the midst of an exciting regeneration and rebuilding after damaging earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Here, the new mixes with the old in enchanting ways, with edgy modern architecture and old buildings sitting side by side.
In this explorable New Zealand locale, the Avon River winds through the center of the city, while lush green spaces are plentiful at Christchurch Bonatic Gardens and Hagley Park. Can't-miss attractions include the International Antarctic Center (featuring frozen tundra simulations), the historic Canterbury Museum, and punting on the Avon, also known as flat-bottomed boat rides! |
| Day 18 |
Welcome to Christchurch, a picturesque city with English heritage. This South Island destination is currently in the midst of an exciting regeneration and rebuilding after damaging earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Here, the new mixes with the old in enchanting ways, with edgy modern architecture and old buildings sitting side by side.
In this explorable New Zealand locale, the Avon River winds through the center of the city, while lush green spaces are plentiful at Christchurch Bonatic Gardens and Hagley Park. Can't-miss attractions include the International Antarctic Center (featuring frozen tundra simulations), the historic Canterbury Museum, and punting on the Avon, also known as flat-bottomed boat rides! |
| Day 19 |
Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and the eponymous park that surrounds it, are popular with South Island tourists, especially mountaineers and other adventurers. The only way in or out is State highway 80, which also happens to be one of the country's most scenic roads. |
| Day 20 |
Highest mountain in New Zealand, located on the South Island, it stands 12,349 ft |
| Day 21 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 22 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 23 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 24 |
New Zealand is a land of breathtaking landscapes and memorable cultural experiences. Located in the South Pacific, this island nation is famed for its dramatic mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and rolling farmlands. Visitors to New Zealand can explore its two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, each offering distinct attractions and adventures. The North Island is known for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori heritage. Rotorua, a city surrounded by bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers, provides a glimpse into the earth’s geothermal activity. Visitors can also experience Māori culture firsthand through performances, traditional feasts, and guided tours at places like Te Puia and Tamaki Māori Village. In contrast, the city of Auckland offers a mix of modern dining, vibrant harbors, and scenic hikes, such as the one up Mount Eden for stunning views of the city. The Southern Alps, which run the length of New Zealand's South Island, are home to some of the most picturesque scenery in the world. Fiordland National Park, with its towering cliffs and mirror-like lakes, is a must-see, especially Milford Sound. Adventure enthusiasts flock to Queenstown, the adrenaline capital, to try bungee jumping, skydiving, or jet boating. For a more relaxed experience, the wineries of Marlborough offer world-class wines and breathtaking vineyard views. New Zealand’s wildlife is as unique as its landscapes. The country is home to the kiwi, a flightless bird that has become a national symbol. Visitors can see these nocturnal creatures at sanctuaries and reserves across the country. Marine life is also abundant, with opportunities to spot dolphins, seals, and whales, particularly in places like Kaikoura on the South Island’s eastern coast. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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10/04/19 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $18,840 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
