8 Day Taste of New Zealand ‘Premium’ Tour

Experience New Zealand on an eight-day self-drive journey from Christchurch to Auckland, enjoying coastal wonders, iconic attractions, Māori culture, and luxury 5-star stays, with optional adventures to personalise your trip.

8 Days

Self Drive Tour

Rental Car Included

5 Star Accommodation

Overview & Itinerary

Discover the taste of New Zealand on this thoughtfully designed eight-day self-drive tour, showcasing the best of the country from south to north. Begin in Christchurch, exploring the Garden City before travelling to Kaikōura for Wings Over Whales and spectacular coastal views. Continue north with a scenic ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds, then visit Wellington’s world-class Te Papa Museum. Cross to the North Island for Taupō’s Huka Falls Jet, experience the Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, and Māori heritage before concluding in Auckland, the City of Sails. Enjoy handpicked 5-star accommodation throughout, with optional experiences to personalise your New Zealand self-drive holiday.

Day 01

Arrive in Christchurch

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Christchurch International Airport to your hotel.

Tonight, you may wish to join an optional Amiki Cultural Tours – Kai Safari progressive dinner or a Christchurch Tramway dinner. Talk to your consultant to book.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI – the Garden City, lies on the level plains that initially attracted the closely knit Church of England settlers that settled the area. The largest of the South Island cities, Christchurch retains something of the English nature of its origins – the willow and oak-lined River Avon and clustered mediaeval stone buildings.

Your accommodation for the night The George

Suggested activities

Day 02

Drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura (approx. 180kms)

Today you will pick up your Intermediate SUV Budget rental car and begin your trip in Christchurch and head north along the coast. The route hugs the Pacific Ocean, offering incredible views, and it’s a great place to spot seals basking on the rocks right next to the highway. You’ll leave the dramatic coastal scenery behind as you approach the town of Kaikōura, a perfect way to end a coastal adventure.

This afternoon, you’ll take to the skies on the Wings Over Whales 30-minute scenic flight. This is a unique and efficient way to see whales. From the high-winged aircraft, you will have unobstructed views and the ability to see the entire whale from head to tail. The flight also showcases the breathtaking scenery of the Kaikoura coastline and mountains, and the pilot will orbit the whales for the best possible viewing and photo opportunities.

KAIKOURA/TE TAUMANU O TE WAKA A MAUI – means “to eat crayfish”, from the Māori words “Kai” meaning food, and Koura meaning crayfish. You can savour crayfish here in Kaikoura, view whales and dolphins at play, or visit local galleries and craft shops, or take a walk along the Peninsula Walkway. If you travel out onto the Kaikoura Peninsula and look back towards the mountains, an amazing tableau will appear before you. The seaward Kaikoura Range appears to rise from the sea, with the snow-capped Southern Alps as a backdrop.

Your accommodation for the night Sudima Kaikoura (Includes breakfast)

Day 03

Drive from Kaikoura to Picton and ferry to Wellington (approx. 255kms)

Today, you will journey between the North Island and the South Island. You’ll first travel from Kaikōura to the port town of Picton. The journey is famous for its views of the Marlborough Sounds before you arrive in Wellington Harbour.

Board the Interislander Ferry at Picton and cruise cross the Cook Strait, with spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds and open sea. Onboard, you can relax in comfort, enjoy locally sourced cuisine and drinks, or simply take in the incredible views from the observation decks. Your trip ends as you arrive in Wellington, a city nestled around a deep, natural harbour. The “Plus” experience elevates your trip with access to the exclusive, child-free Premium Lounge. Here, you’ll find comfortable seating, complimentary food and a selection of premium New Zealand wines and craft beers, ensuring a peaceful and luxurious passage with some of the best views on the ship.

Once settled, set off to the Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, for the Introducing Te Papa tour. Explore the museum’s highlights and gain insight into the stories, culture, and heritage that shape Aotearoa.

Tonight, you may wish to join an optional Zealandia By Night tour, exploring the Karori Sanctuary after dark. Discover New Zealand’s nocturnal wildlife and perhaps spot the elusive little spotted kiwi in its natural habitat.

WELLINGTON/TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA – the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new, beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

Your accommodation for the night InterContinental Wellington (Includes breakfast)

Suggested activities

Day 04

Drive from Wellington to Taupo (approx. 373kms)

Leave Wellington and follow the Kāpiti Coast north. Continue through the Manawatū and the volcanic plateau, passing Mount Ruapehu. Your journey continues into the central plateau and concludes as you arrive in Taupō, on the shore of New Zealand’s largest lake.

TAUPO – located on the edge of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake Taupo is a pretty town renowned for its trout fishing, the Huka Falls, and the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. On a clear day, stunning views across the lake of snow capped Mounts Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe can be enjoyed and its close proximity to these Mountains in winter, makes it a great place to base yourself if skiing.

Your accommodation for the night Hilton Lake Taupo

Suggested activities

Mount Ruapehu Vista (RED) – Taupos Floatplane

Day 05

Drive from Taupo to Rotorua (approx. 80kms)

Before leaving Taupō, jump aboard the Huka Falls Jet Boat for a thrilling 30-minute adventure. Speed along the Waikato River, feel the power of the water, and enjoy spins and maneuvers from your expert driver. Get up close to the thundering Huka Falls while taking in the stunning river and surrounding scenery.

Departing from Taupō, you will travel north through rolling farmland and forest. The route follows geothermal valleys and river plains. Your trip ends as you arrive in Rotorua, a city famous for its geysers and hot springs.

Tonight, enjoy the Te Pa Tu – Evening Experience. This is an unforgettable evening that celebrates Māori culture and tradition. You’ll be welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri (welcome), and your guide will lead you on a journey through a reconstructed village. The experience includes stories, songs, and demonstrations of Māori life, followed by a powerful cultural performance and a delicious five-course feast. It is an intimate and engaging way to learn about the Māori world.

ROTORUA – located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Māori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Māori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

Your accommodation for the night On the Point Rotorua (Includes breakfast)

Suggested activities

Day 06

Rotorua

Today, is a free morning in Rotorua to relax and soak up the geothermal wonders, or choose an optional tour – whether it’s bubbling mud pools, cultural experiences, or thrilling activities, the choice is yours.

An afternoon at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa offers a restorative journey for mind, body, and soul. You’ll move through a series of relaxing pools, including a hot mineral spring bath, a cold plunge, and a geothermally heated mud bath. You’ll also experience Māori healing rituals, connecting with the therapeutic properties of the water and the surrounding land for a truly rejuvenating escape.

Your accommodation for the night On the Point Rotorua (Includes breakfast)

Suggested activities

Day 07

Drive from Rotorua to Auckland (approx. 228kms)

Today, you’ll leave Rotorua and journey north through geothermal valleys and thick forest. You’ll travel through the Waikato region, passing by towns like Tirau and Matamata. From Matamata to Auckland, passing through the lush farmlands and rolling hills of the Waikato region before arriving in New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city.

As an optional experience, you may wish to visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set or explore the Waitomo Caves on a private Footwhistle Glowworm tour, enjoying a magical glimpse into New Zealand’s cinematic and natural wonders.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU – an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city’s many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand’s biggest city, and the population mix of European, Māori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Your accommodation for the night Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Suggested activities

Day 08

Depart Auckland

Today you’ll return your rental car today and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.

Why we think you’ll love this tour:

You’ll discover New Zealand from Christchurch to Auckland on an unforgettable self-drive adventure filled with scenic ferry rides, Māori culture, iconic landmarks, and 5-star comfort. It is the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and discovery all in one premium itinerary.