8 Day Taste of New Zealand Self Drive Tour 

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

Tonight, discover Christchurch on a Amiki Cultural Tours – Kai Safari 3 Hour progressive dinner tour blending Māori storytelling, local flavours, and vibrant city culture. Guided by passionate Māori hosts, explore hidden laneways, riverside paths, and historic precincts while enjoying premium small plates and pairings at handpicked venues. Along the way, hear stories of ancestors, manaakitanga (hospitality), and Christchurch’s transformation after the earthquakes. This immersive experience offers a unique insight into both Māori and settler heritage, connecting you with the people and spirit of the city.

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.

Today you will pick up your Compact 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 city of Kaikōura, a perfect way to end a coastal adventure.

This afternoon, you’ll join a Dolphin Encounter in Kaikōura to experience these incredible marine mammals in their natural environment. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the dolphins without getting in the water. You will travel on a purpose-built vessel with spacious viewing decks and a knowledgeable guide who provides insightful commentary. The dusky dolphins are known for their spectacular acrobatics and curiosity, offering a fantastic and unforgettable show from the comfort of the boat.

KAIKOURA/TE TAUMANU O TE WAKA A MAUI – means “to eat crayfish”, from the Maori 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.

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.

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. Alternatively, you may wish to visit 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.

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.

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.

On arrival, you may wish to take an optional Huka Jet boat tour, an exhilarating experience that races along the Waikato River to the base of the spectacular Huka Falls.

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.

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.

Enroute, make a stop at Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. This is a must-do attraction in Rotorua. You’ll explore the park on a self-guided walk, with well-maintained paths that take you to see the vibrant Champagne Pool, the bubbling mud pools, and the multi-colored hot springs. The admission also includes the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, an impressive spectacle that showcases the power of the earth.

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.

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.

Today is a free day 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.

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.

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.

Enroute, you’ll explore Hobbiton Movie Set Tours with a Tour and Lunch Combo. This experience combines the magic of the Hobbiton Movie Set tour with a hobbit-worthy feast. After your guided walk around the set, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch inside the festive Party Marquee next to the Green Dragon Inn. It’s a perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the world of the Hobbits, satisfying both your sense of wonder and your appetite.

Travel 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.

In Auckland you have time to visit the Sky Tower – Total Tower Experience at your own pace. The Total Tower Experience allows you to explore every publicly accessible level of the Sky Tower. You’ll take a glass-fronted elevator to the main observation deck at 186 meters and continue up to the Sky Deck at 220 meters for even more spectacular panoramic views. The experience offers a chance to see Auckland’s volcanoes, harbors, and islands, and provides an impressive perspective on the city’s geography.

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.

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.