New Zealand on Your Own – The Essential of Both Islands in 18 Days

You pick up your rental car in downtown Auckland (transfer not included), then head towards the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its lush forests, white sandy beaches and rugged coastlines.

After a stop in the charming village of Thames, you head up the coast along a spectacular road lined with pohutukawa, these iconic trees with red flowers that bloom in summer.

A possible stop in the village of Coromandel, a former gold rush hotspot, before crossing the peninsula to reach Whitianga. This peaceful seaside town, located in Mercury Bay, offers a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful waterfront promenade.

Expert tip Take your time, the roads are winding but the scenery is worth it!

Continue exploring the Coromandel Peninsula towards Hahei and the famous Hot Water Beach, a unique beach where natural hot water springs allow you to dig your own bathtub in the sand at low tide!

Continue to Cathedral Cove, a magnificent natural arch nestled between cliffs and beach. An iconic location, perfect for a swim and photo break.

Expert tip The access trail to Cathedral Cove is currently closed. However, it is possible to access it by sea, by kayak or boat – feel free to contact us.

Continue on the road towards Waihi to discover the impressive open-pit gold mine visible from a viewpoint.

Cinema fans will be delighted by the next stop: Matamata, famous for being home to Hobbiton, the Hobbits' village! Visiting the Lord of the Rings sets is a magical experience (optional).

At the end of the day, head to Rotorua, and finish your day in style with an evening walk through the majestic Redwood forest, illuminated by David Trubridge's suspended artworks (included).

Leave Rotorua to reach Taupo, just one hour's drive away. Along the way, you travel through a spectacular region marked by geothermal activity.

Included Visit to Wai o Tapu, famous for its boiling pools, impressive geyser and amazing natural colours. You can also make a detour to Waimangu or Orakei Korako, two other remarkable sites (optional).

Stop at the Huka Falls, where tonnes of turquoise water plunge every second into a narrow canyon with striking force. You then reach Lake Taupo, the country's largest lake, formed by a massive volcanic eruption.

Continue along the lake to Turangi, then enter the legendary Tongariro National Park, listed as a World Heritage site. This volcanic park offers you a wide choice of walks:

• Easy hikes for all levels

• Or the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of the finest day walks in Nouvelle-Zélande.
  

Whichever route you choose, you will be captivated by the majesty of these unique volcanic landscapes.

After the arid landscapes of Tongariro, the road gradually takes you towards greener lands, skirting the Kapiti Coast, until the far south of the North Island.

You arrive at Wellington, the cultural and political capital of Nouvelle-Zélande, and also the southernmost capital in the world. Nestled between hills and ocean, the city marks a beautiful transition between volcanoes, plains and coastline.

Climb Mount Victoria to admire a panoramic view over the bay, then leave your car to explore the city centre on foot: museums, cafés, galleries and a lively waterfront await you.

Report to Wellington ferry terminal at least one hour before departure. You are boarding for a 3 hour 15 minute crossing to the South Island, aboard a comfortable ferry.

The journey begins with a magnificent journey around Wellington Bay, offering superb panoramic views of the capital. The boat then crosses the Cook Strait, before entering the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, a series of peaceful fjords bordered by verdant hills.

Arrival at the charming town of Picton, where you collect your vehicle. You then follow a scenic route in the direction of Havelock, the capital of the green mussel, dotted with numerous viewpoints and photo stops.

You then cross one of the country's main forest areas before reaching Nelson, renowned for its sunny climate, beaches, crafts, vineyards and fishing port.

Finally, heading to Motueka, nestled between orchards and hills, just minutes from the Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its golden beaches and coastal trail. Stay for two nights.

Expert's tip We recommend staying in Motueka, just 20 minutes drive from the Abel Tasman park entrance. Accommodation within the park itself (Kaiteriteri, Marahau) is scarce and often fully booked during peak season.

You leave the Abel Tasman coastal region to reach the Wild West Coast, nestled between high mountains and the often tumultuous Tasman Sea.

The road follows the Buller River and its spectacular gorges to Westport.

In the afternoon, you observe a colony of seals at Cape Foulwind, before continuing to Punakaiki, famous for its Pancake Rocks: astonishing rock formations sculpted by erosion, resembling stacks of pancakes.

You end the stage in Greymouth, the largest city on the west coast… with only 10,000 inhabitants.

Continue south for 40 km to reach Hokitika, nicknamed the jade city. You will discover several green stone sculpture workshops, a precious material in Maori culture. Take the opportunity to stroll along the large beach and try to find some semi-precious stones.

Take a break in the village of Ross, where gold is still being searched for, before continuing along a route alternating between dense forests and green pastures, typical of the region's dairy farms.

You reach Franz Josef, famous for its accessible glacier, just like the Fox Glacier, located 30 km further south. These two glaciers are unique: they are the closest to the sea at this latitude. While access on foot to Fox Glacier is now restricted following the 2018 storms, several viewpoints remain accessible.

Don't miss the walk around Lake Matheson, which offers a striking reflection of the country's highest peaks (easy loop of around 1h30 on foot). If time permits, take a detour to the wild Gillespie Beach.

Included A pass for Waiho Hot Tub, for one hour of relaxation in a privatized hot tub, in the heart of the rainforest.

Today you take one of the most beautiful roads in Nouvelle-Zélande, heading towards the Haast Pass, which marks the transition between the west coast and the glacial lake landscapes of central Otago.

The scenic route offers many viewpoints and walking opportunities, notably at the Blue Pools.

You arrive at Wanaka, a charming town nestled on the shores of the lake of the same name. After a break in this peaceful setting, continue on the road by crossing the Cardrona Valley, one of the highest in the country with a pass at 1,040 meters altitude. The road then descends to Queenstown, on the shores of the majestic Lake Wakatipu.

Expert tip The bridges providing access to the Blue Pools are currently closed.

You leave Queenstown along the Lake Wakatipu, then cross the lush plains of Southland, dotted with thousands of sheep.

You arrive at Te Anau, a peaceful town located on the shores of the largest lake on the South Island, at the entrance to the Fiordland National Park.

Te Anau is known for its glowworm caves, accessible by boat, but also for fishing, water sports, and its great hiking trails such as the Kepler Track, the Routeburn Track and the Milford Track.

Expert tip If you love birds, stop at the entrance to the town to discover some local species.

Set out early for an unforgettable day heading to Milford Sound, taking the famous Milford Road, one of the country's most spectacular scenic routes. Along the way, don't miss the numerous points of interest: Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Monkey Creek, Cleddau Valley, Homer Tunnel, The Chasm...

Ranked among the most iconic landscapes in Nouvelle-Zélande, Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Whether you're driving there or back, take the time to stop and savour each panorama.

From Te Anau, allow a minimum of 2 hours 15 minutes of driving (excluding stops). It's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful stages of your trip.

Upon arrival, board a 2-hour cruise through the fjord: whether the weather is clear or rainy, the spectacle is always magical.

Before you leave, remember to download the service provider's app to enjoy the commentary in your language (don't forget your headphones).

Expert's advice What if you spent the night in the fjord? In my opinion, it's the best way to experience the beauty and serenity of the place. Possible at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound.

Today, you're crossing the rural landscapes of Southland heading towards the east coast and the Dunedin region, an important university hub and nicknamed the Nature capital of the country.

How many sheep will you cross on the road? 😉

Before arriving in Dunedin, leave the motorway to take the Tunnel Beach scenic route. A short walk, although steep, will take you to a spectacular beach, accessible via a tunnel carved into the rock. The panorama of limestone cliffs and natural arch is simply breathtaking.

Continue to Dunedin, called Ōtepoti in Māori. The second largest city on the South Island, it proudly displays its Scottish roots – its name actually means Edinburgh in Gaelic. Built on the coast on the hills of an ancient volcano, the city charms with its historical architecture, student vibrancy and cultural life.

On the nature side, the Dunedin peninsula is home to exceptional wildlife: albatrosses, sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins and little penguins. Don't miss Dunedin railway station, the Otago Museum, the famous Baldwin Street (the steepest street in the world), or the street art murals scattered throughout the city.

At the end of the day, head to the peninsula (about 40 minutes drive from the city centre) to take part in an included guided outing to meet the world's smallest penguins.

Expert tip Tunnel Beach Short walk (2 km return, 1h, elevation +150 m) but spectacular. The tunnel leads to a low tide beach bordered by limestone cliffs. Be careful: steep path, slippery stairs, powerful waves and possible presence of sea lions. Swimming not recommended. Access via Blackhead Road, 10 km south of the city centre.

A superb day awaits you, between sea, mountains, rivers and Victorian architecture. Leave Dunedin heading north and make a first stop at Moeraki, famous for its curious smooth spherical rocks that rest on the beach, as if placed there by magic.

Continue to Oamaru, a charming Victorian-style town, where you can stroll through the old quarter and enjoy its period atmosphere.

The road then leaves the coast to venture into the heart of the South Island, following the Waitaki River, lined with hydroelectric dams. You enter the Canterbury province, on the arid lands of the Mackenzie Country, named in reference to a famous sheep thief from the 19th century

Take a break at Omarama, popular with gliding enthusiasts, before continuing to Twizel, a small town built in 1968 to house dam workers. It is also a region known for having served as the setting for several scenes from The Lord of the Rings.

The road then takes you to Lake Pukaki, then to Lake Tekapo, famous for its unique turquoise color and its small stone chapel, with the Southern Alps mountain range as a backdrop. This bluish hue is due to rock flour, fine mineral particles suspended in the water.

Expert tip At Lake Tekapo, don't miss the ascent (on foot or by car) of Mount John, to enjoy a 360° view over Lake Tekapo and Lake Alexandrina. It's also a site renowned for stargazing.

The final stage of your Nouvelle-Zélande adventure! Leave the arid landscapes of Mackenzie Country to return to the lush plains of Canterbury.

On the way, take a break in Geraldine, a charming town renowned for its local crafts: cheeses, chocolates and glass blowing.

Two itineraries are then available to you: – State Highway 1, direct and fast to Christchurch – or the more picturesque Inland Scenic Route, which hugs the alpine foothills and crosses the Rakaia River gorges. A slightly longer itinerary, but much more spectacular.

You arrive at Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island (380,000 inhabitants) and the most British in the country. Nicknamed the Garden City, it charms with its lush green spaces, multiculturalism and Victorian heritage.

Among its must-sees: the botanical garden, museums and galleries, the Avon River, the Riverside Market and its lively restaurants… The tram allows you to discover the main sites without effort.

The city centre, rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake, blends modern architecture and pleasant living environment, offering a beautiful conclusion to your journey.