NEW ZEALAND SELF DRIVE HOLIDAYS
The ultimate destination for freewheeling along the most scenic scenery in the world.
With such vast open spaces and endless National parks, give yourself the freedom to explore the country at your own speed, driving through shifting landscapes changing around each corner, this is the flexible way to travel.
Aided by our expert planning service to work around your personal interests and budget, we will produce your unique itinerary passing a beautiful land of mountains, thermal springs, pretty lakes, valleys, strange flightless birds, vineyards plus and world-class cuisine and the opportunity to meet wonderful people to host you in our specially selected accommodation.
Drive at your own pace, with a multitude of your selected stopping points, enjoy exciting local café stops for refreshment on our well planned route.
Your dedicated travel specialist, with local knowledge, will work with you to find special experiences that you may not find yourselves, based on your specific interests – making it a trip of a lifetime. We can customise an exact option to suit you.
We are available throughout your New Zealand Self Drive Tour.
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North Island New Zealand Road Trip Highlights
- The metropolitan city of Auckland is the gateway to the North with its iconic Sky tower giving views over the Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes.
- The sub-tropical climate and relaxed way of life will get you straight into a holiday-mode feeling. The Bay of islands is a must with a subtropical micro-region known for its stunning beauty & history. A paradise for those that love beaches and water activities.
- Rotorua – the centre for Maori culture offers geysers, thermal mud pools, and lakes aplenty.
- National Park – famous for the Tongariro Alpine crossing, trekking in summer, skiing in winter.
- Wellington, at the bottom of the South Island, the capital city, offers cultural attractions, cafes, live music, the perfect place to end your North Island road trip Or…… from Wellington you can take a car ferry across to the South Island ( or fly to Christchurch) and continue your journey.
The Great SIghts of New Zealand Self Drive Tour
The South Island has a bigger landmass than the north and takes a bit more time to experience. The road network is modern but not quite as extensive as up north, however, getting around is easy with our well planned route.
At many points along the coastal roads you’ll find yourself driving the Southern Ocean or the Tasman Sea to one side and the Southern Alps on your other side. The local authorities have put specially designated rest-stops, picnic areas, and lookout points all along every road.
The Nelson Lakes area, near the top of the South Island, is a favourite for hikers kayakers, and fishermen. There’s also skiing in winter at the Rainbow ski area.
Journeying down the east coast from Nelson, Blenheim, or Picton (the ferry terminal gateway to the North Island). Spend a half-day in Kaikoura to view the famous whales that visit the shores here year round. Sperm whales and other species can be seen at any time of year and if you’re visiting in winter (roughly June-September) you might also see migrating species such as humpback whales.
Christchurch, the South Island’s biggest city with the botanic gardens, the International Antarctic Centre where you can experience arctic conditions in a simulator, and the arts centres galleries.
Queenstown is a buzzing town set in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and should be on every visitor’s checklist plus nearby is the magical gold mining town of Arrowtown , Fiordland, near the bottom west of the country, is a magical place of waterfalls, wildlife, peaks, and spectacular ocean inlets, one of the last great wildernesses of the world. Milford Sound can be accessed by road (subject to weather conditions) but for a truly amazing experience on a clear day take the light aircraft flight over endless magical mountains to drop down to the fjord airstrip and then take a cruise.
Even more remote is Doubtful Sound – equally rewarding: an untouched wilderness of mountain peaks, fiords and rainforests supporting a rich array of bird and marine life, including crested penguins, fur seals and bottle nose dolphins.
Driving in New Zealand:
- In New Zealand drive on the left. That means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. If you’re from the UK you’ll be right at home. But be aware that the windscreen wipers and indicator levers might be on different sides of the steering wheel. Visitors from the US will have to adapt to driving on the other side of the road. But don’t let this dissuade you. It really only takes 30 minutes of careful driving to get accustomed to driving on the left. The key is to take your time and focus. Once you’ve become comfortable with it, you won’t notice the difference.
- In New Zealand, the legal way to park your car at the side of the road is with the car pointing in the direction the flow of traffic. Remember that most people abide by the road signs so just follow the general direction that other cars or campervans have taken. But if you park your vehicle the wrong way around (facing the oncoming traffic) you risk a fine.
- The open roads are very inviting but beware of speeding can. Don’t give into temptation and put your foot down. There are many speed cameras in every part of the country. Speeding in New Zealand is very dangerous. And it’s also costly. In New Zealand, you might experience four seasons in one day. It’s possible to start your day off with blue sky and sunshine but arrive at your destination in rain and hail. Because of this, weather-related hazards on the road can occur at any time. New Zealand’s diverse terrain means roads are often narrow, hilly and windy with plenty of sharp corners.
- Everyone must wear a seatbelt. And that means everyone. Backseat passengers please buckle up!
- Don’t overtake on yellow lines. Not only is it illegal, you’re playing a risky game when drivers on the other side are not expecting overtaking cars to approach them head-on.
- To drive in New Zealand you’ll need a valid driver’s licence from your own country in English. An international driving licence permit is only required if your document is not in English. If you plan on spending longer than a year in NZ you will have to take the local driving licence exam.
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