Itinerary - New Zealand 360°: From Auckland to Queenstown

Flights to/from the UK are not included, granting you total flexibility. Choose your airport, preferred airline, and departure time.

Welcome to New Zealand! An exciting step onto this far-off land. Our journey commences in Auckland, not the capital, so mind the geography! Let's explore and find the perfect spot for our first evening together. Adventure awaits!

Our New Zealand wilderness journey commences today. We collect our rentals and head south. Recognize the Shire? The same from Lord of the Rings, where Frodo and Bilbo resided. Our day includes a Shire tour before we proceed to Rotorua, our final stop.

Onwards to Rotorua! Our destination, the adventure hub of the North Island. After our journey, we'll check in at the hotel, freshen up, and embark on a night tour to Te Puia Geothermal Park. Ever witnessed a geyser at night? If not, it's time to catch up and check this off our list too!

Rotorua, a mesmerizing city blending nature's charm, geothermal marvels, vibrant Māori heritage, and thrilling escapades. Up for a dash of adrenaline? Begin with morning rafting, then unwind. Afternoon offers spa serenity or exploration of the surroundings. Tonight, let's savor authentic hangi cuisine, a delectable combo of fish, meat, and veggies oven-cooked.

Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake and one of the country's most scenic and significant natural attractions. It is located in the central part of the North Island, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Lake Taupo's crystal-clear waters offer opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing and water sports, while the picturesque shoreline offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. But before we get to Lake Taupo we will make at least a couple of stops: nearby we have wonderful hot pools, geysers, and we can even take a walk in the Rainbow Mountains - no, of course they are not the ones in Peru, but they are just as beautiful!

Greetings, WeRoaders! Rise and shine, our journey continues! Our goal: Tongariro National Park, a natural wonder uniting geology, culture, and adventure. Hike, explore, and immerse in Māori legends amid volcanic marvels, emerald lakes, and rugged peaks. Choose from diverse trails, including the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19.4 km). The day concludes in Wellington, arriving late afternoon/evening. Join us for a day of awe-inspiring experiences!

Welcome to Wellington, the capital at the southern tip of the North Island! A cultural hub with stunning harbor views, artistry, and scenic beauty. Nestled amid hills and glistening Wellington Harbor, the city's Oriental Bay waterfront is a local hotspot, boasting beaches, promenades, and breathtaking vistas. Today, we embrace Wellington's charm, bid farewell to the North Island, and tomorrow, a ferry transports us to the enchanting South Island

Alpine wonders, fjords, idyllic beaches, lively cities, and nature's splendor—the South Island exceeds expectations! Rise and shine, it's ferry time to the South Island. After a three-hour crossing, we arrive in Picton. A delightful lunch awaits before we hit the road toward Kaikoura. Rest up, for tomorrow's sunrise signals a new island adventure!

Good morning, South Island! Our journey lands us in Kaikoura, a coastal gem renowned for its vibrant marine life. Nestled along a deep underwater canyon, wildlife thrives here. Whale watching steals the spotlight, and we're all aboard for a Moby Dick spotting at dawn! After the adventure, we're off to Christchurch. Backpacks stowed, we hit the town to uncover its charm in a few splendid hours!

Buckle up for a scenic ride! Today's journey from Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier is a feast for the eyes. As we clock the kilometers, diverse landscapes and wonders unfold. Highlights en route include Arthur's Pass National Park, a rugged alpine haven, Castle Hill's captivating rock formations, and charming Hokitika, perfect for a seaside lunch or quick snack stop. Let the beauty of the road reward every mile!

Today is all about Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a UNESCO gem housing New Zealand's star glacier, the majestic Franz Josef. We can choose to book an excursion to fly over it in a helicopter combined with a glacier trek, or we can devote ourselves to a beautiful nature walk in the area, venturing through the park's trails-it will be up to us to decide! Words fall short, experience reveals the enchantment. Franz Josef's spellbinding allure awaits!

Back on the road! Our final stop is Queenstown! But before we arrive in town let's enjoy nature again: we will make a rejuvenating stop at Lake Wanaka! Lake Wanaka is indeed renowned for its picturesque beauty and covers an area of 192 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest lake in New Zealand. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a picture-postcard setting-it's the perfect place to enjoy some well-deserved rest before heading to Queenstown!

Today we'll let you choose: it's been a long journey, the miles have been many, and we definitely need a break from driving but ... how can we say no to an excursion to the beautiful Milford Sound fjord? This pristine natural attraction is part of the Fiordland National Park World Heritage Site on the South Island. The best way to visit it is by boat, and the road we will travel to get to this remote place will leave us speechless...but it is long, so the alarm clock will have to be set very early in the morning! Alternatively, there are plenty of options around Queensland, so the choice is ours!

After 12 days of travel, it's time to say goodbye to our rental cars and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation: today is a free day! Whether it's a day of shopping, resting, packing or adventure (bungee jumping was founded here, did you know?) the choice is exclusively ours! We will all meet again around late afternoon for our last beer together before we all go to dinner together: here's to us and to this fantastic adventure!

You are free to leave whenever! We hope to see you on another WeRoad adventure!