Fly Drive Holiday in New Zealand - A 16 Day Itinerary
New Zealand is a fascinating country which is very popular with tourists from around the world. The country is very unique with its abundance of nature and low population density. The people in the country are very warm and hospitable to tourists, which add to the charm of the country as a popular tourist destination.
The diversity of its landscapes, and its natural beauty, make New Zealand a great place for self drive holidays. In fact, many tourists from around the world travel to New Zealand every year to go on self drive holidays in the country.
Here is the itinerary of a self drive holiday in New Zealand
Day 1 - Arrive at Auckland
Arrive at the airport during the day and hire a car. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 2 - Auckland
Explore Auckland, which is known as the "City of Sails" for the number of boats that can be admired in the bay. Do not miss the Sky Tower, the "War Memorial Museum," which offers a section of exhibits Maori and Polynesian populations. From Mt Eden, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Auckland.
Day 3 - Coromandel Peninsula
Get on the driving seat and start driving toward Coromandel Peninsula. A day dedicated to the discovery of the Coromandel Peninsula, characterized by forests rich in endemic vegetation which makes it unique in the region. Beautiful beaches and rugged coastline are some of the things you can enjoy there. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 4 - Coromandel Peninsula & Rotorua
Rotorua is surely the most visited tourist destination of the North Island in New Zealand. It is interesting from geological, morphological and ethnological point of views. It is home to the largest Maori community of modern New Zealand. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Rotorua - Taupo
Continue driving to Lake Taupo, while stopping at the geothermal area of Wakarewarewa.
Day 6 - Lake Taupo - Wellington
Drive toward Wellington through the beautiful area of Tongariro National Park. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - Wellington
You will explore the capital of New Zealand which is located in the extreme south of the North Island. Its small size makes it convenient to visit.
Day 8 - Wellington - Nelson
By ferry you travel across the Cook Strait and reach the South Island. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 - Abel Tasman National Park
On the 9th day, you will drive toward Abel Tasman National park. Located on the coast, it is a paradise for hikers. You go through stretches of pleasant bush overlooking the golden sandy beaches lapped by crystal clear blue water.
Day 10 - Nelson - Punakaiki
Your next stop will be Punakaiki, which is famous for really unusual-looking cliffs and rocks characterized by alternating layers of different materials. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Punakaiki - Franz Josef Glacier
You will explore this glacier in Westland National Park. The view from the top of the glacier is breathtaking, Overnight camping.
Day 12 - Franz joef Glacier - Lake Tekapo
Go past the glaciers to reach Lake Tekapo near Mount Cook. Overnight stay in nature camp.
Day 13 - Lake Tekapo
The water is a deep turquoise color and the sky is a stunning clarity. The village was founded as a place of refreshment for pastors and settlers: The place is famous worldwide for its colors and natural scenery. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 14 - Lake Tekapo - Queenstown
Next, you will drive to Queenstown. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 15 - Queenstown
You will explore the city of Queenstown.
Day 16 - Depart from Queenstown
You will release the car at the airport and then get on a flight to your country of residence.
