New Zealand Road Trip Ideas - 2 to 4 day tours

This Road Trip is an 8 Day Scenic exploration of the South Island's iconic locations. Visit Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park, in the adventure-packed town of Queenstown, take a ride on the famous Shotover Jet Boat. Carry on to Te Anau & Fiordland National Park for a cruise on Milford Sound. Head through Wanaka to the West Coast Glaciers and then board the TranzAlpine scenic train to cross the incredible Southern Alps making your way back to Christchurch.

Travel south from the vibrant city of Auckland to the spectacular mountains and thrilling adventures of Queenstown.  Along the way you’ll experience heartland New Zealand, including Hobbiton Movie Set & the cultural mecca of Rotorua plus the capital city Wellington. Then it's across to the South Island where you will enjoy opportunities for wildlife encounters in Kaikoura with a whale watch. Time to explore the inspiring city of Christchurch, then onto Mt Cook National Park before adventure in Queenstown and a trip to Milford Sound.

A 13-day loop of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch this tour takes you to Mt Cook, the Southern Lakes and along the rugged West Coast. Experience Milford Sound, Queenstown and explore the wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. With plenty of two night stays you won't feel rushed and have plenty of time to soak up the true "kiwi culture" and hospitality of boutiue lodges and bed and breakfast's before ending your journey on the TranzAlpine Scenic Railway.

This South Island loop takes you along the coast between the South’s two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin. In Dunedin you have time to explore the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, before continuing south to Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound where you’ll cruise the length of the fiord.  This 11 day tour wouldn’t be complete without 2 nights in the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown before you follow the Southern Alps north to Mt Cook National Park and back to Christchurch.

Explore the cities and scenery of both the North and South Islands on this 21 day extensive tour.  In the North Island you’ll travel to the Maori cultural centre of Rotorua, pass the volcanic World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park and visit our two largest cities.  After crossing to the South Island on the scenic Interisland Ferry, your itinerary takes you on a circuit of spectacular scenery.  Highlights include the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura, Mt Cook National Park, the West Coast glaciers and a cruise on the pristine Milford Sound, just to name a few of the destinations you have to look forward to.

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county and onto Mt Cook National Park. Then journey south via Queenstown to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, another World Heritage site. From Te Anau you can take the day to drive the return trip along the stunning Milford Road to reach Milford Sound where you will take a scenic nature cruise. Then drive through Southland to Otago, stopping in Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South' before heading back to Christchurch.

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Lake Tekapo. You will pass Lake Pukaki with views of Mt Cook on route to Queenstown.  Your first night in Queenstown you'll cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Station for a farm show and gourmet BBQ.  From Queenstown you will enjoy a spectacular flight to Milford Sound.  Once in Milford sound you will take a scenic nature cruise, before flying off to Mt Aspiring National Park for the amazing Dart River Safari. Next day you will be travelling north stopping at Franz Josef before heading back to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train.

Starting with a relaxing break on Waiheke Island, you'll explore the boutique wineries on this balmy haven. You then journey south for a Coromandel Wilderness Adventure, Maori culture in Rotorua and the majestic mountains of Tongariro National Park as you hike the renowned Tongariro Crossing.

Explore the best of the North Island at a relaxing pace, allowing you time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the diverse scenery.  From the ‘City of Sails’ you’ll journey north to the tropical Bay of Islands for 3 nights.  Then meander back down the island via the Kauri Coast, Snells Beach and the Coromandel Peninsula before hitting the cultural centre of Rotorua.  Continue on to the vibrant city of Wellington via the wine regions of the Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa.

One of our most popular tours this 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return to Christchurch.