Best of New Zealand, Multi Centre Holidays

Best of New Zealand

If you want to explore the best that New Zealand has to offer, whilst doing it at your own pace, then this self-drive holiday is for you. You’ll visit all of New Zealand’s popular towns and cities. You’ll spend time in the magical Rotorua, with its hot pools, exploding geysers, thermal lakes and rich Maori heritage. You’ll have the chance to explore some of New Zealand’s most well-known vineyards, glaciers and fiords, as well as getting time to enjoy its stunning beaches and coastline.

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A self-drive adventure through cities, wine regions, coast and mountains, showcasing the country’s most spectacular sights.

2 Nights – Auckland
2 Nights – Rotorua
1 Night – Napier
1 Night – Wellington
2 Nights – Blenheim
2 Nights – Kaikoura
1 Night – Christchurch
2 Nights – Franz Josef
3 Nights – Queenstown

✈️ UK – Auckland (2 nights): First, you’ll fly from your chosen UK airport to Auckland. Base yourself here for two nights to enjoy New Zealand’s largest city with its shops, museums and two harbours. From here, you could head north to the gorgeous Bay of Islands to discover a tropical beach playground, with fantastic sailing and watersports. Alternatively, visit Coromandel with its rainforests and golden beaches.

🚗 Auckland – Rotorua (2 nights): Then make your way to Rotorua to explore this geologically fascinating area. Relax in bubbling hot pools, watch erupting geysers and hike around bright green thermal lakes. This area is also rich in Māori heritage, so take time to meet the local Te Arawa people and tour their village.

🚗 Rotorua – Napier (1 night): Next, head to the beautiful town of Napier at the southern end of Hawke’s Bay. Famed for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, the town enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate. Explore the Deco Trust, learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the region’s many wineries, artisan producers and award-winning restaurants.

🚗 Napier – Wellington (1 night): Drive on to Wellington at the southern tip of the North Island, passing through Martinborough en route. Sample world-class Pinot Noir at the Martinborough Wine Centre, then enjoy Wellington’s thriving arts scene, picturesque harbour and excellent restaurants.

⛴️ Wellington – Blenheim (2 nights): Take the 3-hour Interislander ferry to the South Island and head straight to Blenheim for two nights in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. It’s the ideal base to explore the Marlborough Sounds via the scenic Queen Charlotte Track, whether you choose to walk or cycle part of it.

🚗 Blenheim – Kaikoura (2 nights): Drive south to Kaikoura, New Zealand’s whale-watching capital. Spend a couple of days spotting sperm whales, fur seals, dusky dolphins and little blue penguins. Hike the Peninsula Walkway for spectacular coastal views framed by snow-capped mountains.

🚗 Kaikoura – Christchurch (1 night): Just two hours away lies Christchurch, a charming city known for its parks and gardens. Ride an Edwardian punt along the River Avon, visit the Botanic Gardens, and explore the creative pop-up restaurants and shops that have revitalised this resilient city.

🚗 Christchurch – Franz Josef (2 nights): Cross to the west coast to reach Franz Josef in Westland National Park. Here, you’ll find one of the world’s steepest and most accessible glaciers. Take a guided walk through blue ice caves or opt for a Heli-hike adventure higher up the glacier.

🚗 Franz Josef – Queenstown (3 nights): Finish with three nights in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Whether you’re bungee jumping, jet-boating or simply soaking up the alpine scenery from Lake Wakatipu, this is an unforgettable finale. With dramatic peaks and cinematic landscapes, it’s easy to see why the region doubled as ‘Middle Earth’ in The Lord of the Rings.

✈️ Queenstown – UK: On your final day, make your way to the airport for your flight home to the UK, bringing an end to an unforgettable journey.