21 Day New Zealand Explorer Holiday Package

Experience the best of both islands with the 21 Day New Zealand Explorer Holiday Package. Our New Zealand driving holidays are carefully designed to travel at a comfortable pace, maximising sightseeing and minimising hassle.

From Queenstown to Auckland, explore unforgettable destinations ranging from fiords and glaciers to beaches and bays. Each of our New Zealand driving holidays are fully customisable, so we recommend using this itinerary as a starting point as you begin planning.

Read on for the full details of the 21 Day New Zealand Explorer Holiday Package.

21 Day New Zealand Explorer Holiday Package | New Zealand Driving Holidays

Day 1 Arrive Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Collect your rental car from the airport and make your way to your Queenstown accommodation.

Relax and explore Queenstown this afternoon. You have the option to visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, the Underwater Observatory, or the Ivan Clarke Gallery; ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin; or simply enjoy a lakefront stroll or a bit of boutique shopping.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 2 Queenstown

Today, enjoy the TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Gourmet Lunch. Your experience starts with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu in the 100 year old steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm to enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch. An entertaining after-lunch farm show provides a glimpse into high country farming life. On your return cruise to Queenstown, relax with a drink from the bar or join a fun sing-along with the ship’s pianist.

This afternoon, you have the option to make a trip to Arrowtown. You’ll be enchanted by historic Arrowtown, a New Zealand treasure located 20 minutes from Queenstown. Arrowtown is charming and quirky. This delightful gold rush village is nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of heritage buildings that stretches into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miner’s cottages. The buildings in this lovely precinct house shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants – many classy, most individual, and not one from an international chain.

Day 3 Queenstown

Relax and explore Queenstown today or choose from an exciting range of optional activities including rafting, scenic flights, 4WD safaris, winery tours, lake cruises and many more.

You also have the option to take a day trip to Glenorchy. At the Head of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is nestled between the Richardson (east) and Humboldt (west) Mountain Ranges and overlooked by the mighty snow-capped Mount Earnslaw in the north. From Glenorchy, you can travel on to a number of fantastic valleys, including Rees Valley, Paradise Valley, Dart Valley, and Routeburn Valley. These valleys border both Mt Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, and they are ringed by some of the most dramatic mountains in New Zealand.

Day 4 Te Anau

Driving time Queenstown to Te Anau 171 km / 106  miles, 2.5 hours

Journey alongside Queenstown’s stunning Lake Wakatipu and then through lush green farmland to reach Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

While you relax in Te Anau, you may wish to visit Fiordland Cinema and watch Ata Whenua – Shadowland, which was filmed by helicopters flying over the remote reaches of Fiordland National Park. You could also visit the Department of Conservation visitor centre for displays on the natural wonders of the region. Take a stroll along the lakefront to the Wildlife Park, where you can view endangered native birds, or visit the nearby Lake Manapouri for even more impressive views.

Stay 2 nights in Te Anau.

Day 5 Te Anau > Milford Sound

Driving time Te Anau to Milford Sound 116 km / 72 miles, 1.5 hours

Today, enjoy the stunning Milford Sound Nature Cruise! The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from broad grassy flats, dense rainforest, and towering mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. No other road in Fiordland offers such a diverse glimpse into New Zealand’s alpine zone.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. With specialist nature guides on board, Real Journeys Nature Cruises offer a close-up experience of Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, and wildlife. Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions.

Relax and explore Te Anau for the afternoon.

Day 6 Wanaka

Driving time Te Anau to Wanaka 230 km / 143 miles, 3 hours

Drive over the beautiful Crown Range, one of New Zealand’s highest alpine roads, and admire the vistas from fantastic viewing points. Be sure to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a refreshment before your arrival into Wanaka, an alpine town boasting panoramic views, a relaxing atmosphere and myriad walking tracks.

Wanaka has the buzz of a genuine alpine town and is the ultimate hub for outdoor adventures, and with Mount Aspiring National Park located close by it’s the perfect destination for exploring the Southern Alps.

Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Day 7 Wanaka

Relax and explore Wanaka – you may want to visit Puzzling World, Wanaka’s illusional attraction, or the National Toy and Transport Museum. Other options include strolling along one of Wanaka’s stunning walking tracks, relaxing on the lake’s edge or browsing through Wanaka’s boutique shops.

You could also visit Rippon Vineyard and Tasting Room to sample local wines, or catch a film at Cinema Paradiso, Wanaka’s quirky local theatre.

Day 8 Franz Josef

Driving time Wanaka to Franz Josef 285 km / 177 miles, 4 hours

Discover the Haast Pass Highway, where there are many short walks and natural attractions to view along the way. Continue north, through dense rainforest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards New Zealand’s most famous glaciers.

In the afternoon, you have the option to add on a scenic helicopter flight sweeping above Westland National Park as you explore Franz Josef Glacier before landing in the snow.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 9 Hokitika

Driving time Franz Josef to Hokitika 136 km / 85 miles, 1.5 hours

Enjoy your journey north along the West Coast to Hokitika, famous for its arts and crafts. Watch a masterpiece being crafted from gold, silver, molten glass, bone, silk or greywacke or carve your own creation from wood or jade (pounamu). Take in Hokitika’s natural beauty, enjoy its expansive beach, or venture down one of the many walking and mountain biking tracks.

While in Hokitika, you may wish to make the scenic drive to Hokitika Gorge, where an impressive turquoise river flows through a narrow canyon, or Lake Kaniere, a beautiful lake nestled beneath the mountains.

You could also visit the National Kiwi Centre, where you will be able to see a rare kiwi; view New Zealand’s living dinosaur, the Tuatara; and participate in feeding the giant eels. Or make a drive north to Shantytown, where you can explore the heritage village, ride the steam train, try your hand at panning for gold, and take old-time styled photos.

Stay 1 night in Hokitika.

Day 10 Abel Tasman

Driving time Hokitika to Abel Tasman 377 km / 243 miles, 5 hours

Continue north to the Abel Tasman, renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, rich unmodified estuaries, long sunshine hours and the world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Today make the most of Golden Bay, boasting golden beaches, alpine valleys and tranquil fishing rivers that share a close proximity with the sea. Soak up the breathtaking scenery, arts and crafts, and walking tracks.

You might like to add a must-do kayaking adventure to your package or experiencing the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. This track is the perfect way to explore the beauty of Nelson’s Abel Tasman National Park.

Stay 2 nights in Abel Tasman.

Day 11 Abel Tasman

Take a boat cruise into Abel Tasman National Park today, where you can relax on the hot golden sand, enjoy a day walk, or simply remain aboard for the return cruise. Soak in the natural beauty and enjoy!

This trip allows you to explore sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track; the boat will stop at scenic points along the way where you can get off and walk a section of the track. The boat will then collect you later in the day. You could also just pack a picnic lunch and beach towels and laze on the beach for the day.

Day 12 Wellington

Driving time Abel Tasman to Picton 181 km / 112 miles, 2.5 hours
Sailing time Picton to Wellington 70 km / 43 miles, 3 hours

Make your way to Picton to board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Set on the edge of a stunning harbour, surrounded by rolling hills, it’s a city rich in culture waiting to be explored. From shopping and picturesque walks to exhibitions, festivals, Te Papa Tongarewa: the Museum of New Zealand, and more – Wellington has something for everyone.

Wellington’s top attractions include Te Papa, Weta Workshop, Wellington Cable Car, Mt Victoria Lookout and Wellington Zoo.

Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 13 Wellington

Relax and enjoy Wellington City for the day. You may like to visit Zealandia, located a 10- minute drive from downtown Wellington. Hidden in a suburban valley, this project aims to return a 225-hectare section of bush to its pre-human state. Take a walk and hear the songs of the flourishing native bird population.

This afternoon you may like to try the visually stunning Makara Peak track, as well as the City to Sea walk where you can experience the best of Wellington’s waterfront. Ride the cable car up the hill to Kelburn for amazing views over the city and enjoy an ice cream at the top.

You also have the option to add on a Lord of the Rings Tour.

Day 14 Taupo

Driving time Wellington to Taupo 375 km / 233 miles, 4.5 hours

Travel north to Taupo today. Lake Taupo is a great lake for water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience. Just north of Lake Taupo you’ll find New Zealand’s most visited attraction, the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.

This afternoon you have the option to add on a Scenic Floatplane Flight over Lake Taupo with highlights that include flying over the Craters of the Moon.

Stay 2 nights in Taupo.

Day 15 Taupo

Today, explore attractions such as the Huka Falls, incredible bush walks, relaxing boat cruises, Taupo Bungy, and the famous Great Lake Hole-in-One Golf Challenge.

The lakeside town of Taupo provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout, ski Mount Ruapehu and explore the local geothermal phenomena. Popular Taupo experiences include geothermal walks, lake cruises, New Zealand’s first public cable wakeboarding park, and guided kayak expeditions to see the rock carvings at Mine Bay.

Day 16 Rotorua

Driving time Taupo to Rotorua 81 km / 50 miles, 1 hours

Enjoy the short drive north to Rotorua, distinguished by Maori culture and geothermal activity. This diverse city will put on a display as you encounter geysers, mud pools, steaming craters and 16 beautiful lakes.

In the evening, enjoy a Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Maori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Maori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Maori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Maori women welcoming you onto the marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech). Relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. Learn Maori customs including Maori musical instruments, haka and poi. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. Following dessert, you will be transported down into the valley to conclude your evening beside the awe-inspiring Pohutu geyser.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 17 Rotorua

Relax and explore Rotorua today.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Rotorua’s most spectacular location – Skyline Restaurant. Sit back and relax as the views from the gondola unfold on your journey to the Skyline complex. The Skyline Restaurant will then serve you a mouthwatering taste of New Zealand, a buffet of legendary proportions. Feast on mouth-watering fresh soups, salads and seafood specialties such as mussels, queen scallops, sushi and sashimi. Enjoy carvery roasts of beef, lamb or pork with specialty sauces to match, with live cooking from your friendly chefs. Add to that a range of sumptuous desserts, and you’ve got yourself a unique dining experience not to be missed. Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every table! After dinner, enjoy the scenic ride back down on the gondola.

At the top of the gondola you also have the option to add on a thrilling Luge Ride, enjoy nature walks, and visit the Jelly Belly Shop and Volcanic Hills winery and tasting room.

Day 18 Hobbiton > Auckland

Driving time Rotorua to Matamata 68 km / 42 miles, 1 hour

Make your way to Matamata to discover the real Middle-Earth on the most picturesque private farmland. Near Matamata, visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings films in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in the films. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. You can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in the Shire’s Rest Café.

Driving time Matamata to Auckland 161 km / 100 miles, 2.5 hours

Travel to Auckland at your leisure in the afternoon.

This evening, if you would like to dine with a spectacular view, you might like to visit the Sky Tower. You are spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafés up the Sky Tower. These include the Orbit 360 degree dining revolving restaurant; The Sugar Club, which is superbly chic and elegant; or the Sky Café, where you can relax with a coffee, cheese board or ice cream. You will have the opportunity to view the city from 328 metres high above street level and take in the beautiful views, up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Spot the key landmarks, including a number of volcanoes and historical locations within the greater Auckland area.

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 19 Bay of Islands

Driving time Auckland to Bay of Islands 226 km / 136 miles, 3.5 hours

Drive to the Bay of Islands, renowned for its 144 islands and surreal maritime park where you can see an abundance of marine life including whales, penguins and dolphins.

Paihia is the perfect base if you would like to discover the coves and beaches of the Bay of Islands! Paihia is also of historic importance to New Zealand, as this is where the historic Treaty House on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is located, which marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation. Just west of Paihia is Haruru, where you’ll find an impressive waterfall and a boardwalk.

Stay 2 nights in Paihia, Bay of Islands.

Day 20 Bay of Islands

Today, board the premium Discover the Bay Cruise and see for yourself the best of what the Bay of Islands has to offer. Journey to the Hole in the Rock and if weather permits, sail through it. See marine wildlife including Dolphins and stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to have a swim, go for a walk and relax.

In the afternoon, you have the option to experience Maori culture by visiting Waitangi’s treaty house, gardens and national marae (meeting house).

Day 21 Auckland

Driving time Bay of Islands to Auckland 226 km / 136 miles, 3.5 hours

At your leisure, make your way to Auckland as your New Zealand driving holidays come to an end. Relax in Auckland for the afternoon or join the crew and enjoy an America’s Cup Sailing experience, a must-do experience where you get a chance to spend 2 hours out on the harbour on an actual America’s Cup yacht!

Enjoy your last evening in Auckland and raise a glass to a fantastic New Zealand holiday!

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 22 Depart Auckland

Drop your rental car off at Auckland Airport and depart Auckland.

Planning New Zealand Driving Holidays

As you begin planning your New Zealand driving holidays, your personal travel consultant will work with you to customise your itinerary. Every traveller is different, and we want to ensure you have the best possible experience.

With 3-week New Zealand driving holidays, we find timing is very important. Because of this, we have designed our itineraries to travel at a comfortable, enjoyable pace while hitting as many highlights as possible.

The 21 Day New Zealand Explorer Holiday Package includes plenty of 2-night stays to break up the longer drives. Meanwhile, this also allows plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxing.

As you begin planning, you may wish to explore our other New Zealand holiday packages. We offer a range of 21-day New Zealand driving holidays for inspiration.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your New Zealand driving holidays.