New Zealand Scenic Self Drive Holiday Milford Sound, Hobbiton & Queenstown
Tour code AKSR0100. Adventure Tour. 8 days, 8 cities.
Auckland (1 night), Rotorua (2 nights), Queenstown (3 nights), Christchurch (1 night), Christchurch
Starts in Auckland. Ends at Christchurch.
From $2,199 per person, twin sharing. Next departure 23 December 2026.
Highlights
- Self-Drive Adventure across New Zealand's North & South Islands
- Visit the world-famous Hobbiton™ Movie Set
- Experience authentic Māori culture, traditional Haka performance, and geothermal wonders at Te Puia
- Enjoy one of the world's most scenic Milford Sound Cruises with picnic lunch
- Walk among towering Californian Redwoods during the enchanting Redwoods Nightlights
- Explore the fascinating International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch
- Stay in centrally located premium hotels throughout the journey
Day by day
Day 1: Welcome to Auckland – Gateway to New Zealand
Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, collect your self-drive rental vehicle and begin your exciting New Zealand adventure. Spend the rest of the day exploring Auckland at your own pace. Visit the Viaduct Harbour, Sky Tower, Queen Street, or simply relax after your international journey.
Hotel: The Quadrant Hotel & Suites or Similar
Day 2: Waitomo Ruakuri Cave & Hobbiton Movie Set Experience
Auckland, Waitomo, Matamata, Rotorua
After breakfast, drive through New Zealand's beautiful countryside towards Rotorua.
Your first stop is the spectacular Ruakuri Cave in Waitomo. Descend through the impressive spiral entrance and explore magnificent limestone formations, underground waterfalls, and thousands of magical glowworms that illuminate the cave ceiling.
Continue to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where the iconic villages from The Lord of the Rings™ and The Hobbit™ trilogies were filmed. Enjoy a guided tour through Hobbit Holes, lush gardens, and the charming Shire.
After your visit, continue your scenic drive to Rotorua and check into your hotel.
Hotel: Sudima Lake Rotorua or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Rotorua Geothermal Wonders & Māori Cultural Experience
Rotorua
Today, discover Rotorua's fascinating geothermal landscape and rich Māori heritage at Te Puia.
Enjoy the Te Rā Guided Experience, visiting the famous Pōhutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute.
Later, witness an authentic Māori Cultural Performance featuring a traditional welcome ceremony (Pōhiri), Māori songs, traditional chants, Poi dance, and the world-famous Haka.
In the evening, experience the magical Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights, where suspended bridges lead you through towering Californian Redwoods beautifully illuminated after sunset.
Hotel: Sudima Lake Rotorua or Similar
Day 4: Fly to Queenstown – Adventure Capital of New Zealand
Rotorua, Queenstown
After breakfast, return your rental vehicle at Rotorua Airport and board your domestic flight to Queenstown.
Upon arrival, collect your South Island self-drive vehicle and transfer to your hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring the stunning alpine town of Queenstown, known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, vibrant restaurants, shopping, and lakeside atmosphere.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
Queenstown, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Today, enjoy one of New Zealand's most scenic road journeys through the spectacular Fiordland National Park.
Drive past iconic viewpoints including Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, and Homer Tunnel before arriving at the breathtaking Milford Sound.
Board your scenic cruise and sail through towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, and dramatic fjords while keeping an eye out for seals, dolphins, and native birdlife. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch onboard before returning to Queenstown.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG or Similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6: Skyline Gondola & Luge Adventure
Queenstown
Enjoy breakfast before heading to Skyline Queenstown.
Ride the famous Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak and admire panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding Remarkables mountain range.
Experience three exciting Luge Rides, one of Queenstown's most popular attractions, suitable for all ages.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring Queenstown's cafés, wineries, boutiques, or choose from various optional adventure activities.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Scenic Drive via Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive towards Christchurch.
En route, stop at the beautiful Lake Tekapo, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking alpine scenery, and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
Enjoy time to explore the lakeside village before continuing through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Hotel: Christchurch City Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: International Antarctic Centre & Departure
Christchurch
Before your departure, visit the fascinating International Antarctic Center, one of Christchurch's most popular attractions.
Experience interactive exhibits including a real Antarctic storm, snow and ice experience, Little Blue Penguins, Huskies, the thrilling Hägglund ride, and immersive 4D theatre.
Following your visit, return your rental vehicle at Christchurch Airport and board your onward flight with unforgettable memories of New Zealand.
We recommend booking an afternoon or evening departure flight to fully enjoy the attraction.
Meals: Breakfast
What is included
Stay
- 7 Nights accommodation in well-appointed hotels or similar category
- 1 Night Auckland
- 2 Nights Rotorua
- 3 Nights Queenstown
- 1 Night Christchurch
- Redwoods Nightlights Admission
- Hotel Taxes (where applicable)
Meals
- Meals
- Daily Breakfast (7)
- 1 Picnic Lunch during Milford Sound Cruise
- Milford Sound Scenic Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Sightseeing and entrance fees
- Sightseeing & Experiences
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola Ticket
- International Antarctic Centre Admission
Tour manager and support
- Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour
- Te Puia – Te Rā Guided Geothermal Experience
- Day-by-Day Route Guide
Everything else
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Haka
- 3 Luge Rides
- Transportation
- Self-drive itinerary with route planning
- Vehicle collection in Auckland
- Vehicle drop-off at Rotorua Airport
- Vehicle collection in Queenstown
- Vehicle return in Christchurch
- Additional Services
- Detailed Self-Drive Travel Documentation
What is not included
- Flights
- International Airfare
- Domestic Flight (Rotorua – Queenstown)
- Airline baggage charges (if applicable)
- Self-Drive Vehicle
- Rental Vehicle Charges (unless specifically booked with the package)
- Fuel Expenses
- Toll Charges
- Parking Fees
- Vehicle Security Deposit
- Additional Driver Charges
- Child Seats
- Rental Vehicle Insurance & Excess Waiver
- Meals
- Lunches (except Milford Sound Cruise)
- Dinners
- Meals not specifically mentioned
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Charges
- Personal Shopping
- Laundry
- Telephone Calls
- Mini Bar
- Tips & Gratuities
- Optional Tours & Activities
- Camera or Video Fees (where applicable)
- Other
- GST/VAT or Government Taxes (if applicable)
- Early Check-in & Late Check-out
- Porterage Services
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Departures
- 23 December 2026 from Land Package@if(!empty($dep['price'])) - $2,199 per person@endif
- 3 February 2027 from Land Package@if(!empty($dep['price'])) - $2,199 per person@endif
Need to know
- Meals on arrival and departure days depend on flight times. If your flight lands early in the morning or leaves late in the evening, Akshar Travels will arrange the meals for that day
- If a sight is closed on the day it is scheduled, we will replace it with a comparable sight on the same tour
- Hotel check-in is usually 3:00 pm and check-out is usually 12:00 noon. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and may carry a charge
- Baggage on domestic and internal flights follows the airline's own policy and weight limits, which are often lower than on your international flight. Please pack to the lowest allowance on your tour. Excess baggage fees are charged by the airline and paid by the guest
Cancellation policy
- 50 days or more before departure: 30%
- 21 to 49 days before departure: 50%
- 20 days or less before departure: 100%
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