New Zealand 15-Day Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries

Explore 5 self-drive trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to New Zealand.
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Discover New Zealand's diverse flora and fauna on this road trip
Map of New Zealand's South Island: Luxury Self-Drive Tour - 15 Days
New Zealand's South Island: Luxury Self-Drive Tour - 15 Days

Experience the wilderness and wildlife of New Zealand's South Island on this 15-day self-drive itinerary. By day, you'll drive through breathtaking landscapes and embark on outdoor adventures, while nights are spent in a series of secluded luxury lodges. Setting off from Christchurch, enjoy alpine walks in Mount Cook National Park, discover rich marine life on the Otago Peninsula, and cruise through the remote Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park. After adrenaline sports in Queenstown and a memorable trek across the Franz Josef Glacier, the scenic TranzAlpine train whisks you back to Christchurch.

Explore New Zealand's oldest park, Tongariro National Park
Map of New Zealand North & South Island Road Trip - 15 Days
New Zealand North & South Island Road Trip - 15 Days

From the cosmopolitan cities and raw geothermal activity of the North Island to the stunning landscapes and heart-pumping thrills of the South, this 15-day self-drive itinerary squeezes the best experiences out of New Zealand. Fly over Milford Sound, helicopter over an active volcano, and ride the scenic TranzAlpine train with this luxury itinerary packed with adventure.

Waiheke Island vineyard, New Zealand
Map of New Zealand North & South Island Road Trip Highlights: Auckland to Queenstown - 15 Days
New Zealand North & South Island Road Trip Highlights: Auckland to Queenstown - 15 Days

Travel New Zealand from top to tail on this 15-day self-drive adventure. Start in the North Island, where you'll explore Maori culture and geothermal landscapes and tour the Hobbiton film set from "The Lord of the Rings." Next, take the Interislander ferry to the South Island for whale watching and glacier tours, followed by a trip to the country's adventure capital, Queenstown. The journey ends with a cruise of the famous, UNESCO-listed Milford Sound.

The Remarkables Ski Resort on New Zealand's South Island
Map of New Zealand's South Island Ski Safari - 15 Days
New Zealand's South Island Ski Safari - 15 Days

This 15-day ski safari dashes between six of the best ski slopes on New Zealand's South Island. Wake to fresh powder at The Remarkables, Coronet, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Mt Hutt, and Roundhill ski fields. Between snow days, you'll soak in natural thermal pools, go hiking, and experience the best après-ski in the country.

Cruise the glassy waters of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, a fjord on New Zealand's South Island
Map of Road Trip New Zealand's North & South Islands - 15 Days
Road Trip New Zealand's North & South Islands - 15 Days

Cover New Zealand's North and South Islands' highlights, starting in Auckland before discovering the geothermal activity of Rotorua. Next, you'll reach Napier and wine taste at Hawke Bay, followed by a Wellington city tour and meeting native kiwis. Cross the Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island, see whales in Kaikōura, and hike Aoraki / Mount Cook. Then, cruise Milford Sound / Piopiotahi before ending your trip with a scenic ride aboard the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.

Other durations: 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 17 days · 19 days · 20 days · 21 days