Get off the beaten track and visit New Zealand’s hidden gems on a self-drive holiday you can customise to suit your taste and interests.
1. Movie buff trail
See the filming locations of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies of the North Island on an 8-day tour. Start in south in Wellington, where the movies came together at Weta Workshop’s studios before heading north to Tongariro National Park, the setting for Mordor and Mount Doom.
Dramatic landscapes continue in Rotorua with boiling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs. Then head northwest to explore the lush, green, rolling farmlands of Waikato, where you can do the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
Finish up in Auckland’s hip Ponsonby area where you may spot a famous actor or actress. Book your trip with Pure Journeys for a fully customised itinerary.
2. Glaciers, mountains and more
Take in all the South Island highlights on a scenic tour of mountains, rivers and glaciers. Begin in NZ’s adventure capital Queenstown where you can do one of the many thrill-seeking experiences before embarking on your road trip.
Choose from a campervan, car or motorhome at Jucy Rentals (which allows you to pick up and drop off at different destinations) and head north to glacier country. Pass through the rolling hills of Central Otago, and stop at the Gibbston Valley winery where you’ll see some of the oldest vines. Stop by Two Paddocks to pick up a bottle of their renowned Pinot Noir to enjoy later.
As you head northwest you’ll pass through lush green forest and spot native birds such as the tui, kereru and weka. Allow plenty of time to journey over Haast Pass to the coast where you’ll see the breathtaking twin glaciers of Fox and Franz. Head back via Arthurs Pass to your final destination in Christchurch where you can drop off your vehicle.
3. Coastal adventure
Drive across the top of the beautiful South Island and take in some fabulous sites on both the east and west coasts.
Experience the stunning coastlines of Kaikoura, the Marlborough Sounds and the wild West Coast while exploring some of the oldest cities and towns in the country. Hire a car in Christchurch and head northwest to see the popular Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki on the dramatic and rugged west coast.
Take in the impressive scenery as you head north towards the Tasman Bay area and sunny Nelson. Stop for a bite to eat at the waterfront BoatShed Cafe which is open from 10am and has an all-day menu.
Take the leisurely drive to Blenheim in the wine-growing Marlborough district, winding your way through the bays and inlets.
Head south along the east coast back to Christchurch looking out for whales and making sure you stop at Nin Bin’s, an iconic beachside caravan serving up fresh crays wrapped in newspaper.
4. Deep, deep South
Prepare for a deep southern journey that will fill your memory with mountain scenery and unique eco experiences. Begin in the Scottish heritage town of Dunedin then head south to Oamaru, where you’ll see Moeraki’s weird spherical boulders.
Swing via New Zealand’s southernmost city Invercargill, which has plenty of character and a warm, friendly soul – stop for the award-winning Bluff Oysters at Barnes Wild. Once you’re satisfied head northwest to the picturesque town of Te Anau, the perfect base from which to explore spectacular Fiordland National Park.
Finish your epic journey at Milford Sound, where you’ll appreciate why Rudyard Kipling described it as the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’