Road trips in New Zealand
Image adapted from: @gorentalsnz
There’s something magical about being out on the open road. Perhaps it’s the free-and-easy vibes or the scenic cruise through rolling hills, but whatever it is, a drive across the Causeway doesn’t quite cut it.
If you’re up for a life-changing road trip, book one of Jetabout Holidays road trip itineraries around New Zealand. Whether you’re driving or leaving it up to a trusty coach with the first 2 itineraries, these trips have it all planned out with crystal blue waters, beech forests, and glacier peaks.
– Self-driving / Coach –
1. 10D8N trip from $2,640 – Icy glacier peaks and blue glowworm caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Image credit: @moonmountainman
This 10D8N New Zealand Romance trip is exactly how it sounds: a romantic journey that’ll whisk you through some of New Zealand’s most scenic spots – from smoky thermal reserves to the icy peaks of Mt. Cook. It’s a take-it-easy drive, perfect to bring your partner along for some quality bonding.
A boat ride through Waitomo Glowworm Caves might not sound too glam but the reality is so much better: you’ll be gliding down the caves while surrounded by the twinkling blue lights of a thousand glowworms.
Image credit: @missrabbit623
If you’re already huffing and puffing midway from all that exploring, take the chance to have a relaxing dip at the Polynesian Spa. The steamy mineral waters here are a vibrant turquoise blue and are said to help aching muscles and dry skin. And the view! You’re not just soaking in the mineral waters, but also the stunning view of Lake Rotorua.
Image credit: @kelvenkuang
Near the end of the road trip, you’ll be driving along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Continue through the rugged terrain of Westland National Park – mountains, forests, and lakes everywhere – before ending up down South where the glaciers lie.
There’s no need to brave wintry temperatures to see these glaciers – they’re icy all year-round, and you can be sure that the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are a sight that rivals Antarctica’s iciest.
10 Days 8 Nights New Zealand Romance – Coach Tour (self-drive options available)
Travel Dates: NOW – 30 April 2019
Price: from $2,640
Includes: Accommodation, Daily Breakfast, Day Tours, Meals & Transfers as per itinerary
Promo: Quote “TSL” & Enjoy $30 Grab Credit per $1,000 spent!
Click here for full tour package details.
2. 14D12N Stunning New Zealand from $3,110 – Wine tours and scenic train ride
Te Mata Peak, Hawke’s Bay. Image credit: Jetabout Holidays
There’s a good mix of city and country with the 14D12N Stunning New Zealand itinerary – definitely a must for the city folks who don’t have any fire-making skills. This tour will bring you to both North & South Islands, giving you a chance to stroll through major cities like Auckland and Wellington while admiring the rural beauty of New Zealand.
You’ll be cruising through the valleys of Arthur’s Pass and – BAM – massive mountains shrouded in fog and green fields cluttered with grazing sheep behind every turn and bend. This National Park’s the bridge between the North and South islands, and you’ll be greeted by fields of wild flowers, cascading waterfalls, and river gorges.
Image credit: @_follow_my_journey_
Those who stick by the phrase “it’s always 5PM somewhere” will be glad that there’s a wine tour scheduled. Having a glass of wine is a fine way to whittle the afternoon away, especially when you’ll be dropping by local vineyards for three separate wine-tasting sessions.
Towards the end of the trip, board the Trans Alpine Train ride to get to Christchurch. The whole journey’s less than 5 hours, and with extra-wide windows, there’s plenty of nature to soak up while sitting in the comfort of a rail train. Get closer to the scenery by heading down to one of the Open Air Viewing Carriages, where you can enjoy the cool breeze.
14 Days 12 Nights Stunning New Zealand – Coach Tour (self-drive options available)
Travel Dates: NOW – 30 April 2019
Price: from $3,110
Includes: Accommodation, Daily Breakfast, Day Tours, Meals & Transfers as per itinerary
Promo: Quote “TSL” & Enjoy $30 Grab Credit per $1,000 spent!
Click here for full tour package details.
– Self-driving –
3. 10D9N down South from $2,365 – Scenic cruise and quaint Scottish town
Explore Milford Sound with a scenic cruise. Image credit: @ch_mich
Pretty sights all round with this self-drive itinerary – the 9 Nights Southern Delights lets you go all around the most visually-appealing of South Island. Yes, there’ll be your fair share of rugged coasts and tranquil lakes but there’s also a mix of culture and wildlife to gush over.
As part of the itinerary, you’ll be going on a cruise around fiord Milford Sound, a known home to wildlife like bottlenose dolphins and fur seals.
Image credit: @seethroughwindowsltd
You’ll also be driving to the quaint town Dunedin, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Join a Wildlife Cruise of the Otago Peninsula where you’ll see a huge range of wildlife – sea lions, fur seals, and even dolphins. Yellow-eyed penguins are also a regular sight at the Peninsula.
The yellow-eyed penguin can be found at the Otago Peninsula. Image credit: Tourism NZ
Dunedin’s buildings are notably Victorian and you’ll feel like you’re strolling the streets of Scotland, but museums like the the Otago Museum and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum proudly display their Maori artworks. Its mix of Scottish heritage and Maori culture makes Dunedin an interesting spot to explore.
10 Days 9 Nights Southern Delights Drive – Self Drive
Travel Dates: 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019
Price: from $2,365
Includes: Accommodation, Car Rental with Max Excess Coverage, Day Tours & Entry to attractions as per itinerary
Promo: Quote “TSL” & Enjoy $30 Grab Credit per $1,000 spent!
Click here for full package details.
4. 8D7N up North from $1,760 – Hobbiton Village and a traditional Maori feast
Much like the trip around New Zealand’s South, you’ll be self-driving the 7 Nights Northern Highlights around the North Island. The North has its fair share of national parks, art galleries, and bustling city life.
Spot bottlenose dolphins with a dolphin cruise. Image credit: @julestai
There’s plenty of beaches and lakes in North Island, and you’ll spending a lot of time enjoying the scenery and coastal drives. But go into the water too – the glistening, clear blue is too pretty to pass up – with the ‘Hole in the Rock’ Dolphin Cruise. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale!
Pick the route that passes by the Coromandel Peninsula. Image credit: @die.sprachspielerin
Drive along Coromandel Peninsula to reach Rotorua, a town that’s equally known for their geothermal reserves and Maori culture. The Te Puia Thermal Reserve will be on your to-do list along with a Maori Hangi – a traditional Maori feast where you cook by placing the food on hot rocks in a pit.
Image credit: @backpackingdani
Those who are Lord of the Rings fans will want to go to Hobbiton Village, where you can step into The Shire IRL.
8 Days 7 Nights Northern Delights Drive – Self Drive
Travel Dates: 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019
Price: from $1,760
Includes: Accommodation, Car Rental with Max Excess Coverage, Day Tours & Entry to attractions as per itinerary
Promo: Quote “TSL” & Enjoy $30 Grab Credit per $1,000 spent!
Click here for full package details.
New Zealand’s beautiful scenery with Jetabout Holidays
Saying that New Zealand is green is an understatement: if you’re looking for secluded nature spots, book a road trip with Jetabout Holidays so you can travel in comfort while soaking in all that NZ has to offer. There’s no need to worry about the tedious details of renting a car or planning out your entire itinerary.
It’s so easy to go road tripping around New Zealand when each itinerary package includes transfers, sightseeing, and admission charges – along with accommodation where you can choose from Standard, Superior, First Class, or Deluxe Class.
On top of this, quote “TSL” upon enquiry & enjoy $30 Grab Credits for every $1,000 spent!
Book your New Zealand trip with Jetabout Holidays here!
This post was brought to you by Jetabout Holidays & Tourism New Zealand.
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