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The Best of Both Islands in 24 Days.
This route crosses the most beautiful landscapes and the six largest cities of New Zealand.
Guillaume,
Kiwipal Guide.
$ 3,410 (ATI)
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- HotelHotel
Your Trip Day by Day.
Here are the steps of the journey with available activities.
For each day, you can book the hotel and the activities of your choice. You book online and save 30% of the travel price.
How to book online?
Free day
DAY 1Arrival
Auckland
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
An entire day in the biggest city of the country to recover from jet lag. Climb to the top of the Sky Tower, enjoy the beaches and museums. There are even shuttles to the volcanic island of Rangitoto.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Auckland
Afternoon
DAY 2Cape Reinga
Auckland
Cape Reinga
540 km (6h40)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
A long but beautiful road for this first stage which makes a stopover in Kaitaia. Ride the sand of the 90-mile beach and rent surf boards to slide along the sand dunes!
Book hotel for this nightGuide Cape Reinga
End of morning + Afternoon
DAY 3Bay of Islands
Cape Reinga
Bay of Islands
110 km (2h25)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
The hottest climate in the country and a bay dotted with paradise islands. Discover the cities of Paihia and Russell before going swimming with dolphins.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Bay of Islands
Afternoon
DAY 4Cathedral Cove
Bay of Islands
Cathedral Cove
400 km (4h55)
The Coromandel Peninsula has one of the most beautiful beaches of the North Island. With its arch in the cliff, Cathedral Cove served as a setting for the adaptation of Narnia's Trilogy.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Cathedral Cove
Late afternoon
DAY 4Hot Water Beach
Cathedral Cove
Hot Water Beach
9 km (10 min)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Second stage of the day, this beach conceals a secret that deserves a visit. You just have to dig in the sand to get hot water. Enjoy a natural spa to regain strength.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Hot Water Beach
Matinee
DAY 5Hobbiton
Hot Water Beach
Hobbiton
170 km (2h15)
Discovery of Hobbiton, the scenery of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit in Peter Jackson's movies. The visit of the village ends with a refreshment at the Green Dragon Inn.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Hobbiton
Afternoon
DAY 5Waitomo Caves
Hobbiton
Waitomo
90 km (1h10)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Descend the underground river aboard a boat and gaze at the vault studded with glowworms. The rest of the afternoon is devoted to the discovery of the stalactite caves of the region.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Waitomo Caves
End of morning + Afternoon
DAY 6White Island
Waitomo
White Island
230 km (3h)
Visit a volcanic island off the Bay of Plenty. Follow a guide among the rivers of sulfur to reach the smoking crater!
Book hotel for this nightGuide White Island
Late afternoon
DAY 6Rotorua
White Island
Rotorua
85 km (1h15)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Arrival in Rotorua in the late afternoon. Visit the city and enjoy the lake before visiting the kiwis in the Rainbow Springs Park.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Rotorua
Free day
DAY 7Rotorua
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
The geothermal park of Wai-o-tapu and the geysers of the region await you. Discover the Maori culture in the Rotorua Museum and explore the Redwoods Forest.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Rotorua
Early morning
DAY 8Huka Falls
Rotorua
Huka Falls
75 km (1h)
Walk up the Waikato River to a fall that can fill an Olympic swimming pool per second. Taste giant prawns and visit the craters of the moon!
Book hotel for this nightGuide Huka Falls
Late afternoon
DAY 8Tongariro Crossing
Huka Falls
Ohakune
145 km (1h45)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Cross the fascinating desert of the Tongariro National Park to reach the town of Ohakune. Rest before tomorrow's great walk.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Tongariro Crossing
Full day excursion
DAY 9Tongariro Crossing
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
New Zealand's most famous trek crosses a desert, climbs to the summit of a volcano, descend to turquoise lakes and ends in a refreshing rainforest.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Tongariro Crossing
Afternoon
DAY 10Wellington
Tongariro
Wellington
285 km (3h30)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Discover the capital of New Zealand. Visit Peter Jackson's studios, stroll through Cuba Street and do not miss the great Te Papa museum and its Maori art collections.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Wellington
Free day
DAY 11Wellington
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
The beach of Oriental Bay and the Botanical Garden of Wellington are wonderful, but it is highly recommended discovering the protected species of the Zealandia reserve.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Wellington
Departure at the end of the morning
DAY 12Ferry
Ferry Crossing
Wellington
Abel Tasman
270 km (3h10 de ferry + 2h40 de route)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
The magnificent ferry crossing to reach Picton on the South Island. The rest of the journey takes you to Motueka in the Abel Tasman National Park. At nightfall, observe the glowworms in the forest.
Book hotel for this night
Free day
DAY 13Abel Tasman
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
The Paradise of New Zealand. Learn the kayak and meet the fur seals of Tonga Island. Orange sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons await lovers of sunbathing.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Abel Tasman
Afternoon
DAY 14Kaikoura Peninsula
Abel Tasman
Kaikoura Peninsula
305 km (4h)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Watch whales during a cruise and enjoy lobsters on the beach. Follow the forest trail to the waterfall where the baby fur seals learn to swim.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Kaikoura Peninsula
Afternoon
DAY 15Pancake Rocks
Kaikoura Peninsula
Pancake Rocks
375 km (4h30)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
These strange cliffs give rise to prodigious geysers. Follow an ancient trail of gold seekers up to a canyon like in Jurassic Park.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Pancake Rocks
Afternoon
DAY 16Fox Glacier
Pancake Rocks
Fox Glacier
240 km (3h)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Hiking in the forest to reach a glacier that descends into the valley. Explore the blue ice caves with a mountain guide.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Fox Glacier
Early morning
DAY 17Lake Matheson
Fox Glacier
Lac Matheson
5 km (10 min)
Short stopover on the road to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes of the country. A path in the blue mushroom forest leads to Reflection Island. Admire the mountain that is reflected on the surface of the lake.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Lake Matheson
Afternoon
DAY 17Wanaka
Lake Matheson
Wanaka
265 km (3h10)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Picnic in the vineyards and savor the best ice cream in the country. Visit the museum of illusion and take a bicycle ride along the lake. In the evening, watch a movie in a sofa or an old car!
Book hotel for this nightGuide Wanaka
End of morning + Afternoon
DAY 18Queenstown
Wanaka
Queenstown
75 km (1h15)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
The ancient city of gold seekers has become the World capital of adventure. Discover the bungee jumping or summer luge rides in a breathtaking landscape!
Book hotel for this nightGuide Queenstown
Free day
DAY 19Queenstown
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Hiking in the mountains that overlook the lake or enjoying a cruise aboard an authentic steamboat. You even have time to drive along the most beautiful road in the world to reach Glenorchy's Paradise Valley.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Queenstown
Late afternoon
DAY 20
Queenstown
Te Anau
171 km (2h)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Te Anau will be your base camp for the next two days. The majestic lake shelters spectacular caves with glow worms.
End of morning + Afternoon
DAY 21Milford Sound
Te Anau
Milford Sound
236 km (3h aller-retour)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
The Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. A cruise explores this majestic place up to the Sea of Tasman where a colony of fur seals lives.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Milford Sound
Afternoon
DAY 22Dunedin
Te Anau
Dunedin
290 km (3h25)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Famous for its architecture and its fairytale railway station, Dunedin has the world's steepest street. Join the beach via a tunnel pierced with dynamite!
Book hotel for this nightGuide Dunedin
Early morning
DAY 23Moeraki Boulders
Dunedin
Moeraki Boulders
75 km (55 min)
There are so many explanations to explain the origin of these strange rocks on the beach of Moeraki... Forge your own opinion during a road-trip break.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Moeraki Boulders
Afternoon
DAY 23Mount Cook
Moeraki Boulders
Mount Cook
305 km (3h30 avec A/R à Twizel)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Leave your luggage at Twizel and head to Mt Cook. The journey along the most beautiful lake of the country will take you to the village of l'Hermitage. Set sail in the middle of icebergs or go hiking in search of the kea.
Book hotel for this nightGuide Mount Cook
Afternoon
DAY 24Departure
Mount Cook
Christchurch
285 km (3h20)
Hotel or bed & breakfast.
Last stage before the return flight, Christchurch in full reconstruction forces the admiration. The new buildings replace the ruins left by the earthquake and the third city of the country regains its charm.
Book your plane tickets.
Compare the best, without advertising or hidden fees.
Our service is based on Google Flights to bring you the best comparator tool, removing the bad airlines.
With Kiwipal, there is no travel agency fees, no advertising and no hidden costs.
Book your plane ticketsBook your car.
Compare and rent a car at the lowest price.
With Kiwipal, you book directly from an New Zealand rental company and do not pay travel agency fees.
The vehicle insurance is included with free cancellation until a short interval before departure.
Rent a car with KiwipalYour car to explore the country.
The New Zealand road network is in excellent condition!
You may have to adapt to driving on the left on the roads of New Zealand. This is another reason for not choosing a vehicle lightly.
The choice of the vehicle is an essential step for an autotour. It is an important expense in the travel budget.
The New Zealand market is saturated by the old Japanese models. A good deal at discount prices often turns out to be a disaster in terms of safety standards.
Of course, the choice of the model depends on the number of passengers.
Automatic or manual gearbox?
Rental cars are mostly automatic.
With the majority of the fleet in automatic, finding a car with a manual gearbox is often more difficult.
In addition to facilitating driving on the left (you can concentrate 100% on the road), automatic models are more suitable for long journeys.
You will travel several thousand kilometers and for driving to remain a pleasure, an automatic gearbox is highly recommended.
Cars with automatic gearbox are more suited to New Zealand.
Should we redeem the deductible?
Paying the deductible allows traveling with a zen mind.
The deductible part corresponds to the amount that remains your responsibility in the event of an accident.
The redemption of the franchise costs only a few euros per day. In case of accident, you will not pay anything if you have subscribed to this option.
Kiwipal recommends you do not skimp on this extra little expense that can save your holidays! Ben the Kiwi will answer your practical questions, but if you want to know more about driving in New Zealand, I invite you to read our driving guide.
Questions & Answers.
Have you ever drive on the left side of the road? Rest assured, the priority remains on the right and you'll quickly get used to this. If you have questions on the subject, I am here to help you.
- What kind of driver's license do you need?
If you don't come from an English-speaking country, your driving license must be completed with an international permit written in English. Do not wait until the last minute to get this document usually delivered free of charge.
- What is the minimal age to drive in New Zealand?
For most car rental agencies, the driver must be at least 18 years old.
- What are speed limits?
There are no highways, strictly speaking. Outside the cities, speed is limited to 100 km / h, and in agglomeration the limit is 50 km / h. Take time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle controls before departure. Do not hesitate to go around the neighborhood several times before starting your trip. The priority remains to the right, and after an initial hour, one generally get used to it very fast. As the roads are relatively deserted outside the cities, you will have time to get used to the driving on the left.
- Is driving on the left difficult?
Take time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle controls before departure. Do not hesitate to go around the neighborhood several times before starting your trip. The priority remains to the right, and after an initial hour, one generally adapts very quickly. As the roads are relatively deserted outside the cities, you will have time to get used to the driving on the left.
- How many kilometers to drive every day?
Kiwipal itineraries are calculated to limit distances. On average, you will drive two hours a day. The beauty of the landscapes traversed is such that one could easily drive more, but it is necessary to keep time for the activities.
- How to get the vehicle at the rental company?
After the formalities (presentation of identity documents, driver's license), the rental agent will present the vehicle in detail. Be vigilant and make sure everything works, including the car radio.
- How to return the vehicle?
It will be necessary to reach the car park of the rental agency. Be careful to refuel before returning the keys. The tank must be full otherwise you will have to return to the gas station. You will then have to check the condition of the vehicle.
- Is it easy to park in the city?
Finding a parking lot downtown in Auckland or Wellington is not easy, especially when you're not used to driving on the left. One should find parking in advance or try to get away from the city center.
- What is the quality of the road network?
With roads so little frequented, roads could be expected to be in poor condition. However, the road network is modern and in excellent condition. Apart from the main roads, there are many gravel roads, but they are generally well maintained (moderate, however, your speed on this type of road).
- How is the crossing from one island to another?
It is more advantageous to change cars than to embark it on the ferry but this adds many formalities and you lose precious time on the holidays.
- Is driving in the mountains dangerous?
Some roads can be problematic in winter when it is necessary to equip the vehicle with chains. The rest of the year, driving is not a problem in the mountains, especially if you stay on the main roads.
- Can I get fines?
Parking or speeding fines will follow you to France. The rental agency will communicate your address to the administration.
- How many drivers do you recommend?
For a stay of two weeks or more, it is recommended to have two drivers.
Book your hotel rooms.
Online booking with free cancellation.
You book online and pay only at the hotel in New Zealand. You can change your mind and replace each hotel by another whenever you want.
If the weather is bad, you can also change your route, because the cancellation is free until 24 hours before arrival at the hotel.
Book hotels roomsYour accommodation during the stay.
A selection of the best budget Hotels.
The quality of the accommodation is excellent in New Zealand. The latest survey conducted by the Ministry of Tourism reveals that travelers rate the hotel sector an average score of 8/10.
The purchasing power in rich Europeans countries is often 10 to 15% higher than in New Zealand. This gap allows you to enjoy a better average quality of accommodation than usual.
As for the service, there is no worry to have, the kindness of the Kiwis is proverbial. The quality of welcome is cited as the second best advantage of the country after its landscapes (which says everything...).
In addition to receiving you in perfect conditions, the hotel staff can advises you on the best itineraries and activities often unknown to the general public.
Cheap accommodation.
The Bed & Breakfasts are very comfortable.
The Bed & Breakfasts (nicknamed B & B) are booming all over the country. But contrary to what one might think, they often cost more than a hotel stay. However, this type of accommodation offers many advantages.
In some cases, it is more interesting to book a lodge or a motel. This is particularly the case in national parks, where the motel facilitate the organization of the stay (it's sometimes nice to make your own cuisine rather than having diner at restaurants).
The goal is not to find the cheapest room systematically, but to favor an excellent value for money.
Whoever says B & B of course implies that breakfast is included! And considering your busy days with so many discoveries and activities, it would be a shame to skip this important meal, especially when you know the quality of service in New Zealand!
Mid-range accommodation.
The lodges are beautiful colonial-style mansions.
If you are willing to spend about 10% more, you can significantly improve your stay.
The quality of the staff will remain about the same (the New Zealanders are very welcoming anyway). The main difference lies in the location and beauty of the hotel location (you will often be closer to the main attractions). This formula should be of interest to couples traveling on honeymoon. Note that this is not a luxury trip, prices remain within a reasonable range.
The price difference (sometimes minimal) makes it possible to switch to a higher category. The rooms are bigger, better oriented, etc.
High-end accommodation.
The upscale hotels are perfect for a honeymoon.
This offer no longer offers B & B but only lodges and luxury hotels. It takes about 30% more budget to afford this kind of stay.
But it's not a luxury trip for millionaires!
The target clientele is the one who wish to enjoy a beautiful honeymoon or a second one. In these conditions, you will enjoy many nice attentions and an unforgettable quality of service.
In general, the selected establishments have a restaurant, a very appreciable service if you travel with your family.
The high-end offer is made up of hotels and lodges reputed throughout the country.
If you have a hard time choosing, I recommend you read our record on accommodations in New Zealand. I will explain with more detail the differences between Bed & Breakfasts, Lodges and Hotels.
You can also continue to scroll down this page to discover the advice of Ben the Kiwi. Our friend gives practical advice and answers questions from future travelers.
Questions & Answers.
Ask me your questions about the accommodation! I test the quality of B & B's, lodges and hotels al the time. If you need advice I'm here to help you.
- What is the difference between a B & B and a lodge?
A New Zealand lodge is often a beautiful colonial-style mansion with character. Often, the level of service is higher than the one offered at a B & B but this is not always a rule. There are even luxury lodges (the Huka Lodge for example) frequented by the crowned heads.
- What is the purpose of the Qualmark?
It is a quality label awarded by a government company responsible for evaluating services in the field of tourism. B & Bs and hotels are not obliged to do so even if many do to attract customers.Qualmark
- What is the arrival time for a B & B?
One usually check-in at the end of the afternoon. If you are planning a delay on the road, it is recommended contacting your host by phone so that he does not worry. A B & B is not a hotel, so do not arrive late in the evening.
- At what time should I leave the B & B?
It is customary to leave before 10 am to allow the owner to prepare the room for the next guests. You can always ask the question to your host when you arrive.
- What type of breakfast will be served?
You will be left with the choice between an English or continental breakfast. Most hosts are proud to treat guests the best they can as this is part of the B & B philosophy.
- Would I have an individual bathroom?
Yes, we only recommend B & Bs with private bathrooms.
- Who usually run the Beds & Breakfasts?
They are usually young retirees or parents whose children have left the country for study or work. Holding a B & B has more to do with the desire to meet travelers than the hope of making a fortune.
- How are B & Bs selected?
The quality of the accommodations is tested, and an establishment that would no longer be satisfactory would be immediately replaced by another.
- What does a B & B room looks like?
I reassure you, it won't be an old teenage room with posters, but a tastefully decorated room, often more comfortable than an impersonal hotel room.
- Can I choose between B & B and lodges?
For Kiwipal itineraries, we suggest alternating between B & B and lodges along the route. For stays in national parks (e.g. Abel Tasman), we prefer to suggest comfortable motels to facilitate the organization of hikes.
- Can I ask advice from the B & B manager?
Your host is usually a goldmine in terms of tip and advice. I always prefer to listen to a local than my GPS.
- Will the B & B owner join us during breakfast?
This happens if you give the impression that you want it or if you ask for it.
- Do we share the B & B with other travelers?
Some B & Bs have several rooms and you will sometimes meet other travelers for breakfast.This is sometimes the opportunity to spend pleasant moments or exchange tips on the itinerary.
- Which hotel chains are present in NZ?
In large cities, you'll find most of the major international hotel chains.
Free quote of your budget.
Complete the form to get a price estimation.
Our price estimation will give you a better idea of the requested holiday budget. You can request several estimations if you want.
This detailed estimation is not a quote and does not commit you to anything. Kiwipal is not a travel agency but a guide to help travelers to book their trip themselves.
When do you plan your travel?
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Choose departure date ...
From which city do you want to start?
- Auckland at the beggining and Christchurch to finish
- Christchurch at the beggining and Auckland to finish
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What type of accommodation?
- Budget accommodation
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- Premium accommodation
Which model of car?
- Road car or sedan (large trunk)
- Economic car (small trunk)
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What are the optional activities?
Use the arrows to scroll through the activities
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Discover our pages to stay informed about NZ!
- 24 days on location
- Flight + Taxes
- Hotel or B&B
- By car
- 5045 km
Estimation for a travel during mid-season if you book by your own.
Book the carTravel steps
This circuit is distributed on each island. It begins in the north and ends in the south, but you can reverse the route.
Itinerary created by William.
With 24 stages, this tour is dedicated to travelers who are not afraid to hit the road.
The rating reach the 100%. You will not miss any must-do visit of the country.
The itinerary can be customized according to your wishes and each stage proposes optional activities.
If I were alone to drive, I would think twice before embarking on such a long circuit. But with two drivers, it's pretty easy. The variety of stages is extraordinary even if the schedule leaves little space for improvisation.
Cape Reinga and Kaikoura are off-center. Sacrificing them would allow to recover two days to lengthen the stay in Queenstown or Wellington. It's up to you...
Kiwipal Rating
Visits of this tour are among the best in the country.
- Abel Tasman
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Cape Reinga
- Cathedral Cove
- Dunedin
- Fox Glacier
- Hobbiton
- Hot Water Beach
- Huka Falls
- Kaikoura Peninsula
- Lake Matheson
- Milford Sound
- Moeraki Boulders
- Mount Cook
- Pancake Rocks
- Queenstown
- Rotorua
- Tongariro Crossing
- Waitomo Caves
- Wanaka
- Wellington
