Ultimate 30-Day New Zealand Self-Drive Adventure
17 cities |
25 attraction(s) |
total distance 32430
km
TIPS
Day1-3
Day4-5
Day6-7
Day8-9
Day10-11
Day12
Day13-15
Day16-18
Day19-21
Day22-23
Day24-25
Day26-27
Day28-30
Day1-3: Auckland
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Sky Tower, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, was built in 1996. It stands at 328 meters tall and boasts multiple observation decks which offer a 360-degree view of Auckland. High-powered binoculars aid visitors in enjoying the view. Broadcast services in various languages and interactive technology can be found throughout the tower. There are also audio-visual exhibits to help visitors learn more about Auckland. Visitors with tickets can access the main observation deck at 186 meters and the Sky Deck at 220 meters. If you are not afraid of heights, you can opt for the glass elevator ride, which allows you to admire outside views as you ascend. There are two observation decks on the tower, both surrounded by glass floors. You can stand on them and look up at the blue sky or feel the thrill of the high altitude beneath your feet. The SkyWalk and SkyJump are two extreme sports offered on the tower that require courage and daring to attempt. Several restaurants can be found on the tower, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food. At night, the view from the tower is breathtaking, with many considering it even more spectacular than during the day. Visit the Sky Tower and enjoy an unparalleled experience, while taking in the beautiful sights of Auckland.
2
km
2
At the highest point of Auckland Park, you can find the Auckland Museum. Here, not only various precious collections are displayed, but also there are daily Maori cultural performances (fees apply). We strongly recommend that you come and admire its style.
Day4-5: Coromandel > Hahei > Thames-Coromandel District > Coromandel
4 attraction(s) ·
38 km
4
Day6-7: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
24 km
1
Pools of colourful bubbling water are heated by volcanoes at this oft-visited natural attraction.
24
km
2
Cultural attraction with Maori dance performances, a traditional feast & geothermal features.
Day8-9: Taupo > Ruapehu District Council > Taupo District
3 attraction(s) ·
82 km
2
The 4th National Park in the world, this protected area is important for its culture & its nature.
12
km
Day10-11:
0 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day12: Picton > Marlborough
2 attraction(s) ·
14714 km
Day13-15: Nelson > Tasman
2 attraction(s) ·
50 km
2
National park encompassing sandy beaches, granite cliffs, forested hills & a coastal hiking trail.
Day16-18: Greymouth > South Island
2 attraction(s) ·
177 km
1
Punakaiki, located about 50 kilometers north of Greymouth, boasts natural pancake rocks, which were formed by the long-term impact and erosion of seawater and showcase the magical work of nature. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular pancake rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki village for free, which were formed by sedimentation and crustal movement in the seabed about 30 million years ago. To the south is Paparoa National Park, known for its limestone karst landforms. Over the years, small marine organisms and sand layers alternated and were buried on the seabed, forming layers of hard limestone and soft sandstone. After natural weathering, hundreds of columns finally emerged between the cliffs, forming a spectacular scene resembling giant layers of pancakes. According to scientists, the formation of pancake rocks dates back about 35 million years ago, when the sea level and temperature were suitable for the growth of shellfish and other marine organisms. Due to earthquakes, mudslides, floods, and other reasons, marine organisms died and were deposited, forming limestone and shale. As a natural wonder on the west coast of New Zealand, pancake rocks will eventually be reclaimed by the sea as it continues to erode and dissolve the offshore rocks.
177
km
2
7.5-mi.-long glacier accessible by an 8-hour hike or by helicopter for guided tours at the top.
Day19-21: Queenstown
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day22-23: South Island
2 attraction(s) ·
96 km
1
Rugged expanse of glacier-carved fiords, lakes & mountains, with varied hiking trails & camping.
96
km
Day24-25: Dunedin
2 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
In 1871, Dunedin businessman and politician William Larnach built a luxury castle for his first wife. It is New Zealand's only castle and is located on the highest point of Otago Peninsula. The interior is beautifully decorated with luxurious furniture and exquisite carvings. The banquet hall, a gift for Larnach's daughter's 21st birthday, is truly lavish. Today, visitors can enjoy food and coffee at the castle's café. The peaceful and beautiful garden in front of the castle offers stunning views of the peninsula and harbor. However, the landlord eventually committed suicide by gunshot in 1898 due to financial crisis.
4
km
Day26-27: Christchurch > South Island
2 attraction(s) ·
41 km
2
Day28-30: Auckland
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
