A self-drive holiday in New Zealand is undoubtedly the best way to see this magnificent country; it has wonderful scenery and due to a small population relative to its size, the roads feel largely empty.
Request a Brochure
Self-drive holidays in New Zealand
Of all countries it's probably a self-drive in New Zealand which combines all the best elements; distances between destinations tend to be short, the roads are largely free from heavy traffic and of course it has some of the world's most outstanding scenery. They even drive on the left.
You may not wish to start your New Zealand self-drive tour immediately after an international flight, so we can arrange to have you met at the airport and taken to your hotel. Alternatively, there are car rental depots in Auckland and Wellington, and we can ensure a car is waiting for those who wish to be on the road within minutes of landing.
For your New Zealand self-drive holiday we will book all of your accommodation in advance, which tends to be small boutique style accommodation, but of course we can tailor-make a trip to your individual requirements. We will provide you with clear driving instructions and a good road atlas, leaving you to enjoy the drive.
Although most Audley clients tend to hire a car for the duration of the trip another popular way to self-drive in New Zealand is by campervan/motor home. Vehicles come in a variety of sizes, from 2-6 berth, they are well equipped with on-board fridge, microwave, gas stove, with the larger vehicles even offering toilet and shower facilities. You also get unlimited mileage as part of your hire terms.
Note, some roads may be worse than they look on the map and car insurance is invalid in certain areas so we recommend discussing routes and drive times with our New Zealand specialists.
Because it takes so long to get to New Zealand you should allow for, if possible, at least three weeks for a self-drive trip here. This will allow you to take in both North and South Islands and to see a wide range of highlights. These will include Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’, and the country's second largest city and its capitol, Wellington.
In the North Island, thermal regions like Rotorua (also a major focus for Maori culture) and the pretty art deco town of Napier are worth visiting. There is plenty more in the North Island to see but it's the South Island where you will see the dramatic landscapes.
Queenstown in the South Island is well known but it's places like the fine city of Dunedin, also known as the Edinburgh of the South, the wine growing region around Blenheim or the whale watching opportunities in Kaikoura, that encapsulate some of the best New Zealand has to offer.
Finally, having a car allied to the long and slender shape of the country, means never being far from unspoilt beaches.
Remember, this is only an example and we can tailor-make a New Zealand self-drive trip for you in most parts of the country. Below are examples of itineraries which are good for self-drive.
14 days from £2,595pp
Enjoy the highlights of the North Island, from the stunning scenery of the Bay of Islands to the fertile winelands of the Wairarapa.
14 days from £2,910pp
A shorter itinerary, designed to give a flavour of New Zealand's varied and exciting scenery, incorporating time in both islands.
19 days from £3,145pp
Try some of New Zealand's finest experiences from jet boating in the South Island to Art Deco in the North Island, with activities to suit all energy levels.
25 days from £3,855pp
Explore the main highlights of both the North and South Island experiencing beautiful unspoilt beaches and dramatic mountain scenery.
Book a holiday to New Zealand and experience the natural beauty of Fiordland, the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua and immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan culture of Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland.