27 Day Christchurch to Auckland Road Trip

Welcome to the country known for its haka and preserved nature. On this 27 day road trip you will enjoy the wildlife, massive mountains, subtropical rainforest and golden beaches. You simply need to drive and you will be overwhelmed by the things this country has to offer. Visit the Island of tranquility where you can do various guided walks, fishing and cruises. In Queenstown rent a bike and explore the beautiful nature or visit the Kiwi Wildlife Park where you can find the cutest birds. Ever wanted to know how the Maori live? In Marlborough Sounds you can spend a day with a local Maori family, who are storytellers & environmentalists and are more than happy to give you an insight on their way of life. Give your holiday a different twist and visit one of the ghost towns along the Forgotten World Highway. Visit the Waimanu Volcanic Valley when you are in Rotorua or go to the Rotorua Museum. Ending your holiday in Auckland where you can do so much more, but you can also relax and visit one of the lovely restaurants.

Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch to Dunedin (360kms, 4hrs 34min)

Day 3: Dunedin

Day 4: Dunedin - Balclutha (78kms, 58mins)

Day 5: Balclutha - Stewart Island (leave vehicle at Bluff) (150kms, 1hr 46min)

Day 6: Stewart Island

Day 7: Stewart Island - Fiordland (179kms, 2hrs 7min)

Day 8: Fiordland - Queenstown (171kms, 2hrs)

Day 9: Queenstown

Day 10: Queenstown - Lake Tekapo (256kms, 3hrs 3mins)

Day 11: Lake Tekapo

Day 12: Lake Tekapo - Kaikoura (400kms, 5hrs 4mins)

Day 13: Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs (130kms, 1hr 52mins)

Day 14: Hanmer Springs - Marlborough Sounds (287kms, 3hrs 56min)

Day 15: Marlborough Sounds

Day 16: Marlborough Sounds - Wellington (99kms,4hrs 4min)

Day 17: Wellington

Day 18: Wellington - Whanganui (191kms, 2hrs 36min)

Day 19: Whanganui - New Plymouth (161kms, 2hrs 5mins)

Day 20: New Plymouth - Waitomo (172kms, 2hrs 29mins)

Day 21: Waitomo - Rotorua (139kms, 1hrs 48mins)

Day 22: Rotorua

Day 23: Rotorua - Auckland (229kms, 2hrs 45mins)

Day 24: Auckland - Waipua Forest (231kms, 3hrs 10mins)

Day 25: Waipua Forest - Bay of Islands (131kms, 2hrs 30mins)

Day 26: Bay of Islands - Auckland (235kms, 3hrs 49mins)

Day 27: Auckland

Open

Highlights

Stewart Island

Steward Island has an area of 1,746 square kilometres is the third-largest island of New Zealand. The island is heaven for bird watchers due to the absence of natural predators, birds have been able to form huge colonies including some special species.

Forgotten World Highway

On your way from New Plymouth to Waitomo you’ll take the New Zealand State Highway 43 also called the Forgotten World Highway. This picturesque highway makes driving an absolute breeze.. On your way you’ll also find a couple of ghost towns and the Moki Tunnel, better known as Hobbit’s Hole.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Admire the views of stunning clouds of geothermal steams from the Inferno Crater at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. If you're feeling adventurous, there are also great activities like hikes, walks, cruises or a combination of all within the relaxing area of Lake Rotomahana.

Marlborough Sounds

There’s no point going to the South Islands if you’re not spending a day or two in Marlborough Sounds. The sea-drowned valleys found in New Zealand’s north end in Picton are some of the most beautiful you’ll see in the island. Swim among friendly jellyfish, trek Queen Charlotte track or simply savour the majestic natural environment.