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  3. New Zealand 12 Nights 13 Days Luxury Self Drive Escape Itinerary
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Itinerary
Queenstown
3 Nights Stay
Queenstown3 Nights
Day 01
Morning
Arrive in Queenstown airport and drive down to your hotel.
Noon to Evening
At leisure. Add Activity
Day 02
Queenstown: Self Drive Guided Buggy Tour
Morning
Queenstown: Self Drive Guided Buggy Tour
Noon
At leisure. Add Activity
Exciting skyline gondola with admissions included
Evening
Exciting skyline gondola with admissions included
Day 03
Gem of the Sound Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Morning
Gem of the Sound Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Noon to Evening
At leisure. Add Activity
Fly to Auckland
Auckland
3 Nights Stay
Auckland3 Nights
Day 04
Morning
At leisure. Add Activity
Noon to Evening
Checkout of your hotel. Board your flight to Auckland. Check-in to your new hotel in Auckland
Day 05
London: Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Transfers
Full Day
London: Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Transfers
Day 06
Full Day
At leisure. Add Activity
Drive down to Rotorua
Rotorua
2 Nights Stay
Rotorua2 Nights
Day 07
Morning
Checkout of your hotel. Drive down to Rotorua. Check-in to your new hotel.
Rotorua City and Lakes Duck Tour
Noon
Rotorua City and Lakes Duck Tour
Evening
At leisure. Add Activity
Day 08
Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket
Full Day
Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket
Fly to Franz Josef
Franz Josef
2 Nights Stay
Franz Josef2 Nights
Day 09
Morning
Checkout of your hotel. Board your flight to Christchurch. Drive down to Franz Josef. Check-in to your new hotel
Noon to Evening
At leisure. Add Activity
Day 10
Franz Josef: Waiho Hot Tubs 1 Hour Private Experience
Morning
Franz Josef: Waiho Hot Tubs 1 Hour Private Experience
Noon
At leisure. Add Activity
Franz Josef: Half-Day Nature Tour to Lake Matheson
Evening
Franz Josef: Half-Day Nature Tour to Lake Matheson
Drive down to Christchurch
Christchurch
2 Nights Stay
Christchurch2 Nights
Day 11
Morning
Checkout of your hotel. Drive down to Christchurch. Check-in to your new hotel.
Noon to Evening
At leisure. Add Activity
Day 12
Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo
Full Day
Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo
Day 13
Morning
At leisure. Add Activity
Noon to Evening
Take your flight back home. Hope you end up with a lot of memories and a few souvenirs too.
Add trip details
₹156,266/ person
Excluding Applicable Taxes
Your route
city
This is my honest review of my experience with PickYourTrail whose services my partner and I used to book our memorable New Zealand honeymoon. Right from helping us with understanding our personalities, our trip goals, our budgets, and timelines and building an itinerary based on all these inputs, Sivarohit was extremely helpful and proactive. Vijay from their Visa assistance team was prompt and ensured we got our visas perfectly in order and in time. Special shoutout to their support team: Chandramouli, Shreyah, Anith, Selina, Gaurav, Taniya, and Naveen who were available round the clock to help us with any queries (no matter how big or small) as well as regularly checking-in with us via the in-app chat to ensure we were doing okay. There were a few minor glitches (but overall, that's hardly a concern in the larger scheme of things). Right from the flights, to the choice of hotels, activities picked from the best quality providers, as well as the great self-drive rental cars that we got, the team did so much of the heavy-lifting for us so that we made the most out of our vacation. Can't wait for our next vacation with PYT!Tejas Kinger, Trip to New Zealand

New Zealand Luxury self-drive-escape Trip: 12 Nights & 13 Days

Embarking on a 12-night luxury self-drive escape through New Zealand is like diving into a breathtaking landscape painting, where each brushstroke tells a story of adventure and serenity. From the adrenaline-infused peaks of Queenstown to the tranquil geothermal wonders of Rotorua, this itinerary beautifully weaves together the highlights of New Zealand’s diverse scenery and rich culture. As you navigate this natural paradise, you'll find yourself greeted by friendly locals, tantalizing cuisine, and experiences that linger in your memory long after the trip ends.

Highlights of the Destination

  • Queenstown: Engage in thrilling adventures with the stunning landscapes as your backdrop.
  • Auckland: Experience an urban paradise with diverse attractions and stunning harbors.
  • Rotorua: Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Māori and unique geothermal features.
  • Franz Josef: Walk atop the glacier, immersing yourself in this breathtaking natural wonder.

Travel Tips for New Zealand

  • Be prepared for variable weather; layers are key for comfort.
  • Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s road rules; driving is on the left.
  • Make reservations for popular activities to avoid disappointment.
  • Engage with locals for insider tips and recommendations on eateries and sights.

Conclusion

As your luxury self-drive escapade across New Zealand concludes, you’ll carry with you not just a camera full of pictures, but also a heart full of stories and a soul enriched by diverse cultures and stunning landscapes. Each destination unveils a new tapestry of experiences, beckoning you to return. Let the allure of New Zealand linger in your dreams, awaiting your next adventure.

See what’s included in this tripCost your itinerary to see the hotels, flights, and activities included in your trip
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4.7
From 8250 reviews
Verified Reviews
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Pickyourtrail's Original Reviews
Tejas Kinger-Profile
Tejas Kinger
Reviewed on :19 Mar 2026
This is my honest review of my experience with PickYourTrail whose services my partner and I used to book our memorable New Zealand honeymoon. Right from helping us with understanding our personalities, our trip goals, our budgets, and timelines and building an itinerary based on all these inputs, Sivarohit was extremely helpful and proactive. Vijay from their Visa assistance team was prompt and ensured we got our visas perfectly in order and in time. Special shoutout to their support team: Chandramouli, Shreyah, Anith, Selina, Gaurav, Taniya, and Naveen who were available round the clock to help us with any queries (no matter how big or small) as well as regularly checking-in with us via the in-app chat to ensure we were doing okay. There were a few minor glitches (but overall, that's hardly a concern in the larger scheme of things). Right from the flights, to the choice of hotels, activities picked from the best quality providers, as well as the great self-drive rental cars that we got, the team did so much of the heavy-lifting for us so that we made the most out of our vacation. Can't wait for our next vacation with PYT!
Tejas Kinger-Profile
Tejas Kinger
Reviewed on :19 Mar 2026
This is my honest review of my experience with PickYourTrail whose services my partner and I used to book our memorable New Zealand honeymoon. Right from helping us with understanding our personalities, our trip goals, our budgets, and timelines and building an itinerary based on all these inputs, Sivarohit was extremely helpful and proactive. Vijay from their Visa assistance team was prompt and ensured we got our visas perfectly in order and in time. Special shoutout to their support team: Chandramouli, Shreyah, Anith, Selina, Gaurav, Taniya, and Naveen who were available round the clock to help us with any queries (no matter how big or small) as well as regularly checking-in with us via the in-app chat to ensure we were doing okay. There were a few minor glitches (but overall, that's hardly a concern in the larger scheme of things). Right from the flights, to the choice of hotels, activities picked from the best quality providers, as well as the great self-drive rental cars that we got, the team did so much of the heavy-lifting for us so that we made the most out of our vacation. Can't wait for our next vacation with PYT!
nikhil sanjay-Profile
Nikhil Sanjay
Reviewed on :18 Nov 2024
PYT does an amazing job at organizing your trips. Special thanks to Amit Tripathi for organizing the entire New Zealand trip/ managing bookings and always being available even after work hours, Sanjula for managing the activities and visa related queries and Vijay for initiating the Visas for us. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and would recommend to book internantional trips via PYT.
nikhil sanjay-Profile
Nikhil Sanjay
Reviewed on :18 Nov 2024
PYT does an amazing job at organizing your trips. Special thanks to Amit Tripathi for organizing the entire New Zealand trip/ managing bookings and always being available even after work hours, Sanjula for managing the activities and visa related queries and Vijay for initiating the Visas for us. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and would recommend to book internantional trips via PYT.
Neeti Sanghani-Profile
Neeti Sanghani
Reviewed on :27 Aug 2024
We recently planned our trip to New Zealand with PickYourTrail and we couldn't be happier with the experience. The team was incredibly supportive throughout our entire journey. From initial planning stages to the final day of our trip they were always available to assist, answer questions and ensure everything went smoothly. Their attention to detail and dedication made our trip truly unforgettable. We highly recommend PYT for anyone looking to have a hassle free and enjoyable travel experience. Thank you Sagir, Manoj, Rahul & Shreya for your exceptional support.
Neeti Sanghani-Profile
Neeti Sanghani
Reviewed on :27 Aug 2024
We recently planned our trip to New Zealand with PickYourTrail and we couldn't be happier with the experience. The team was incredibly supportive throughout our entire journey. From initial planning stages to the final day of our trip they were always available to assist, answer questions and ensure everything went smoothly. Their attention to detail and dedication made our trip truly unforgettable. We highly recommend PYT for anyone looking to have a hassle free and enjoyable travel experience. Thank you Sagir, Manoj, Rahul & Shreya for your exceptional support.
brindha rao-Profile
Brindha Rao
Reviewed on :04 Mar 2024
Awesome itinerary made for us and kudos to the intact follow-ups while we were in the tour , will surely recommend anyone
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brindha rao-Profile
Brindha Rao
Reviewed on :04 Mar 2024
Awesome itinerary made for us and kudos to the intact follow-ups while we were in the tour , will surely recommend anyone
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brindha rao-testimonial-1
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harish m s-Profile
Harish M S
Reviewed on :16 Jun 2023
I had planned my New Zealand vacation via Pickyourtrail in May 2023. Starting from guiding me with the tour dates keeping visa issuance time period in mind, to helping me secure Visa with prompt followups with the Embassy, the Pre-Trip support was amazing. While on the trip, their 24*7 customer support was very prompt with timely trip & Activity intimations to resolving issues then and there. There was a small mistake with the cab planning where the cab drop was arranged for Queenstown while it was supposed to be Christchurch. The support team was very timely in coordinating and getting it changed with the Rental Service Provider else we would have gotten stuck as it was almost closing time. Now coming to the post Trip, Pickyourtrail ensured to follow up with me and get the refunds done with a few days despite waiting for my request. On the whole it was a crazy ride for me in New Zealand and all thanks to Pickyourtrail and it's team for making my first international vacation memorable.
harish m s-testimonial-0
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harish m s-Profile
Harish M S
Reviewed on :16 Jun 2023
I had planned my New Zealand vacation via Pickyourtrail in May 2023. Starting from guiding me with the tour dates keeping visa issuance time period in mind, to helping me secure Visa with prompt followups with the Embassy, the Pre-Trip support was amazing. While on the trip, their 24*7 customer support was very prompt with timely trip & Activity intimations to resolving issues then and there. There was a small mistake with the cab planning where the cab drop was arranged for Queenstown while it was supposed to be Christchurch. The support team was very timely in coordinating and getting it changed with the Rental Service Provider else we would have gotten stuck as it was almost closing time. Now coming to the post Trip, Pickyourtrail ensured to follow up with me and get the refunds done with a few days despite waiting for my request. On the whole it was a crazy ride for me in New Zealand and all thanks to Pickyourtrail and it's team for making my first international vacation memorable.
harish m s-testimonial-0
harish m s-testimonial-1
harish m s-testimonial-2
Shivangi Kulshrestha-Profile
Shivangi Kulshrestha
Reviewed on :23 Jan 2023
We went to New Zealand for our honeymoon and believe me pickyourtrail is bestest among all the other travel and tour packages providing vendors in market. From the very start of planning the trip to the execution everything was so smooth. Their staff was so helpful and best thing is you can customise your trip and they are open and kind enough to accept any changes in itinerary. Thank you guys for your outstanding service and support. Looking forward for more trips with you guys definitely in future.😊👍🏻
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Shivangi Kulshrestha-Profile
Shivangi Kulshrestha
Reviewed on :23 Jan 2023
We went to New Zealand for our honeymoon and believe me pickyourtrail is bestest among all the other travel and tour packages providing vendors in market. From the very start of planning the trip to the execution everything was so smooth. Their staff was so helpful and best thing is you can customise your trip and they are open and kind enough to accept any changes in itinerary. Thank you guys for your outstanding service and support. Looking forward for more trips with you guys definitely in future.😊👍🏻
Shivangi Kulshrestha-testimonial-0
Shivangi Kulshrestha-testimonial-1
Shivangi Kulshrestha-testimonial-2
+1View all
4.7
From 8250 reviews
Verified Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit New Zealand?

The ideal time to visit is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) for mild weather and fewer tourists.

Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality; many travelers can enter without a visa for short stays.

Is driving in New Zealand safe?

Yes, driving is generally safe, but be cautious of winding roads and wildlife.

How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef?

The drive takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

What are some must-try foods in New Zealand?

Don't miss trying lamb, pavlova, and fish and chips, along with the local wines.

Are there any health precautions I should take?

Ensure you have travel insurance and consider vaccinations; no major health risks are typically present.

What cultural experiences can I have in Rotorua?

Engage with Maori culture through traditional feasts and performances at local cultural centers.
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