The Real New Zealand 4×4

Travel along the western shores of the Coromandel Peninsula to delightful Coromandel Town. Cafes and small shops tempt you to stop here. At Hot Water Beach you can dig yourself a natural hot pool in the sand at low tide. A short walk from Hahei Beach takes you to famous Cathedral Cove, one of the most picturesque bays in the country. Overnight is spent in Tairua where you can play golf, go kayaking or simply relax. The short walk to the top of Mount Paku will reward you with wonderful views.
(Average driving time: 4 hours)

Travel along the western shores of the Coromandel Peninsula to delightful Coromandel Town. Cafes and small shops tempt you to stop here. At Hot Water Beach you can dig yourself a natural hot pool in the sand at low tide. A short walk from Hahei Beach takes you to famous Cathedral Cove, one of the most picturesque bays in the country. Overnight is spent in Tairua where you can play golf, go kayaking or simply relax. The short walk to the top of Mount Paku will reward you with wonderful views.
(Average driving time: 4 hours)

In pictures

Drive through the main kiwi fruit growing region of New Zealand to Rotorua in the volcanic heart of North Island. We recommend a Maori cultural show with a traditional Hangi this evening and visiting historical sites. Also take the opportunity to relax in the thermal pools for which the area is renowned. Spend two nights in the area.
(Average driving time: 3.5 hours)

Rotorua is a region rich in stunning landscapes. Discover 18 sparkling lakes, magnificent native and exotic forests, geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs and the best of New Zealand’s fascinating Maori culture. Use today to visit some of the natural wonders of this amazing area and relax in the thermal pools under the evening sky.

Rotorua is a region rich in stunning landscapes. Discover 18 sparkling lakes, magnificent native and exotic forests, geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs and the best of New Zealand’s fascinating Maori culture. Use today to visit some of the natural wonders of this amazing area and relax in the thermal pools under the evening sky.

In pictures

Set off from Rotorua on a route suited to your 4WD traversing the heart of Te Urewera National Park and partly gravel road. This is a sparsely inhabited region of extensive native forest and pretty lakes. Once you reach the coast, you are back on the main road and it is a short drive to Napier. This coastal town is situated in an important wine producing area and is famous for its Art Deco architecture, dating from when the city was rebuilt following an earthquake.
(Average driving time: 6.5 hours)

Drive the historic and less travelled Gentle Annie Road, which used to link the inland farms and the harbour of Napier. Horse drawn carriages used to struggle on the route, which remains a challenging reminder of the past. Once you reach the Desert Road, you are almost in sight of Mt. Ruapehu, a splendid snow-capped volcano and the highest peak on the North Island.
(Average driving time: 5 hours)

Drive the historic and less travelled Gentle Annie Road, which used to link the inland farms and the harbour of Napier. Horse drawn carriages used to struggle on the route, which remains a challenging reminder of the past. Once you reach the Desert Road, you are almost in sight of Mt. Ruapehu, a splendid snow-capped volcano and the highest peak on the North Island.
(Average driving time: 5 hours)

In pictures

Take the Old Post Road, which follows the scenic valley of the Whanganui River through superb scenery. At the coastal town of Whanganui, a welcome stretch of sealed road brings you to Wellington, New Zealand's capital and a cultured city of museums, performing arts and lively cafes and pubs. We recommend an (optional) visit to Te Papa, the National Museum.
(Average driving time: 5.5 hours)

Drop off your rental vehicle at the ferry depot and take the early ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton on South Island. Pick up your second rental vehicle and follow the Queen Charlotte Drive for some stunning views of the sound. Then head inland to St. Arnaud, where you stay overnight by Lake Rotoiti in the rugged Nelson Lakes National Park.
(Average driving time: 5.5 hours)

Drop off your rental vehicle at the ferry depot and take the early ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton on South Island. Pick up your second rental vehicle and follow the Queen Charlotte Drive for some stunning views of the sound. Then head inland to St. Arnaud, where you stay overnight by Lake Rotoiti in the rugged Nelson Lakes National Park.
(Average driving time: 5.5 hours)

In pictures

Take the Maruia Saddle Road, a splendid four wheel drive route which winds among sparkling streams and rainforest. Join the main road at Lewis Pass and head east to Hanmer Springs, famous for its thermal pools.
(Average driving time 5.5 hours)

Take the inland road to Kaikoura, beautifully located by the sea with the snow-capped mountains of the Kaikoura Ranges in the background. Here you can enjoy the freshest of seafood and take a whale watching trip to see sperm whales or swim with seals or dusky dolphins.
(Average driving time: 2 hours)

Take the inland road to Kaikoura, beautifully located by the sea with the snow-capped mountains of the Kaikoura Ranges in the background. Here you can enjoy the freshest of seafood and take a whale watching trip to see sperm whales or swim with seals or dusky dolphins.
(Average driving time: 2 hours)

In pictures

Drive along the coast to New Zealand's garden city, Christchurch, situated at the foot of the Southern Alps. Take a walk through Hagley Park and along the Avon River before driving across the broad Canterbury Plains for your overnight stay.
(Average driving time: 4.5 hours)

Leaving the Canterbury Plains, you will be captivated by the glacial turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo. Take an optional scenic flight to the glaciers or Mt Cook before continuing the drive along a rarely used mountain pass to reach your overnight destination amidst the Waitaki Valley.
(Average driving time: 5 hours)

Leaving the Canterbury Plains, you will be captivated by the glacial turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo. Take an optional scenic flight to the glaciers or Mt Cook before continuing the drive along a rarely used mountain pass to reach your overnight destination amidst the Waitaki Valley.
(Average driving time: 5 hours)

In pictures

This region of the South Island was home to a great gold rush in the 19th century and people flocked here from all over the world. Though the gold and the people are long gone, the area is strewn with relics of the era. Drive via Clyde, Naseby and Cromwell to Queenstown, famed for its stunning location overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Spend two nights in Queenstown.
(Average driving time: 6 hours)

Spend the day relaxing or try out one of the many activities on offer in New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital' - rafting, jet boating, bungy jumping or perhaps a quiet lake cruise or gondola ride. It is also possible to take a day trip to the incredibly scenic Milford or Doubtful Sounds, either by car or on a scenic flight.

Spend the day relaxing or try out one of the many activities on offer in New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital' - rafting, jet boating, bungy jumping or perhaps a quiet lake cruise or gondola ride. It is also possible to take a day trip to the incredibly scenic Milford or Doubtful Sounds, either by car or on a scenic flight.

In pictures

Take the track across the challenging Crown Range Pass, New Zealand's highest, to reach Lake Wanaka, a mesmerising lakeside town. Then head over the Haast Pass with views of Mt. Aspiring National Park, en route to Franz Josef Glacier for an overnight stay.
(Average driving time: 6 hours)

This is the wildest part of New Zealand, offering an irresistible combination of rainforest, mountains, glaciers and pounding sea. Hike to the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier, take a helicopter sightseeing flight or stroll around idyllic Lake Matheson, with the summits of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman reflected on its water. Drive to the mining town of Greymouth for an overnight stay.
(Average driving time: 2.5 hours)

This is the wildest part of New Zealand, offering an irresistible combination of rainforest, mountains, glaciers and pounding sea. Hike to the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier, take a helicopter sightseeing flight or stroll around idyllic Lake Matheson, with the summits of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman reflected on its water. Drive to the mining town of Greymouth for an overnight stay.
(Average driving time: 2.5 hours)

In pictures

You have the option to drive north to the Pancake Rocks and blowholes of Punakaiki, before heading over Arthur's Pass towards Christchurch, following the route of the TranzAlpine Railway.
(Average riving time: 4 hours)

Drop off your rental vehicle at the airport and depart.