New Zealand

After picking up our vehicle in the morning, we head south.

From Auckland, we travel south, passing over the Bombay Hills and through the rolling farmlands and lush dairy pastures of Waikato. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the Auckland region, and from here we move inward, towards Waikato. After visiting Matamata, where we'll explore the completely unspoiled Hobbiton movie set used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, we recognize our arrival in Rotorua by the scent of sulfur and other signs of geothermal activity.

Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel

Rotorua, filled with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers, is located in one of the world’s most active volcanic regions.

Beyond its geothermal sites, this sulfuric city also boasts a rich local history. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, you can visit Maori Villages, relax and rejuvenate in the naturally warm waters at Polynesian Spa, try static skydiving at Velocity Valley Adventure Park, swing on the giant swing that reaches speeds of up to 130 km/h, skydive by plane, ride the Gondola, or experience nighttime sledding for some excitement.

You can also spend your time in Rotorua exploring Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the region’s most colorful volcanic attractions.

Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua Hotel

Driving from Rotorua to Wellington, we will pass through the Taupo district and cross Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Just north of the city, we will take a break to see the Huka Falls. 

For those who want to get even closer, an exciting Huka Jet boat ride is available.

Lake Taupo is a volcanic caldera (collapsed crater) formed during one of the world’s largest eruptions, estimated to have occurred 1,800 years ago.

After passing Turangi, we ascend onto the plateau towards the high Rangipo Desert. We’ll still be able to see the peaks of Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three World Heritage Sites. We’ll see the volcanically active Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and the peak of Mt Ngauruhoe. In the "Lord of the Rings" movies, this is Mount Doom.

Before reaching Kapiti Coast, the region passes through rich farmlands and the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka, and Bulls. 

Coastal towns Paraparaumu, Paekakariki, and Plimmerton are worth stopping by before arriving in the capital. Wellington City is the capital of New Zealand. It sits on a magnificent deep natural harbor and is surrounded by bush-covered hills. The city center itself is quite compact (around 2 square kilometers), making it relatively easy to explore on foot.

From your accommodation in the city center, you can easily visit the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and, if time permits, visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis Wellington

The 92 km ferry journey between Wellington and Picton takes about 3 hours and is described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.'
As you depart from Wellington Harbour, you'll pass many interesting spots such as the Pencarrow Head lighthouse, New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse, Red Rocks, and Oterangi Bay.

Enjoy stunning views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island as you cross Cook Strait, and have the chance to see dolphins, seals, and many seabirds. About an hour of the journey takes you through crystal-clear waters, secluded bays, and offers spectacular photo opportunities. The final leg passes Queen Charlotte before you reach the picturesque town of Picton.

With just a short 30-minute drive, we’ll follow the southern valley to arrive in Blenheim, located in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region. Passing through lush, leafy vineyards, you'll see the magnificent 'dry hills' of distant Marlborough.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough

We will cross Marlborough’s ‘dry hills’ and head towards Kaikoura Coast, one of the South Island’s most spectacular shorelines. The road hugs the coast for about 50 kilometers, offering many opportunities to spot local wildlife. To the east lies the South Pacific Ocean, and to the west, the soaring Kaikoura Ranges. Kaikoura Township is a lively, small place with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, yet the main reason to visit is the wildlife, and it is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can see whales all year round.
Whale Watch Kaikoura is New Zealand’s only marine-based whale watching company and gives visitors the chance for close encounters with sperm whales.
Here, sperm whales can be seen year-round, and depending on the season, you may also spot migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, and blue whales.

Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura

Today, we will travel along the coast before heading inland through the Waipara Valley, the North Canterbury wine region. In this area, we'll be greeted by one of New Zealand's most notorious animals: the sheep :). If time allows, we'll head to Hanmer Springs for a relaxing dip in its thermal pools. Upon arriving in Christchurch, you'll see a vibrant, ever-evolving new city.

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold

Today, we will cross the endless Canterbury Plains, passing through the heart of the South Island. We’ll arrive at the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo via Geraldine and Burkes Pass.
From the shores of Lake Pukaki, we’ll admire the view of Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.
We’ll enjoy the glacial-fed turquoise waters of the lake. We’ll then continue along the lake to our final destination, Mount Cook Village.

You may choose to see Mount Cook National Park from a ski plane or take a helicopter ride to land on one of its glaciers.
You can kayak on a glacial lake, or test your legs on one of the many hiking trails in and around the village.

The striking turquoise color of Lake Tekapo—New Zealand’s highest lake—captivates all who see it. One of the region’s most popular and photographed landmarks is the Church of the Good Shepherd.
We’ll visit Canterbury University Observatory atop Mount John to take in the scenery, then continue a bit further to Lake Alexandrina, a wildlife reserve home to many bird species, before heading to our hotel. Mount Cook National Park, the West Coast Glaciers, and the Franz Josef Glacier are absolute must-sees.
Only a 1–1.5-hour drive from Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park offers a rugged and stunning landscape encompassing 19 peaks, including the world’s highest point.
New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, rises to 3,754 meters and can be seen from the south.

For a truly unique experience, you can take a scenic flight over the park and land on the 15-kilometer-long Tasman Glacier, or enjoy one of the many short walks in the area.

Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel Room Mount Cook View

Departing from the mountainous region of Aoraki Mount Cook, we'll pass through the lakeside town of Twizel, then head a bit further on to Omarama, gliding along the way.
We will continue over the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads at 971 meters above sea level. After passing through Tarras village, we'll take a short route to the historic Bendigo Reserve, one of Otago's original gold mining settlements.
Following the road to Cromwell, we'll keep heading toward Gibbston, cutting through the rugged cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge.
We'll visit the historic Kawarau Bridge, where you can try bungy jumping, relax, or watch others take the plunge. As you arrive in Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range and the adventure capital of New Zealand will come into view.

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Queenstown may be celebrated as New Zealand's "adventure capital," but it offers much more than just a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath the soaring panoramas of the Remarkables mountain range, this alpine town is surrounded by countless forests.
It’s a city of gastronomic and natural wonders. You can head to the Gibbston wine trail to taste some of the region’s finest Pinots, or board the 100-year-old steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. For dinner and a farm tour, visit the Walter Peak Station, browse waterfront cafes, or enjoy lunch at Michelin-starred chef Josh Emett’s ‘Rata’ restaurant.
You can make a trip to nearby historic Arrowtown, and experience Macetown with a four-wheel drive tour.
Enjoy a pleasant lakeside walk or take the gondola for breathtaking views. You can go even further, from Fiordland National Park and over the Crown Range to Wanaka. It’s an adventure in the land of The Lord of the Rings.

And after all this, if you really want Queenstown’s famous adrenaline rush, you can try Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, Heli-ski and many more adventure sports.

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

After breakfast in the morning, we head to Queenstown Airport and fly to Auckland. From there, we board our flight to Istanbul and conclude our trip.