Top of the North to Top of the South Itinerary

The Bay of Islands has an array of unique settlements for you to explore. In Kerikeri, you’ll find galleries, cafes and vineyards, gourmet food shops, golf courses and historic sites such as the Stone Store and the Mission House. There are superb hiking trails in the area – Rainbow Falls is a perfect picnic spot. Just before Paihia, you’ll have to chance to visit Haruru Falls. These falls tumble down in a perfect horseshoe.

Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands, enjoy a dolphin-spotting safari, or take a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.

As you journey southward, be sure to visit Kawakawa's beautiful public toilet. This masterpiece of glass tiles and imagination was the very last building designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser.

A series of small settlements will lead you to Whangārei, a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex, you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Stretch your legs and get some fresh air on this three hour hike to nearby Whangārei Falls.

Auckland is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.

New Zealand's longest river will accompany you for much of your journey south to the Waikato. At Ngāruawāhia, you can turn onto State Highway 39 and travel straight to Waitomo or alternatively, spend some time checking out the city of Hamilton.

Waitomo is an ancient limestone region that hides a series of vast cave systems beneath its surface. Walking tours and boat cruises are easy ways to explore these stalactite, stalagmite and glow-worm decorated caves. For something more adventurous, try Blackwater rafting, or abseil into the hidden depths.

Your trip to Rotorua takes you through a series of small towns. Meet New Zealand's iconic bird at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House or visit Te Awamutu's beautiful rose gardens. Cambridge is the heart of the Waikato's affluent horse breeding district. Its lovely tree-lined streets and boutique shops make a good rest stop. Another interesting stop is Tirau, known for its animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings.

Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year.

The road to Taupō will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geology. Take a side road to a geothermal park (like Orakei Korako or Craters of the Moon), where you’ll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. Towards the end of your journey, you’ll encounter Huka Prawn Park, Huka Falls and a world-acclaimed golf course.

The resort town of Taupō sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout. A boat trip to the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay is a great way to get out on the lake and learn about the area's history.

The major entertainment on the road from Taupō to Napier is the fantastic scenery. There’s a bit of everything - rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas. At Tarawera, take a break and walk to the hot springs above the Waipunga River. You might also want to stop at the Waiarua Falls lookout, to view the twin waterfalls.

In 1931, a devastating earthquake nearly destroyed the city of Napier. It was rebuilt in the style of the times and is now a treasure of Art Deco architecture. The vineyards of Hawke’s Bay are all within easy reach of Napier, with many connected by easy cycle trails. Another attraction is the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

Your journey today takes you through the scenery and charming towns of the Wairarapa. Carterton is a great place to stop for souvenirs and Greytown is a hub of antique shops and Victorian heritage buildings. Martinborough features over 20 wineries, most within cycling and walking distance of the village square. Some of New Zealand’s best pinot noir comes from this region. Cycle-the-vines or take a guided wine tour.

In Wellington, you'll find a compact, cultured city, full of character. The downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and museums all within easy walking distance. Be sure to check out our national museum Te Papa.

Spend the day exploring New Zealand's cool little capital Wellington. Along with the array of museums and galleries that have made Wellington the country's cultural centre, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Film fans will love the Wētā Workshop Tour, where you can discover the special effects and props that bring imaginary worlds to life.

Wellington is also a great place for gardens and wildlife. The iconic red cable car will take you up to the botanical gardens and Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, where you can meet some of New Zealand's most unique creatures. Visit the seal colony at Red Rock Reserve via a lovely coastal walk.

The passage across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. Along the way look out for the Red Rocks seal colony, Tory Channel, Cook’s Lookout and the beautiful coves of the sounds. You'll arrive in Picton, the South Island base for ferry services linking the North and South islands. It’s also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds.

Nearby Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough, with more than 20 wineries on its doorstep. Character accommodation is another highlight here with everything from homestays to boutique hotels.

After the town of Renwick, you’ll follow the Wairau River up to the Southern Alps. Stop in Mount Richmond Forest Park and explore one of the park's many hiking tracks.

The alpine village of St Arnaud sits on the edge of Lake Rotoiti against a stunning backdrop of mountains. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand’s second largest. There are magnificent hiking trails – short and long. Local adventure operators offer you a choice of kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, horse trekking and 4WD motorbikes. 

Spend the night here or in nearby Murchison.

Car-free option

Skip St Arnaud and add a night in Nelson before heading on to Murchison.

The road to Greymouth provides spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. At Charleston, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips. Punakaiki is famous for its ancient pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes.

Greymouth itself has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the West Coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can shop for carved pounamu (greenstone/jade) – a local treasure highly prized by Maori.

Maori tribes crossing to the West Coast to find pounamu (jade) first used the route known as Arthur’s Pass. Today it’s a sophisticated mountain pass, memorable for its scenery as well as its breathtaking civil engineering. Drive the route yourself or take the stunning TranzAlpine railway.

Either way, take time to stop at Arthur’s Pass Village. This little settlement in the mountains is a base for climbing, hiking, hunting and skiing adventures in the adjacent national park. There’s a good choice of short walks and native birds are common including the kea, tui and bellbird.

As you travel from the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains, rural serenity and friendly towns will lead you on to Christchurch.

As the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is packed with charming heritage, innovation and outdoor activities. Punting on the Avon River, heritage tram rides, street art trails, botanical gardens and scenic heli-flights are just some of the things to do here. Spend the afternoon discovering all this city has to offer.

Spend your last day exploring Christchurch's surrounds with a day trip to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa. Self-drivers can choose to take State Highway 75 via Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth or the longer and more difficult route through the Lyttelton tunnel and around Lyttelton Harbour.

Akaroa is elegant and full of character. The streets wear French names, and local restaurants pay homage to French cuisine. Visit the Akaroa museum and beautifully restored historic cottages. Harbour cruises provide a chance to meet dolphins, penguins and fur seals.