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NEW ZEALAND

New Routes. New Experience. New Zealand.
Unravel The Paradise Of The Pacific.

Trip Overview

New Zealand (or Aotearoa – land of the long white cloud), truly is one of the most picturesque and photogenic places on earth. A small island nation of just over 4.5 million people, New Zealand is located approximately 1,500km east of Australia and about 1,000km from the Pacific Islands. Due to its relative remoteness and being water locked, New Zealand was one of the last countries to be found and settled.

The country is made up of some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, from vast mountain ranges, steaming volcanoes to sweeping coastlines. It is a natural playground for thrill seekers and adventurers and those who simply want to visit for the culture and landscapes.

Join us this December to explore this stunning country – also know as the paradise of the Pacific. Embarq’s 12 day Self-Drive Road trip starting from Auckland takes you through some of the most scenic routes all the way to the southern most tip of the country and ends in Queenstown.

Drive through mesmerizing landscapes surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes. Take a Ski plane tour (optional) to land on one of the most famous glaciers and fly over Mount Cook. Stay overnight in a Cruise – and lose yourself to the stunning Milford sounds. Soak in the Maori culture as you experience their hospitality and warmth, get awed by some of most peculiar nature’s creations like the glow worm caves and thermal parks. Join the locals to bring in 2025 as we gather to witness some spectacular fire work show.

We will make sure this is the one of the most memorable road trips you will ever take. Are you ready to Embarq on a new experience?

About the trip

Travel Dates
22nd Dec 2024 to 3rd January, 2025
Duration
13 Days
Trip Cost
INR 6,40,000/- Per Person ( Considering two people in one car on twin sharing basis)
Trip Style
Self-Drive Road Trip
Vehicle
Toyota RAV 4 or similar
Driving Distance
3000 kms (approx.)
Landscapes
Mountains, Fiords, Coastlines, Volcanoes
Activities
Glow worm cave and Hobbiton movie set tour
Star gazing / glacier explore experience and adventure activities

Route Map

Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrival in Auckland

Touch down in Auckland and enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation. Take some time to relax and unwind before picking up your self-drive rentals in the evening. Prepare for the adventures ahead as you embark on a journey through the scenic landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island.

New Zealand luxury road trip tours

Day 2 Auckland to Rotorua

Embark on a magical journey through the Glow Worm Caves and delve into the enchanting world of these bioluminescent creatures. Explore the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, stepping into the fantastical realm of Middle-earth. In the evening, immerse yourself in Maori culture with the Mitai Maori Experience and a captivating Night Geyser Tour.

New Zealand self drive tours - Embarq

Day 3 Rotorua to Wellington City

Indulge in the luxurious comfort of DoubleTree or QT accommodations, where modern elegance meets unparalleled hospitality. Relax and rejuvenate your senses with a soothing soak in the rejuvenating hot springs nearby. Immerse yourself in tranquility and unwind amidst the stunning natural beauty of your surroundings.

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Day 4 Wellington City to Hanmer Springs

Embark on a scenic ferry journey from Wellington to Picton, crossing the picturesque Cook Strait. Marvel at the stunning coastal landscapes and rugged mountain ranges as you glide across the tranquil waters. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and panoramic views, creating unforgettable memories of your New Zealand adventure.

road-trip in New Zealand

Day 5 Hanmer Springs to Mt. Cook

The drive from Hanmer Springs to Mt Cook is a picturesque journey through the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. The journey offers stunning scenery throughout, including mountain vistas, turquoise lakes like Tekapo, and the rugged beauty of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. It’s a drive that showcases the natural grandeur of New Zealand, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the views along the way.

best road trips in New Zealand

Day 6 Day break at Mt. Cook

Experience the majesty of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, with an unforgettable adventure. Marvel at the celestial wonders during a mesmerizing star-gazing session, then delve into the icy realm of glaciers on a thrilling explorer expedition. Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey amidst the stunning landscapes of Mt Cook.

New Zealand Self Drive Tours & Holidays

Day 7 Mt. Cook to Wanaka

A relaxed drive that offers stunning views of the Southern Alps passing alongside Lake Pukaki with its vibrant turquoise waters. Arrive at Wanaka a small town nestled along Lake Wanaka with its unique vibe and lovely cafes.

Self Driving Holidays in New Zealand

Day 8 Wanaka to Milford Sound

Enjoy the changing scenery as you drive from Wanaka to Milford Sound. From the rolling hills of Cardrona Valley as you descend towards Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with towering cliffs and dense rainforests. Finally, you arrive at Milford Sound to enjoy the overnight cruise. Explore the stunning views of Fiords cascading waterfalls, wildlife (seals, penguins & dolphins) and dramatic landscapes from the water.

Luxury customized road trips in New Zealand

Day 9 Milford Sound to Te Anau

Enjoy the calm waters of the Fiords or indulge in some activities like kayaking and swimming. Come back to the shore by noon and drive to Te Anau, one of the most picturesque town in South Island.

customized road trips in New Zealand

Day 10 Te Anau to Queenstown

The drive from Te Anau to Queenstown, takes you along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, through the picturesque town of Kingston, and across the Southland plains. This stretch is relatively flat and offers a change of scenery with vast farmlands and rolling hills. Arrive in Queenstown the adventure capital of New Zealand.

New Zealand self drive tours in Queenstown

Day 11 Day break at Queenstown

Take a break from driving and indulge in some adventure sports like bungy jumping, sky diving or jet boating. Enjoy the vibrant Queenstown situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Indulge in the culinary delights while exploring the local market place or take gondola ride with captivating views overlooking the town.

New Zealand Road Trip Adventure

Day 12 Queenstown to Christchurch

The journey from Queenstown to Christchurch takes you through a variety landscapes in one day. Drive through the Kawarau Gorge, known for its rugged beauty and cross the Lindi pass offering stunning alpine scenery. Travel through the Canterbury Plains, with its patchwork of farmland and distant mountain views to arrive at Christchurch. Enjoy this relaxed drive with some local cuisine along the way.

Queenstown to Christchurch - New Zealand

Day 13 Fly back from Christchurch

Fly back from your journey’s end, relishing memories of scenic wonders and cultural delights. Departing from Christchurch, soar over the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Bid farewell to the majestic mountains, serene lakes, and charming towns, carrying with you the indelible experiences of your adventure-filled expedition.

luxury New Zealand self drive tours
Contact Us: 98208 39133 / 77025 82221

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Planned, designed and organised by the co-founders who lead and manage the convoy

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Client Testimonials

Helbert Erquinigo Calizaya

Our family trip organized by Embarq was simply exceptional. Their meticulous planning ensured that every moment was filled with unforgettable experiences. Every stop was a highlight, from exploring the stunning Tasman Sea in South Island to discovering hidden gems along the way. Thanks to their expertly crafted offbeat routes, we witnessed breathtaking vistas that left us in awe. Despite being strangers, we bonded effortlessly with our fellow travellers, adding to the joy of the journey. Embarq's attention to detail was evident in every aspect - from the thoughtfully curated itinerary to the impeccable choice of accommodations. All we had to do was book our tickets and visas; the rest was seamlessly taken care of by Embarq. These memories will be cherished forever, and we look forward to embarking on many more adventures with them.

Sanchayeeta Verma

My incredible New Zealand road trip with Embarq unveiled a new way to explore a country. The stunning natural beauty and well-developed infrastructure made it amazing, but Embarq's meticulous planning truly elevated the experience. Their efforts allowed us to traverse the entire length of New Zealand, from Auckland in the North to Te Anau and the Tasman Sea in the South, hitting all the must-see spots.
The real gem, however, was Embarq's selection of offbeat routes. Thanks to their detailed pre-trip scouting (recce), we witnessed breathtaking vistas, unlike anything we'd ever seen. While we initially didn't know our fellow travellers, the journey fostered amazing connections. Looking back, their company significantly enhanced the trip's fun factor.
Embarq's meticulousness shone through in every aspect – the itinerary, local partnerships, hotels, and exceptional care. We only had to handle flights and visas; Embarq took care of everything else. Memories made, future Embarq trips guaranteed!

Anthony Huang

Though travel excites me, venturing off the beaten path sparks anxiety. Concerns about accommodations, safety, and food are common. As a hospitality professional with high expectations, my self-curated travel experiences set the bar even higher.
Embarq, however, surpassed all worries on my second self-drive trip with them (the first was Spain two years ago) to Arunachal Pradesh, the Indo-China border, and Kaziranga.
Every drive route was thoroughly scouted, every hotel personally inspected, and all our menus thoughtfully curated. We traversed stunning roads, visiting breathtaking locations accessible to just a lucky few. The local cuisine prepared by home cooks was a true delight, offering an authentic taste of the region and fostering a connection with the community. Words are simply insufficient.

Sanchayeeta Verma

Had the most incredible New Zealand road trip with Embarq. Discovering a country by road was a novel experience made extra special because of NZ’s stunning natural beauty & road-travel infrastructure. But the secret ingredient was the meticulous planning by Embarq. Courtesy of their efforts we were able to traverse the entire length of NZ from Auckland in the North Island right up to Archana Singh
One of the best self-drive group trips I’ve taken recently. Very well curated & organised trip keeping in mind each person’s comfort. Sujal is an amazing trip organiser & a great company to be with.

Archana Singh

One of the best self-drive group trips I’ve taken recently. Very well curated & organised trip keeping in mind each person’s comfort. Sujal is an amazing trip organiser & a great company to be with.

Binaa Shah

I have done two road trips with EMBARQ MOTORWORLD
1. INDIA TO THAILAND via MYANMAR: All women road trip was an epic experience completely life changer. #womencrossingboundaries very well managed trip with premium stays and with utmost care about food, safety etc.
2. KYRGYZSTAN SNOW DRIVE: Ohh well well wandered with most diverse group ever in my life. Most memorable snow drive experience driving in amazing terrain with snow landscapes, driving by the lake for miles and miles it’s beautiful country.. and once again Embarq has left their mark for arranging awesome road trip in terms of food, stay & every minute things.. Picnic lunch in middle of the snowy mountains was cherry on a cake.. Kudos to EMBARQ. Highly recommended trust worthy travel company.

Viplav Kumar

I have done 3 trips with Embarq, Scotland, Silk Route and the North East. Those were my best drives, I had driven a lot but these trips were very close TO my heart specially coz of the organizers, now they have become a family. Not to forget about their skills of organizing things so meticulously, every single small thing starting from accommodations, your safety, food, and over all the warmth you get in their friendship. They are most best organisers of road trips according to me. And I look forward for many more trips. And will cherish all the memories till my next trip.
SPL note:- Best but not the least is I always came back with a extended family after all the trips. Thank you EMBARQ.

Anupreeti More

The motive of our All Women Road trip 2019 will keep us motivated n inspired forever. Thank you Team Embarq for a mesmerizing journey through beautiful Myanmar and Thailand and giving us an opportunity to explore Local food, people and their lifestyle. Literally crossed many mental barriers, stretched limits, had wonderful interactions with awesome personalities from different backgrounds, never-ending chats, craziness, fun filled moments, bonding and #neverever experiences.
Hats off gals for the hard work, planning and execution.
You are awesome!!! My best wishes for all your upcoming endeavours.

Mahesh Gowaikar

To be able to drive through exotic landscapes and for someone to take care of all your requirements at a luxurious level, this is highly recommended.
I did New Zealand with them and it was an once in a life-time experience. Curated itinerary, excellent hotels, recced drives, amazing locales and exotic locations - the trip had it all.
Hats off to Sujal Patwardhan for being a great guide and friend throughout the tour !!!
For sure, now I am hooked to doing more trips with them !!!

Samrat Ashok Patil

I have done many road trips before in India and all were unplanned. Did my first planned trip and first with Embarq which I did in April of Peru and believe me it was the best road trip as of now. Embarq team makes sure that you enjoy every moment that journey has to offer.
PERU - it has so much to offer like different terrains:- from one of the driest place on the Earth to one of the highest motorable roads at 15000 ft.
With Embarq your trip is going to be one wonderful memory that you will carry all your life. All the Best Team Embarq for all your upcoming and future Tours and for your Journey of becoming the best Tour planners.

Alpana Paralkar

Came across Embarq through my friends reference and happy that he recommended to perfect team of strong girls Sujal & Medha. Excellent planning of route, paper work, selection of places for food, very well accommodating behaviour, luxurious and comfortable stay and they surprised us at every given point by giving us more than our expectations. Best part of our tour was we made friends for lifetime, we shared joy of togetherness, shared our success as it was first only women’s drive by women for women. Managing 16 women from different parts of India with different background was not an easy job they managed it so well that we blended smoothly and parting became difficult. This was the best stunt of my life and recommend everyone to try at least once and you will get addicted.

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