NZ: The Ultimate Self-Drive in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’

On arrival in Auckland, you'll have a guided welcome and assistance in collecting your hire car. From here you head to your downtown hotel.

A full day at leisure to acclimatise and get over the jet lag in Auckland.

Before you go, your Blank Canvas app will be loaded with bars and restaurants suited to your requirements & tastes - be sure to check it out tonight.

The ultimate road trip begins with a relatively short leg to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Here you'll take a stroll down to the beautiful Cathedral Cove and the gorgeous white sand beach.

Tonight, head to Hot Water Beach to dig your own bathing hole to experience its incredible geothermal waters. Keep your eyes peeled for fireflies.

Next it's one of NZ's most cultural and important towns - Rotorua. Famed as one of the main centres of Maori people, Rotorua is well worth an overnight stop.

You'l experience the geysers and mud pools in the geothermal park before catching a cultural show later tonight.

From here it's south to one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand - Taupo and another fabulous boutique property.

Today you have the option to either take a lake cruise, go kayaking or attempt the Tongariro Alpine crossing - one of the most beautiful (but fairly taxing) hikes in the country.

Rest up after the hike back in town in one of its many laid-back bars.

Head off early so you can spend the afternoon sightseeing in NZ's underrated capital, Wellington.

Whilst not the biggest city in NZ (that title goes to Auckland) Wellington is much loved for its laid-back atmosphere, boutique cafes and trendy dining scene.

A long road trip awaits today as you cross from the North Island to the South, then onto one of the most beautiful locations on the continent, Franz Josef.

Notice how the scenery changes and becomes more Alpine in nature the further south you go.

There's so much to do here. embark on guided glacier hikes, helicopter tours, or scenic walks. Nearby, Lake Matheson offers mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, perfect for photography and leisurely strolls.

Next it's little-known Wanaka, a beautiful, quiet town located on a beautiful large lake of the same name.

This is a great spot to go kayaking or to take a leisurely evening walk or hike. There's a spattering of cool bars and restaurants to keep you entertained after sunset.

Today you'll head to Queenstown, probably the most famous and beloved location in New Zealand.

The city, whilst small, has caved out a niche as one of the most scenic and adrenaline-fuelled in the world. You'll be staying in another fabulous boutique over the next 3 nights - your longest stop.

You have the option to experience so much today. Indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, or skydiving. Explore nearby hiking trails, take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or enjoy wine tasting in the surrounding Central Otago region.

Today you'll leave early from Queenstown on a coach tour through Fiordland National Park to the stunning Milford Sound - a real highlight of any trip!

Enjoy a scenic cruise, spotting seals and waterfalls, and savour lunch before returning, captivated by the stunning landscapes.

Onto Christchurch, your final stop. Christchurch is a pretty and sleepy city that has rebuilt itself in impressive fashion following a devastating earthquake in 2011.

The city has come together to rebuild and it's thriving. Enjoy some of the best bars and restaurants in the country on your last day at leisure.

Today you'll drop your hire car at the airport in good time for your onward flight.