The Best Self Drive Tours in New Zealand

Archway Islands, Wharariki Beach, New Zealand Archway Islands, Wharariki Beach, New Zealand

If you're headed to New Zealand and are looking for the best options for self drive tours, then you've come to the right place. We have done an extensive analysis of all available options in New Zealand based on price, guest ratings, service, amenities, activities, and value. We've done the groundwork for you, meticulously analyzing everything based on these key criteria in order to find the absolute best self drive tours. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation filled with relaxation, adventure, or a perfect blend of both, we've found the ideal journeys to make your holiday to New Zealand unforgettable. We have lots of details below on what these multi-day tours and trips are like, where they visit, how much you can expect to pay, and more. So, let's dig in.


The Top 3:

  • 7 Days, $1281.91

  • 14 Days, $3779.61

  • 3 Days, $685.56

What are self drive tours like in New Zealand?

New Zealand

Here are the important factors:

  • 7 trip options analyzed
  • $221 average price per day (USD)
  • 3 to 14 days in length
  • 4.57 of 5 average rating
  • 9 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of self drive tours in New Zealand, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 9 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 8 days, with tours ranging from 3 to 14 days long. With our thorough analysis of 7 self drive tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that New Zealand has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 7 Best Self Drive Tours in New Zealand
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for self drive tours.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Discover New Zealand



7 Days Start/End in Christchurch 6 Destinations 10 People at Most Ages 2 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

This 7-day voyage is ideal for guests age 2 and older. And priced at only $183 per day, it's a great value, too. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around wildlife, local culture, and family-friendly activities. This trip takes you on an adventure to 6 destinations, including Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, and Dunedin. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Christchurch. It's offered by Discover New Zealand, a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Self Drive
$1,282
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Discover New Zealand



14 Days Auckland to Christchurch 18 Destinations 4 People at Most Ages 2 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Priced at just $270 per day, this terrific 14-day voyage is ideal for guests age 2 and older. With 18 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Masterton, Wellington, Picton, and Queen Charlotte Sound, and more. Your journey starts off in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch. Organized by the reputable Discover New Zealand, this is one of the best tours on this list.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Self Drive
$3,780
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Discover New Zealand



3 Days Queenstown to Christchurch 5 Destinations 10 People at Most Ages 2 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Check out this incredible voyage that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 3 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 10 people, and is good for guests age 2 and older. Along the way, this journey encompasses 5 destinations, including Wanaka, Franz Josef, and Greymouth. Your journey will begin in Queenstown and end in Christchurch. This fantastic option, organized by Discover New Zealand, presents an unbeatable value at just $229 per day.

  • Family
  • Self Drive
$686
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for self drive tours.
by Discover New Zealand



7 Days Queenstown to Wellington 6 Destinations 10 People at Most Ages 2 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Spanning over 7 days, this voyage has a maximum size of 10 individuals. Welcoming guests age 2 and older, it is organized by Discover New Zealand, a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This itinerary covers 6 captivating destinations, with stops in Picton, Mount Cook, Christchurch, and Kaikoura, among others. Begin your trip in Queenstown and complete it with a memorable finale in Wellington. You'll love the emphasis on wildlife, local culture, and family-friendly activities, too. Available at an unbeatable price of only $208 per day, this option also has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Self Drive
$1,453
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for self drive tours.
by Discover New Zealand



6 Days Start/End in Christchurch 6 Destinations 10 People at Most Ages 2 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey that has garnered a 4.5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 6 days, this jouney will have 10 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests age 2 and older. With an emphasis on wildlife, local culture, and family-friendly activities, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. Expertly organized by Discover New Zealand, this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $211 per day.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Self Drive
$1,266
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for self drive tours.
by Discover New Zealand



9 Days Start/End in Christchurch 8 Destinations 10 People at Most Ages 2 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This memorable voyage is offered by Discover New Zealand which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $218 per day. Uncover the beauty of 8 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, and Wanaka. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Christchurch. And since the priority is on local culture and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. The maximum group size is 10 people, welcoming guests age 2 and older.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Self Drive
$1,959
TourRadar
by Discover New Zealand



9 Days Auckland to Christchurch 5 Destinations 10 People at Most Ages 2 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 4 out of 5 stars by previous guests. Rest assured, this trip is all about wildlife, local culture, and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. With a duration of 9 days, this trip offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 10 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to guests age 2 and older. Traverse through 5 enchanting destinations, with Rotorua, Wellington, and Picton among the must-see stops along the route. Begin your trip in Auckland and complete it with a memorable finale in Christchurch. Brought to you by Discover New Zealand, this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $226 per day.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Self Drive
$2,034
TourRadar

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Historical Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 3-Day Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best 3-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in New Zealand, The Best Coach Bus Tours in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in New Zealand, The Best Cultural Tours in New Zealand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, The Best Tours Under $1000 in New Zealand, The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, or The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Auckland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Christchurch, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Queenstown, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Wellington, The Best 10-Day Tours from Christchurch, The Best 10-Day Tours from Auckland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Christchurch, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Auckland for more package tour options.

How much do self drive tours in New Zealand cost?

Average Daily Price Self Drive Tours
$221

Travelers to New Zealand will have a large number of terrific options for self drive tours at a variety of great prices. The price of self drive tours here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 7 self drive tours, their average daily price is a very reasonable $221 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in New Zealand.

And for more information on New Zealand, see New Zealand Travel Costs and New Zealand Hotel Costs.


Budget Your Trip
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. On this website you can also find travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.