New Zealand in Freedom – The Essentials of Both Islands in 18 Days

You pick up your rental car in the centre of Auckland; the transfer to the agency is not included. You then take the road towards the Coromandel Peninsula, between forests, white sand beaches and steep coastlines.

After a break in Thames, you follow the coast lined with pohutukawa, trees with red flowers that bloom in summer. You can stop in the village of Coromandel, a former gold rush centre, before crossing the peninsula to Whitianga.

Located on the edge of Mercury Bay, this small town is perfect for a stroll facing the ocean. Take your time on the winding roads of the peninsula.

From Whitianga, continue your exploration of the peninsula towards Hahei and Hot Water Beach. At low tide, natural hot springs allow you to dig a basin in the sand. Then head to Cathedral Cove, a natural arch between cliffs and beach. Access can be made on foot or by sea, by kayak or boat, depending on local conditions.

You continue driving towards Waihi, where a viewpoint allows you to observe the open-pit gold mine, then towards Matamata. Cinema enthusiasts can optionally visit the sets of Hobbiton, the Hobbit village.

At the end of the day, reach Rotorua for an evening walk included in the Redwood sequoia forest, illuminated by the suspended works of David Trubridge.

Take the road from Rotorua to Taupo through a region marked by geothermal activity. A visit to Wai-o-Tapu is included: you will discover bubbling pools, a geyser and amazing natural colours. If you wish, you can also make a detour to Waimangu or Orakei Korako.

Then stop at the Huka Falls, where turquoise water rushes into a narrow canyon, before reaching Lake Taupo, formed by a volcanic eruption. Follow the lake to Turangi, then enter the Tongariro National Park, inscribed as a World Heritage site.

In this volcanic park, choose a walk suited to your pace or, if you wish to undertake a full-day hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

From the arid landscapes of Tongariro National Park, head south. The land gradually becomes greener as you travel along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, at the southern tip of the North Island.

Nestled between hills and ocean, Nouvelle-Zélande's political and cultural capital invites you to continue your discovery at your own pace. Climb Mount Victoria to admire the bay, then explore the city centre on foot, among museums, cafés, galleries and waterfront.

Check in at the Wellington ferry terminal at least one hour before departure. The crossing to Picton first skirts Wellington Bay, crosses the Cook Strait, then traverses the Marlborough Sounds, between sea inlets and verdant hills.

At Picton, collect your vehicle and head towards Havelock, known for its green mussels. The route offers several viewpoints and photo stop opportunities. You then traverse a vast forested region before reaching Nelson, renowned for its sunny climate, beaches, crafts, vineyards and fishing port.

Continue to Motueka, surrounded by orchards and hills, near the Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden beaches and coastal trail. You will stay here for two nights. Motueka is a convenient base for visiting the park: accommodations located in Kaiteriteri and Marahau are rare and often fully booked during high season.

Leaving from Motueka, the road moves away from the Abel Tasman region and reaches the west coast, between the mountains and the Tasman Sea. You follow the Buller River and cross its gorges until Westport.

In the afternoon, stop at Cape Foulwind to observe a seal colony, then continue towards Punakaiki. You discover the Pancake Rocks, rock formations sculpted by erosion and stacked like pancakes.

The day ends at Greymouth, the largest city on the west coast, with approximately 10,000 inhabitants.

From Greymouth, head south towards Hokitika, nicknamed the jade city. Discover its greenstone sculpture workshops, a precious material in Maori culture, then stroll along the beach where you can search for semi-precious stones.

Stop at Ross, a village where gold is still being panned. The road then passes through dense forests and pastures before reaching Franz Josef and its glacier, then Fox Glacier, further south. Several viewpoints allow you to admire the latter.

Near Fox Glacier, a walk around Lake Matheson offers, in good weather, a reflection of the country's highest peaks. If your schedule permits, you can also take a detour to Gillespies Beach.

From Fox Glacier, take the road towards the Haast Pass. The landscapes of the west coast gradually give way to the glacial lakes of central Otago. Several viewpoints invite you to stop along the way, notably near the Blue Pools, accessible via a trail crossing two suspension bridges. doc.govt.nz

You then reach Wānaka, on the shores of the lake of the same name. After a break, continue through the Cardrona Valley and its pass situated at 1,040 metres altitude. The road finally descends towards Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

From Queenstown, travel along the Lake Wakatipu, then cross the green plains of Southland, dotted with flocks of sheep. You arrive at Te Anau, on the shore of the South Island's largest lake and at the gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

Make the most of your time here according to your preferences: discover the glowworm caves by boat, try fishing or water sports, or explore the hiking trails in the region, including the Kepler Track, the Routeburn Track and the Milford Track. If you love birds, a stop at the entrance to the town allows you to discover some local species.

Leave early from Te Anau to reach Milford Sound via the Milford Road. Along the way, take time to discover the landscapes of the Eglinton Valley, the Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Monkey Creek and the Cleddau Valley, before crossing the Homer Tunnel and passing through The Chasm.

Upon arrival, board a two-hour fjord cruise. The panoramas change with the weather, whether the sky is clear or rainy.

You then head back to Te Anau, with the possibility of making other stops on the way back.

Before leaving, remember to download the service provider's application and bring your headphones to listen to the commentary in English. An overnight stay at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound can also be considered if you wish to extend your stay in the fjords.

Cross the rural landscapes of Southland towards the east coast and Dunedin. Before arriving in the city, take a detour to Tunnel Beach. A short steep walk, about 2 km return, leads to a tunnel carved into the rock, then to a beach accessible at low tide, bordered by limestone cliffs and a natural arch. The path and its stairs can be slippery, the waves are powerful and sea lions may be found on the beach: swimming is not recommended.

Continue to Dunedin, or Ōtepoti in Māori. This university city, marked by its Scottish roots, stretches between the sea and the hills of an ancient volcano. Depending on your interests, discover its historic architecture, its railway station, the Otago Museum, Baldwin Street and the street art murals scattered throughout the city.

The peninsula is home to albatrosses, sea lions, sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins and little penguins. At the end of the day, head there for an included guided tour to meet the little penguins.

From Dunedin, head north and make your first stop at Moeraki to discover its spherical, smooth rocks scattered on the beach. Continue to Oamaru, where you can stroll through the old quarter and admire its Victorian architecture.

The road then moves away from the coast and follows the Waitaki River, dotted with hydroelectric dams. In the Mackenzie region, take a break in Omarama, popular with gliding enthusiasts, then pass through Twizel, built in 1968 to house dam workers. The surrounding landscapes served as the backdrop for several scenes from The Lord of the Rings.

You will reach Lake Pukaki, then Lake Tekapo, whose turquoise colour is due to fine mineral particles suspended in the water. A small stone chapel stands facing the Southern Alps. If you wish, climb Mount John on foot or by car to enjoy a 360° view over Lakes Tekapo and Alexandrina. The site is also renowned for stargazing.

From the Lake Tekapo, cross the arid landscapes of Mackenzie Country before reaching the verdant plains of Canterbury. Take a break in Geraldine, known for its local crafts, cheeses, chocolates and glassblower.

To reach Christchurch, choose State Highway 1, which is more direct, or the Inland Scenic Route, which runs along the alpine foothills and crosses the gorges of the Rakaia River.

Upon arrival, discover the Garden City and its green spaces, its Victorian heritage and its city centre rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake. Depending on your interests, stroll through the botanic gardens, along the Avon River, or explore the museums, galleries and Riverside Market. The tram also allows you to reach the main sights in the city.