-Day Self-Driving Itinerary: Explore New Zealand’s South Island & Auckland

As my parents are getting older, I want to take them on an adventure to see more of the world while they are still in good health. Our group consists of 8 people, including 2 seniors and 2 children, with an estimated cost of about 20,000 RMB per person. This travel guide is a helpful reference for friends planning a similar trip.

💰Costs💰
– International + domestic New Zealand flights: 12,000 RMB/person
– Accommodation total: 40,000 RMB
– Car rental + fuel total: 15,000 RMB
– Tickets + meals total: 20,000 RMB
– Visas total: 10,000 RMB

🚗Car Rental🚗
**South Island 🏝️**
After comparing several car rental companies, we chose the local New Zealand company Go Rental. Considering the amount of luggage and the need for comfort on long trips, we booked two 7-seater Outlanders.
– **Capacity:** The trunk is very spacious, able to fit three 28-inch large suitcases (standing up) + one carry-on suitcase.

– **Price:** For each car, 9 days of full insurance was 1380 NZD, booked during Black Friday with a 20% discount. One of our cars had its windshield damaged by a stone kicked up from the road, which was covered by the insurance.
– **Pick-up:** Not at the airport, arranged a pick-up through the app, costing 9 NZD per trip.

– **Return:** At the airport’s car rental parking lot, make sure to park in the designated area and confirm with the company.

**North Island 🏝️**
We only planned to visit Hobbiton on the last day, so we rented two of the cheapest small cars (including full insurance, around 500+ NZD per car).
– **Storage:** Packed what we needed in advance and stored the rest of the luggage in the airport’s self-service lockers, a large locker costs 17 NZD.

– **Pick-up:** After arriving domestically at Auckland Airport, exit through the door on the right side of the food court, cross the street to find a row of car rental companies. If your flight is delayed, be sure to inform the car rental company in advance, as staff may leave after the reserved time.

– **Return:** Next to the temporary parking area for international departures, but it’s easy to get lost, so ask for directions.

💕Itinerary💕
– **D0:** Beijing✈️Auckland
– **D1:** Auckland✈️Christchurch
– **D2:** Birdling Flat Beach – Akaroa (Alpaca Farm)
– **D3:** Akaroa – Tekapo (Stargazing)
– **D4:** Tekapo – Mount Cook – Wanaka (Hiking)
– **D5:** Wanaka – Arrowtown – Queenstown (Winery)
– **D6-7:** Skydiving – Kiwi Park – Deer Park – Nevis Swing – Skyline
– **D8:** Queenstown – Dunedin (Lucky to catch a fireworks display in the local Chinatown)
– **D9:** Dunedin – Oamaru – Christchurch✈️Auckland
– **D10:** Hobbiton – Auckland✈️Beijing
For detailed itinerary and cost references, please check the images.

🏠Accommodation🏠
We stayed at a hotel near the airport for two days in Auckland, mainly in homestays on the South Island. There were no disappointments, all booked through Booking, and it’s recommended to book early for holidays! The main principle was to stay close to attractions with good value for money. Detailed prices are in the last image.