Discover the Best Self-Driving Attractions in New Zealand: Personal Recommendations

Just my personal subjective opinion:

The first stop is Queenstown, a gem for self-driving enthusiasts. The deer park here is absolutely stunning, earning it a full five stars. You can drive right up to the mountain’s peak, where breathtaking views await. There’s also a charming café with a fantastic hiking trail that offers the picturesque scenes you see in pictures 2-4.

Glenorchy, on the other hand, is just average; the journey there, however, is dotted with similar scenic spots. The cable car and scooter experience are decent but not particularly memorable.

Next up is Wanaka, as seen in picture 5. While many come specifically to photograph the iconic lone tree, I found it less captivating than expected.

The third stop takes us to Pukaki and Tekapo. I highly recommend Lake Pukaki over Tekapo. If you skip the Mount Cook flight, you can still enjoy a free, scenic hike with lakes and snow-capped mountains at every turn. Pictures 6 and 7 showcase the beauty of Pukaki, while picture 8, taken from a Tekapo café, offers a more modest view. Pictures 9 and 10, shot from a helicopter, give a spectacular aerial perspective of Mount Cook.

Kaikoura, the fourth stop, is known for whale watching, but it’s only so-so; visibility can be limited. Picture 11, though, is a highlight, featuring a bustling scene of seagulls and seals.

Dunedin, the fifth stop, is a city worth spending at least two days in. Driving up the steep slopes is an adrenaline-pumping experience, and the Tunnel Beach hike offers some truly beautiful vistas. On our way from Christchurch to Dunedin, we were treated to a night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way, a sight that was simply awe-inspiring.

A few places I wouldn’t really recommend: Oamaru for penguin watching, as it’s not worth the effort. Towns like Queenstown and Christchurch, while popular, didn’t strike me as particularly interesting. If you’re in the market for outdoor gear, this is the place to buy it, as Auckland has fewer and more scattered options.