Beyond the Borders: Nuova Zelanda in self drive e Isole Cook - con stop a Dubai

Christchurch rises across the Canterbury Plains on the east coast of the South Island, the region's largest city and long nicknamed the "Garden City" for its lush gardens and generous green spaces. Reborn with creativity after the earthquakes, it now blends a fresh spirit of street art, independent cafés and experimental architecture such as the Transitional Cathedral, the famous "Cardboard Cathedral" built from cardboard tubes. The centre unfolds along the banks of the Avon River, where punting on traditional flat-bottomed boats is a beloved pastime, leading to the Botanic Gardens and the vast Hagley Park, the city's green lung. Don't miss New Regent Street, with its pastel-coloured façades and the heritage trams that glide through it, along with the art galleries and markets that animate the revived neighbourhoods. Christchurch also makes an excellent base for exploring its surroundings: the spectacular Banks Peninsula with the French-inspired village of Akaroa, set on a bay perfect for spotting dolphins, and the celebrated TranzAlpine, a panoramic train that crosses the Southern Alps to the west coast. Between Victorian elegance and pioneering spirit, Christchurch welcomes travellers with the smile of a city that has reinvented itself.

Lake Tekapo enchants with the milky turquoise of its waters, born from the fine "glacial flour" carried down by the glaciers of the Southern Alps, which form a grand backdrop to this high-altitude lake in the heart of the Mackenzie Country. On its shore stands the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the most photographed chapels in the country, a perfect stone frame against the water and mountains. Yet it is the sky that makes Tekapo unique: the area lies within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and on clear nights the southern firmament reveals itself in all its intensity, with guided stargazing on offer. In summer, fields of lupins tint the shores purple and pink. Between turquoise waters and starry skies, Lake Tekapo is a small paradise for lovers of nature and the stars. Te Anau lies on the shores of the lake of the same name, the largest on the South Island, and serves as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, the heart of Te Wāhipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A peaceful resort town, it moves to the slow rhythm of water and of the mountains mirrored in the lake at dusk. From here depart the excursions to New Zealand's two most famous fiords: Milford Sound, with its waterfalls plunging between sheer cliffs, and the more remote and wild Doubtful Sound, reached only by lake and boat. Te Anau is also the starting point for some of New Zealand's "Great Walks", such as the Milford Track and the Kepler Track, winding through temperate rainforest, glacial valleys and alpine lakes. A short distance from town lie the Te Anau caves, where an underground cruise leads into a cavern lit by the blue glow of glowworms. An ideal stop for those seeking unspoilt nature, silence and wide open spaces.

A spectacular fiord set in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most celebrated landscapes, part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage area. Sheer rock walls plunge into deep, dark waters, marked by the silhouette of Mitre Peak and by waterfalls such as the Stirling and Bowen Falls that cascade from hundreds of metres. Scenic cruises, kayaking and walks bring visitors close to seals, dolphins and, occasionally, penguins. Often wreathed in rain and mist, it offers a primordial, unforgettable atmosphere. Queenstown rises on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, embraced by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables, and is widely known as New Zealand's adventure capital. The tourist heart of the South Island, it blends the energy of outdoor pursuits with the charm of a compact lakefront, where cafés, restaurants and boutiques enliven the town's streets. From here come bungee jumping on the Kawarau Bridge, cruises aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, jet boating through the gorges, and the ski fields of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. The Skyline Gondola climbs to Bob's Peak, offering a spectacular view over town and lake. Nearby, the picturesque gold-mining town of Arrowtown and the wineries of the Central Otago region, famous for its Pinot Noir, round out the experience. Among mountains, crystal-clear waters and adrenaline, Queenstown is a destination for every season of the year.

Franz Josef owes its fame to a rare geological spectacle: the Franz Josef Glacier, which tumbles down from the Southern Alps to within a few hundred metres of sea level, amid lush temperate rainforest. This meeting of ice and exuberant vegetation, unique in the world, forms part of the Te Wāhipounamu protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small village set along the West Coast lives on adventure: guided ice walks, scenic helicopter flights landing on the snowfield, and trails leading to lookouts over the glacier's tongue. After the hikes, the village's hot pools offer relief among the ferns. A short distance away, the twin Fox Glacier completes the picture. Between age-old ice and emerald forests, Franz Josef reigns as the kingdom of adventure on the wild coast.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. At the mouth of the Grey River, on the west coast of the South Island, Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and an ideal starting point for exploring this wild, off-the-beaten-path region. Grown around its mining history of coal and gold, it retains a rugged, authentic character, facing the Tasman Sea. It is the terminus of the TranzAlpine, one of the world's most scenic railways, crossing gorges, beech forests and the passes of the Southern Alps. Nearby, the rock formations of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the rainforests offer unforgettable excursions. Between stormy seas and untamed nature, Greymouth is the rugged soul of the West Coast.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. Nelson stretches across the northern tip of the South Island, facing Tasman Bay, and proudly claims the title of the exact geographic centre of New Zealand. Blessed with one of the country's sunniest climates, the city combines golden beaches, a lively arts-and-crafts scene and a respected food-and-wine tradition. Above all, it is the gateway to two parks of great beauty: Abel Tasman, famed for its coastal trails between turquoise coves and forest, and the wilder, more untouched Kahurangi. The surrounding countryside, rich in orchards, vineyards and hop gardens, feeds a thriving culture of craft breweries and local produce. Nelson is the ideal destination for those seeking sun, sea, nature and fine food all in one place.

Tempo di guida approssimativo 5,5 ore, 310 km Guida attraverso la SH1 fino a Wanganui. Una strada sterrata storica ti porta lungo il fiume Whanganui attraverso una delle parti più panoramiche dell'Isola del Nord. Una volta arrivato a Raetihi tornerai su strade asfaltate e ti dirigerai verso Ohakune ai piedi del Monte Ruapehu, un vulcano attivo nel maestoso Parco Nazionale di Tongariro. Picton stretches out at the head of a sheltered bay in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, at the northern tip of the South Island. A lively port and the main hub for the ferries linking the two islands, the town offers a pretty waterfront alive with cafes, seafood restaurants and moored boats. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the maze of inlets, sounds and islets of the Sounds, by boat, kayak or along the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Nearby lie the renowned wineries of the Marlborough region, home of Sauvignon Blanc. A gateway to the sea amid nature, wine and adventure. The capital of New Zealand, Wellington stretches across the southern tip of the North Island, gathered around a spectacular bay and ringed by hills dotted with colourful houses. Lively and cosmopolitan, it is regarded as the country's cultural and creative heart, renowned for its food scene, cafés and passion for craft beer. On the waterfront stands Te Papa Tongarewa, the remarkable national museum that tells the nation's history, nature and Māori culture. The historic Wellington Cable Car climbs to the Botanic Garden and a panoramic lookout over the city, while the Cuba Street district pulses with life among vintage shops, venues and murals. The city is also a capital of cinema, home to the studios that brought The Lord of the Rings saga to life. Among culture, sea and a brisk breeze, Wellington wins visitors over with its urban energy and independent character.

Tempo di guida approssimativo 5,5 ore, 310 km Guida attraverso la SH1 fino a Wanganui. Una strada sterrata storica ti porta lungo il fiume Whanganui attraverso una delle parti più panoramiche dell'Isola del Nord. Una volta arrivato a Raetihi tornerai su strade asfaltate e ti dirigerai verso Ohakune ai piedi del Monte Ruapehu, un vulcano attivo nel maestoso Parco Nazionale di Tongariro. A UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural value and Māori cultural significance, Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest national park and guards three active volcanoes in the heart of the North Island: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro itself. Its lunar landscapes of steaming craters, emerald lakes and lava fields have provided the backdrop for famous film settings. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered among the most spectacular day hikes in the world, crosses volcanic saddles and thermal springs amid breathtaking scenery. In winter the slopes of Ruapehu become ski fields. Tongariro is the sacred land where fire and myth meet.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. The presence of a rich volcanic substrate, due to the presence of a chain of now extinct volcanoes, and abundant rainfall make this region one of the greenest and most fertile in the world. The most famous tourist destination on the North Island, and perhaps in all of New Zealand, stands out first and foremost for the strong smell of rotten eggs due to the abundant presence of sulfur. A lively geothermal activity with geysers, lakes and hot water streams, bubbling mud pools, and multicolored silica terraces are the main characteristics of this region, which also stands out for its large Maori population with interesting cultural activities. It is also a paradise for fishermen, with the best trout fishing in the world.

about 3 hours - 230 km A few stops can be made along the way, including: Hobbiton Movie Set a must for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This site offers guided tours through the Hobbiton set, with characteristic Hobbit houses. Or to Waitomo for a visit to the famous caves known for their mesmerizing firefly displays. Join a guided tour to see these bioluminescent creatures illuminating the cave ceilings. Auckland spreads across a volcanic isthmus between two natural harbours, the Waitematā and the Manukau, and is New Zealand's largest city, a lively meeting point of Māori, Polynesian and European cultures. Known as the "City of Sails" for the countless boats that fill its bays, it greets visitors with a skyline crowned by the Sky Tower, whose panoramic deck takes in the Hauraki Gulf and its scattered volcanic cones. Discovery begins along the waterfront of Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, where restaurants and bars overlooking the water capture the city's seafaring soul. From here Queen Street climbs toward the commercial heart, while the neighbourhoods of Ponsonby and Parnell charm with trendy cafés, art galleries and Victorian timber architecture. Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park, is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, a treasure trove of Māori art and culture where visitors can experience stirring traditional dance performances. Nearby, the dormant volcano of Maungawhau (Mount Eden) and the gardens of One Tree Hill offer sweeping 360-degree views across the isthmus and the ocean. The Hauraki Gulf and its islands are the other great draw: Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride away, is famed for its vineyards, golden beaches and artists' studios, while Rangitoto invites hikers across lava flows and pōhutukawa forests. Local cuisine blends Pacific flavours, the freshest seafood and fine regional wines in a relaxed, cosmopolitan setting. As the gateway to Northland and the Bay of Islands, Auckland is the perfect balance of wild nature and urban sophistication, a city where the ocean is never more than a step away.

Aitutaki shelters one of the most celebrated lagoons in the Pacific: a vast expanse of emerald and turquoise water enclosed by a triangular reef, scattered with motus — tiny sandy islets fringed with palms that seem to float in an unreal painting. The main island is inhabited and served by charming small resorts, but the lagoon is the true reason to visit: boat excursions to the motus, particularly the celebrated One Foot Island (Tapuaetai), allow guests to swim in almost perfectly still waters, snorkel among vivid corals and lunch on the most photogenic beach in the archipelago. The shallow, transparent depths also make Aitutaki ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Life on the island is quiet and genuine, with simple restaurants serving freshly caught fish and sunset cocktails. Aitutaki is reached by a short flight from Rarotonga and is often the most unforgettable moment of a Cook Islands journey.

Rarotonga is the beating heart of the Cook Islands, a volcanic island crowned by lush green peaks that plunge towards an intensely turquoise lagoon. The fringing reef that encircles almost the entire island offers some of the most spectacular diving in the South Pacific, with coral walls, sea turtles and shoals of colourful fish inhabiting exceptionally clear waters. The island's interior is laced with trails that climb through dense tropical forest to the summits of Te Rua Manga — known as “The Needle” for its sharp silhouette — and Raemaru, with panoramas stretching from open ocean to valleys carpeted in hibiscus and papaya. Avarua, the small capital, moves at a relaxed and authentic pace: the Saturday morning market is the community's meeting point, brimming with bananas, taro, black pearl jewellery and traditional fabrics. Polynesian culture is tangible in traditional dance ceremonies and in the drumming that fills village evenings. Rarotonga is more than a beach destination: it is a human-scale island where cycling, lagoon kayaking, snorkelling through reef passages and jungle hikes alternate effortlessly. Local cuisine blends the freshest seafood with Polynesian culinary roots, and the small resorts lining the southern coast offer warm hospitality far removed from mass tourism. An ideal base for exploring the archipelago, with internal flights connecting to the more remote outer islands.

Dubai rises where the desert meets the Persian Gulf, a futuristic metropolis born in the span of a few decades and become a symbol of ambition and modernity. Its skyline is dominated by the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, at whose feet stretch the Dubai Fountain and the colossal Dubai Mall. Along the coast extends the artificial palm of Palm Jumeirah, while the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel has become the icon of the city's luxury. Yet Dubai also keeps an older soul: in the historic Al Fahidi district, with its wind-tower houses and the lanes of Bastakiya, and along the Creek, the waterway crossed on traditional abra boats to reach the gold and spice souks of Deira. The surrounding desert invites dune safaris, dinners under the stars and 4x4 rides, while the cuisine ranges from Emirati delicacies to high-end international dining. Among golden beaches, man-made islands and futuristic attractions, the city never stops reinventing itself: new districts like Dubai Marina and Downtown sparkle with lights at night, and Bluewaters Island is home to the Ain Dubai observation wheel. Shopping is an art, from climate-controlled malls to fragrant markets, and Arab hospitality is felt everywhere. Dubai is a gateway between East and West, where Bedouin tradition and a vision of the future coexist in a perpetual play of superlatives.