The Road to Ayrburn is a six night, seven day drive from Auckland to Queenstown, running 12 - 18 February 2027, culminating at the Ayrburn Classic, New Zealand's premier motoring and hospitality event. Run in official partnership with Ayrburn, and limited to 15 cars, the route takes in the Desert Road, a ferry crossing to the South Island, the Lewis Pass, the length of the West Coast, and the Haast Pass, before dropping into Queenstown, staying at Rosewood Matakauri, one of the country's most sought-after luxury lodges, with a private closing dinner at Ayrburn's Barrel Room to mark the end of the tour.
The Journey
Day 1:
Friday 12 Feb
The tour starts in Auckland with brunch at Bravo, Cracker Bay, run by the same team behind Ayrburn. From there, a relaxed drive south on the back roads to Taupō, taking in some of the better tarmac the North Island has to offer. Stay at the Hilton Lake Taupo, with a group dinner to kick things off.
Day 2:
Saturday 13 Feb
We’ll drive from Taupo to Wellington via the Desert Road, one of the most spectacular stretches on the North Island. Stay at the InterContinental Wellington.
Day 3:
Sunday 14 Feb
A morning ferry crossing takes the group across Cook Strait, then a short, relaxed drive down to Kaikōura, a lighter day in the middle of the tour, with the coastline on one side and the Seaward Kaikōura Range on the other. Stay at the Sudima Kaikoura.
Day 4:
Monday 15 Feb
The Lewis Pass carries the route over the Southern Alps on a stunning stretch of driving, then down through Greymouth and along the West Coast to Franz Josef. Dinner will be at a restaurant an easy walk from the hotel. Day 4 we stay at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 5:
Tuesday 16 Feb
We continue down the beautiful West Coast of the South Island, tracing the coastline before turning inland through the Haast Pass, the road climbing into the Alps before dropping alongside Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka on the way into Queenstown.
Expect river crossings, high bridges, and long stretches with the ocean, then the lakes, running right beside the road. Day 5 we stay at the Rosewood Matakauri, the signature stay of the tour.
Day 6:
Wednesday 17 Feb
The morning is free to enjoy Rosewood Matakauri itself, one of the tour's signature stays, before a short drive through Queenstown and Arrowtown to Millbrook. That evening marks the finale of the tour, a private dinner in Ayrburn's Barrel Room, a four-course feast to close out the drive. Day 6 we stay at Millbrook Resort.
Day 7:
Thursday 18 Feb
The tour officially ends here. From Millbrook, guests are free to make their own way for the Ayrburn Classic weekend, whether that's extending your stay at Millbrook, heading to your own accommodation, or joining friends. Let us know if you'd like to stay on at Millbrook and we'll arrange the extension. For those who need to get their car back to Auckland at the end of the weekend, we're also able to assist with transport, so you're free to fly home rather than drive.
What your experience includes
What’s included
Six nights of accommodation across four and five star hotels, including a stay at Rosewood Matakauri, one of the most sought-after luxury lodges in the country.
Six days of tailored driving through some of New Zealand's best driving roads and scenery.
Breakfast and dinner each day. Lunch included on select days, with casual stops along the route on others.
Ayrburn Classic GA event passes
Exclusive Road to Ayrburn merchandise.
Walkie talkies and a dedicated route app through TourBoss.
Professional photography.
What’s not included
Flights or travel to and from the tour.
Vehicle transportation to and from the tour.
Fuel and insurance.
Alcoholic beverages.
Hotel extras, such as spa treatments or mini bar.
Pricing and Capacity
Capped at 15 rooms across the tour, meaning 15 couples or 15 twin share pairs. There may be more than 15 cars in total where guests choose the twin share option. A 50% deposit is required to secure your place, with the balance due closer to departure.
$14,950 per car
One room, shared.
One Couple, One Car
$7,950 per person
One room, twin share.
Twin Share, Two Cars
$13,950 per person
Your own room.
Solo, One Car
