New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: 2-4 Weeks (Updated 2023)

Posted: 5/8/2023 | May eighth, 2023

With its snow-capped mountains, historic glaciers, rolling verdant hills, extremely pleasant locals, and ample world-class wine, New Zealand is as great as you’ve heard. In reality, take what you’ve heard and instances it by ten. New Zealand will merely blow your thoughts if you go to.

People suppose as a result of it’s a small nation, you are able to do all of it in two weeks. That’s not true. There’s rather a lot to do right here. From the north island to the south island, you want loads of time right here to do all of it. You can fill months with actions. New Zealand could also be small but it surely punches above its weight with issues to do.

But what in the event you don’t have months? What do you do then? What route do you’re taking? What island must you begin with? Where do you go?

Or what in the event you do? Then what? Where do you start planning that sort of journey?

I get these questions in my inbox on a regular basis. Having traveled all around the nation a number of instances, I do know the complexities of attempting to determine the way to get to these distant cities and out-of-the-way parks and glaciers.

While buses and trains can take you most locations, one of the simplest ways to see the nation is by taking a highway journey. With your individual set of wheels, you’ll be capable of get deep into the pure landscapes that make this nation so well-known. New Zealand is a highway journey nation. It’s one of the simplest ways to discover.

Below are my advised itineraries that may provide help to plan your New Zealand highway journey for optimum effectivity. Whether you’ve gotten two weeks, one month, and even longer, these will be sure that you see the highlights and get off the overwhelmed path.

Note: Two weeks is the minimal really helpful time for a New Zealand highway journey. There’s a lot to see and do right here, but you continue to don’t wish to be rushed or spend all of your time within the automobile. If you solely have two weeks, give attention to one island.

If you wish to be taught extra about Maori tradition, see the Waitomo glow worms, spend time in New Zealand’s major cities, and luxuriate in stress-free actions like mendacity on the seaside and sitting in sizzling springs, highway journey the North Island.

If you wish to spend your time mountaineering glaciers, doing journey actions, and absorbing the epic landscapes of New Zealand, head to the South Island on your highway journey.

With one month, you may mix the next two-week itineraries to essentially be capable of get pleasure from all that each islands have to supply. More than a month? There’s nothing you may’t do!

 

 

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Before you even plan your route, you want a approach to get round. Road-tripping New Zealand by campervan could be very in style, particularly among the many extra budget-conscious traveler, as they function each lodging and transportation. There are 5 major rental companies:

Prices fluctuate rather a lot. Your day by day fee will change relying on the place you choose up the automobile in case you are dropping it off at a unique place, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far prematurely you e book, and if you e book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automobile and e book lodging alongside the way in which. To e book a automobile, try Discover Cars, which searches rental companies large and small to search out the most effective offers.
 

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week North Island Route

Days 1–2: Auckland

Auckland is the most important and most populous metropolis in New Zealand and, opposite to in style perception, it isn’t the capital (that’s Wellington). Since most flights land right here, spend a few days recovering out of your (doubtless) lengthy journey.

Spend a while hanging out on the Auckland Domain, go snorkel on Goat Island, and in the event you love wine like I do, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Auckland, try my information to town!

Where to Stay: The Albion – This historic lodging started as a “pub hotel” within the nineteenth century. Today there’s nonetheless a pleasant outdated tavern within the lodge. The rooms are snug and the place is quiet.

Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

Head to the Bay of Islands on the northern tip of the North Island for a couple of days. With mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which incorporates 144 islands), this space has among the finest alternatives for dolphin and whale watching, kayaking, swimming, and boating. The Bay of Islands can be dwelling to what I believe are among the finest seashores within the nation.

While you’re right here you may go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (one of the vital historic websites within the nation), discover Cape Reinga (the northernmost level of New Zealand), and see wild dolphins on a boat tour.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Bay of Islands, try my full information!

Where to Stay: Haka Lodge – Located in Paihia, Haka Lodge has loads of frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Everything is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s a great place to fulfill individuals.

Day 5: Hobbiton

Visiting the Hobbiton film set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit motion pictures is definitely one in every of New Zealand’s most well-known actions and a should for followers of the movies and books. Even in the event you’re not a superfan, it’s attention-grabbing to see the film magic and go behind the scenes on this distinctive setting.

To see Hobbiton, you’ll should take a tour that begins with a drive by means of the proprietor’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, providing epic views over the Kaimai Range. From right here, you may discover Bag End, wander across the hobbit holes, and go to the Green Dragon Inn. Tours begin at 89 NZD.

Where to Stay: Cosy Country Stay B&B – This is a cute bed-and-breakfast positioned in Matamata only a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are implausible, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil, with roaming cats and goats for added ambiance.

Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the in style vacationer locations on the North Island. The title comes from the unique Maori “Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe,” which means “second lake,” because it was the second lake that Maori chief Ihenga found within the space.

The Maori had been the unique inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. This is the most effective space to study Maori historical past and tradition. Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural present whilst you’re right here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).

The area can be identified for its geothermal exercise, and the dynamic panorama makes for thrilling nature walks, journeys to smelly sulfuric geysers, and soaks in luxurious spas with water from the recent springs.

Where to Stay: Rock Solid Backpackers – This is a centrally positioned hostel with an expansive array of services, together with a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.

Day 8: Waitomo

Waitomo is understood for its worms — glowworms, that’s (spoiler alert: they’re truly fly larvae that emit a bioluminescent glow). Definitely one of many coolest locations I visited in New Zealand, the Waitomo glowworm cave could also be very touristy but it surely’s merely breathtaking and in contrast to something you’ve ever seen.

For a whole record of issues to do in Waitomo, try my information in town.

Where to Stay: Juno Hall – Close to the glowworm caves, Juno Hall has a swimming pool and tennis courtroom on-site. There’s a big kitchen in addition to an out of doors grill for barbecuing.

Days 9-10: Taupo

Taupo sits on the shores of Lake Taupo and is a part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, an space that has had excessive volcanic exercise for the previous two million years. Taupo has tons of unbelievable hikes, numerous boating excursions, charming native markets, and beautiful nature. Think of it like a quieter model of Queenstown (the South Island’s journey capita)l.

It’s additionally one in every of the most effective locations to go skydiving in New Zealand due to the views and clear skies (although I didn’t do that whereas I used to be there).

I cherished the small-town really feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and having the ability to take action many hikes. I might have stayed right here for weeks.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Taupo, try my information!

Where to Stay: Finlay Jack’s has an enormous kitchen, a giant frequent room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming employees, bike leases, and an excellent pleasant hostel canine. Everything within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you will get an excellent night time’s sleep. In brief, every little thing a backpacker or price range traveler would need from a hostel.

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking by means of this otherworldly, red-colored atmosphere of volcanoes and sulfur was one of many highlights of my time in New Zealand. One of the Great Walks of New Zealand and infrequently thought of probably the greatest day hikes on the planet, that is an epic 19-kilometer (12-mile) trek that takes a full day to finish (most individuals take 6-9 hours, relying in your health degree).

As you wind your means by means of Tongariro National Park, you’ll stroll by means of volcanic terrain (together with the place Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), previous excessive peaks and sulfur lakes, and finish the day in a dense forest. It’s simple in components (the start and finish) and steep in others (particularly the portion after “Mount Doom”), so that you’ll get a great mixture of issue ranges.

Be certain to convey water, sunscreen, a hat, bathroom paper, and a sweater or jacket (the climate can change quickly). Expect to pay round 40 NZD per particular person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the path or 280 NZD for a full-day guided hike.

Where to Stay: National Park Alpine Lodge – Located in National Park Village (the most effective place to remain if doing the trek), this lodge options budget-friendly personal rooms, a communal kitchen and customary space (with a comfortable fire for chilly nights!), and a useful employees.

Otherwise, you may keep in Taupo, which is the place individuals often base themselves once they do that trek.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington is my favourite metropolis in all the nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unbelievable nightlife, among the finest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork reveals, insightful museums, and a good looking harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks all the metropolis).

Be certain to go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), journey the cable automobile to the Cable Car Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–profitable props and particular results studio).

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Wellington, try my detailed information to town.

Where to Stay: The Dwellington – More than half the Dwellington is frequent house, with a video games room, a cinema room (with comfortable seats!), dwelling rooms, out of doors patios, and even tennis and squash courts. The employees additionally actually goes out of their approach to be sure to really feel welcome.

If you’ve solely received two weeks and are ending your highway journey in Wellington, you may fly out of the airport right here to wherever you’ll want to go subsequent. If you’ve gotten extra time, you’ll take the automobile ferry (round 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to proceed your journey (through which case, comply with the next two-week South Island itinerary, however in reverse).
 

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

If you select the South Island on your two-week highway journey, begin in Queenstown. Even in case your worldwide flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you may simply get an inexpensive flight to Queenstown. Queenstown additionally has direct flights to many main cities in Australia in case your journey to New Zealand is a component of a bigger journey in Oceania.

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Queenstown is a small, picturesque city overlooking Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the gorgeous peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has a feisty and outdoorsy vitality to it, with slender streets and pedestrian lanes full of retailers and eating places.

Known as “the adventure capital of New Zealand” (it’s the launching pad for each form of journey exercise you may consider), Queenstown lives as much as the hype. Even although it has turn out to be massively in style, I can not specific my love of Queenstown sufficient. I really like sitting by the lake, watching the sundown with a bottle of wine, and mountaineering the close by trails.

Explore close by vineyards, benefit from the waters of Lake Wakatipu, bungy soar, zipline, rafting, or skydiving. There’s rather a lot to do right here.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Queenstown, try my detailed metropolis information.

Where to Stay: Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms have balconies, the showers have prodigious water strain, and the pillows are thick. There are actions each night time and a free dinner and quiz night time on Sunday. Overall, this can be a excellent place to remain.

Days 4-6: Fiordland

The Fiordland area is among the nation’s most scenic and distant (and as such, additionally dwelling to quite a few Lord of the Rings movie areas). Given its gigantic mountains, deep lakes, swelling rivers, untamed forests, and resplendent fjords (lengthy, slender inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), the federal government has largely made the land off-limits to guard these pure sources.

Milford Sound is a tremendous fjord that’s finest identified for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You can stroll the wooded path alongside the sandy shore for good views of the height, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get near highly effective waterfalls.

The fjord itself is dwelling to seal and penguin colonies. You can typically see pods of dolphins frolicking within the waters too. Explore by boat and take a look at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see uncommon black coral and different underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the one firm doing cruises that embrace the Underwater Observatory. Cruises begin from 129 NZD.

While much less well-known than Milford, Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord within the nation. You can solely get to Doubtful by way of boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound prices 199 NZD.

Where to Stay: Milford Sound Lodge – This is sort of actually the one place to remain inside about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It’s not low-cost, however the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is scrumptious, and the up to date rooms are cozy but fashionable. Otherwise, when you’ve got a automobile, you may keep within the closest city, Te Anau the place you’ll discover cheaper lodging.

Days 7-8: Wanaka

Wanaka is a ski and summer time resort city framed by snowcapped mountains. As close by Queenstown has turn out to be overcrowded in recent times, journey to Wanaka has exploded and this sleepy however actually cool little city has turn out to be in style with backpackers and out of doors lovers, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do right here past having fun with the outside. Most individuals come right here for a couple of nights to hike, loosen up, and transfer on.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Wanaka, try my detailed metropolis information.

Where to Stay: Mountain View Backpackers – This hostel has an enormous out of doors house with a grill, house to lie within the solar, and a giant desk to congregate round (there have been many pleasing nights spent ingesting wine open air).

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef is a tiny city that’s primarily used as a jumping-off level for seeing the Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier.

Hiking the glaciers right here is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting rapidly on account of local weather change, the caves and walks have been shut down. Now, the one approach to trek on the glaciers is by way of heli-hike (an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/mountaineering expertise). These are costly (500 NZD), however the helicopter journey, trekking, and expertise as an entire are definitely worth the worth in my view.

Conversely, you may simply hike to the glacier face and take photographs from a distance. There are tons of viewing factors (and also you’ll see photographs of simply how far the glaciers have receded in through the years).

Where to Stay: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Just a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging gives free do-it-yourself soup each night time, free breakfast (do-it-yourself waffles and pancakes!), two communal kitchens, and a sizzling tub.

Days 10–11: Abel Tasman National Park

Drive simply six hours north of glacial Franz Josef and also you’ll be in beachy Abel Tasman National Park. With its turquoise water, dense jungles, and heat temperatures, this park makes you’re feeling such as you’re within the tropics somewhat than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), which means there are loads of single and multi-day hikes (together with the 3-5-day Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of many Great Walks of New Zealand).

The finest approach to see the park is by kayak, so you may discover the little coves and seashores that actually make the world particular. Full-day leases begin at round 85 NZD, or you may be part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 130 NZD. You may also take a scenic cruise across the park for 79 NZD.

Where to Stay: Marahau Beach Camp – Offers each dormitories and small personal cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are additionally tent and campervan websites if you wish to get monetary savings.

From right here, choose your final cease: both drive onwards to Christchurch and finish there or take the ferry over the Wellington (an journey in and of itself!) and finish there. Either means, you’ll be capable of catch an inexpensive and fast flight again to Auckland on your worldwide flight dwelling.

If you’re heading to Christchurch, preserve studying. If you’d like to go to Wellington, scroll again up and comply with the information within the North Island itinerary part.

Days 12-14: Christchurch

Though severely broken by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 (over 185 individuals had been killed and three,000 buildings had been broken), Christchurch has rebounded and developed right into a brand-new metropolis. This revival has instilled a newfound sense of hope and vibrancy, and led to extra funky bars and markets, and new eating places, retailers, and reveals. The locals have labored laborious to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that actually shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes.

While there’s not rather a lot “to do” per se, the vibe right here is absolutely relaxed, and it’s price not dashing by means of in the event you aren’t brief on time. Be certain to journey the gondola, go to the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake City (a novel and interactive museum that recounts private tales from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Christchurch, try my metropolis information.

Where to Stay: Urbanz – This is an superior hostel positioned in downtown Christchurch with pleasant employees and an enormous kitchen. There’s additionally a hostel bar, a pool desk, quick Wi-Fi, laundry, motion pictures, and comfortable couches, in addition to a parking zone.

If you’ll want to get again to Queenstown, it’s a 6 hour drive from right here. Alternatively, you may fly to Auckland. The flight is simply over an hour and tickets may be discovered for as little as 65 NZD in the event you e book prematurely.
 

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month

You’ve received longer to discover New Zealand, nice! You’ll doubtless fly into Auckland, and make your means south by means of the North after which South Island following the above itineraries. You can take your time, linger longer, go to extra locations, and shift your plans in the event you really feel pulled in a sure course.

Again, these are simply really helpful itineraries — I encourage you to adapt as wanted!
 

Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand

To provide help to benefit from your highway journey, please bear in mind the next guidelines:

• Traffic flows on the left right here (not the proper, like within the US or Canada).
• You should all the time park your automobile within the course that visitors goes (or threat a high quality).
• There are loads of pull-off factors for taking photographs — use them as a substitute of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the highway, which may be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed below are winding, so keep in mind that it’d take longer than you anticipate to cowl a specific distance.
• As lengthy as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an International Driver’s Permit.
• If you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to search out close by campsites, fuel stations, and dump stations.

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New Zealand is an unforgettable nation, loaded with epic landscapes, pleasant Kiwis, and a wealthy tradition. Due to its distant location, visiting is often a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many vacationers. Taking a highway journey is one of the simplest ways to benefit from your time right here, tailoring your itinerary to your individual preferences and New Zealand bucket record.

Need a rental automobile on your epic journey? use the widget beneath to search out the most effective offers!