road trip ideas nz

6 incredible road trips you should do in New Zealand

Oct 13, 2023 • 6 min read

Stopping to take in the views, and check the map, while road tripping on New Zealand's South island © swissmediavision /Getty Images

New Zealand is one of those destinations best explored by car or campervan. Public transport is limited outside cities, and so much of what you'll want to see and do is off-the-beaten-track, immersed in New Zealand 's incredible natural environments . Road tripping means touring at your own pace, stopping for stunning walks, cycle rides, wild swimming or wildlife spotting.

1. Northland loop

Best road trip in "the Winterless North" Auckland–Auckland (roundtrip); 650 miles (1,050km); a week or more

Kiwis call the regions north of Auckland (Northland & the Bay of Islands) the "Winterless North" because of its year-round subtropical climate. First, to the Bay of Islands , via the surf beaches of Mangawhai and the artsy city of Whangārei, which requires a good day or two of exploring. 

Next, drive north and ferry over to the former whaling port of Russell, which matches heritage charm with on-water adventures like sailing, diving, fishing and kayaking. All of these are also accessed from the thriving mainland town of Paihia – where you’ll also want to spend a day at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds learning about the colonial history of New Zealand. 

Further north, the attractions are more remote and even more spectacular, leading all the way to the very top of the North Island at spiritual Cape Reinga , where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. On your way, stop at foodie Kerikeri ; chill out in laidback Mangōnui (which will please seafood lovers); and spend another day at Ahipara with its surf breaks and nearby sand dunes. 

Heading south again, you’ll drive through the incredible Waipoua Forest, where the last giants of the once extensive kauri forests here will take your breath away, stopping at quiet coastal towns peppered with stories of colonization, migration and hard labor.

2. Coromandel Peninsula

Best beach-coming road trip Thames–Waihi Beach; 190 miles (305km); 1-3 days

Coastal roads weave a magical path on this journey around the compact but colorful Coromandel Peninsula , a favorite holiday spot for residents of nearby Auckland and Hamilton. As well as a gorgeous beach-fringed coastline , the Coromandel also holds the legacy of its gold-mining past in the heritage streets of Thames, Coromandel Town and Waihi. 

Start in Thames, then head north to the thriving community of Coromandel Town via the beautiful 64-acre estate Rapaura Water Gardens . Next, detour from Colvile to the rugged northernmost tip of the Coromandel Peninsula – ideally in summer (December to February) when roads are dry and the pōhutukawa trees are in their crimson glory.

Heading down the other side of the peninsula, you’ll visit Whitianga and the nearby beaches of Mercury Bay. Diving, boating, game fishing and kayaking are the big draws at Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Further south are natural attractions like the stone arch at  Cathedral Cove  near Hahei and Hot Water Beach (which lives up to its name). Dig a pool in the sand and relax in the hot waters that rise up from beneath the surface. 

3. Wellington to Rotorua

Best road trip for vineyards and Art Deco architecture Wellington–Rotorua; 520 miles (840km); 4-7 days

After a few days exploring the excellent museums, galleries and bars of New Zealand’s compact, boho capital, Wellington , it's time to hit the road. First, you'll head north along the Hutt River valley, detouring into the Martinborough wine region to taste world-famous pinot noirs. Next, continue on to the Pacific coast: a languid arc combining sandy beaches and spectacular scenery with Māori cultural experiences. 

The stretch from Havelock North to Hastings is surrounded by bountiful orchards and much-loved wineries, which can be explored on an organized cycling tour, or you can continue by car. At the southern tip of Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers (Te Kauwae-a-Māui) lures golfers (with a spectacular course ) and birdwatchers as there's a 3,000-strong gannet colony on the headland here. 

Next, head to the gorgeous seaside city of  Napier  with its impressive Art Deco architecture. It's also another great spot for foodies. The remote East Cape is next. Stop at sun-soaked Whakatāne and the beaches of Ōhope before turning inland to round off this epic circuit at the geothermal hotspot of Rotorua , with its incredible Māori cultural immersion experiences and host of outdoor activities like mountain biking and luging.

4. An epic road trip fully exploring New Zealand's Southern Alps 

Best alpine road trip Christchurch–Christchurch (roundtrip); 850 miles (1,380km); a week or more

Trip through varied landscapes including scenic mountains, wild coasts, lush lakelands, and rural highways dotted with tiny hamlets on this grand South Island tour. Starting from Christchurch  with its mix of old England and future-facing Kiwi ingenuity, head to the alpine reaches of Arthur’s Pass National Park , which rises to 2,408m at Mt Murchison. 

Next, you’re meandering along the west coast through historic towns and artistic communities at Hokitika and Ross. The adventure rises again at the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships, where you have multiple options for glacier viewing (helicopter ride or sky diving, anyone?).

Heading south, the Haast region in Te Wāhipounamu–South West New Zealand World Heritage Area is the place for seabird-spotting and perhaps some tree-hugging in the ancient kahikatea swamp forest at Ship Creek. Finally, wend your way to Queenstown via the incredible Lake Wānaka , where paddling, hiking , skiing and climbing are among the outdoor pursuits that have made this region famous.  

5. Otago Heritage Trail

Best road trip for gold mining heritage Dunedin–Dunedin (roundtrip); 280 miles (450kms); 2-3 days

The discovery of gold in the 1860s led Europeans to migrate to this South Island region, now Otago , and much of that heritage remains today. Old miners’ trails and abandoned railway lines have been repurposed for leisurely cycle rides and long strolls. Agricultural towns still house historic stone buildings and Gold Rush stories, while colorful deciduous trees, winding roads and romantic old railway bridges demand to be photographed. 

This driving tour starts in the vibrant city of Dunedin , where warehouses have been converted into hotels and art galleries, and university students pack international restaurants and pubs all week. After exploring for a few days, head south towards Lawrence – the scene of NZ’s first Gold Rush in 1861 – to the historically significant Horseshoe Bend Bridge over Clutha River/ Mata-au, NZ’s second longest river. Next, you’ll visit the sweet-smelling fruit orchards and vineyards of Central Otago before arriving in Alexander, Clyde or Middlemarch to tackle the Otago Central Rail Trail by bicycle or foot.

For more heritage streetscapes, schedule a stop in Naseby, staying overnight to enjoy a night tour under its brilliant starry skies. Detours from this route will take you into snow-capped mountains, across to the dramatic fiords in the west or to the rugged beauty of the southern coast.   

6. Queenstown to mighty Milford Sound

Best road trip for dramatic views Queenstown–Milford Sound/Piopiotahi; 180 miles (290kms); 2 days

Fiordland is arguably New Zealand’s finest outdoor treasure. A landscape hewn in rock and ice, its grandeur can make you feel like a tiny speck in the face of nature (in the best possible way). 

Panoramic alpine views characterize this drive as you make your way from Queenstown past Kelvin Peninsula at the foot of The Remarkables , along the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu and past the Devil's Staircase and onto Te Anau . Stay overnight and take a tour of the 200m-long glow worm caves filled with strange rock forms, whirlpools and waterfalls before cruising north past Lake Mistletoe, Mackay Creek, Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn–Cascade Creek, all stunning spots to stretch your legs and admire the wilderness here. 

The final stretch to the majestic Fiordland National Park takes you through Homer Tunnel, a road laboriously cut through the mountains during the Great Depression.

This article was first published March 2021 and updated October 2023

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The BEST New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary in 2024

• Last Updated: April 10, 2024

Read on for an epic New Zealand road trip itinerary for a bucket list journey of a lifetime!

New Zealand is spectacular. At times it seems as though there is picture-postcard scenery at every turn.

For many travellers, a New Zealand road trip is pretty close to the top of their travel bucket list.

Whether you’re hiring a campervan or car, exploring New Zealand with your own set of wheels is the best way to experience this rather stunning area of our planet. 

The North Island and the South Island both offer incredible scenery and attractions for a New Zealand road trip.

Whether you plan to explore one or both islands, we’re going to dive into the top things to see and do in New Zealand for an epic road trip.

Table of Contents

Where to Start Your New Zealand Road Trip

Driving in new zealand , hiring or buying a vehicle, responsible travel in new zealand, how long is this new zealand road trip , bay of islands and the northland, coromandel peninsula , mount maunganui and rotorua , lake taupo and the tongariro national park , waitomo and the forgotten world highway ,  mount taranaki to wellington , ferry crossing from wellington to picton, picton to the abel tasman national park , abel tasman national park to kaikoura, kaikoura to the west coast via the arthurs pass national park , hokitika to haast , haast to wanaka, wanaka to queenstown, queenstown to milford sound or doubtful sound, the sounds to the catlins national park , catlins national park to the otago peninsula , otago peninsula to mount cook national park, mount cook to akaroa, akaroa to christchurch , planning your new zealand road trip.

Before you can get started on your New Zealand road trip we want to walk you through a few decisions you’ll need to make.

We’ll discuss transport and safety on the roads, as well as responsible travel. We want to provide you with a little information that will make your road trip safer and more enjoyable.

Then we’ll talk about the highlights of both the North Island and the South Island of New Zealand so you can plan your road trip itinerary!

Most people will fly into Auckland on the North Island and make their way south, or fly into Christchurch on the South Island and make their way north or further south for their New Zealand itinerary.

For this New Zealand road trip itinerary, we’re going to start in Auckland and finish up in Christchurch .

However, any New Zealand road trip itineraries can also be done in reverse. The Christchurch to Auckland route can sometimes result in cheaper rental fees due to it being less popular than Auckland to Christchurch.

Before embarking on a New Zealand road trip it’s worth doing some research to get to know the road system a little better.

First, in New Zealand, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is not a great surprise as it was formerly part of the British Empire.

Second, you should expect the roads to be narrow and very windy. Driving in New Zealand is not like driving on the open highways of the USA or Australia.

Expect journeys to take much longer than they would in your home country. 

Roads are in excellent condition and people in New Zealand are generally very courteous drivers.

However, during peak travel seasons don’t be surprised if you find yourself behind a huge 6 berth camper van at some point. 

Road conditions are a super important thing to consider when planning a road trip anywhere, but especially on a New Zealand itinerary!

This really depends on how long your New Zealand itinerary will be. If you’re buying a vehicle you will need to add time to the beginning and end of your road trip.

Generally, if your New Zealand itinerary is 6 weeks or less it’s not really going to be cost or time effective to buy a vehicle.

If you have longer than that, however, buying may be the best option.

So get the calculator out and start the number crunching. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

“Freedom camping” is limited to certain locations and self-contained vehicles.

If you’re self-contained, this means that you can go for three days or more without dumping waste or water, have a toilet, fresh and wastewater storage and a rubbish bin with a lid. 

There are clear signs where you can and cannot freedom camp and what the vehicle requirements are.

Sadly there are a small number of people that continue to spoil it for everyone by freedom camping where they shouldn’t.

Or they freedom camp in vehicles which are not self-contained or they leave their rubbish for someone else to clear up.

Please don’t be one of these people. 

New Zealand road trip itineraries can last as long or short as you want. We want to share some awesome road-tripping ideas from across the country that can be pieced together as you see fit.

We also have a New Zealand itinerary post that takes you through 1, 2 and 3-week itineraries. You may find this useful in planning how much time to spend in which destinations throughout. Check it out !  

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads .

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary – North Island

You’ll begin this New Zealand road trip itinerary on the North Island in Auckland. From here we’ll take you the length of both islands.

Click here for a Google Map of the North Island road trip itinerary

Spend your first couple of days getting over the jet lag and exploring New Zealand’s largest city. Check out the Sky Tower as well as the Auckland Museum and Art Gallery.  

Take a day to get out of the city and explore the city’s beaches and hiking routes before picking up the keys to your vehicle and heading out onto the open road. 

READ MORE: How to travel Auckland like a local !

From Auckland head north to the Bay of Islands. The towns of Paihia and Russell are big draws here.

However, en route make sure you visit the spectacular Tutukaka Coast .

This stunning stretch of coastline is rarely visited and with numerous deserted beaches and awesome views, it offers something very different from Paihia and Russell. 

From the Bay of Islands, you can continue heading north towards Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.

This off-the-beaten-track area of New Zealand is particularly breathtaking. However, it is noticeably economically depressed in parts.

The vast majority of people lack the time to make it this far as it’s another day’s drive from the Bay of Islands.

If you have the time it’s well worth it, but if your time is limited then you may wish to spend it elsewhere.

From the Bay of Islands, double back on yourself and loop around Auckland before arriving at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Many people will skip this and head on to Taupo or Rotorua.

However, doing this will mean you will miss out on one of New Zealand’s most incredible yet secret destinations. 

One of the highlights of this part of New Zealand is quiet coastal roads that at points hug the ocean’s edge. As you begin to circle around the end of the peninsula you head up into the hills offering some lovely views. 

There is some stunning coastal scenery dotted along the peninsula. Cathedral Cove and the hot water beach to the south of it are particularly lovely spots on the eastern side of the peninsula.  

As you leave the Coromandel Peninsula head towards to small coastal town of Mount Maunganui to check out its gorgeous beach and the stunning views from the top of Mount Maunganui itself. 

After some time in the town of Mount Maunganui head over to New Zealand’s geothermal capital Rotorua.

On the way check out Te Rerekawau and Mclaren Falls , two excellent spots for a break from driving. 

You also have to visit Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland on your trip to New Zealand. As part of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, Wai O Tapu has the coolest geothermal views and landscapes.

From Rotorua hop on the Thermal Explorer Highway and head down towards Lake Taupo and the central region of New Zealand’s North Island 

READ MORE: Be sure to consider these things to do in Rotorua !

After following the Thermal Explorer Highway from Rotorua you will arrive at Lake Taupo, the North Island’s adventure capital.

Every New Zealand road trip must include a stop in Taupo. Its central location allows you to branch out to other areas of the North Island without having to double back on yourself.

After getting your fill of adrenaline activities in Taupo head towards the stunning Tongariro National Park along the south edge of the lake.

Expect stunning views, especially if you’re travelling around sunset. 

The Tongariro National Park is stunning and is home to numerous excellent hikes.

Make sure you base yourself around Whakapapa where there are several accommodation options including an excellent holiday park for those travelling in a campervan.

Whakapapa is the starting point for many hikes and is very close to Mangatepopo car park , the starting point for the Tongariro Crossing , regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world

Check out our New Zealand itinerary and our article on the top 25 things to do in New Zealand for some additional suggestions on things to do in both Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. 

For this section of the New Zealand itinerary, there is a bit of doubling back on yourself. However, I promise it’s worth it. 

From the Tongariro National Park head north towards the tiny town of Waitomo just a stone’s throw from the town of Te Kuiti , which prides itself as being the sheep shearing capital of the world. 

Spend your time in Waitomo deep underground exploring the area’s caves , with the Lost World being the pick of the bunch. 

From Waitomo double back on yourself and head to the town Taumarunui and hop on the spectacular and rarely visited Forgotten World Highway .

Running through some gorgeous New Zealand countryside the highway ends in the town of Stratford , very close to Mount Taranaki.

With its almost perfect cone, Mount Taranaki reminds many of the more well-known Mount Fuji. The area is home to some spectacular hikes. 

From Mount Taranaki head towards the east coast and follow it all the way down New Zealand’s wet and windy capital, Wellington .

There are numerous tiny beach towns to stop at on the way, with windswept Hitamangi being a decent place to spend the night. 

If you’ve skipped the sections from Tongariro to Taranaki, then an alternative route is the rather lovely road that follows the Mangawhero and Whanganui Rivers all the way to the coast offering some spectacular scenery en route. 

Spend your time in Wellington at the Te Papa Museum to learn about New Zealand’s history.

Head up to Mount Victoria for some lovely views over the city. And spend at least one evening eating and drinking on Cuba Street .

READ MORE: Check out these other great things to do in Wellington !

New Zealand South Island Road Trip

New Zealand South Island road trips are more common and, honestly, more adventurous than those on the North Island.

But clearly, if you’re visiting New Zealand you should plan to see both the North and South Islands. If you’re short on time, however, and you can only visit one island, the South Island has more dramatic scenery and adventure activities.

Click here to check out a Google Map of the South Island road trip itinerary .

Park up on the ferry and get ready to enjoy some spectacular views as you come toward Picton through the Marlborough Sounds on your crossing to the South Island of New Zealand.

This is, of course, weather-dependent. I’ve done this crossing twice, once in the winter and once in the summer.

The former was a crossing of wind and rain and not much else. Check out this map of the South Island to provide some frame of reference for your trip and add to your itinerary beyond our recommendations below.

This section of our New Zealand South Island road trip is littered with some awesome stop-off points.

There are plenty of hikes and places to explore on the edge of the Marlborough Sounds as you follow the coast around reaching the small city of Nelson.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied here for a few days. 

Beyond Nelson, it’s a straight shot to Kaiteriteri , a town on the very edge of the Abel Tasman National Park.

There is plenty of great hiking through the park. But you should also consider kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park .

READ MORE: Be sure to add these things to do in Nelson while you’re there.

This area of New Zealand always leads to difficult decisions. Head straight to the West Coast via Murchison and the Buller Gorge, cut across the South Island via Hammer Springs, or loop back around via the Marlborough Wine Region. Decisions decisions. 

Since we’re planning to head to Kaikoura, we’re going to look at the latter two options (don’t worry we will get to the west coast I promise). 

If you’re a fan of wine and coastal scenery then head to Kaikoura via the Marlborough Wine Region stopping in at various vineyards along the way.

The alternative is to head for Hammer Springs via the Buller Gorge. Spend a night in Hammer Springs soaking in hot pools or just enjoying the scenery, then hot foot it down to Kaikoura. 

Kaikoura is one of the wildlife capitals of New Zealand. The vast majority of this can be found in the waters surrounding the peninsula which is home to a staggering array of wildlife.

Whether you want to watch whales and albatross, swim with dolphins, or kayak with seals it’s up to you. 

From Kaikoura head south and back to the West Coast via the stunning Arthurs Pass National Park .

Although this route does involve some extra kilometres on the road, I promise you it’s absolutely worth it. 

This gorgeous National Park is rarely visited in comparison to others in New Zealand. There are numerous hikes available as well as plenty of places to simply pull up and enjoy the scenery. 

The Jackson Retreat Alpine Holiday Park is a great option for those who want to spend a night in the area.

As well as spectacular views over the national park itself, the park also has its own glow worm trail and hike to a lovely waterfall. 

Coming via Arthurs Pass will spit you back onto the west coast just north of Hokitika , a town famous for its gorge and beaches.

If you want to can double back north along the west coast road toward Punakaiki and Westport before doubling back on yourself and heading back down towards Hokitika. 

From Hokitika, it’s a straight shot south down the wild west coast to the small town of Haast . On your way, you will pass through glacier country.

Around both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers numerous short hikes offer some pretty amazing views. 

The views on the entire journey down are pretty spectacular, no doubt you’ll be stopping plenty of times to take photos. 

From Haast, you have 2 options. Follow the Haast Pass through to the beautiful Wanaka.

Or head due south to Jackson Bay , the end of the line on the west coast.

The latter of these offers empty roads and stunning desolate beaches. With small mountains jutting out of the land a couple of hundred metres from the ocean’s edge, the view when taking a dip is stunning.

If you head down to Jackson Bay then double for Haast and then take cross the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. 

The journey through the Haast Pass is full of stunning scenery, short hikes, and some gorgeous waterfalls with the blue pools being particularly beautiful.

Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots as Wanaka is full of awesome hiking trails offering some breathtaking views. 

Many people also choose to go hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park on the way to Wanaka.

READ MORE: Check out more activities in Wanaka .

Make sure your camera is charged because this drive is a beauty.

Taking you past the stunning Crown Range and The Remarkables as you enter Queenstown this journey is truly special. 

I’d also recommend heading up to the tiny town of Arrowtown which is in between Wanaka and Queenstown.

From Queenstown take a day trip up to the stunning little town of Glenorchy . This drive is also an absolute stunner. 

READ MORE: Be sure to add these great Queenstown activities to your itinerary!

No doubt about it, the drive from Queenstown to Te Anau is an absolute stunner.

From here the road splits; north to Milford Sound and South to Doubtful Sound.

From Te Anau to Milford Sound is probably more spectacular than the route down to the edges of Lake Manapouri from where Doubtful Sound cruises depart. 

Milford Sound is one of the most popular destinations in the country and is a must on a road trip of New Zealand’s South Island. Many people visit Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown.

But if you’re driving your own car on a road trip, you have the luxury of visiting Milford Sound on your own time and spending some time there. Then you can continue on after seeing the famous Milford Sound.

However, of the sounds, it is Doubtful Sound that I feel is the more spectacular of the two.

At 3 times the length and 10 times the area of its more well-known cousin, it is simply awe-inspiring. 

This gorgeous but rarely visited national park is bypassed by the main SH1 highway, enjoying a calm and carefree life far away from the majority of travellers that flock to New Zealand’s shores.

Winding country roads, breathtaking coastal scenery, and oodles of hiking trails are just the start of this part of your road trip.

Head down Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay to experience some of the park’s most famous residents – the curious Hectors Dolphins that are sometimes keen to come to socialise with swimmers. 

From the Catlins head to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula . This is another wildlife haven with albatross viewing and seal kayaking on offer.

At night head over to the Royal Albatross Centre to watch the Little Blue Penguins returning to their nests after a day hunting out in the open ocean. 

The eastern portions of the peninsula are home to some gorgeous beaches and equally stunning hiking trails which are well worth checking out. 

READ MORE: Plan to do some great hiking on the Otago Peninsula .

This gorgeous drive follows the coast up through the town of Omaru through Twizel and onto one of New Zealand’s most stunning sights – Mount Cook .

As you follow the coast up from the Otago Peninsula make sure you stop in at Omaru to check out the town’s funky steampunk vibe.

If you stay the night there is an additional Little Blue Penguin colony that you can observe in the evening.

From Omaru journey inland towards the small town of Twizel . This is a gateway to Mount Cook National Park, with many using it as a stopping point to maximise the enjoyment of the drive to New Zealand’s highest peak.

This is because the drive along Lake Pukaki , towards Mount Cook is simply breathtaking, and maybe one of the most stunning drives in the country.

Therefore it makes sense to do it first thing in the morning when you have the best light and the fewest people.

The road up to Mount Cook is littered with stunning viewpoints. However, Peter’s lookout is probably the pick of the bunch. 

If you’re in a campervan make sure you head for the Whitehorse campsite . This awesome DOC site is the starting point for the Hooker Valley Trail and the Kea Point Track . 

Also, make sure you check out the hikes around the Tasman Glacier as well. 

This long but stunning drive takes you along the banks of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo is one of New Zealand’s most gorgeous lakes.

Next you’ll head through the heart of Canterbury, and onto the Banks Peninsula , which is one of the most picturesque places in New Zealand. 

Along the south edge of Lake Pukaki stop in at the Alpine Salmon Shop to chow down on some excellent sashimi.

Make sure you check out the Church of the Good Shepherd on the banks of Lake Tekapo.

There are some rather lovely hikes in the area, plus some awesome stargazing to be had from the Mount John Observatory . 

There are a fair few quaint towns that you may want to stop in en route. The small town of Fairlie is famous for its bakery which serves some truly spectacular pies and close proximity to the Mount Dobson ski field.

The small town of Lake Tekapo is also a lovely place to stop. There are lots of hikes and a Dark Sky Reserve where you can stargaze.

If you’re here in the winter then Mount Hutt is another worthy skiing spot. However, you will definitely need snow chains on your tires. 

Bypass Christchurch and make a beeline for the small town of Akaroa , the main town on the stunning Banks Peninsula.

Spend a few days exploring the many hiking trails that crisscross the peninsula.

Head over to Okains Bay to explore and relax on this stunning and often deserted beach. 

If you fancy getting up close to some of the area’s wildlife there are some excellent dolphin swimming and watching tours .

Christchurch is the final stop on this NZ road trip. A short drive from Akaroa, it certainly makes a pleasant change 

Christchurch is well known for its botanical gardens and cathedral. The latter is still being held up with a mixture of structural support and scaffolding after the 2011 earthquake.

It’s still fenced off, acting as a timely reminder of New Zealand’s precarious position at the hands of Mother Nature. 

READ MORE: Check out some of the best things to do in Christchurch !

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Related posts, 7 reasons why you should go on a haka tours snow safari, 3 days kayaking in abel tasman (everything you need to know), kayaking in doubtful sound – everything you need to know, 2 thoughts on “the best new zealand road trip itinerary in 2024”.

Do you have any info on hotels , B&B’s to stay at in New Zealand, north and South Island?

Hi Marion, that is awesome you are travelling to NZ. Best to hop online and check out the reviews for places and see which one suits your budget and location. All the best and have a great trip.

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The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. Because New Zealand will simply blow your mind when you visit.

People think because it’s a small country, you can see it all in two weeks. Unfortunately, that’s not true. There’s a lot to do here. From the north island to the south island, you need a lot of time here to see the highlights. You could literally fill months with activities and still only scratch the surface. New Zealand may be small but it punches above its weight with things to do.

But what if you don’t have months? What do you do then? What route do you take? What island should you start with? Where do you go?

Or what if you do have a month to spend? Then what? Where do you begin planning your New Zealand itinerary?

Below are my suggested itineraries that can help you plan your New Zealand road trip for maximum efficiency. Whether you have two weeks, one month, or even longer, these itineraries will ensure that you see the highlights and get off the beaten path.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand Itinerary Highlights

Choosing the right vehicle.

• Two-Week North Island Route
• Two-Week South Island Route
• One Month Itinerary
• Things to Remember

Note : Two weeks is the minimum recommended time for a New Zealand road trip. There’s so much to see and do here, yet you still don’t want to be rushed or spend all your time in the car. If you only have two weeks, focus on one island.  

• Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
• See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Visit Hobbiton
• Experience a Maori Cultural Show
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Go skydiving or bungy jumping
• Explore Fiordland National Park

Want more info on these activities (and many others)? I cover them all below!  

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Prices vary a lot. Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick up the vehicle, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (in the high season, prices seem to double!).

If living out of a van for a few weeks doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, simply rent a normal car and book accommodation along the way. To book a car, check out Discover Cars , which searches rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.

If you plan to drive New Zealand, you can use this widget to get a free quote for your car rental:

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

Days 1–2: auckland.

Spend some time hanging out on the Auckland Domain, go snorkelling on Goat Island , and if you love wine like I do, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island .

For a list of more things to do in Auckland, check out my guide to the city!

Where to Stay : The Albion – This historic accommodation began as a “pub hotel” in the 19th century. Today there’s still a nice old tavern in the hotel. The rooms are comfortable and the place is quiet.

Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

While you’re here you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (one of the most important historical sites in the country), explore Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of New Zealand), and see wild dolphins on a boat tour .

For a list of more things to do in Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

Where to Stay : Haka Lodge – Located in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a lot of common spaces, a large kitchen, and great views over the harbor. Everything is super clean and the beds are comfortable. It’s a good place to meet people.

Day 5: Hobbiton

To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour that starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, offering epic views over the Kaimai Range. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. Tours start at 89 NZD.

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

Days 6–7: Rotorua

The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. This is the best area to learn about Maori history and culture . Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural show while you’re here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).

The region is also known for its geothermal activity, and the dynamic landscape makes for exciting nature walks, trips to smelly sulfuric geysers, and soaks in luxury spas with water from the hot springs.

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

Day 8: Waitomo

You can walk, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them. A 45-minute rafting trip is the standard visit, but if you want to go abseiling (also known as rappelling) there’s a five-hour option too. Prices start at 55 NZD for a boat tour and 195 NZD for extended tours with abseiling.

For a complete list of things to do in Waitomo, check out my guide on the town.

Where to Stay : Juno Hall – Close to the glowworm caves, Juno Hall has a swimming pool and tennis court on-site. There’s a large kitchen as well as an outdoor grill for barbecuing.

Days 9-10: Taupo

It’s also one of the best places to go skydiving in New Zealand thanks to the views and clear skies (though I didn’t do this while I was there).

I loved the small-town feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and being able to do so many hikes. I could have stayed here for weeks.

For a list of more things to do in Taupo, check out my guide!

Where to Stay : Finlay Jack’s has a huge kitchen, a big common room, a spacious patio with BBQs, fun and welcoming staff, bike rentals, and a super friendly hostel dog. Everything in the hostel is updated, with new, modern pod-style beds so you can get a great night’s sleep. In short, everything a backpacker or budget traveler would want from a hostel.

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

As you wind your way through Tongariro National Park, you’ll walk through volcanic terrain (including where Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), past high peaks and sulfur lakes, and end the day in a dense forest. It’s easy in parts (the beginning and end) and steep in others (especially the portion after “Mount Doom”), so you’ll get a good mix of difficulty levels.

Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, toilet paper, and a sweater or jacket (the weather can change rapidly). Expect to pay around 50 NZD per person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail or 325 NZD for a full-day guided hike .

Where to Stay : National Park Alpine Lodge – Located in National Park Village (the best place to stay if doing the trek), this lodge features budget-friendly private rooms, a communal kitchen and common area (with a cozy fireplace for cold nights!), and a helpful staff.

Otherwise, you can stay in Taupo, which is where people usually base themselves when they do this trek.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Be sure to visit Te Papa (New Zealand’s national museum), ride the cable car to the Cable Car Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–winning props and special effects studio).

For a list of more things to do in Wellington, check out my detailed guide to the city.

Where to Stay : The Marion – This boutique hostel is just blocks away from everything you’ll want to see. It’s cozy, with comfy beds and large bathrooms, and the staff really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It’s a clean, social spot to relax and meet other travelers.

If you’ve only got two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you can fly out of the airport here to wherever you need to go next. If you have more time, you’ll take the car ferry (around 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to continue your trip (in which case, follow the following two-week South Island itinerary, but in reverse).  

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

If you choose the South Island for your two-week road trip, start in Queenstown. Even if your international flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you can easily get a cheap flight to Queenstown. Queenstown also has direct flights to many major cities in Australia if your trip to New Zealand is part of a larger adventure in Oceania.

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Known as “the adventure capital of New Zealand” (it’s the launching pad for every sort of adventure activity you can think of), Queenstown lives up to the hype. Even though it has become hugely popular, I cannot express my love of Queenstown enough. I love sitting by the lake, watching the sunset with a bottle of wine, and hiking the nearby trails.

Explore nearby vineyards, enjoy the waters of Lake Wakatipu, or go bungy jumping, ziplining, rafting, or skydiving . There’s a lot to do here.

For a list of more things to do in Queenstown, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms have balconies, the showers have excellent water pressure, and the pillows are thick. There are activities every night and a free dinner and quiz night on Sunday. Overall, this is a great place to stay.

Days 4-6: Fiordland

Milford Sound is an amazing fjord that’s best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You can walk the wooded trail along the sandy shore for perfect views of the peak, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get close to powerful waterfalls.

The fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters too. Explore by boat and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the only company doing cruises that include the Underwater Observatory. Cruises start from 165 NZD .

While less well-known than Milford, Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord in the country. You can only get to Doubtful via boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 299 NZD.

Where to Stay : Milford Sound Lodge – This is quite literally the only place to stay within about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It’s not cheap, but the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is delicious, and the contemporary rooms are cozy yet modern. Otherwise, if you have a car, you can stay in the closest town, Te Anau where you’ll find cheaper accommodation.

Days 7-8: Wanaka

For a list of more things to do in Wanaka, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Mountain View Backpackers – This hostel has a huge outdoor space with a grill, space to lie in the sun, and a big table to congregate around (there were many enjoyable nights spent drinking wine outdoors).

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

Hiking the glaciers here is an unforgettable experience. Sadly, because they have receded and are melting quickly due to climate change, the caves and walks have been shut down. Now, the only way to trek on the glaciers is via heli-hike ( an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience ). These are expensive (500 NZD), but the helicopter ride, trekking, and experience as a whole are worth the price in my opinion.

Conversely, you can just hike to the glacier face and take photos from a distance. There are tons of viewing points (and you’ll see photos of just how far the glaciers have receded over the years).

Where to Stay : Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Just a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging offers free homemade soup every night, free breakfast (homemade waffles and pancakes!), two communal kitchens, and a hot tub.

Days 10–11: Abel Tasman National Park

The best way to see the park is by kayak, so you can explore the little coves and beaches that really make the area special. Full-day rentals start at around 110 NZD, or you can join a guided kayaking tour starting at 190 NZD. You can also take a scenic cruise around the park for 95 NZD.

Where to Stay : Marahau Beach Camp – Offers both dormitories and small private cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are also tent and campervan sites if you want to save money.

From here, pick your last stop: either drive onwards to Christchurch and end there or take the ferry over to Wellington (an adventure in and of itself!) and end there. Either way, you’ll be able to catch a cheap and quick flight back to Auckland for your international flight home.

If you’re heading to Christchurch, keep reading. If you’d like to visit Wellington, scroll back up and follow the tips in the North Island itinerary section.

Days 12-14: Christchurch

While there’s not a lot “to do” per se, the vibe here is really relaxed, and it’s worth not rushing through if you aren’t short on time. Be sure to ride the gondola , visit the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake City (a unique and interactive museum that recounts personal stories from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For a list of more things to do in Christchurch, check out my city guide.

Where to Stay : Urbanz – This is an awesome hostel located in downtown Christchurch with friendly staff and a huge kitchen. There’s also a hostel bar, a pool table, fast Wi-Fi, laundry, movies, and comfy couches, as well as a parking lot.

If you need to get back to Queenstown, it’s a 6 hour drive from here. Alternatively, you can fly to Auckland. The flight is just over an hour and tickets can be found for as low as 65 NZD if you book in advance.  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month

Again, these are just recommended itineraries — I encourage you to adapt as needed!  

Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand

To help you make the most of your road trip, please remember the following rules:

• Traffic flows on the left here (not the right, like in the US or Canada).
• You must always park your car in the direction that traffic is going (or risk a fine).
• There are plenty of pull-off points for taking photos — use them instead of stopping at a random spot along the side of the road, which can be quite dangerous given how tight the roads are here.
• Roads here are winding, so remember that it might take longer than you expect to cover a particular distance.
• As long as your current and valid driver’s license is in English, you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit.
• If you’re traveling by campervan, use the CamperMate app to find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable country, loaded with epic landscapes, friendly Kiwis, and a rich culture. Due to its remote location, visiting is usually a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most travelers. Taking a road trip is the best way to make the most of your time here, tailoring your itinerary to your own preferences and New Zealand bucket list.

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for specific places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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An Epic New Zealand Road Trip – Itinerary, Tips, and Planning

This is Part 1   of our 4 part series on planning the ultimate New Zealand road trip. We will cover every aspect – itinerary, accommodation, packing, driving, budgeting – of planning an unforgettable drive through the north and south islands in New Zealand:

Read Part 2 – Where to stay in New Zealand  (opens in new tab)

Read Part 3 –  Travel Fashion – What to pack for a trip in New Zealand  (opens in new tab)

Read Part 4-  How much will that Road Trip in New Zealand cost  (opens in new tab)

They say a road trip in New Zealand shouldn’t be the first one you go on because it spoils you rotten. It offers so much that any other road trip you might take in the future just leaves you hankering for more. Having driven through the length and breadth of the country, we can tell you it’s true!

I travel for images. When I think of our summer in New Zealand I think of bees buzzing over symmetrical rows of fragrant lavender, magnetic fuchsia lupins sprouting from the ground, sun-soaked beaches, hissing volcanoes and geysers spitting steam to fields full of flowers, and perfectly-preened alpine villages. It truly doesn’t get more scenic than this!

Highlights of our New Zealand road trip

Here are some things you shouldn’t miss for the world when you are in New Zealand:

• Turquoise lakes in Pukaki and Mackenzie country
• Drives and hikes around Queenstown, especially Coronet Peak and Crown Range
• Thermal wonderlands in Rotorua. Spitting volcanoes, geysers, mudbaths, and steamy fumaroles – Rotorua has it all.
• Clouds suspended over South Island’s lakes each morning
• The coffee! New Zealand is a coffee lover’s paradise. You will find great coffee everywhere, even at gas stations.
• The night sky over Lake Wanaka
• Picnics amidst sun-drenched landscapes with freshly-picked berries and Kiwi wine. We loved locally-produced Pinot Noir.

This is the route we followed while we were in New Zealand. Our day by day account will give you further details of our road trip. The official New Zealand tourism website  also has great options for hikes, day trips etc. It’s worth consulting when you’re in the area. Let’s go:

Day 1: Fly into Auckland and gear up for your road trip

Write away this day as you’ll fly into New Zealand – we flew in from Fiji to Auckland and flew out from Christchurch to Sydney. Flight connections into and out of New Zealand are very good – we always use Skyscanner to compare flight prices. The long flight is bound to leave you tired, so spend the rest of the day collecting your rental car and stocking up on groceries for your trip. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before beginning your road trip in New Zealand.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind about renting a car in New Zealand:

• Unlike Iceland , you don’t need a 4X4 for New Zealand unless you’re travelling in a large group and need a spacious vehicle. A basic car will suffice as roads are in excellent condition and all landmarks are accessible via paved roads.
• Camping is extremely popular in New Zealand and there are tons of free/affordable camping sites in the country. Most car rental providers have a number of motorhomes and campervans on offer.
• You will need to drop off your rental car at the ferry terminal in North Island before boarding a ferry to South Island. You can pick up another car at the ferry terminal on South Island. We rented an economy car with Hertz – it’s always a good idea to compare car rental prices – we suggest doing that here . We booked the car online before flying to New Zealand. We picked up our first car at Auckland Airport and dropped it at the ferry terminal on North Island. We took the ferry, crossed over to the South Island and picked up our second car at the terminal itself. The process is seamless. Our ferry was delayed by an hour but the Hertz office at Picton remained open beyond official opening hours. We dropped off the second car at Christchurch Airport before boarding our flight back home. All in all, a seamless experience with Hertz when it came to car rental.

Sleep – We got to Auckland at an unearthly hour (2.30 am), so we slept at an airport hotel. We stayed at Ibis Hotel Auckland Airport . It’s a 5 minute cab ride/15 minute walk from the arrival gates. There’s a large supermarket next door where you can stock up on groceries and snacks.

Day2: The fun begins in Auckland

Explore the city of Auckland during the day and drive to the rugged Muriwai beach in the evening. A gorgeous drive through pick-your-own farms and picturesque pastures takes one to Muriwai beach. The beach is just 40 minutes away from Auckland but its stark wild beauty stuns. It is home to an impressive colony of Gannet birds between August & March. Forces of nature are at their best and fiercest here: huge waves crash against rocks as nesting birds rest on clifftops. Muriwai’s dramatic coastline is especially stunning during sunset. Entry: Free, Parking: Free

Sleep – We stayed at a private ensuite room at Haka Lodge, Auckland City .

Day 3: Drive to Rotorua via Coromandel Peninsula

If you love your roadtrips as much as we do, then take a long-winded detour to the Coromandel Peninsula before ending up in Rotorua. Sure you’ll be on the road for 3 extra hours, but it’s worth it!

The Coromandel Peninsula, jutting out at the eastern corner of the North Island, is home to spectacular beaches and woodlands. Leave Auckland early in the morning, picnic along the way, and head to the one of Coromandel Peninsula’s famous beaches for the afternoon. We spent most of our time at Cathedral Cove, a dramatic cerulean beach framed by volcanic rocks. There is a park-and-ride facility to ferry visitors from the car park to the entrance. Entry is free and the park-and-ride ticket costs NZD 5/person. The beach is a 40 minute walk from the entrance.

You could stop at the little town of Tairua for a cup of coffee and head onwards to Rotorua. If you drive through the Coromandel Peninsula, you’ll reach Rotorua in the evening. Sleep early and get a good night’s rest after a long day on the road 🙂

Sleep – We stayed at Shula Lake House on Days 3-5, a quaint and beautiful B&B overlooking Lake Rotorua

Day 4: Explore New Zealand’s Thermal Wonderlands In Rotorua

Locals joke that you can smell Rotorua before you see it and it’s true. The town is famous for its sulphur pools and bubbling geothermal areas and you can smell the sulphur EVERYWHERE. Rotorua is the site of incredible thermal activity. Unfortunately you will have to pay entrance fee to enter all geothermal reserves in New Zealand . Unlike Iceland or Bolivia, most Geothermal Areas, especially the dramatic ones, are all charged here 🙁

But Rotorua’s geothermal areas are astounding and you shouldn’t miss them for the world. In fact, they were one of the highlights of our road trip in New Zealand . There are many options to choose from, so we chose 2 based on locals’ recommendations:

1. The aptly named Hell’s Gate is one of the most dramatic geothermal reserves we’ve ever visited. This is because the heat source is very close to the surface of the Earth here: the Earth’s crust is extremely thin in certain places here, so visitors are constantly warned not to steer off the designated paths. There are bubbling sulphurous springs, volcanic mud pools, steaming fumaroles, highly acidic Sulphur baths, a unique cooking pool, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall. The temperature of the pools ranges from 40 degrees celsius to a whopping 145 degrees. The bubbling lava, hissing steam, inferno pools and unique mud volcanoes will have you marveling at Mother Nature.

Maori people used these naturally occurring sulphurous and acidic waters for treating aches, pains, and war wounds. Today it’s not possible to touch these formations. But if you want to get deep and dirty, it’s possible to take a dip in the adjoining mud baths at Hells Gate. The mud here is said to have healing properties, so slather away…..

2. We also visited the popular Wai-o-tapu reserve , also known as a Thermal Wonderland . Wonderland is the right word because here at Wai-o-tapu it’s possible to see some incredibly colourful manifestations of thermal activity – entire pools of orange, green, and yellow lie next to steaming geysers and dreamy white terraces. These unique natural formations left us completely gobsmacked. I couldn’t get enough of the Artist’s Pallette, a large pool deftly coloured in shades of blue, green, yellow, and orange by naturally-occurring minerals . The intensity of the colours keeps changing according to water levels, the direction of the wind, and sunlight, so I found it hard to tear myself away from it.

The adjoining Champagne Pool is no less dramatic. Greens, oranges, and metallic outline the pool and complement the bubbling CO2 : the result is a surreal formation that seems to have walked right out of a postcard. Then there is Devil’s Bath, a cloudy green lake, that keeps changing colour with the wear. One thing’s for sure – you, like us, won’t forget your visit to Wai-o-tapu for a long long time

Top Tip : Wear sturdy shoes to explore geo-thermal areas and go early to avoid crowds. We reached Hell’s Gate at 9.00 am and almost had the entire reserve to ourselves.

Day 5: Enjoy Rotorua’s Free Attractions and relax at a spa

Fortunately there is also plenty of free stuff to be enjoyed in Rotorua. Drive by Ohinemutu to see a modern day Maori Village for yourself. This isn’t a cultural attraction perse, so it’s a good way to peak into the real lives of Maori locals in 21 st century New Zealand. Kuirau Park has some sulphur activity and it’s free to witness : however it is nowhere near as dramatic as the geothermal activity in the paid parks.

We recommend spending the better part of the day driving along Lake Rotorua, the famed Blue and Green Lakes, and Lake Tarawera . Picnic by the banks of the Blue Lake and spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the absolutely dreamy Redwood Forest . The Redwoods are home to tall trees and boast of dozens of walking trails.

Spend the evening at one of Rotorua’s famed thermal pools. We spent it at Polynesian Spa , which is a bit of a legend in Rotorua. It is home to naturally acidic waters, said to vanish aches and pains. Local rugby players are said to swear by these hot pools. It also boasts of alkaline pools with antiseptic properties – according to local legend, this water is the elixir for ageless beauty! We don’t know about the veracity of those claims, but a dip in Rotorua’s thermal spring water did leave us invigorated. Polynesian Spa has a variety of pools – we rented one of their tiny private pools, at quite a reasonable rate (NZD 27/person for 30 minutes).

Day 6 The Thermal Explorer Highway and Taupo

It’s time to leave your hotel in Rotorua and get back to the road. However New Zealand’s geothermal areas don’t end with Rotorua – geysers, mudpools, hot springs continue along the route known as The Thermal Explorer Highway.

Evidence of volcanic activity and sulphur springs is everywhere to be seen. Drive down to the bustling town of Taupo via the Waireki Terraces . The chalky silica terraces, surrounding bright blue pools of bubbling water, are one of the most unique things you’ll see in New Zealand. The complex also has some rather beautiful thermal pools but we skipped them as we’d had our fair share of soaking in thermal pools in Rotorua. Entry to the the terrace walkway costs NZD 12.50 and there’s an additional charge for using the pools.

Instead of the thermal pools, we chose to spend our evening at Huka Falls . There are various scenic points overlooking the falls and there is a pleasant 1 hour walk around the falls if you’re craving some activity. Both entry to the falls and parking are free

Sleep : We slept in a private room at Haka Lodge, Taupo on days 6&7

Day 7: Explore Taupo

Lake Taupo (toe-paw) was formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic eruption. Its volcanic character ensures a proliferation of steaming mud pools, silica terraces, and thermal valleys. The Lake itself is the focal point of all activity: its shores are lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars. We were in Taupo on a dreary grey day, so we spent it lazing on the shores of the lake, enjoying a languorous lunch in the town, and devouring one too many cups of coffee at Ozone Coffee Roasters (highly recommended).

In case you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, Taupo is the getaway for a gorgeous 17 km hike to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing . We didn’t get a chance to go on the hike but heard great things about it from fellow travellers.

Day 8: Interislander Ferry Terminal via Wellington

This was a long day that took us through some of the most scenic panoramas on the North Island of New Zealand. Taupo’s volcanic environs give way to a sensational stretch of highway through a desert, which in turn swiftly gives way to fields of flowers and vineyards, with towering mountains on the horizon. This part of the drive through the North Island of New Zealand is sure to cast a spell on the most skeptical of tourists – sunlight spills over through the windows as the car glides through villages dotted with picture-perfect cottages, orchards laden with fruit, and bright purple flowers billowing in the wind.

Plan your route for the day depending on the schedule of the ferry that will take you to the South Island. We booked an afternoon ferry with Interislander – we left Taupo early in the morning and had a gorgeous brunch in Wellington, walked around and finally reached the ferry terminal by 1 pm, dropped our rental car, and checked in our bags. If you’ve booked a rental car with international providers such as Hertz then you will have to drop the car off and pick another vehicle on the South Island.

Our ferry was delayed a bit. Don’t think of the ferry crossing as a mere commute – the Interislander ferry passes through the scenic Cook Strait and there are great vistas on offer. There’s wifi on board, so I spent a bit of time indoors. Needless to say, Vid was on the deck clicking photos throughout the 3 hour ferry ride. Urgh photographers 😉

Top Tip : Have a leisure lunch at a winery in Hawke’s Bay on this day. If you don’t want to splurge at a winery in Hawke’s Bay or find a restaurant in Wellington, pack a picnic because there are plenty of opportunities along the way.

Sleep : We slept at at a ‘luxury’ apartment in Picton, but it was quite a let down, so we can’t recommend it. But we would recommend spending this night in Picton (search for accommodation here ), where the ferry pulls up, instead of driving onto Kaikoura.

Day 9: Whale watching and hiking in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is THE place to go whale watching on your road trip in New Zealand. We were there on a day when the probability of spotting whales was low and most tours were cancelled, so we had to give it a miss. Oh well!!

Instead we went for a long rambly walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway – the well-maintained walkway traverses the cliffs of Kaikoura and offers stunning views of the Kaikoura Peninsula. There’s a colony of seals, rare birds (sparrows, titis, albatrosses) and plenty of flora along the way to keep you occupied. Golden fields overlook the azure ocean, ensuring an invigorating experience. We were there on a grey, dreary day and still loved it. I can imagine it being absolutely spectacular on a clear day. Parking and entry to the walkway is free. The entire walk takes around 3 hours but you can turn back anytime. Take your camera, water, and raincoat.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite and made your way back to the car park, head to town to sample Kaikoura’s fresh seafood. There are plenty of restaurants in town but Kaikoura Seafood BBQ seems to the most popular. The take-away has been featured in Lonely Planet and locals love it too.

Top Tip : Don’t book your whale watching tour in advance. Kaikoura’s weather is notorious and tours get cancelled at the last minute quite frequently. It’s best to enquire about whale-watching conditions once you are there and then book a tour.

Sleep : We slept at Brook House B&B for the night.

Days 10 & 11 –Arthur’s Pass National Park (New Zealand You BEAUTY!!)

This part of South Island is where the fun truly begins for any road trip enthusiast. We have no qualms in admitting we enjoyed the scenery of South Island much more than North Island. As far as drives are concerned, this is the stretch where the magic begins . The drive along the Great Alpine Highway is sensational – clouds suspended over mountains and lakes dilly dally with daisies and lupins.

You will cross Castle Hill , where Maori and European settlers cleared the forest centuries ago. The huge limestone boulders are said to have provided shelter for Maoris. The boulders are unmissable and definitely worthy of a stop. Castle Hill, home to one of the most scenic public toilets in the whole wide world. If it seems familiar, it’s because portions of ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ were shot here .

Arthur’s Pass, nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, is the highest pass across the Southern Alps. It will definitely be one of the most scenic places you will see on your road trip through New Zealand. Arthur’s Pass Village, an alpine village surrounded by forests and mountains on all sides. Just 5 minutes from the village is the spectacular Bealey Valley . You’ll find glacier views, entire fields full of flowers, stunning drives, and forests in the area. It offers a lot of hiking and photography opportunities and we stayed in a rustic cabin overlooking the valley.

We spent the afternoon walking to the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls . The return loop takes about 1 hour. If you want something shorter and less strenuous, try the Millennium Walk :This walks takes you over a little stone bridge where you can see Avalanche Creek Waterfall. If you want something longer, look up the stunning Bealey Spur Walk.

Sleep: We slept at The Bealey Hotel – they’re comfortable (not luxurious) and the location is exceptional.

Day 12 – Wanaka via Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, and Franz Jozef Glacier

It’s hard to get enough of the pristine Alpine beauty of this area of New Zealand. Barren river beds, glacial valleys, New Zealand’s characteristic purple lupins swaying in the wind, daisies peeking out of rugged cliffs, and gorgeous villages populated with colourful cottages along the way. This is where the drive becomes truly special. Stop for a picnic and take a short helicopter tour and hike at Franz Jozef Glacier . The drive to Wanaka through Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, and Franz Jozef Glacier is a long and tiring one – you might consider breaking it and spending a night around Fox Glacier.

Sleep : We slept in a private ensuite room at Base Wanaka for 2 nights in Wanaka. It was rather busy and noisy, so if you’d prefer some peace and quiet, we’d suggest looking at some other options for Wanaka

Day 13 – Explore Wanaka

After the long drive on Day 12, it’s best to relax on this day. However if you’re feeling active (and we were!), opt for a short trek to the  Diamond Lake lookout  or Lake Hawea lookout. We chose for the former. The Diamond Lake circuit is just 45 minutes long but you can continue onto the Wanaka lookout point. We went all the way upto the Wanaka lookout and the entire circuit took about 2 hours.

Wanaka is a compact town and it’s easy to explore on foot. Spend a leisurely morning walking along the lake – you could also go kayaking or sunbathe on the shores. Try the scrumptious coffee and ice-cream at Patagonia Chocolates. Make sure you grab an afternoon nap because we recommend going star-gazing at night . The night-sky at Lake Wanaka on a clear day is mesmerising – in fact, we’ve never seen so many stars even when we were deep in the Bolivian Wilderness

Day 14 – Drive to Queenstown

Queenstown is a short drive from Wanaka but it’s one that takes ages. That’s because you will feel compelled to stop and take photos every 2 minutes. There are 2 ways to get to Queenstown but make sure you take the Crown Range route to Queenstown –  this is the highest main road in New Zealand and it’s a beautiful drive. There are plenty of lookout points as you drive through New Zealand’s Lake District. This drive offers a bit of everything – glistening lakes, ice-capped peaks, and stunning roads. Try to spot keas (mountain parrots) and enjoy the journey – it truly doesn’t get better than this.  You’ll also pass Cardrona, a small township where you can stop for coffee.

Sleep : We slept at Lake’s End Lodge for 4 nights in Kingston, close to Queenstown. However, this place has now closed (during the pandemic). However, there is no dearth of accommodation options in and around Queenstown

Day 15: Explore Queenstown

Choose lake-side accommodation and you could wake upto clouds suspended over Lake Wakatipu. Spend a leisurely day exploring everything that Queenstown has to offer: drives, picnicking in the countryside, and panoramic points of view. Queenstown is so picturesque, it will definitely leave you gobsmacked! If you’re into adventure sports, Queenstown is also extremely popular for bungee jumping and sky diving.

If there’s one thing you need to do see in and around Queenstown, it’s Glenorchy. I know I said that drives don’t get better than Wanaka-Queenstown  –  I lied! The 40 minute drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy  is probably the most scenic drive you’ll ever experience . No wonder then, there’s a place called Paradise just up the road from Glenorchy. A number of movies including The Lord of The Rings and Wolverine have been shot here – one look at the grand landscapes and you’ll know why!! On your way back from Glenorchy to Queenstown, take a li’l detour on a gravel road for Lake Moke . It’s a perfectly secluded picnic spot – we loved it!

Day 16: Milford Sound 

Help me, I’m running out of superlatives here! Leave your hotel in Queenstown early for a drive to the heart of New Zealand’s Fjordland on Day 16. Milford Sound was referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, so we had high expectations from it. As with everything else in New Zealand, it delivered!!

The drive to Milford Sound is a long and scenic one. Make sure you stop at the reflective Mirror Lake to stretch your legs. Grab some snacks and get your fuel tank topped up at Te Anau because there are no gas stations or supermarkets between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

You’ll start spotting hand rugged cliffs as you inch closer to Milford Sound. Once there, Mitre Peak, the distinctive mountain you’ll spot on most postcards, will greet you. That’s the cue to look around and absorb jaw-dropping 360 ° views of New Zealand’s Fjordland. The views multiply manifold as you hop on a short cruise at Milford Sound. We took an afternoon cruise with Cruise Milford , which allowed us to get up close and personal with waterfalls, rainbows, sea-lions, and the gorgeous scenery at Milford Sound. The landscape here reminded both of us of the  Norwegian Fjords .

Optional : We’ve spent a lot of time exploring fjords in Scandinavia, so we opted for a short afternoon cruise at Milford Sound. However if this is your first time exploring Fjords or they simply fascinate you to no end, you could opt for a long multi-day trip to Doubtful Sound.

Day 17: Otago’s wineries & scenic drives in New Zealand

Now that you’ve had your fair share of glistening crystal lakes and craggy peaks, it’s time to enjoy the finer things in life. Spend the morning exploring Otago’s wineries . Book a wine-tasting tour or simply drop by a winery (Amisfield and Mt. Difficulty are two of the most popular options!) for a leisurely lunch. Sample some wines as you go along. If wines aren’t your thing, walk up Queenstown Hill or take the Skyline Gondola for stunning views of Queenstown.

Spend the evening in Arrowtown , a historic gold mining town. Take Gorge road from Queenstown towards Arrowtown  and go up Coronet Peak for some incredible views . Once you’re in Arrowtown, just walk around the charming historic settlement full of vintage candy shops, restored cottages, and restaurants. You could also explore gold-mining sites or the Chinese settlement by the river before you grab dinner in Arrowtown. End your stay in Queenstown with a spot of star-gazing – you can spot the elusive Milky Way on most clear nights.

Optional : Spend two days in Dunedin to see yellow penguins and visit the Otago Peninsula for the Albatross Colony.

Day 18: Drive to Christchurch via Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo

After 4 nights in Queenstown, it’s time to leave it and drive onward to Mt. Cook National Park, famous for its flora. The drive will take you through Lake Hayes, perfectly-manicured vineyards and wineries in Gibbston, and fruit farms and orchards in Cromwell. Spend the afternoon exploring the unmitigatedly turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki (check out this short video we recorded at Lake Pukaki ). This entire area is overrun by bright purple lupins in the summer and it will cast a spell on you! Spend the entire day exploring the flora of Mackenzie and Canterbury and driving through Mount Cook National Park. Check into your hotel in Christchurch at night.

Optional : If you have an extra day or two spend it in a hotel near Lake Tekapo. The night skies here are legendary because it is a part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 19: Snooze in Christchurch

I’ll be honest. 4000 kms and so many new places later, we just wanted to sleep in Christchurch. We ventured out only to sample some amazing coffee at Pure Café and grab some eats.  We spent a lazy afternoon walking through Hagley Park, observing tourists punting on the Avon, and acquainting ourselves with dozens of varieties of roses at Central Rose Garden. If you are craving another jam-packed day, there is no dearth of things to do and see in Christchurch.

Sleep : We slept in a spacious serviced apartment at All Stars Inn Bealey Quarter in Christchurch

Day 20: Fly back to your home country

20 days and 4000 kms later, it’s time to fly back home. We’re sure you’ll spend the flight back home dreaming of crystal lakes that act as mirrors to surrounding glaciers, winding roads that hide secret lookouts, romantic long-winded walks, countryside lodges laden dripping with flowers, and New Zealand’s night skies that you experienced on your epic road trip. We don’t blame you one bit! 🙂

Here’s a short video of all the fun we had driving in New Zealand 🙂

Has our New Zealand road trip itinerary convinced you to book your flights to this breathtakingly gorgeous corner of the world? If you need more convincing, have a look at all our New Zealand posts .

Read about all our favourite road trips from around the world 🙂

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303 thoughts on “ an epic new zealand road trip – itinerary, tips, and planning ”.

FABULOUS photos and itinerary! Couldn’t agree with it more. Rather than staying in PIcton, we chose to stay in Mapua about two hours away from the port, but it was amaaaazing. We stayed at a place called “Kissing Gate” and glamped with vintage caravans. If you’re interested, check it out here: http://thefivefoottraveler.com/not-kissing-at-the-kissing-gate/

Great tip Sarah – we chose Picton because we were knackered after the ferry ride and didn’t want to drive at all. Kissing Gate sounds good 😀

Thanks for the recommendation Sarah. It was a delight to have you stay at Kissing Gate (www.thegates.co.nz). We have been humbled by TripAdvisor’s profiling of our unique glamping site in the world’s top 14 most awesome glamping sites. Yes, the drive from Picton is well worth it, especially as Kissing Gate (and Copper Gate and Corru Gate!) are nestled on 7 acres with tame sheep and organic orchards and is strategically located between Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park. We spent a lot of time travelling through India and love reciprocating the kind hospitality we encountered.

A beautiful reminder why I believe New Zealand is the most spectacular place on earth. Seriously, these photos are beyond words.

Thanks Leah – you’re absolutely right! We really enjoyed New Zealand and Vid spent most of his time photographing the country 😉 PS You should hop over to Iceland when you get a chance – think you’ll enjoy it! It’s very similar to NZ just more rugged and handsome

Stunning photographs. I am traveling to NZ next week and wanted to know what else can we do near Christchurch? I am driving to Mount Cook from Christchurch, staying a day and then coming back. Any other suggestions?

Looking at your photographs, I must say I can’t wait to be there 🙂

Thanks Jayesh. Have fun in New Zealand. Mt. Cook is gorgeous. You could also drive to Arthur’s Pass National Park Jayesh. Alternatively Waipara has some really good wineries 🙂

If you’re looking for things to do near Christchurch you could try Akaroa, Governor’s Bay, Hamner Springs or Kaikoura. All of those can be done in a day or easy overnight from Christchurch.

Hi…. Super clicks… All the pictures are lovely….

may i know during ehich month u visited New Zealand? I am planning to visit in February? Is it a good time?

Thanks Dhaval.

Thanks! We did our New Zealand road trip in the month of February 🙂

These photographs looks like a heaven on earth. We are planning to visit NZ in January. Since we have a friends staying in Auckland. Would be staying there for 3-4 nights and then would be moving towards South. So can you suggest places near by to Auckland tht can be discovered. Rotoura and coromandel can they be covered while staying in Auckland?

We have already mentioned some places around Auckland that are worth visiting 🙂 Yes, you can do coromandel and Rotorua from Auckland although it might make sense to spend time in Rotorua on your way down south to avoid the journey back to Auckland

Loved your detailed itinerary and of course the lovely pictures. I know it is not a fair question to ask, but how does this compare to your Iceland road trip in terms of wow factor?

Hey Rekha We’d say Iceland and South Island, NZ are at par with each other. Both have grand panoramas and stunning landscapes. However Iceland is more rugged and there’s always a sense of discovery involved while traveling in Iceland. NZ seems a tad preened and prettier in comparison. It’s a hard choice 🙂

these photos seem totally heavenly !!! what views !!! vid is undoubtedly the bestest (spare the error ;)) photographer !!!! just cant believe all the photos are real !!! totally ethereal guys !!! the outfits are perfect and so is the post !!! 😀

Thanks a million Kushagr 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it. It took ages to put it together but ’tis all worth it

definitely guys !!! it must have surely did !!! but yes hard work does pay off !!

Wow! The pics are so stunning. I am already in love with NZ. Vid, your photography has improved by multitudes. And Savi.. sweetie you are as gorgeous as ever!

Aww thanks a million Surabhi 🙂 Vid spends loads of time honing his photography skills, so I must make him read your comment

Those are probably the best views of NZ, collected all in one place:) Was following your trip on Instagram, you’re such an amazing and inspiring travelers. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience:)

Ksenia, thestylejungle.ru

Thank you so much 🙂 Happy to hear that you enjoyed the photos from our New Zealand road trip!

This is a fantastic post guys! I’m a Kiwi so it’s always interesting to me to see what tourists get up to when they’re visiting. Your itinerary was packed but great. And your photos…. just wow! Especially all those night sky shots. You’ve got me wanting to do more exploring here in my own backyard.

Thanks Bethaney – always love hearing from you 🙂 We had an absolutely great time in NZ – such a gorgeous country

Hey guys, love both your Nz n Sa road trip itinerary.

Which done do you think is more scenic ?

Hey Randhir – we’d say New Zealand is more scenic of the two. South Africa is more adventurous 😀

Great photos! And more greatness on the write-up!! Plan a trip to NZ in the near future.

Thanks a lot 🙂

I was so amazed with your photo really beautiful I could feel the happiness if only from the pictures trimakasih , I’m from Indonesia Did you ever to my country here many beautiful places I want you come to my country to take lots of pictures to post in this blog..

Thanks Fuad – Indonesia is stunning. We’ve spend a long long time in Bali and we love it 😀

ohk ..is New zealand more scenic than iceland too ?

The reason I’m asking is coz I want to take off on the most scenic road trip next year.

Hey Randhir – both countries are extremely scenic. New Zealand is prettier while Iceland is more rugged.

Hi! This looks like a great itinerary. If you could do it again – was there anything you would alter or change or do differently? Did you feel you had enough time? Thanks so much in advance for sharing your beautiful photos and travel ideas 🙂

We didn’t feel rushed at all and felt like we did justice to the places we visited without feeling rushed. Of course, if logistics allowed we’d spend 6 weeks but then reality kicks in 😉

Hi Savi & Vid,

Would like to know which month did you travel to New Zealand. Is it good to travel in August?

Thank you? Saritha

We went road tripping in New Zealand in February. Not quite sure about August – we believe it will be cold 🙂

New Zealand or South Africa for me in 2017, since 2016 is done ! Difficult choice ! You guys just made it all the more difficult with all these pictures.

That’s a hard choice indeed – you’ll love whichever one you choose. Do send us photos from your trip in 2017 🙂

I live in Australia and have been to NZ once. Your itinerary just makes me want to go there again. What an incredible holiday it seems you had, amazing photographs by Vid and very well described by Savi. Just 1 question if I were to do South Island separately would 10 days be sufficient?

Thanks a million Deep – yep 10 days are perfect for exploring South Island 🙂

That’s an awesome journey and chronicled so nicely! One can actually feel the excitement that you guys experienced. It really seems like a road trip is THE way to explore NZ.

I’m planning to visit NZ mid-October this year, but I only have 10 days plan, so obviously I’m now confused as to where to explore given so many places that you’ve mentioned here. I have planned my North Island trip (4 days), but it’s getting difficult to pick places in the remaining 5 in South Island. Could you suggest me the top places to go to? Also, does Hertz charge you again for the car hire once you drop-off your car at North Island and pick-up again in South Island? Or do they only continue to charge the per day rentals?

Hey Tanmay – you should head straight to South Island and spend the 10 days you have exploring just the South Island. You’ll love it.

Hertz doesn’t charge for dropping off at North Island at Wellington/picking-up in South Island at Picton. However when you’re booking the car just choose a one way rental from Auckland to Christchurch.

Love your blog and especially the photos!

I was wondering what route you would recommend to a fellow British person who only has a week to spend in New Zealand and has never been there?

Thanks Shivani – we’d suggest heading straight to South Island and spending your week there Shivani 🙂

Hi Savi & Vid! Love your blog and your experience in New Zealand is inspiring us to take our next vacation there. While December to February is the popular season, is October or November also a good time to go there hoping none of the places are closed.

Hey Prerit – October & November are great months to visit NZ. You’ll get there before the tourist hordes hit the main attractions, which is always a good thing 🙂

Thanks a ton for the detailed info. very very helpful when planning the trip.

Glad you found it helpful Krishna 🙂

For navigation and directions, did you guys rent a GPS from the rental care company? Paid for data to use google maps? could you please share the option you chose and the cost.

Hey Krishna – We chose neither. We used an offline navigation app called maps.me which we use for most of our roadtrips. It’s free and super convenient. You can read about it here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/everything/5-favourite-travel-apps

Thank you so much for an detailed explanation. I am getting married in Jan and thanks, thanks to you both, I am daring to go on my honeymoon trip without any tours and travels but on my own as I love Driving. I am looking to spend 7-10 days, so as you folks suggested in some comments, will directly head to South. Can you please let me know what do you think I will miss the most if I do NOT travel to North ?

Looking forward to hear from you and trust me, reading your post has increased by excitement level to optimum

Hey Rohit – that’s awesome. Send us photos from NZ. You won’t regret doing the self-drive trip instead of a guided tour. If you have 7-10 days exploring only South Island makes sense. The highlights of North Island, which you’ll miss are the thermal springs and limestone formations in Rotorua.

Thanks Savi Vid for your response. 1 more input please. I am almost set up with my plan except the one below. What would you suggest between these 2 options for 3 days and why ? Remaining 7 days, I have planned for South New Zealand and that looks fine for me

1. India to Christchurh. Christchurch, Arthur pass, castle hill, great alpine highway, bealey valley and remaining time in south 2. India to Auckland. Auckland + Rotoura. Then fly from Rotoura to Christchurch and remaining 7 days in South

This is the only part of my planning left. Appreciate your help here

Regards, Rohit

Hey Rohit – it really depends on your personal preferences but if you have 10 days, we’d suggest flying to Christchurch and spending them all on the South Island 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

I really enjoyed your trip report. Would you recommend doing both the north and south if I have about 2 weeks? I was hopeful to visit Sydney for NYE prior to NZ, so probably have a total of 18 nights. Thanks!

Hey Melanie – we visited Sydney for NYE prior to our roadtrip in NZ too 🙂 Sure if you have 18 nights, do explore both North and South Island. If you like to take it slow and easy, then stick to just the South Island

Hey guys ! I love reading your blog and it has definitely helped me out in planning my trips especially the german alpine road trip. It was amazing as you said it was. I didnt even know it existed until I read your blog. I am now planning a new zealand road trip and naturally my point of reference was your blog first( I remember reading about it earlier) then I’d google everything else. But I’ve noticed that every single pictures has an ad which pops up. It can get a little bit annoying when the add pops up and I have to cancel it every single time. I love looking at the pictures you take (you guys do take some amazing pictures), is there any other way around this ? Or is this how the blog will be like from now on ? Not trying to sound negative or anything like that, just wondering. I don’t own a blog so I don’t know how it all works. Thanks guys 🙂

Thanks a ton for informing us about this. We don’t mind at all – in fact we really appreciate the feedback. We actually run minimal ads on our website, so will definitely look into why this is happening and address it asap 🙂 So happy to hear that you enjoyed our post on Bavaria and made it there. Yay

Yes we (took my parents too) did enjoy the german alpine trip. It was the highlight of our Europe trip. So many other blogs do not have as much detail/information as yours. If the ad stuff enables you guys to upkeep this blog and continue doing what you guys are doing, then so be it. 🙂 I will just cancel out the ads to see the full picture. Keep travelling and passing on those detailed information and amazing pictures. That is why we all love reading your blog 🙂 Oh and Im originally from Malaysia but have called Australia home for the last 12 years; if you do get the chance to go back to Malaysia, go to Penang ! Its got an amazing food scene, georgetown especially but check out the whole island 🙂

Thanks a ton for your note Rosh – we’ve taken care of the intrusive ads now. Would love to be able to visit Penang soon 🙂

Hi guys am planning a self drive trip nz trip with my kids aged 7 n 3 ..need your help in planning my trip..i have gone through your itenery n liked it a lot..

Hey Bhavik – we wrote all our tips and suggestions in the 4 articles. Do read all 4 while planning your road trip in New Zealand

First of all congratulations on such an amazing job with the blog! We were planning our trip to New Zealand when we started following your blog. The blog was extremely helpful and it helped us plan our trip perfectly. Thanks to you we got a lot of information on what to do and what not to do.

New Zealand was amazing and I loved it! Thanks a lot for everything!

Hey Gargi – we’re SO happy to hear that our Guide to a roadtrip in New Zealand was helpful for you. Do send us photos from your roadtrip – we’d love to share them with our readers on Facebook and tag you 🙂

Thanks for such a detailed itenary. THis really helped us in planning our New Zealand trip. We just returned from our two week road trip in NZ. We had a really packed itenary as we could take only 2 weeks off, but it was totally worth it. I couldn’t find the ozone coffee roasters that you guys mentioned in your post :(. I am a coffee lover and I was in love with New Zealand coffee.

I love your blogs and bruised passport has become quite a household word between me and my husvand. Thank you once again for being such a great inspiration.

Hey Athira,

So happy to hear that you had a great time in NZ – it’s a gorgeous place, isn’t it? 🙂

Do share your photos with us – we’d like to share them with the Bruised Passports family!

I live in New Zealand and have missed a couple of things. Gosh you guys are incredible. Can never get enough. Following your instinct and taking the leap of faith is not everyone’s cup of tea and doing it like this is another deal altogether. More success and adventure to you both <3

Its Disha… Damn autocorrect lol

Thanks a million for all the love Disha 🙂 So happy you spotted a couple of new places in our itinerary of New Zealand

Hi Guys…lovely pics and kudos to the passion tht you are living up everyday…This year we are planning for a road trip with our 20 mth old daughter for apprx 10 days somewhere in april or may.

We are not able to finalize the location though..sometime I think about going to Italy or Austria-Croatia or to discover New Zealand. What will you suggest to us given the time, season, baby and a fair budget allocation? We both love nature over man made creations..I need to refine my location so tht I can build my itinerary..many thanks and take care

Hey Arti – thanks a ton. We would definitely suggest Croatia if you have just 10 days and prefer nature over man-made creations 🙂 It’s family-friendly and you’ll have no trouble driving there.

Thank you for the information,

What an excellent and comprehensive itinerary! Road tripping through New Zealand is one of the most incredible experiences! To explore the country at your leisure, and to stop off at the seemingly endless beautiful sights around the country really gives you a sense of freedom. I’ve written a couple itineraries for New Zealand’s North and South Islands as well! If you plan your trip well beforehand, you’re almost guaranteed to have an excellent time, and I think looking at itineraries is an excellent way to prepare yourself for your tour of this beautiful country!

We do love New Zealand too. Glad you enjoyed our write-up Mark 🙂

Thanks for the itinerary. I will be going over your blog again and again since I am planning ‘ my trip. And yours is very helpful!! We are doing a 15 days trip and we have thought to cover most of the places that you have shared.

Hey Priyanka, we are happy to know that you found the information worth while.And also that it has helped you in planning your trip to New Zealand.Hope you have an awesome trip there…Happy travels:)

Hey Guys, This article is so beautiful and so well written. Makes me want to pack my bag already. Kudos to the two of you!

Also guys If I were to go and add Abel Tasman to the itinerary how would i be able to do so? Please give your suggestion.

Thanks a lot Pallav. If you want to go to Abel Tasman, you could drive from Blenheim to the park and then drive all the way down to Fox/Franz Joseph. You might have to miss Arthur’s Pass in that case 🙂

Wats ur take on hobbiton …. hobbiton or or cormandel. ..wat should one prefer … also ferry or domestic flight from north to south island….wats ur take ???

We’d recommend Coromandel but that’s our personal choice. We know a lot of people who’d try to fit both into their itinerary for New Zealand 🙂

As for flight or ferry, well we chose the latter and didn’t feel like we made a bad choice. If you take the ferry, than you can drive from the North tip of the South Island and perhaps fit in Arthur National park too ::)

Hello guys? We are planning to go newzeland !!! Which month is best to visit newzeland? N even want to buy new camera can u suggesr the best camera for beginners n which we can easily carry!! Just love ur all pictures awsome pics!!! N i love ur blogs very helpful ?

Thanks a lot Pooja.

New Zealand is great between November and March however December can get very busy. We went in Jan/Feb and got great weather and fewer tourists. In so far as cameras go, you could look into Nikon D3400 or D5500.

Have a great trip 🙂

Hi Guys, we are planning a trip to Newzealand in October(mid october to end). We are planning to be there for 16 days. Will October be a good time to Visit? Also, since we have only 16 days we can either do Auckland-Bay Of Islands-Auckland-Coromandel-Rotorua-Auckland-Queenstown-Te anau-Wanaka-Franz Joseph-Chirstchurch- Auckland OR Auckland -Waitomo-Taupo-Rotorua-Christchurch-Kaikoura-Tekapo,Pukai,Aoraki-Wanaka-Franz Joseph-Queenstown-Auckland

Net Net what I am trying to ask is should we do Bay of Islands or should we go for Waitomo,Taupo?

Even though we did not go to Bay of Islands (and went to Taupo), I’d pick Bay of Islands over Taupo especially since you will go to Rotorua in either case. Bay of Islands will give your trip an added variety 🙂

I’d go for the former 🙂

Have a great trip

Amazingly well written and beautiful Pictures. I am also planning to go in mid November and I am sure to follow details given by you. Can you suggest a 15-16 days itinerary based on your 20 days trip. And yes I will be on a budget 🙂

Hey Ankit – just stick to the itinerary and cut out a couple of days in North Island. Unfortunately it’s hard to do NZ on a strict budget as it’s quite expensive to drink, eat, and stay in NZ but check out our post on accommodation for your New Zealand roadtrip for recommendations of a few B&Bs and hostels that we liked: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/new-zealand/new-zealand-road-trip-accommodation

I couldnt see any date of the blogpost But going by the first comment in Apr, I assume you guys travelled sometime in March-April ?

That would expect to be time for autumn in NZ Yet your piotures are very sunny, suggesting summer

So when did you guys exactly do this trip ?

Hi we travelled in Feb and got great, warm weather most days. Cheers

Hi guys, love your blog! I’m Thinking about NZ road trip after seeing your post. Just wondering how difficult is it to drive in New Zealand? I never drive on the left side of the road before ?

You should definitely go to NZ and drive there. It’s not difficult as long as you follow the rules and general precautions that you would take anywhere you drive 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid! Both me and my husband(Age 60 and 66) are planning to do our 1st ever road trip in a foreign land (read Newzealand) in Feb.

When I Googled for info on the same the first blog that showed up was yours and my search began and ended there! You have gone through a great deal of trouble to put together such minute and all the important details of your roadtrip.This has made it all so super easy for travellers like us that I am left with no questions to ask!

Hats off to both of you and may God bless you with a lifetime of such wonderful holidays where you not only enjoy to the fullest but ensure through your blog that others do too.

If you have any further tips to give for first timers who shall be driving in New zealand please do let us know.

Dear Deepali – your comment put a huge smile on my face. We put all our tips here, so we don’t have more to offer but so happy we could help you out. Hope you have an amazing time in New Zealand 🙂

Heading there in Jan!

Thank you so much for an amazing itinerary! Made my job of planning so much easier 🙂

So happy to hear that Anum 🙂 Have fun in New Zealand and send us photos

Hey Savi and Vid, Your itinerary has helped me just like so many other people to plan my travel as well. Looking forward to see more in future. Thank you 🙂

So happy to hear that our itineraryf or a road trip in New Zealand helped you out so much Yashvi 🙂

Your itinerary has helped me a lot. Thanks a lot for that. I had a couple of questions

1. Do you know about the tongariro alpine crossing trek. Is it worth the effort to trek 19 kms 2. How was the weather in feb, should we carry a few winter clothes

Thanks, Rahul

Hey Rahul – yes you should definitely try to do the Tongariro alpine crossing trek – we didn’t go but it’s supposed to be amazing. It’s quite warm in February but would still suggest carrying at least 1 warm jacket and 1 jumper as the weather can turn very quickly in New Zealand

Hi Savi/Vid,

You have rightly stated ‘a road trip through NZ shouldn’t be the first one..’ we did this road trip many moons ago and no other road trip gave us that wow factor! our itinerary was very similar to yours expect that we flew from wellington to Queenstown, as much as we wanted to drive, we were short of time :(. This year we are planning on a road trip through the Canadian rockies and going to follow your itinerary..

So happy to hear that. Do send us photos from the Canadian Rockies when you visit 🙂

Your pictures are beautiful! Do you mind sharing what camera you use?

I have a Canon EOS R, Nikon D610, and a Canon EOS M50 (and also a gopro and drone) 🙂

Amazing post. The photos are unbelievable. Especially envious of the one of the night sky. We were captivated by it but never got a picture anywhere near good enough to do it justice!

Sounds like you guys did a very similar route to us. I think the only thing extra we managed to sneak in was the Tongariro crossing!

If you get time, I would love to have your opinion on the blog we wrote about our trip. http://kiwicampervanchronicles.blogspot.co.uk/

Keep up the great work! 🙂

Thank you Alex 🙂

Thank you for your amazing itinerary!! It is already making my planning easier…

I am going on a 20-day (inclusive of flying) honeymoon with my husband in June & we are intending to follow this itinerary..

We are flying into Auckland (ETA 10-ish AM) & flying out of Christchurch (ETA 10-ish AM).

Is there a way to slot in both Coromandel Peninsula & Hobbiton?

Transport-wise, is it possible/ advisable to do both a car & campervan? We are thinking of using campervan for a couple of days or so just for the experience..

Hey that’s so cool 🙂 Yes you can always do campervan in North Island and self-drive car in South Island 🙂

You can definitely do both Coromandel and Hobbiton although the days will be shorter in June so fewer hours to drive 🙂

In any case, hope you had an amazing time driving around New Zealand

Your pictures are so stunning! New Zealand looks like a great adventure, that everybody should try! Love it! 🙂

It sure is 🙂

Could u advise on the license for car rentals, are international driver permit/ idl really required?

No international driver permit is not required 🙂

Just as magical as I remember, Nice itinerary and fabulous nature scenes captured!

Hi, Your blog is very helpful and give all the guidance we wanted and thanks for that! Myself and my friend is planning on a roadtrip and we booked our flight to and from Auckland. We have 15 days and would like to spend 3 days in sydney as well. So if you can advise on what is the best way to travel (Auckland->syney->Auckland, Auckland->Sydney->Queenstown/wellington??) that would be great! Thanks in advance:)

I’d say Auckland, spend a couple of days, fly to Sydney, Sydney to Christchurch, rent a car and drive South Island and then back to Auckland, return car and fly out.

Your pictures are amazing. Can you please share the app you use to edit it and what filter you use (if any). How do you get that dreamy glaze to some of your pictures?

Hey Priyanka – I don’t use filters or apps. I just use Lightroom on my laptop to edit photos. But I spend a lot of time manually composing shots and playing around with the camera 🙂

Pictures are breathtaking !!!!! So want to visit New Zealand now. And every picture is worth being a wallaper!! beautifully captured!!

Guys, thanks so much for your blog. We recently visited New Zealand from U.K. and your blog justifies the beauty of this amazing country.

Hi, I am planning my honeymoon trip in the month of March, 2019. As per my current itinerary, I am travelling my Queenstown to Franz Joseph and staying there for 2 nights. However, I am equally tempted to do Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo and spend a night there. If I had to choose one, which one would you suggest?

We’d choose Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo 🙂

These photos are incredible! I offer a free trip planning service for NZ and would love to work with you. I’ve sent an email – if you haven’t received this, let me know!

Hey Savi n Vid, Is it safe for just 2 people to go on a road trip in South Island? Loved your itinerary and would like to go on a 10-day South Island road trip. Can i drive in NZ with a USA license? Please suggest.

Thanks a ton Regards Chetana

Hey yes it’s absolutelysafe for just 2 people to go on a road trip in South Island. That’s what we did and thousands of other couples drive around in New Zealand each year. The last we knew, you could drive in NZ with a USA license – however it is still better to confirm with your car rental agency before booking as these things keep changing 🙂

Wow what a great blog and amazing pics, really enjoyed it. We were planning a 10N NZ road self drive in April. Initial plan was to cover both islands after landing in Auckland. After reading your wonderful tour I realise it would be woefully short. Is it possible to cover north island highlights like geothermal rotorua in 2 or 3N and head to south island for east 8N, if so what are the highlights one can cover in SI? Thanks again!

Yes you can spend 2 or 3 nights in Taupo/Rotorua and then head to South Island – all highlights for South Island New Zealand are in this blog – you can see which ones you like and prioritise those 🙂

Absolutely loved your photos and details shared in the blog. My husband and I are travelling this March for 3 weeks and following your itinerary almost to the T! Just looking for a few suggestions though: 1) Is the drive from Taupo to Wellington a must – or should we save driving time and take a flight instead? 2) Is Kaikoura and Coromandel Cove similar in terms of vistas? Should we skip Kaikoura? 3)Arthur’s Pass surely sounds a must do, but the photos seem a bit arid and Leh Ladakh sorts..Would you recommend Abel Tasman NP over Arthur’s Pass NP? 4) You have not made Te Anau your base, is it better to stay in Te Anau/ Milford Sound? 5) We are from Mumbai, do we need to get an International Driving License or will our Indian driving cards suffice? 6) Did you consider visiting Punakaiki when planning?

Looking to hear back! Thanks a ton, Regards, AC

Hey Alisha,

So sorry we couldn’t get back to you. Hope you had a great time in New Zealand. Answering your questions as they might help others:

1) It’s nothing spectacular (compared to South Island) but logistically easier to keep the car 2) Yes you can skip Kaikoura – it’s good if you want to go whale watching! 3) There’s all k inds of landscapes in and around Arthur’s Pass NP. Even Abel Tasman is amazing (so we hear) so i’m sure you won’t go wrong in picking either 4) We preferred to make one place a base for 4 days than move around every second day. It’s a personal choice – you can definitely make Te Anau your base for Milford Sound 5) We didn’t need it 6) No we didn’t 🙂

Hope this helps. If you read this, do share photos from your trip with us 🙂

Hi there, been referencing to your article several times to plan for ours. Great stuff! Question – do you inform Hertz on the date and time you’re crossing over to the other island? Or do you just appear at the ferry station, drop off the car, and then pick up another one on the other island?

The Hertz website doesn’t seem to ask for the details during booking. Thanks in advance!

Yes we had to inform Hertz about the tentative crossing time 🙂

Lovely pictures and great idea. Thank you for the information. What month did you visit?

We did this road trip in New Zealand in February

Gone through your post . It’s really useful and your pics are really gorgeous. I am also planning a road trip to New Zealand in November.

What about the driving permit in New Zealand if you have Indian Driven license?

Thanks Shweta!

We were able to drive in New Zealand on our Indian Driving License !

This is amazing way to explore this beautiful city, It’s awesome to surround with great mountains with greenery and a lot of water. This is really great experience that one can have. Thanks mate for your great post, I love your pictures and appreciate your writing efforts.

Thank you for an amazing post. Planning a trip in November. Couple of quick questions :

1) Is it worth going from India for a week’s trip? 2) What do you recommend we must cover in a week? 3) Is there a reason you missed glow worm caves and hobbiton ?

1) Better if you go for 2 2) South Island 3) No particular reason

Hi Savi and Vid , Lots of appreciation to u guys cuz u really help millions a lot . Q: Guys I am planning my honeymoon trip for NZ and Fiji for 15 days including traveling in November .Are they enough ? Should I extend it for 3-4 days also ? And What do u prefer first , NZ and Fiji or vice versa .

Will be helpful if you guys could take out time and reply here . Anyways Great Work . God Bless Bruised Passports

Thank you so much Radhika 🙂 And congratulations.

If you can add 3-4 days, then definitely do that so that you spend 2 weeks in New Zealand and then 5-6 days in a beautiful resort in Fiji. We’d say do the New Zealand road trip first and then Fiji. You can read about our Fiji adventures here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/fiji

Thank you for this blog post. It’s a great starting point for planning a trip to NZ. We are travelling to NZ for a 13 day trip. After reading your travelogue, we have crunched down the itinerary as follows. Would be grateful for your advice if this seems fine or should we make some changes.

Nov 24 – Land in Auckland at noon

Nov 25 – Rotorua or Waiheke island?

Nov 26 – Rotorua

Nov 27 – Rotorua (Hobbiton tour)

Nov 28 – Rotorua to Christchurch flight. Pick up car from Christchurch airport and head straight to Arthur’s Pass.

Nov 29 – Arthur’s Pass

Nov 30 – Fox Glacier (Fraz Joseph)

Dec 1 – Wanaka

Dec 2 – Queenstown (via Crown Range route)

Dec 3 – Queenstown (Milford Sound)

Dec 4 – Queenstown (adventure activity)

Dec 5 – Lake Tekapo/ Pukaki (Mt Cook)

Dec 6 – Fly to Auckland after dropping car at Christchurch Airport.

Dec 7 – Fly out of NZ

Looks great. Enjoy and share photos with us

Hey you guys have described the whole trip in such a amazing way..i could recollect almost everything..But why hvnt you included Bay of Island in this itinerary ?

Probably because we were short on time and had to leave something out. Given it’s New Zealand, it’s so difficult to decide what to leave out. We left Bay of Island out for our next trip (a big incentive for us to return ;))

What is the maximum time one has to drive in the whole road trip?

If you do a return drive from Queenstown to Milford sound then that will be your longest drive – around 10 hours or so in a day but totally manageable in New Zealand

Amazing blog!! Really helpful for the one who is looking to travel in NZ. Great..Keep Sharing!!

This is SO beautiful wow!! I live in New Zealand but this has opened my eyes even more to its beauty

Happy to hear that 🙂

Thanks for a detailed Itinerary. Pretty helpful in prepping up for our honeymoon trip to New Zealand. We are planning a 16 day trip from Auckland to Queenstown, Had a question – We are taking a Hertz car for our travel throughout these 16 days. Would be crossing from North to South Island with Interislander Ferry. As you guys did, we would also be dropping our vehicle at Wellington and picking up at Picton. So, While booking an Interislander ferry, did you guys mention that you would taking the vehicle?

From the booking site, we have received the following response – None of the above suppliers permit travel on the ferry between the North & South Islands, all however offer Inter island bookings where you confirm a booking as if the vehicle will be travelling on the ferry. Once the booking confirms, you then contact the supplier to advise of your cross over details & they will make a vehicle available on the other side all included in the original Total Cost.

Please share what you guys did?

Happy to hear the road trip itinerary is helpful 🙂

Well, that is exactly what we did. We dropped the car in Wellington and picked it up at Picton. Pretty much what the paragraph states. One booking with Hertz and then we informed them of our cross over details. Just inform Hertz what time you’ll be dropping the car off in Wellington and what time you’ll pick the next car in Picton. They’ll arrange everything.

Hope that helps

Hello, This is very helpful article it helps so many people. Thank you for sharing

thank you bruisedpassports for giving me wonderful information

You’re welcome!

Hi, your pictures are amazing! Can i do the same itinerary but in Spring i.e. months of Sept and Oct. Also, if i only have 8-10 days, which locations would you suggest i skip? Many Thanks!

Yes you can do it in end September / October (although it can be a bit windy). If you have only 8 days we’d suggest just doing the places in South Island mentioned in the itinerary 🙂

My husband and I recently took a trip to NZ and must have referred to your blog like a 100 times. Loved the itinerary and all the places visited/recommended by you did deliver more than our expectations! I will not shy away from referring my friends to your blog. Keep writing and traveling!!! May you travel to space one day and write a blog about that :))

Hey Akanksha,

Thank you so much for leaving that note. So happy to hear our article was helpful 🙂 Do share some photos from your trip with us if you don’t mind (you can send them on our Instagram channel @bruisedpassports)

Thanks for all the love

Hello Team Bruised Passport,

I so enjoyed reading your NZ trip. Have got inspired to plan one for myself with family.

Small qs – Which month did you guys travel ? Could you guide if 20 Mar-10Apr bracket would be suitable to travel? Have a school going daughter so want to manage this trip in her spring break.

Many thanks for inspiring!

Happy to hear that. We did this New Zealand road trip in Feb. March end should be fine 🙂

Great article. New Zealand is a must see destination. Lots of good times.

Absolutely! There’s no other experience like a road trip in New Zealand 🙂

I can’t wait to get to NZ! I used to lived in Melbourne and knew a lot of Kiwis, the ones I have met have all been so chilled and down to earth. Combine that with the mountains and outdoors activities in South Island, I cannot wait to go and explore NZ! 🙂

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This brought back so many happy memories for us – we travelled NZ in winter (fffffreezing but spectacularly wonderful) and so good to see that the country is still stunningly beautiful, despite the passage of time.

Rosemary, do we get to see beautiful greenery in winter as well?

Great. New Zealand is really a place which can mesmerize. There are so many things that a person can do here.

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In which months 9 days trip is suggested in South Island for adrenaline activities

Summer months (November- February) are best for adventure sports

Moving to New Zealand is so exciting! Have a great time! Greets.

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Hey Priyanka – I don’t use filters or apps. I just use Lightroom on my laptop to edit photos. But I spend a lot of time manually composing shots and playing around with the camera ?

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Hi Guys – THanks much for all the great info! Would you please tell me if I have valid Indian license do I still need driver’s permit to rent and drive car in new zealand? Do I need any other document apart from Indian driving license in new zealand?

Your valid Indian license should be enough 🙂

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Hey Savi and Vidit, Thanks for the detailed blog on the amazing road trip to NZ. I and my husband are planning to follow your itinerary and plan our honeymoon for next month. We just had a small question for you guys and hope we get some insights into it. We are thinking of starting from Christchurch and ending our trip in Auckland as we saw the prices of car rental are cheaper in the reverse way, do you guys have any recommendations on it, if so please let us know that would be really helpful to us! Thanks again!

Hey you’ll be absolutely ok doing it the other way round too – just pick the way that offers the best car rental rates and flights combo 🙂

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Hey so happy to hear that – hope you had an amazing road trip

Hey, lovely pictures and detailed itinerary. We are visiting NZ this year in April. Hope it’s a good time to visit. One question is whether to take the ferry out to fly to the South Island?

Yes April will be nice 🙂 if you’re renting a car in the North, then better to take the ferry. Otherwise you can fly. Both options are convenient and comfortable

First things first, I love your work and have been following since years. You have given some crazy travel goals to us, specially because we relate with your style of travelling. We as a couple enjoy adventure, offbeat and experiential travelling.

Needed some help, planning a trip to NZ in January for about 15 days. Had a couple of questions:

1. Driving through coromandel peninsula – would it be worth it to skip this and do waitomo glow worm caves alongwith hobbiton movie set? Did you consider these options? 2. Rotorua vs taupo – since we are short on time, which one would you suggest to spend more time in? 3. Flight vs ferry – flight from rotorua or ferry from wellington – what were your deciding factors? In case we are not doing taupo, would it make sense to take the flight and save time or the interislander is worth every bit of extra time here? 4. Arthurs pass to Franz josef – how did you manage to do the franz josef heli hike (which is about 4 hours? or not?) while travelling all the way to wanaka? Can you share the website you booked the tour through? I 5. Is Wanaka worth trading off something else from the itinerary since we have only 15 days? 6. Bookings and arrangements – is it safe to explore and book everything on our own (specially things like whale watching tours/ heli hikes etc) or would you recommend going via a travel agent to help get the best guides? How do you manage everything without support of any local agent?

I know this is a long list, but would be really helpful for us. Been waiting for NZ since about an year now

Hi Kanishka,

HAppy to hear that. Trying to answer your questions below:

a) Yes we did consider those options but chose Coromandel peninsula as it’s beautiful. You can easily do the other 2 instead b) Rotorua c) yes you can fly from Rotorua. we just wanted to make it a full road trip, so decided to skip the flight 🙂 d) Super early start and late finish 🙂 e) We’d suggest spending a couple of days in Wanaka for sure. Maybe you can skip Christchurch f) yes it’s safe to book everything on your own through reliable booking providers. we just do a lot of research and then when we are at the destination, we leave some flexibility to change things on suggestions of locals

hope you had an amazing trip. sorry for the delay in responding

The glowworm caves in Waitomo look enchanting! Did you take any guided tours, and if so, do you have any recommendations? I’d love to experience that magical sight myself. Overall, thanks for sharing your New Zealand road trip—it’s truly inspiring!

HEy we didn’t go to Waitomo 🙂 hope you have an amazing road trip in NEw Zealand

Thanks for this informative article

Is it possible for you guys to give a slightly consolidated intenrary like 8-9 day trip. Flying in to Auckland and Flying out of Christchurch.

That’ll be a difficult task as 8 days is quite short, especially if you’re flying into Auckland and flying out of Christchurch. I’d say skip the southern part of south island (which would be a shame), and do Auckland, Rotorua, Maybe Fox glacier when you move to south, and the area around Christchurch.

Thanks for sharing this road trip tips !!!

Excellent & informative blog with such good tips and superb photographs. We (4 of us) are planning a visit in April as we wish to enjoy the Autumn colors and foliage. We are looking for a leisurely road trip as we have a couple seniors with us who won’t be able to do too much walking/hiking. If you have any tips to offer I would be grateful. Thanks in advance.

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Lage raho bhai good job

What a fantastic schedule for a road vacation around New Zealand! I adore how you included well-known locations like Milford Sound together with lesser-known finds like Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Also, your recommendations for places to stay and eat are also beneficial. So eager to go on the road and discover these breathtaking vistas for myself.

hope you have a great road trip in New Zealand

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Epic New Zealand Road Trips: 12 Routes to Discover the Real Kiwi Experience

New Zealand road trip inspirat…

12 of the best road trips in N…

Posted by Spaceships Crew

New Zealand, the land of giant glaciers and snow-capped mountains, endless grassy plains and subtropical forest, miles of rugged coastline and dreamy beaches, peaceful lakes with the most striking reflections and relaxing hot springs for every traveller to wind down in. This is Mother Nature’s greatest piece of work, with a contrasting landscape that ticks all the boxes on your bucket list.

To make your life easier and to help you to decide where to go and what to do, we have created a guide to the best road trips routes on the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. A road trip guide created by the friendly Spaceships Crew and our travelling community. Feedback and tips from Space Travellers have been added as well. These New Zealand road trips are real favourites, therefore we dare to say "these are the best road trips in New Zealand". Check 'em out and see which one you would like to add to your road trip itinerary. This is the easiest way to create the ultimate New Zealand road trip to see it all in NZ.

North Island road trips

Big parts of the North Island are skipped or rushed through by the majority of travellers. For some reason, lots of travellers think that New Zealand's South Island has more to offer. Just add a few of these North Island routes to your itinerary and you'll see how much awesomeness the North Island has to offer.

1. From Auckland to Bay of Islands

The Loop of the Bay Islands is a great trip for anyone who doesn’t have much time but still wants to see the best highlights that New Zealand has to offer. Bringing you the sheer beauty of the Northern coastline, the hip city vibes of Auckland plus some delicious  wine tasting on Waiheke Island  (a short ferry ride from Auckland), this is the perfect family or couple’s road trip encompassing city, beach and even some dolphin spotting along the way!

This trip is suitable for any time of year even in their peak of winter (July and August) when the South Island is covered in snow, North Island is still lovely and balmy. And the short distance drives means that you can really explore each destination. Have a look at the amazing things to do year-round in the Bay of Islands area .

Must-do activity in Wellington: ride the cable car and enjoy the view

3. Auckland to Taupo

Follow State Highway 1 and drive south through the heart of North Island and then take Highway 1B to Cambridge, follow Highway 5 through Rotorua and then continue onto Taupo via the Thermal Explorer Highway. This delightful route gives you a little bit of everything, making it ideal for families with children or large groups with lots of people to please.

Taking you from the city vibes of Auckland to the rural views of the Bombay Hills, a quirky little town and perhaps lunch spot in Tirau, the chic coffee culture and walking trails in Cambridge, to the geysers and volcanic craters of along the Thermal Explorer. If you’re looking for an afternoon of relaxation, don’t forget to visit one of the natural geothermal spas.

Explore the South Island - Be inspired by the best road trips in New Zealand

8. The Great Coast Road (Westport to Greymouth)

If you love the coastal scenery, this West Coast drive will take you on an endless journey of stunning seaside sunsets, glorious beaches and rugged rock formations carved by the ocean. The SH6, otherwise known as the Great Coast Road, takes you from Westport to Greymouth and this is the route that will take you off the beaten path. Forget everything we said in the intro about being well connected because although the roads here are good nick, there’s no fuel for a 56-mile stretch and you probably won’t see another ATM until you reach your final destination.

This is the one to get away from it all, with the Tasman Sea on your right and the snowy Southern Alps on your left. Make sure you stop off in Punakaiki to check out the famous “Pancake Rocks” and continue down the SH6 after Greymouth if you want to hike the Franz Josef Glacier.

Have a look at this detailed itinerary of this Westport to Greymouth road trip , it'll show you how much there is to do and see. The Great Coast Road may look like a short road trip, but there's more to do & see than just Pancake Rocks.

Pancake Rocks on the West Coast, also one of the best road trips in New Zealand (photo: West Coast Tourism)

9. From Queenstown to Te Anau and onward to Milford Sound

Milford Sound Highway is one of the most famous highways in the world, and it’s certainly one of the most dramatic. The two-hour drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound will take you through some of New Zealand’s most intense and vivid landscapes, and you’ll be completely spellbound by the different sights of pristine rainforest, moss-covered mountains, mirror lakes, trickling waterfalls and the presence of striking cliff faces meandering along your route.

There’s theatre from start to finish so you might find it hard to keep focused on the wheel and you’ll want to stop several stops to soak in the views really. Bring your camera and ingredients to create a yummy lunch as your Spaceships campervan comes with cooking gear included. You can enjoy your favourite meal in the open air, as we’re sure you’ll find an awesome picnic spot or two on this road trip.

See for more info and a detailed itinerary for the drive from Queenstown to Te Anau and then to Milford Sound.

The Perfect 6 Week New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary (2023)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 10, 2023

Categories New Zealand

As somebody who absolutely loves road trips and has made many throughout the years, I can truly say New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world to make a road trip!

Planning your 6 week New Zealand road trip itinerary can be quite daunting. New Zealand is an incredible country with numerous things to see and do.

Choosing a realistic New Zealand self-drive itinerary can be a challenge, but don't despair, this post will help you to make the absolute most of your road trip in New Zealand.

6 week New Zealand road trip itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

New Zealand 6 week itinerary and travel guide

To help you plan your NZ itinerary, I wrote this detailed post about the 6-week New Zealand trip I made around the North and South Island of New Zealand.

For each day I list our New Zealand backpacking itinerary, campsites, and New Zealand highlights , you can find them on the map below as well.

Even if you have less time available to explore Kiwi Country, I hope this self-drive New Zealand itinerary will inspire you, and help you plan your trip to New Zealand.

You can customize this New Zealand travel itinerary, make it shorter, or travel just the North or South Island.

Don't try to squeeze in too much, the last thing you want is to feel rushed! Because one of the best things about New Zealand is being able to stay a little bit longer at that perfect secluded spot you found…

Anyway, I digress, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of my 6 weeks in New Zealand campervan itinerary!

Plan your New Zealand trip like a pro with these tools: ? Rent a campervan for your NZ road trip (or a car via Rentalcars.com ). ? Arrange your NZ working holiday with Global Work & Travel . ? Stay connected with a New Zealand SIM card . ? Plan your journey with the New Zealand Lonely Planet . ?️ Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Join the best tours in New Zealand via Get Your Guide or Viator . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

How to plan the perfect New Zealand 6 week itinerary

New zealand travel budget.

Aotearoa  (the Maori name for New Zealand, meaning land of the long white cloud) can be an expensive destination but it is definitely possible to travel to New Zealand on a budget.

Check out a detailed breakdown of our  New Zealand travel budget and read how to save money on your NZ road trip.

The best way to travel around New Zealand

I traveled together with my husband; we started our trip in Christchurch and ended it in Auckland. We rented a campervan , which enables us to explore New Zealand and all its glorious landscapes at our own pace.

Be sure to check out my New Zealand campervan travel tips to make the most of your NZ campervan holiday.

Click here to book a campervan for your New Zealand road trip

The best time to travel New Zealand

New Zealand is beautiful any time of the year, however, when you want to go camping it's best to travel between October and April.

We traveled around New Zealand in January and February, which is the New Zealand summer. While temperatures are the highest during this period, so are the crowds and thus prices.

Even though we never had any issues finding a camp spot and it was in no way busy anywhere, I would probably travel either in late Spring (October/November) or early Fall (March/April) if I were to visit New Zealand again.

Keep in mind the climate of the North Island differs from the South Island. Plus it can be cold at night, even in summer.

We woke up one morning to discover fresh snow on The Remarkables so make sure you are well prepared and pack properly (bring layers!).

Where to camp in New Zealand

Camping in New Zealand is great and there are lots of options (free and paid) available. The most important thing to do before you park your campervan for the night: check if it’s allowed!

Because lots of tourists travel to New Zealand and, unfortunately, not everybody behaves as they should the government has put strict camping regulations in place. If you don't obey these regulations you risk a 200 NZD fine.

Check all the New Zealand campsites we stayed at in this post.

New Zealand itinerary: our 6 week road trip

Click here for the interactive map

Road trip New Zealand itinerary

Week 1: canterbury and east-otago, week 2: the catlins, fjordlands and west-otago, week 3: the west coast, canterbury, and marlborough, week 4: tasman and wellington, week 5: hawke's bay, taupo, and rotorua, week 6: the coromandel peninsula, auckland, and the northland, day 1: explore christchurch.

Itinerary: Christchurch International Airport – Christchurch city center – Jailhouse Accommodation

How to get to Christchurch city center from the airport?

There are regular buses (every 30 minutes, 7 days a week) from Christchurch Airport to downtown. More information, timetables, and fares can be found here .

Alternatively, save yourself money and hassle with Christchurch's best-value airport transfer service to and from the city's CBD (in a luxury minibus with no more than 11 passengers). Click here to book .

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens is a beautiful park with huge trees and a nice rose garden.

Christchurch city center

Take your time exploring the city center. This part of Christchurch suffered a lot of damage during the earthquake of 2011.

However, it has been rebuilt in a very creative way and is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

Hot tip?: experience Christchurch by land and water with this combo ticket deal to the hop-on hop-off vintage tram, a punt along the River Avon in a flat-bottom boat, and a ride on the Christchurch Gondola cable car. Check availability here .

Where to stay in Christchurch (on a budget)

Jailhouse Accommodation : how often do you get to spend a night in a former prison? Don't worry, you have your own key to get out whenever you want…

We really enjoyed our stay at this unique Christchurch accommodation (we booked a private cell, aka a double room with a shared bathroom ).

The hostel is ready tidy and clean, both the rooms as well as the common areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms.

Also, the staff is very friendly and let us use the common room and store our luggage before the check-in time (we arrived very early in the morning due to our flight schedule).

Check the latest prices on Agoda or Booking .

Day 2: the Banks Peninsula

Itinerary : Jailhouse Accommodation – Rental Car Village – Akaroa – Arundel Bridge Reserve

Scenic drive over Summit Road

This is a beautiful winding road offering great views of the bay.

Akaroa is a cute historic village that was founded by French settlers in 1840. You'll find beautiful colonial houses, colorful gardens, and splendid views.

? Didn't pick up your car yet? Discover Akaroa and Banks Peninsula on a wonderful day trip from Christchurch . Explore breathtaking scenery from the coastline to farmlands and meet the wild penguins at Flea Bay.

Day 3: Peel Forest and Lake Tekapo

Itinerary: Arundel Bridge Reserve – Peel Forest – Lake Tekapo – Camping Lake McGregor

Hiking in Peel Forest

There are lots of tracks to choose from in this lovely Scenic Reserve. Here are the hikes we did:

• Big Tree Walk: this trail leads to a huge Totara tree (8,4 meters wide).
• Acland Falls track: leading to a 14-meter tall waterfall.
• Kahikatea walk: an easy boardwalk trail leading through the swamp forest.

Lake Tekapo

The drive to the lake (coming from Geraldine) is already stunning because of the snowy Southern Alps in the background.

But turquoise Lake Tekapo itself is just out of this world…

The beautiful color is something that you cannot catch in a photo and the surroundings are breathtaking. I loved this place, it was one of my favorite places of our entire trip.

Church of the Good Shepherd

This is probably the most beautifully situated church in the world. If you don’t believe in God, the view from this picturesque church might just persuade you.

⏳ If you're short on time, consider joining this small-group Lake Tekapo day tour from Christchurch . Visit the Church of Good Shepherd, and enjoy a scenic walk to see the Tasman Glacier.

Stargazing at Lake McGregor

The area around Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. Because there is virtually no light pollution you'll be able to gaze upon the stars like never before.

Have you always dreamed about doing a working holiday in New Zealand ? Check out Global Work & Travel and get a €100 discount with the coupon code PHENOMENALGLOBE .

Day 4: Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook

Itinerary : Camping Lake McGregor – Mount John Observatory – Lake Pukaki Lookout – Mount Cook – Twizel – Campsite next to SH8, south of Twizel

Hike the Mt John Track (via lakeshore)

This three-hour walk offers fantastic views over Lake Tekapo. There is a nice cafe at the top of Mt. John if you want to grab a cup of coffee or a quick bite.

Lake Pukaki and scenic road to Mount Cook

Admire the views over Lake Pukaki with Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, in the background.

Continue your journey by driving the famous road to Mount Cook, a stunning 55 km drive starting at Twizel.

Hike the Tasman Glacier track

If you've also done the Mt. John Track in the morning, this steep track can be a bit challenging. That being said, it will be worth the effort.

Along the way you'll see pictures showing the size of the glacier throughout the years, it’s depressing to see how fast the glacier is shrinking…

Day 5: Elephant Rocks and Oamaru

Itinerary : Campsite next to SH8 south of Twizel – Elephant Rocks – Oamaru – All Day Bay recreation reserve

Elephant Rocks

The Elephant Rocks are huge limestone rock formations that can be found in a large patch of (private) farmland. These unique rocks were also used as a filming location for the first Chronicles of Narnia movie.

Access to the Elephant Rocks is free, but be mindful of the fact that you're on private land.

Situated between Timaru and Dunedin, is Oamaru, the largest town in North Otago. Also known as Steampunk HQ, Oamaru is a nice village to spend a couple of hours.

Admire the steampunk art, the historic buildings (many of them dating back to 1860-1880) and the colony of little blue penguins.

Day 6: Moeraki Boulders and Dunedin

Itinerary : All Day Bay recreation reserve – Moeraki Boulders Beach – Dunedin – Mosgiel Motor Camp

Moeraki Boulders

Be sure to stop by the Moeraki Boulders when driving from Oamaru to Dunedin. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, we felt it was a worthwhile stop.

Some of these boulders are up to 3 meters in diameter! If your itinerary allows, plan to visit the Moeraki Boulders during low tide ( check the tides here ).

Dunedin is the student city of New Zealand and is also known as ‘ The Edinburgh of the South ’. I visited Edinburgh and personally feel that might be pushing it, but it is a nice city nonetheless!

I highly recommend visiting the Toitu Otago Settlers museum  to learn more about the history of this part of New Zealand.

If you like beer, join this tour (with tasting) around the oldest operational Brewery in New Zealand .

Day 7: the Southern Scenic Route, Sandfly Bay, and Nugget Point

Itinerary : Mosgiel Motor Camp – Sandfly Bay – Nugget Point – DOC Purakaunui Bay

Southern Scenic Route part 1

The Southern Scenic Route between Dunedin and Queenstown is one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Approximately 610 kilometers of natural and cultural attractions are laid out one after the other. From (short) hiking trails, plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, gorgeous waterfalls, beautiful caves, and more, this is a part of New Zealand you shouldn't miss.

Get a ‘Southern Scenic Route Guide’’ and ‘Guide to the Catlins’ at an i-Site in the region, these leaflets contain information about all the highlights along the route (there are a lot!).

Alternatively, check the official So uth ern Scenic Route website for more details.

Hike to Sandfly Bay

There's a nice walk that starts at the end of Seal Point Road and goes down to the beach where lots of seals are chilling out.

Fun fact: Sandfly Bay isn't named after those pesky insects who can make your NZ road trip a living hell, but after the fine sand blown into the air by the fierce winds (which forms the impressive dunes found here).

Nugget Point

Nugget Point is a land tongue with a cute lighthouse perched at the top. Here you've got a stunning view over the rough ‘nuggets’ rising from the sea. You'll feel as if you're at the end of the world…

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife

When visiting Sandfly Bay and Nugget Point and while driving along the Southern Scenic Route, we saw seals, baby fur seals, a sea lion, two yellow-eyed penguins, and a dolphin!

Day 8: attractions along the Southern Scenic Route

Itinerary : DOC Purakaunui Bay – Jack's blowhole – Surat Bay – Purakaunui Falls – Cathedral Cave – DOC Papatowai

Southern Scenic Route part 2

Hike to jack's blowhole.

You'll spend another day driving the Southern Scenic route that's winding its way through the dense forest while offering stunning ocean views every other corner.

Take your time, stop often, and enjoy New Zealand at its best!

Jack's Blowhole is a 55-meter-deep hole situated 200 meters inland from the sea. Seawater flows to the hole through an underground tunnel and pounds against the sides with deep thundering sounds.

The 3-km trail to the blowhole is nice and easy, with gorgeous views along the way.

This is one of the many short hikes in New Zealand and a very enjoyable one.

Sea lions can often be seen relaxing on this beach but we ‘only' say a seal. If you do spot a sea lion, keep your distance and admire these magnificent creatures.

Purakaunui Falls

This is one of the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand and rightly so, it's a beauty! The trail leading to the falls is short and easy

Cathedral Cave

These impressive caves are located on Maori land and can only be visited during low tide. The admission fee is $10 per adult and $2 per child.

You can mind more information as well as a tide table on this website .

Day 9: more highlights along the Southern Scenic Route

Itinerary : DOC Papatowai – McLean Falls – Curio Bay – Slope Point – Invercargill – Colac Bay

Hike to McLean Falls

An easy 2.1 km trail (out and back) leads to 22-meter-tall McLean Falls, which ended up being one of my favorite waterfalls in New Zealand.

In Curio Bay, you can find a Petrified Forest consisting of ancient fossilized trees. Plus, Hector dolphins often frequent this bay, so if you're very lucky you may spot a pod!

Slope Point

Slope Point is the Southernmost post of New Zealand (not counting Steward Island) and makes for a nice photo opportunity.

Mind you, it's generally very windy so hold on to your belongings.

Day 10: Venture into the Fjordlands…

Itinerary : Colac Bay – Te Anau – Mirror Lakes – Milford Sound – DOC the Divide

Scenic drive on Milford Sound Road

The road from Te Anau to the Milford Sound is absolutely breathtaking…

There are many stops along the way such as:

• The Mirror Lakes
• The Key Summit trail
• Lake Marion track,
• Early Settlers Museum at Gunns Camp
• The Hollyford Valley Lookout
• Much more, so be sure to take your time!

Day 11: the Milford Sound

Itinerary : DOC The Divide – Milford Sound – The Chasm – Campsite near Lumsden

Cruise in the Milford Sound

The Milford Sound is one of the absolute highlights of New Zealand and should be included in any NZ trip.

Milford Sound is about 15 kilometers long and one of the best ways to explore the Sound is by taking a cruise .

Learn about the fjord’s history, geology, and wildlife from your skipper, savor a delicious picnic lunch and immerse yourself in a mysterious undersea world at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. Check availability here.

If you don't have your own wheels, don't despair!

You can opt for this great Milford Sound tour from Te Anau , including transportation in a comfortable minibus, a knowledgeable guide, and of course the sightseeing cruise in the Milford Sound.

Note: on average, it rains 182 days per year in the Milford Sound so there's a good chance you'll experience a downpour during your time there (we sure did). On the upside, more rain means more spectacular waterfalls so embrace the weather no matter what.

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider booking a wilderness cruise in the Doubtful Sound .

Day 12: Queenstown and Moke Lake

Itinerary : Campsite near Lumsden – Queenstown – DOC Moke Lake

Drive over the Devil's Staircase

This is a very scenic, albeit challenging road with lots of twists and turns (hence the name). Drive carefully and enjoy the marvelous views.

Queenstown city center

Queenstown is probably one of the most enviable cities in the world (tied with Victoria, BC ).

Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu ( check this popular cruise with the TSS Earnslaw ) with the Remarkables in the backdrop, Queenstown truly has it all.

The city center has all the facilities you need but is small enough not to feel like a big city.

There are lots of great things to do in Queenstown and many worthwhile day trips from Queenstown if you have more time to spend here.

Read this Queenstown itinerary for more (adventurous) activities.

Hike around Moke Lake

Moke Lake is one of the best hikes on the South Island and one of my favorite trails in New Zealand.

The surroundings are stunning as usual (New Zealand is pretty much gorgeous all around) and we did not come across anyone else during this hike.

Day 13: Arrowtown

Itinerary: DOC Moke Lake – Arrowtown – Luggate Cricket Club

Chinese settlement in Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town where the Chinese workers (who came to New Zealand to work in the mines) created a little settlement with tiny houses made of wood.

It's an interesting place to visit in New Zealand, especially if you want to learn more about the lives of Chinese immigrants.

Instead of driving here yourself, you can also book a self-guided bike tour . Board a shuttle in Queenstown and enjoy a scenic 25-minute drive to Arrowtown.

Here you hop on your (electric) bike and make your way back to Queenstown in approximately 4-hours. Check availability here.

Crown Range Road scenic drive

From Arrowtown, take the very scenic Crown Range Road to Wanaka. This turning and twisting road leads to a 1076-meter high pass and crosses the Cardona river 11 times!

A fun fact I read in the New Zealand Lonely Planet : the Crown Range Road is the highest sealed road in New Zealand!

Day 14: Wanaka

Itinerary : Luggate Cricket Club – Wanaka – DOC Lake Paringa

Explore Wanaka

Wanaka is a laidback town situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka. While it's not nearly as busy as Queenstown, there are plenty of things to do in Wanaka and I highly recommend spending some time here.

• Beer tasting and tour Wanaka Beerworks: Wanaka Beerworks is a small local brewery that makes craft beers. You can tour the brewery and sample some of the beers.
• Lake Wanaka bike tour : take a shuttle to Lake Hawea and enjoy an amazing (self-guided) 30km scenic bike ride back to Lake Wanaka. Check availability here.
• Lake Wanaka to the West Coast via the Haast Pass: an amazing and scenic drive through the astonishing landscapes of New Zealand.

Day 15: the Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson

Itinerary : DOC Lake Paringa – Fox Glacier – Lake Matheson – DOC Otto/Mc Donald

Hike to the Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tūawe Valley Walk is a very worthwhile 2.6km (return) trail. It took us about 20 minutes to reach the spectacular glacier.

? For a more in-depth experience, you can join this scenic Fox Glacier walking tour with local guides to learn more about the glacier, geothermal activity, and the local flora and fauna. Check availability here .

Hike around Lake Matheson

Lake Matheson is one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand . On a clear day, you can see a perfect reflection of the mighty Mount Cook in the lake.

That being said, Lake Matheson is worth a visit regardless of the weather!

Day 16: the Franz Josef Glacier and Hokitika

Itinerary : DOC Otto/Mc Donald – Franz Josef Glacier – Hokitika – DOC Lake Mahinãpua

Hike to Franz Josef Glacier

The 4km trail leads to the base of the Franz Josef Glacier and is the closest you can get without an organized (helicopter) tour .

While you can't get as close to the Franz Josef Glacier as to the Fox Glacier, the views are still pretty amazing.

Sunset point

Sunset Point on Hokitika Beach is only a 5-minute walk from Hokitika town and a great place to catch the sunset (but I guess the name makes that pretty obvious;-).

Glowworm dell

The Glowworm Dell near Hokitika is one of the places in New Zealand where you can see glowworms. But unlike the famous Waitomo Caves , you can visit the Hokitika Glowworm Dell for free!

These tiny bioluminescent insects light up a dark and mossy dell, which is truly a magical experience. It's like watching thousands of little stars coming alive one by one…

You can find more information here .

Day 17: the Great Coast Road

Itinerary: DOC Lake Mahinãpua – Hokitika Gorge – Pancake Rocks – Jack's Gasthof

Hokitika Gorge

Just when you feel as if there can't be another spectacular sight in stunning New Zealand, you'll arrive at Hokitika Gorge.

And she's a beauty… The glacier flour gives the water a vivid blue color that contrasts starkly with the bright white rocks. Very very pretty.

Great Coast Road scenic drive

The Great Coast Road between Greymouth and Westport is one of the most, if not the most, spectacular drives in New Zealand.

In fact, the Great Coast Road has been named one of the ‘ Top 10 Coastal Drives in the World ‘ according to Lonely Planet .

Take your time along this coastal drive, as every bay is more beautiful than the last one.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

While there is no such thing as the ‘best places to visit in New Zealand' (there are simply too many), the Pancake Rocks are definitely a must-visit spot.

These layered rocks resemble stacks of pancakes (hence the name;-) and were sculpted by relentless winds and the pounding ocean over thousands of years.

There's a short 1km loop trail leading along the Pancake Rocks, blowholes, and surge pools. While you don't need a lot of time to explore this place, you may end up staying (a lot) longer than planned…

Day 18: from the West Coast back to Canterbury

Itinerary: Jack's Gasthof – Westport – Carters beach – Alpine Holiday Park Hanmar Springs

Westport is a friendly little town worth a stroll. Pay a visit to the Coaltown Museum, do some souvenir shopping or grab a coffee.

Close to Westport is the Buller Gorge Swingbridge , which is the longest swingbridge in New Zealand (110 meters).

Carters beach

While it's often a bit cold for a swim, Carters Beach is a nice place to spend a couple of hours.

Day 19: Hanmer Springs thermal pools and spa

Itinerary : Alpine Holiday Park Hanmer Springs – Hanmer Springs thermal pools and spa – DOC Puhi Puhi Valley Kaikoura

Hanmer Springs thermal pools and spa

In this Thermal Spa, there are various pools with different minerals and temperatures. It's the perfect way to spend a (very relaxed) day. Read more information here .

Day 20: explore Kaikoura

Itinerary: DOC Puhi Puhi Valley Kaikoura – Kaikoura – Donovan House B&B

Whale watching tour

Kaikoura is one of the best places in New Zealand for whale watching. Check out this excellent whale-watching cruise to experience an up-close encounter with the world’s largest-toothed predator, the giant sperm whale.

Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars, and keep an eye out for other wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and birds. Check availability here .

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a nice three-hour hike with beautiful views over the bay.

That being said, the first hour is not that interesting. I suggest starting at the parking lot at Point Kean viewpoint instead of in the town itself.

Day 21: the Queen Charlotte Drive

Itinerary: Donovan House B&B – Picton – Maitai Valley Motor Camp

Visit Picton and the Picton Village Bakery

Explore Picton and be sure to pick up some delicious baked goodies at the famous and cute Picton Village Bakery…

Scenic Queen Charlotte Drive

The Queen Charlotte Drive is yet another gorgeous scenic drive. This beautiful 35-km-long road between Picton and Havelock is full of twists and turns and offers splendid bay views around pretty much every corner.

Day 22: explore Nelson

Itinerary: Maitai Valley Motor Camp – Nelson – Kina Beach camp

Explore Nelson city center

Nelson is known for its arts scene and the many crafts stores and art galleries spread around the town. It's a relaxed city with a lively atmosphere.

Definitely take a stroll along South Street, New Zealand’s oldest (fully) preserved street with cobblestone paths, Victorian cottages, and white picket fences.

Visit the Nelson Farmers' Market

If you're in town on a Wednesday, be sure to visit Nelson Farmers' Market (8 am-1 pm) and sample some of the locally grown fresh fruits and seasonal products.

Day 23: visit Abel Tasman park

Itinerary: Kina Beach camp – Abel Tasman park – Uruwhena Bridge

Kayaking at the Abel Tasman park

Kayaking at Abel Tasman park was another New Zealand highlight for me! It was a lot of fun and the scenery of this National Park is stunning.

Note: the wind can be quite strong in the open sea and getting to an island a few hundred meters from the main beach can be challenging on windy days!

If you don't want to go kayaking, but do want to explore Abel Tasman National Park, consider booking this scenic cruise along the splendid coastline and secluded beaches and bays. Check availability .

Day 24: Farewell Spit and the Te Waikoropupū Springs

Itinerary: Uruwhena Bridge – Collingwood – Farewell Spit – Uruwhena Bridge

Hike around Farewell Spit

There are many trails at Farewell Spit, most of them leading over the beach and through the beautiful dunes. You can find trail information here .

Farewell Spit is a great place for birdwatching so be sure to bring binoculars and a camera .

Pupu Springs (or Te Waikoropupū Springs)

The Pupu Springs were an unexpected highlight and one of the most mesmerizing places I've ever seen.

14.000 liters of water per second bubbles from underground vents, which creates a unique underwater environment and crystal clear water.

Day 25: explore Picton

Itinerary: Uruwhena Bridge – Motueka – Waitohi domain Picton

Picton city center and around

Picton is a lovely little town that most travelers to New Zealand visit at least once during their trip.

The ferry between the North and South Island departs here, and Picton is also the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

? Spending a day in Picton? Enjoy this 1-hour cruise to the Historic Ship Cove before embarking on a 12 or 15-kilometer self-guided hike along the renowned Queen Charlotte Track. Check availability .

This was our last day on the South Island of New Zealand, we spent days 26-43 on the North Island. Check out this 2 week South Island itinerary if you've got a bit less time available.

Day 26: sail the Cook Strait

Itinerary: Waitohi domain Picton – Cook Strait – Camp Elson Poriru

Cook Strait

Crossing the Cook Strait is as much a necessity if you want to get to the Northern Island, as an activity in itself. The ferry sails through the Marlborough Sounds, which are very beautiful.

Unfortunately, the weather was not great during our boat trip and we stayed inside most of the journey.

Day 27 and 28: explore Wellington

Itinerary: Owhiro Bay, Te Kopahou reserve – Wellington – Owhiro Bay, Te Kopahou reserve

Wellington Cable Car and Botanic Gardens

Wellington's famous red cable car will take you up to the top of a 120-meter-high hill with spectacular views over the bay. I recommend walking back down to the city center via the lovely Botanic Gardens.

Click here to buy tickets for the cable car .

Old Saint Paul’s

This little church is completely made out of different types of typical New Zealand woods and was built in just 9 months!

Te Papa museum

Te Papa means ‘ container of treasures ’ which is the perfect name for this amazing museum. I spent a day and a half in this museum and still would have loved to learn more.

Read my Wellington itinerary here

Day 29: go LOTR crazy

Itinerary: Owhiro Bay, Te Kopahou reserve – Clifton Motor camp Te Awanga

If you're a LOTR fan (or a movie fan in general), I highly recommend visiting the Weta Cave .

This is where they make all the costumes and design complete virtual worlds for LOTR, the Hobbit, Avatar, King Kong, and many other blockbusters.

We really enjoyed exploring the workshop and learning more about how those magical worlds are created… Book your Weta Cave workshop tour here.

Day 30: explore Napier and Hastings

Itinerary: Clifton Motor camp Te Awanga – Napier – Hastings – Glenfalls campsite

Walk around Napier city center

Napier is known as the Art Deco capital of the world and it has a beautiful city center.

The city core was rebuilt completely in Art Deco style after the original town center was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1930s.

Learn more about Napier's tragic history and discover the best of Napier's culture and food scene on this full-day tour .

Visit the Hasting evening market

Are you visiting on a Thursday? Definitely check out Hasting's weekly evening market and sample some of the delicious snacks (such as dumplings, pork belly, and tortilla chicken wraps).

Day 31: Taupo and the Huka Falls

Itinerary: Glenfalls campsite – Taupo – Huka Falls – Urchin campsite

The Huka Falls are the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand and rightly so, they're pretty impressive!

There is a lovely 3-km trail starting at the Spa Thermal Park that leads to the Huka Falls and you can even soak in a natural hot stream along the way.

That being said, you can also drive to the falls from Taupo if you're short on time. 

? If you're a thrill seeker, consider booking this Jet Boat experience and zoom past rock cliffs downriver to play in the white water of Huka Falls .

Day 32: hike the Tongariro Crossing

Itinerary: Urchin campsite – the Tongariro Crossing – Reid's Farm reserve

Tongariro Crossing

Hiking the Tongariro Crossing will be one of the highlights of your trip around New Zealand, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

Hiking the Tongariro Crossing takes a full day and because it's a one-way hike you'll need to arrange a shuttle service to get back to your car.

However, because there is very limited parking available, the easiest way to get to the Tongariro Crossing is with a return shuttle from Taupo.

Check availability here (and book ahead as shuttles sell out fast during peak season.

Mind you, this is not an easy hike, it involves a lot of steep sections and you should prepare well before setting out on this hike.

Wear sturdy hiking boots , bring a proper rain jacket, and plenty of water and food.

Day 33: take a rest

Itinerary: Reid's Farm reserve – Willowhaven Holiday Park

Relax and take it easy

You'll probably be pretty tired after hiking the Tongariro Crossing… Take a day to recover, stock up on groceries in Taupo, do some laundry but most importantly: take a rest and enjoy the views over Lake Taupo.

If you insist on doing something today, check out this scenic catamaran cruise on Lake Taupo and visit the renowned Maori rock carvings.

Day 34: visit Whakarewarewa thermal village in Rotorua

Itinerary: Willowhaven Holiday Park – Whakarewarewa – DOC Dickey Flat

Whakarewarewa thermal village

Whakarewarewa is a unique Maori village built around hot pools and geysers and is one of the highlights in Rotorua .

True, the smell of sulfur takes some getting used to, but Whakarewarewa is an incredible place to visit and you'll learn a lot during your visit.

All the tour guides are Maori women who live in Whakarewarewa. Our tour guide enthusiastically told us about village life and the use of the hot pools. These pools are used for cooking and bathing.

The mud of the pools is used for all sorts of creams because it's full of minerals, apparently, it does wonders for your skin.

An interesting story our guide told us: a couple of decades ago, the Maori Village Chief decided that half the village would be catholic and half the village would be protestant. Two churches were build and from that day on 50% of the village went to the catholic church and 50% went to the protestant church. Besides going to their respective churches, the Maori living in Whakarewarewa also worship their ancestors. Worshipping ancestors is very important in the traditional Maori society and so they combine these religions.

Click here to book tickets for Whakarewarewa Village

Day 35: Goldmine Waihi

Itinerary: DOC Dickey Flat – Tairua Holiday park

Goldmine Waihi

The Waihi Goldmine is 600 meters deep and makes for a very impressive sight. It's such a huge mine that the trucks driving up and down the mine look like children's toys! Read more about the mine here .

Day 36: drive around the Coromandel Peninsula

Itinerary: Tairua Holiday park – Cathedral Cove – Coromandel Town – Carpark Hauraki District Council, Ngatea

Cathedral Cove

Despite the fact that the Cathedral Cove Walk is only 2.5km long, it's one of the best short walks on the North Island.

The trail leads along steep cliffs and stunning views to the famous Cathedral Cove, an impressive natural bridge.

The constant pounding of the ocean against the white rocks illustrates perfectly how this bridge was formed.

?️ Do you want to see Cathedral Cove from another vantage point as well? Book this boat tour and admire giant blowholes, huge sea caves, and the spectacular Cathedral Cove. Check availability .

Drive scenic Road 309

This famous gravel road crosses from the West side of the Coromandel Peninsula to the East side. Take your time driving this 21-kilometer-long road and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Day 37: Explore Auckland

Itinerary: Carpark Hauraki District Council, Ngatea – Auckland – i-site car park Whangarei

Auckland city center

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with almost 1.5 million residents. It's a nice city to spend a day with lots of interesting sights.

Here are some of the top things to do in Auckland:

• Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Admire the views from Mount Eden
• Stroll along Queen Street 

We also did the Auckland city walk mentioned in the New Zealand Lonely Planet which was a fun and easy way to explore the city on foot.

? Got more time to spend in and around Auckland? Here are the best Auckland day trips: • Kayak to Rangitoto Island with its stunning sandy beaches and unique olive grove landscapes. Check availability here . • Set off on an adventure to see New Zealand's two most famous attractions in one day: the Hobbiton movie set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Check availability here • Join a wine tour to Waiheke Island with spectacular scenery and sample world-famous wines. Check availability here .

Day 38: Cruise the Bay of Islands

Itinerary: i-site car park Whangarei – Whangarei Falls – Paihia – Forest Pools campsite

Dolphins cruise in the Bay of Islands

Cruising the Bay of Islands was one of the highlights of our New Zealand 6-week itinerary. We had a wonderful day out on the water and saw pods of dolphins, blue penguins, and a flock of gannets.

Click here to book you r Bay of Islands cruise .

Day 39: relax at the Karikari peninsula

Itinerary: Forest Pools campsite – Karikari peninsula – Utea Park

Relax on the beach on the Karikari Peninsula

Take a day to explore the Karikari Peninsula and relax on one of the beautiful beaches (such as Matai Bay, Rangiputa beach, and Tokerau Beach). Have a picnic, read a book and enjoy the good life…

Day 40: climb Mount Manaia

Itinerary: Utea park – Whangarei Heads – Waipu Hotel

Mount Manaia Track

This is a steep climb (325 meters elevation gain) via a gravel track and lots of stairs (1000+ steps) with very rewarding views from the top.

It's not a very long hike, just 4km, but because you'll be ascending quite a bit you'll need at least an hour to complete the Mount Manaia Track.

Day 41: hike the Mangawhai Clifftop Walk

Itinerary: Waipu Hotel – Mangawhai – Erin Pools

Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway

This 9-kilometer track is a brilliant hike with really diverse landscapes. From beautiful beaches to rolling hills, tropical forests to steep cliffs.

The Mangawhai Clifftop Trail is a worthy ending to your New Zealand hiking adventures. That being said, it's not a very difficult trail, a return trip takes around 2-3 hours.

Day 42: say goodbye to New Zealand…

Itinerary: Erin Pools – return campervan in Auckland – Ibis Budget hotel Auckland Airport

That's a wrap!

Oh no! It's time to return your campervan and say goodbye to New Zealand.

If you're anything like me, you've probably also got a hard time saying goodbye. And bidding farewell to the most beautiful country in the world will be even harder…

But don't despair, you can always come back to New Zealand for more travel adventures!

Where to stay: Ibis Budget hotel Auckland Airport

Because we had an early flight to the Philippines the next morning, we stayed at the Ibis Budget Hotel right next to Auckland Airport.

While it's not the most scenic location, you can walk from the hotel to the terminals which makes it a very convenient place to spend the night if you've got an early flight (or when you arrive in Auckland very late in the evening).

The hotel is nothing special, but it's comfortable and clean and I would definitely book again if I needed a place to stay near Auckland Airport.

Click here to book via Agoda or check availabilit y on Booking

10-day New Zealand South Island Itinerary

Don't feel stressed out by the prospect of planning your epic New Zealand adventure. Get the ultimate 10-day South Island itinerary for the trip of a lifetime!

What's included:

• A day-by-day outline of your 10-day trip around the South Island of New Zealand (including Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the West Coast). • Accommodation recommendations • Tips for great restaurants • A Google Map with all the highlights • Driving distances • And more…

NZ road trip itinerary: in conclusion

I hope you've enjoyed this 6 weeks in New Zealand itinerary. If you've got any questions, please leave a comment or contact me ! 

Do you want to read more about traveling New Zealand ? Also read these posts:

• Essential New Zealand driving tips
• Things to do on the South Island

This post was updated in January 2023.

Friday 6th of March 2020

Dear Lotte, I just found your blog and I loved it! Thank you so much for your detailed description of your tour - it sounds fascinating! My fiance and I are planning our trip and we will take your itinerary as a rough Plan for our Tour. Thank you so much for sharing! I am very excited to look into your other journeys :)

Best from Austria, Isabel

Monday 9th of March 2020

Thank you for your kind comment and I'm very happy to hear you like my blog:-) I hope you will love New Zealand as much as we did and I wish you and your fiance a beautiful trip! Let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them if I can.

Best regards, Lotte

Saturday 18th of January 2020

Were you allowed to pick up your van on the South Island and drop it off on the north island? Was there extra costs associated with this? If you had to choose, would you spend a longer time on the south Island and skip the north?

Sunday 19th of January 2020

Yes we picked up the van on the South Island and dropped it off on the North Island. There was no one-way fee, however, I believe that was a promotion deal and there usually is one. I wouldn't skip the entire North Island as the Tongariro Crossing, the Coromandel Peninsula and the area above Auckland were also some of the highlights of our trip. However, if you have limited time, it's definitely worth considering visiting just the South Island. But if you have 6 weeks, I would spend 4 weeks in the South and 2 weeks in the North. Enjoy your trip!

Thursday 7th of November 2019

And that's a wrap! You just spent 6 weeks virtually driving around this beautiful country with me!

Saturday 9th of November 2019

Happy to hear you enjoyed the ride;-)

Sunday 16th of September 2018

Wow Lotte! What a fabulous story. We will definitely read your blog again and follow your tips when we go October/November for six weeks. We are in our very early 70’s so would like a larger motor home which we are looking in to. We also don’t like to book ahead as we like to be free to go or stay. I wish I had your energy again to walk the places you have walked☺️ But I’m sure we will still enjoy our six weeks in beautiful New Zealand. Thanks for all your info, you have done an AMAZING job?

Wednesday 19th of September 2018

Dear Cobie,

Thank you for your kind words! I'm very happy to hear my itinerary will be an inspiration for your upcoming NZ trip:-) I wish you a wonderful time and I'm sure you'll be able to explore plenty of NZ beauty, albeit with a slightly slower pace;-). Again, thank you for reading and happy travels!

Friday 27th of July 2018

Dear Lotte,

When I was planning my trip to new Zealand I found your blog about your trip. The blog is very helpful and I made my itinerary very similar to yours.

Then I contacted the Rental Car Village. I made a reservation for a Campervan and made the full payment in April. One week ago I wanted to make a minor change to the reservation. Since then I have sent them several emails and call them almost every day (I got email address and phone number from their website ), yet have never got any response from them. This makes me very worried. As the last resort, I seek your help to see if you know there is any other way to get in contact with them. Thanks a lot.

Wednesday 1st of August 2018

Thank you for reading my blog and I'm happy to hear my New Zealand itinerary helped you plan your trip. I'm very sorry to hear about your difficulties getting in touch with Rental Car Village. Unfortunately I don't have any contact information other than the details listed on their website. I do know the family often goes traveling in NZ low season (May-September) so perhaps that is why it takes them a little longer to reply to your query. I hope you have gotten a reply by now! Let me know... I wish you a wonderful road trip!

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North Island in 2 Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary 🚗⛰️ [2024]

NZ Pocket Guide is 10 years old. Thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade!

How to make the most of travelling the north island in two weeks (14 days).

We’re sure you’ve heard that travelling New Zealand in two weeks isn’t nearly enough time to see everything. That’s true, but by just travelling one island like the North Island , you are heading in the right direction to really make the most of your time in New Zealand! Even so, seeing the awesome sights and activities on the North Island in two weeks does mean you will have an action-packed itinerary with your fair share of driving. If you’re up for that, then read on…

This two-week North Island travel itinerary below fits in most of the biggest highlights of the North Island, including spending time in volcanic regions, experiencing Maori culture, a mix of New Zealand wilderness and New Zealand city life and so much more! What’s more, the two-week itinerary allows you to choose from a lot of activities so you don’t need to worry about not finding things to do that you’ll totally dig! We’ll also give you a few tips on car rental and getting around the North Island, as well as how to plan this itinerary the EASY way with First Light Travel .

Other North Island Two-Week Itineraries

Before we jump into the good stuff, we thought you might like to be aware of our other North Island two-week itineraries to compare:

• North Island Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days
• North Island Family Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days
• North Island Luxury Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days
• North Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days
• North Island Food Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days .

North Island Two-Week (14-Day) Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei
• Day 2 – Hahei to Rotorua
• Day 3 – Rotorua
• Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo
• Day 5 – Taupo to Tongariro National Park
• Day 6 – Tongariro National Park to the Ruahine Forest Park
• Day 7 – Ruahine Forest Park
• Day 8 – Ruahine Forest Park to Wellington
• Day 9 – Wellington to Whanganui
• Day 10 – Whanganui to Stratford
• Day 11 – Stratford to Waitomo
• Day 12 – Waitomo
• Day 13 – Waitomo to Auckland
• Day 14 – Auckland

How to Get Around on this North Island 2-Week Itinerary

Travelling for two weeks on the North Island and looking for the perfect road trip itinerary? There are two main ways to get around the North Island using the recommended two-week North Island itinerary below: by car/campervan or by bus.

Renting a Car or Campervan for Two Weeks on the North Island

Renting a car or campervan is going to be the best way to squeeze everything you want into 14 days on the North Island. This means no waiting around for buses. Plus, you have the freedom to hit all the incredible North Island destinations listed below. As a bonus, the itinerary below loops the North Island so you can return your rental car where you started. That means no expensive one-way fees! We have more tips like that in our 21 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand .

For a complete comparison of car rental companies, check out The Best Car Rental Companies in Auckland and campervans in   The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Auckland . If you’re unsure about who and how to book, use free online travel agents like First Light Travel ; for on them at the bottom of this itinerary.

Bus Tours for Two Weeks on the North Island

For travellers who would rather let someone else do the driving, escorted bus tours are available to take you around the North Island with like-minded people. Tour companies that offer 12-14-day tours of the North Island, following an itinerary similar to the one featured below, are included in  The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the North Island . Find out more about New Zealand’s bus tours in  How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei

Drive time: 2h15mins.

You’ve arrived at Auckland Airport ! Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, jump straight into it and hit the road to Hahei in the Coromandel Peninsula ! Auckland Airport is south of the city, so save on drive time by heading south straight away and exploring the North Island. Don’t worry, you’ll see more of Auckland later. For the first day of your road trip, check out some of the stunning coastal scenery and beaches of the North Island.

Things to Do in Hahei

Depending on what time your flight comes in, you have the option to do one or both of the following in Hahei. These are pretty relaxing and accessible activities/sights to see for your first day in New Zealand:

• Cathedral Cove . Take the easy coastal walk to a beach with white cliffs and a giant archway. There are also options to visit the beach with activity operators by kayak (more info on Viator and KKday ) or boat (on Viator  and KKday )
• Hot Water Beach . Go to Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig yourself a hot pool in the sand.

If you fancy doing some other stuff, check out the   22 Best Things to Do in The Coromandel .

Accommodation in Hahei

Check out the top Coromandel accommodations in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel and   15 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel . Otherwise, here are our top picks in Hahei:

• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Hahei Holiday Resort
• Anchor Lodge
• The Church Accommodation
• Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
• Hahei Beach Apartment

Day 2 – Hahei to Rotorua

Drive time: 3 hours.

Your final destination today is Rotorua , famous for its geothermal and cultural experiences. Before you get there, don’t miss the Karangahake Gorge , halfway through the drive. There are a number of walking tracks in the area between 45 minutes to 4 hours going through a historic mining area taken back by the forest and the river. Walk through mining tunnels, through native forest, alongside mining relics and to magnificent waterfalls. Plus, Lord of the Rings nerds can stop by the Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour around The Shire.

Things to Do in Rotorua

If you have some time to kill this evening in Rotorua, here are a few suggestions.

• Relax in a natural geothermal hot pool. There are paid options, such as the  Polynesian Spa (more info on Klook and  KKday ) , or go find some of the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua
• See an evening cultural performance at one of the Maori attractions. We list most of the options in the 10 Places to Experience Maori Culture in New Zealand .

If they don’t take your fancy, check out the  25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua instead.

Accommodation in Rotorua

See our top recommendations in The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua . On the other hand, you’ll probably be happy with any one of these:

• Holdens Bay Holiday Park
• BKs Rotorua
• Rock Solid Backpackers
• Kings On Peace
• Silver Fern Rotorua
• Regal Palms Resort
• Ngamihi Lodge
• Regent of Rotorua
• Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

Day 3 – Rotorua

Drive time: 0 hours.

There is so much to do in and around Rotorua that we recommend staying here the whole day. Have a rest from driving and do something awesome. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Maori culture, see some wonderful geothermal parks, do an adrenaline activity or see some New Zealand wildlife, there’s something for every traveller in Rotorua!

• Visit a geothermal park . Geysers, steaming lakes, bubbling mud, silica terraces and so much more can be seen in one of the many geothermal parks of Rotorua
• Catch a Maori cultural performance (if you missed doing so yesterday)
• Do some adrenaline activities. Zorb your way in a giant hamster ball down a hill (more info on Viator  and Klook ) , go Luging from the top of the gondola, mountain bike in the Redwood Forest , jet boat or do a freefall experience at the Velocity Valley (on Viator  and Klook ) , and so much more!
• See native New Zealand wildlife at Wingspan or The National Kiwi Hatchery (on Viator and Klook ).

For more inspiration, get stuck into The Complete Guide to Rotorua or  21 Awesome Places to Visit in Rotorua .

Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo

Drive time: 1 hour.

Not too far from Rotorua is Taupo on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake! Again, there really is a lot to do here! If you want to skydive and/or bungy jump on the North Island then Taupo is a great place to do it. Plus, there are plenty of options to get out on the lake, relax in hot pools, see raging waterfalls and more!

Things to Do in Taupo

• Take a trip out on New Zealand’s largest lake, whether it’s fishing, kayaking, sailing, cruising or parasailing – see the  5 Ways to Experience Lake Taupo
• Bungy jump over the Waikato River
• Do a skydive over Lake Taupo
• Go on a  white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River with Rafting New Zealand/TRR
• Walk along the Waikato River to a natural hot pool at Spa Park , then onto Huka Falls .

… And that’s just the beginning! Check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Taupo for more ideas.

Accommodation in Taupo

Get all of our recommendations from the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Taupo  or just take a looksy here:

• Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
• Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
• Millennium Hotel Lake Taupo
• Baycrest Lodge
• Hilton Lake Taupo

Day 5 – Taupo to Tongariro National Park

Drive time: 1h15mins.

Get up early and drive to the Tongariro National Park to do the Tongariro Crossing , New Zealand’s most popular day hike over the volcanic plateau with lots of geothermal sights. Otherwise, take your time getting to the Tongariro National Park and enjoy one of the shorter hikes in the area , still giving fantastic views of the Central North Island volcanoes. You also have the option of mountain biking or even skiing on the Whakapapa ski field in winter . For the Tongariro National Park, we recommend staying in either National Park Village or Whakapapa Village .

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing . This is New Zealand’s most popular day hike taking you over the volcanoes of the central North Island. The 8-hour hike is one-way and requires some planning in terms of transport and keeping safe. Take a look at our Tongariro Crossing Accommodation and Transport: A Practical Guide to work out a plan
• Ski or snowboard at Whakapapa Ski Field in winter
• Choose from other hikes in Tongariro National Park by looking at the 13 Walks Around National Park Village & Whakapapa Village .

We have much more ideas in the  10 Tongariro National Park Must-Dos  if these aren’t your thing.

Accommodation in National Park Village

• Plateau Lodge
• Manowhenua Lodge
• National Park Backpackers
• The Park Hotel
• Pukenui Lodge
• Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Day 6 – Tongariro National Park to the Ruahine Forest Park

Drive time: 2 hours.

The mission today is to spend some time in the New Zealand wilderness. Ruahine Forest Park is an awesome place to do that and a locals’ favourite! There are a few different wilderness lodges and camping options in the Ruahine Forest Park, as well as activities from hikes to horse riding to white water rafting.

To break up the journey, stop in Ohakune for a coffee or check out the Mangawhero Walking Track to walk in the forests at the base of Mt Ruapehu. Your final destination today will be at one of the accommodation options listed below. You’ll get more time to explore the area or do an activity there tomorrow.

Accommodation in the Ruahine Forest Park

• River Valley Lodge
• Makoura Lodge
• Historic Shearers Quarters
• Mairenui Rural Retreat

Day 7 – Ruahine Forest Park

Drive time: 0 hours.

It’s time to relax/go wild in the Ruahine Forest Park ! Whatever your bag is, you could do some white water rafting or horse riding at River Valley , horse riding, 4x4ing or claybird shooting at Makoura Lodge , or hiking in the Ruahine Ranges. Alternatively, relax in your farmstay or accommodation to get a taste of Kiwi life.

Things to Do in the Ruahine Forest Park

• Go white water rafting on the Rangitikei River
• Horse trek through the stunning landscape with River Valley
• Hike one of many Ruahine tracks listed in the 25 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North .

Day 8 – Ruahine Forest Park to Wellington

Drive time: 3h20mins.

Your final destination today is the capital city of New Zealand! However, we recommend breaking up the drive by stopping along the Kapiti Coast , full of beaches and walks to check out! Walk over a sand dune walkway in Queen Elizabeth Park , relax on Peka Peka Beach . How about getting a kite landboarding or kite surfing lesson on Foxton Beach ?

Once you reach Wellington you have the evening to enjoy the eateries and nightlife of the capital city !

Accommodation in Wellington

See more stays in  The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington or check out these quick links:

• The Marion Hostel
• The Dwellington
• Trek Global
• Willis Village
• U Boutique Hotel
• QT Wellington
• Bolton Hotel
• InterContinental Wellington
• Sofitel Wellington

Day 9 – Wellington to Whanganui

Drive time: 2h30mins.

Take some time this morning to explore the sights of Wellington, such as the Te Papa Museum , the Botanic Gardens or the Weta Workshop , before making the drive to Whanganui later this afternoon.

Things to Do in Wellington

• Visit the Te Papa Museum to learn everything there is to know about New Zealand
• Go to Zealandia to see native New Zealand wildlife
• Do a Lord of the Rings tour
• Tour the city sights of Wellington from the Waterfront to Cuba Street to the Botanic Gardens to Mt Victoria – find out more in our  One Day in Wellington: City Walking Tour Itinerary .

And there’s a lot more to do in Wellington, so wise up with our 25 Best Things to Do in Wellington .

Accommodation in Whanganui

Your final destination is the city of Whanganui, so find a place to stay using the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Whanganui . Or you might like one of these:

• Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park
• Braemar House B&B and Hostel
• Aotea Motor Lodge
• 151 On London Motel & Conference Centre
• Rutland Arms Inn

Day 10 – Whanganui to Stratford

Drive time: 1h30mins.

On today’s drive, you’ll get to see the wild west coast of the Taranaki region as you make your way up to Stratford . Stratford is on the edge of the Egmont National Park with the impressive Mt Taranaki at its centre. Stratford gives good access to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and the Stratford Plateau on Mt Taranaki giving you a great deal of walking and hiking options through “enchanted forests” to waterfalls and volcano views!

Things to Do in Stratford

• See the town centre Glockenspiel that performs at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm
• Do the Wilkies Pools Loop Track  and Dawson Falls near the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre
• Do one of the 5 Walks You Have to do in Stratford .

Or check out the  10 Best Things to Do in Stratford for more inspiration.

Accommodation in Stratford

• Stratford Motel & Holiday Park
• Amity Court Motel
• Antonio Mews Motel
• Regan House

Day 11 – Stratford to Waitomo

Drive time: 3h16mins.

Now it’s time for an ironically unforgettable journey through the Forgotten World Highway . Fill up with fuel before delving into this historical and isolated part of the North Island. You will get breathtaking views of Mt Taranaki as you leave Stratford.

Stop by the Republic of Whangamomona and get your passport stamped. After that, you will go through old tunnels (or over them if you are too scared), as well as through the wild and wonderful Tangarakau Gorge. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. You can find a few in our 10 Places You Can’t Miss on the Forgotten World Highway .

After a long drive to Waitomo , just relax in Waitomo in one of these affordable accommodations.

Accommodation in Waitomo

Do your full research on places to stay using the 10 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Waitomo . Otherwise, here are some quick recommendations:

• Juno Hall Backpackers
• Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
• Waitomo Boutique Lodge

Day 12 – Waitomo

Now you have the whole day to enjoy one or more of the epic glowworm and caving activities in Waitomo . Join one of the caving operators in Waitomo, throw on a sexy wetsuit and tube/abseil/climb your way through the Waitomo Caves – see the  8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours for a full comparison. There are a few walks in the area too if you are still feeling active.

Things to Do in Waitomo

• Explore the Waitomo Caves by one of the 6 Ways to Take on the Waitomo Caves
• Do a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave (more info on  Viator  and  Klook )  or the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Do the free Ruakuri Bush Walk at night to see glowworms.

Or head to the  15 Free Things to Do in Waitomo for many more ideas.

Day 13 – Waitomo to Auckland

Take your time driving up to your final destination on this two-week itinerary of the North Island. There are a lot of quirky little towns to stop by on the way like Otorohanga with the best public toilets in New Zealand and the Ed Hillary Walkway in the centre of town.

You’ll then reach Auckland city where you can relax tonight at one of the harbour eateries or on top of the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sky Tower . We’ll give you more ideas on what to do in Auckland tomorrow, but if you have time, you can fit in some activities this evening.

Accommodation in Auckland

See our top picks in The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland . Otherwise, check these out:

• Attic Backpackers
• Verandahs Parkside Lodge
• Ponsonby Manor
• Empire Apartments
• Auckland City Hotel
• The Grand by SkyCity
• Ohtel Auckland
• Four Points by Sheraton Auckland

Day 14 – Auckland

Drive time: 0.

For your final day in New Zealand, why not have one last day of wild beauty by taking the ferry to one of the off-shore islands , like Rangitoto , Waiheke or Tiritiri Matangi ? Alternatively, this could be your last chance to do a skydive in New Zealand or jump from the Sky Tower . You can even cruise out into the harbour searching for whales and dolphins with a whale safari tour . Auckland really has a lot to offer! Then it’s time to return your rental car and head to the Auckland Airport for your next adventure.

Things to Do in Auckland

• Go to the Auckland Museum
• Walk up the volcanic island of Rangitoto Island
• Drink wine and be merry on Waiheke Island
• See protected wildlife on the Tiritiri Matangi Island
• Do a skydive with Skydive Auckland
• Jump off the Sky Tower with the SkyJump or walk around the top of it with the SkyWalk
• Go whale watching (more info on Viator or  Klook )
• Walk to Mt Eden for some city views.

Finally, if you’re rather do something else, then you might like what we have in the  16 Best Things to Do in Auckland .

Plan This Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this two-week North Island itinerary but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in self-drive itineraries in New Zealand at no extra cost to you. Plus, using their service is super simple:

• First, send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
• Then, you’ll receive your customised self-drive itinerary
• Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
• Finally, First Light Travel will organise the rest including the bookings.

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more). With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of. They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see  How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary . Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.

More About Planning a Two-Week Trip to the North Island

That’s it for our North Island 2-week itinerary but by no means the end of our road trip advice. Check out the following guides if you simply can’t get enough of our NZ tips:

• The Best Time to Visit New Zealand
• 10 Ways to Relax on a Road Trip
• 51 Best Things to Do on the North Island

Finally, be sure to bookmark the  31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand and  The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand – they’re pretty darn useful.

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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8 Unforgettable New Zealand Road Trips To Take This Summer

By Sarah Downs

9th Mar 2022

Heading on the road? Let the journey unfold with Mighway—New Zealand's largest most-innovative motorhome sharing platform— connecting adventurers with kiwi motorhome, campervan or caravan owners. Book yours online now.

 As everyone knows it's about the journey, not the destination, so a 2021 road trip is definitely a great way to support all our regional businesses that help make New Zealand so amazing.

Lucky for us, stunning Aotearoa is what classic road trips are made of. From golden-sand peninsulas and snow-capped mountains to lush native forests, the open road is the place you want to be. So bookmark these road trips and plan for some unfortgettable adventures, stat. 

Nelson To Queenstown 

Start in sun-drenched Nelson and make your way along the rugged West Coast. First stop is Punakaiki to explore the famous Pancake Rocks. This limestone labyrinth is made up of hundreds of slices of stone that really do look like pancakes. At high tide, the seawater geysers put on their very own water show. Then it’s on to the glaciers of Franz Josef, with pit stops in Greymouth and Hokitika on the way. Be sure to embark on the West Coast Treetop Walk over the Hokitika Gorge, 20-metres above the forest floor. Once you’re in the lakeside town of Wanaka, there’s no shortage of activities. Think hiking, skydiving and of snowplowing down a mountain in your final destination of Queenstown. 

Auckland To Cape Reinga

First, make your way to the seaside town of Paihia—it’s known as the gateway to The Bay of Islands. It’s made up of 144 islands, all complete with green countryside and sparkling blue waters. At Paihia, explore the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds, take a sailing tour and swim with the dolphins.  Make sure you stop for a meal at Charlotte’s Kitchen. From there, take the ferry to the historic island town of Russell, and then onto 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga, the very tip top of New Zealand. Take a walk to the iconic lighthouse and gaze over the Pacific Ocean. There are also ancient kauri forests to explore, waterfalls and natural rock pools for hopping. 

Rotorua To Waitomo To Taupo 

Head west from Rotorua. Your first stop is New Zealand’s surf capital, the rugged beauty of Raglan. After carving those waves, travel a few hours south to Waitomo, home to the famous underground limestone caves which are illuminated with thousands of tiny glowworms. You can tube, abseil or take a boat ride and drift underground. Then, carry onto to Taupo—the home of Aotearoa’s largest lake. Hike the Tongariro Crossing (allow a day) and then check out Hidden Valley to see hot springs, mud pools and caves. On the way back, see the Huka Falls. This waterfall is pretty special, mostly due to the 220,000 litres of water that gush every second. 

Queenstown To Milford Sound

Picture Milford Sound and mostly you imagine deep inky waters, high mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls. But one of the best things about the trip to Milford is the drive. The route from Queenstown to Milford is as much a scenic experience as the fiord itself—it's been called one of the best road trips on the planet. Past mirror lakes framed by the rugged façade of the magnificent mountain range, aptly named The Remarkables. The drive can be done in a single day, but it’s best to split it up and stay in Te Anau, the perfect stopover. The cute town’s main attraction is Fiordland National Park, so schedule in time for a hike. It's really a bonus that you end your journey at the 8th wonder of the world. 

Queenstown To Dunedin Via The Catlins

This epic roadie is more commonly known as the ‘Southern Scenic Route’. Head south from Queenstown to the ‘real New Zealand’, a.k.a Invercargill, and from there make your way to the stunning Catlins. You really could spend several days here exploring the native forest, high cliffs and golden beaches. Make sure to stop at Nugget Point to spot fur seals, sea lions and penguins and also see the Purakaunui Falls. This three-tiered cascading waterfall is one of Otago’s most loved treasures. Then, on your way to Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is a must visit. Descend the track to a magnificent outlook of rugged sandstone cliffs, arches and a man-made tunnel to the isolated sandy beach. 

Whakatane To Gisborne

Escape to the East Cape for a rugged scenic drive, with plenty of Maori history to take in along the way. Interesting fact: this region is where the first Maori settlers arrived. Along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll pass through remote country, empty coves and bays galore, plus many marae, with beautifully carved gateways. See the St Mary’s Church in Tikiti and meet the laid-back locals. Once you hit the surfing mecca of Gisborne, make sure to spend the night and catch the morning sunrise on the beach. It's the first place in the world to see it.

Waiheke Island 

If all the active adventuring sounds too much, this foodie road trip on Waiheke is for you—and you only have to drive to the ferry terminal. Be sure to summon those island vibes immediately with a gelato from Island Gelato’s ferry terminal store. Then enjoy a cheeky Peroni on the ferry while soaking in the views of Rangitoto Island. Once on Waiheke, wander the local market on Ostend Road for locally-made delicacies. There’s a jaffle truck, crepes and Hungarian fried bread on site, so make sure to pack an appetite. Spend the day at Onetangi Beach splashing your way through its tranquil shallow waters and stroll along the fine-grained sand. Have takeaway pizzas on the beach or, for glam dining, Oyster Inn Restaurant, located in the heart of Oneroa Village. Start with mandatory fresh Te Matuku oysters and local tipples for the ultimate Waiheke experience.

Auckland To The Coromandel Peninsula 

It wouldn't be a complete list without ticking off the incredible Coromandel. The North Island peninsula boasts some of the best beaches in the country, along with bluffs, lookouts and lush native bush. Head straight for Hahei to visit Cathedral Cove, where you'll find its ‘gram-worthy naturally-formed archway and golden bays. Also visit nearby Hot Water Beach to soak in its geothermically heated water. Then drive on the northeast coast of the Coromandel, where you'll find the untouched paradise that is New Chums. It's been voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. 

Take a bird's eye view with these magical virtual travel escapes around New Zealand .

Image credit: Sara Orme, Cape Reinga by David Maciejewski, Nugget Point by Marcus Lenk, Waiheke Island by Kévin Pottier 

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With lots of New Zealand Road Trip and Bus Tour ideas we are sure we have something to inspire you. However, our speciality is designing custom and tailor-made New Zealand tour packages and itineraries. We have 100s of accommodation options from the Bay of Islands in the North Island to Queenstown in the South Island, Napier in the East to Franz Josef in the West plus everywhere in-between. Our NZ Road trips can include lots of great kiwi activities, bungy jumping, horse riding, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and wine tasting. There are also the great locations of Waitomo, Rotorua, Coromandel, Hobbiton Movie set, Taupo, Napier & Wellington City on the North island to Abel Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mt. Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Punakaiki on the South Island. Contact us today to get started creating your own New Zealand Road trip.

The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Despite living in the North Island of New Zealand for the majority of my life there, I only really started exploring Northland in the last ten years. I had seen so many photos of the famous lighthouse at Cape Reinga and Northland’s stunning beaches growing up and I thought that I was long overdue to see it all in the flesh.

And Northland wowed me more than I could have ever imagined.

The drive from Auckland to Cape Reinga is spectacular and there are so many incredible places to see along the way. Here are my favorite places to visit on a Northland road trip.

The Ultimate Northland Itinerary From Auckland to Cape Reinga

Check out my interactive map for the Ultimate Auckland to Cape Reinga Northland Road Trip.

Over my week-long Northland Itinerary, I camped, hiked, swam, and drove through New Zealand’s sub-tropical north.

It was all wonderful. 

Northland is a popular destination for tourists visiting the North Island and rightly so. The main stop is generally the Bay of Islands, with some people also making it from Auckland to Cape Reinga, before rushing back down to Auckland again.

Don’t get me wrong, if you only have a couple of days, The Bay of Islands is a great destination and it is stunning – you should definitely go there and it is on this list. But there is so much more to Northland.

In the short time that I had for my Northland Itinerary, I managed to visit so many incredible beaches and small towns and I was blown away by how exceedingly beautiful it is in this part of the world.

New Zealand isn’t well-known for its beaches, but Northland travel is alllll about the beaches.

After seeing the deserted white sands and turquoise waters of the beaches in the far north, I don’t think it will be long before everyone knows how amazing the beaches are in New Zealand.

I traveled from Auckland to Cape Reinga along the east coast of Northland, then headed back down to Auckland along the west coast – although you could do it either way. 

I listed the places I visited during my Northland Road Trip in the order I visited them, to help with your planning.

I hope to inspire you to visit this unique and picturesque region soon – before the rest of the world is let in on the secret too. This is a quintessential Northland travel itinerary in my opinion.

Pakiri Beach

Pakiri is a rugged long, sandy beach, popular with surfers and for horse riding along the sand.

Although not technically in Northland (Pakiri is in the Rodney District, which is part of Auckland), Pakiri is a great place to stop to break up your drive from Auckland City.

I strolled along a short section of the 14km beach, paddling in the translucent shallows and collecting multi-colored shells.

Where to Stay in Pakiri: Stay in a self-contained cabin at Leigh Central , or camp or stay in an apartment right on Pakiri Beach at Pakiri Beach Holiday Park .

For vacation rentals, stay at the cute Leigh family bach , or this classic Kiwi bach .

Whangarei Heads – Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach in the Whangarei Heads is one of the best beaches in Northland for its perfect-sized waves for jumping and bodysurfing, glorious clear water, giant sand dunes, and the short track up the headland for spectacular views over the beach and out to sea.

I love swimming here and the drive out there past small beachy communities, lush green forests, and volcanic peaks is something special unto itself. 

If you have time, you should check out Whangarei Falls too – it’s one of the most beautiful falls in New Zealand .

Where to Stay in Whangarei Heads: Stay near Whangarei Heads in a suite or cottage at Kauri Villas , or stay in Whangarei at The Cell Block Backpackers – in a former Police Station/Jail.

For vacation rentals, stay at this iconic Kiwi bach with sea and bush views, or at the Craypot Cabin on a peaceful lifestyle block.

The Tutukaka Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Northland. The white sand beaches of Tutukaka’s Whale Bay and Matapouri are surrounded by lush, green native bush and lapped by the blue-green waters of the South Pacific Ocean. 

The Tutukaka Coast was voted one of the best coastlines in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine in 2010, and when you see it you will see why. The slow pace and lack of crowds make it an ideal destination and a must for any Northland itinerary.

Some of the best diving in the World is just off-shore around the Poor Knights Islands . The Marina in the small settlement of Tutukaka is a beautiful place to eat dinner while watching the sunset.

I camped in Tutukaka and was amazed by all the stars lighting up the clear night sky.

Where to Stay on the Tutukaka Coast: Stay in an apartment and enjoy the pool and hot tub at Pacific Rendezvous Motel , or enjoy the views from your chalet at The Lighthouse Lookout .

For vacation rentals, stay at the Seahorse Studio , or this beautiful waterfront studio .

Bay of Islands

It’s the most obvious Northland itinerary stop and the most touristy – but I think it still has to be done. 

I loved taking the ferry over to Russell, the sleepy historic seaside town that was once known as the hellhole of the Pacific when it was the first capital of New Zealand.

It is a great place to spend a morning, checking out the shops and having a coffee or breakfast at one of the waterfront restaurants.

You have to get out on the water on an island or dolphin-watching tour – I did one that stopped at beautiful Urupukapuka Island , which is the largest of the 140 islands in the bay.

If you are interested in New Zealand history, you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum in Waitangi, the birthplace of New Zealand.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands: Stay at the beautiful, historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel on the waterfront in Russell, or stay at Pickled Parrot Backpackers in Paihia for a budget option.

For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy cottage in central Paihia, or the Allure Lodge Cottage on a bushland hill overlooking the ocean.

A lovely little town surrounded by orchards with some fantastic cafes. I stopped for lunch and nabbed a leisurely spot in a café garden – bliss.

There are some lovely beaches nearby as well and Kerikeri is a great spot to base yourself to visit upper Northland.

Visit the Stone Store – the oldest surviving stone building in New Zealand, and beautiful Rainbow Falls.

Where to Stay in Kerikeri: For a luxury option, stay at beautiful Moon Gate Villa which has an outdoor pool and lush garden, or at the popular Woodlands Motel which offers quality rooms at a low price, and also has an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens.

For vacation rentals, stay at lovely Kendall Cottage , or the charming Honeymoon Cottage on a citrus orchard.

Matauri Bay

This beach has to be seen to be believed. With turquoise waters and sugary white sand, it wouldn’t look out of place somewhere like French Polynesia or Fiji . It is undeveloped, there is no settlement there, just a couple of houses and a camping ground.

You first catch sight of the incredible beach as you crest a hill before the long drive down – be prepared to be wowed. You may not want to leave.

Where to Stay in Matauri Bay: Stay at gorgeous Crab Cove or at the magical Magic Cottages at Takou River .

For vacation rentals, stay at the Kingfisher Cottage with sea views, or this one-bedroom clifftop cottage with views over East Bay.

Tauranga Bay

A lovely beach with golden-tinged sands and clear water. It is a beautiful spot but I was more impressed by the other beaches I visited in Northland.

The competition was just too strong for Tauranga Bay to make it one of my favorite Northland beaches, but it is still definitely worth stopping at.

Where to Stay in Tauranga Bay: Camp at Tauranga Bay Holiday Park right on the beach which has cabins, tent, and RV sites, and motel units, or this one-bedroom clifftop cottage with views over East Bay.

A cute, seaside village that is a great place to stop for a wander. The pace of life is slow and the locals are friendly. The Mangonui Fish Shop claims to have the best fish and chips in New Zealand; I don’t know about that but they are pretty damn good.

There is something special about this little town, it has a calming effect on me. I have only ever stopped in Mangonui for a short time but I would love to linger for a while.

Where to Stay in Mangonui: By the Bay Beachfront Apartments for well-appointed apartments by the beach or a room at the historic Old Oak Boutique Hotel in a restored 1861 building just outside of town.

For vacation rentals, stay in this cute Kiwi beachfront bach , or this charming studio suite with beautiful views.

Matai Bay on the KariKari Peninsula is rugged and technicolored; a long, white beach that only had one other person on it when we visited in the height of summer.

It’s another perfect beach for peace, quiet, and reflection.

Where to Stay in Matai Bay: Stay at KariKari Lodge where breakfast is included or the Department of Conservation camping ground on a grassy peninsula above the beach with inspiring views.

For vacation rentals, stay at this renovated bach across the road from the beach, or this beachfront holiday home with ocean views.

Tapotupotu Bay

My Dad told me about this hidden bay, reached by a small side road near Cape Reinga, and I am SO glad that I visited. There is a beautiful beach (they all are up here) but what is really great about it is the unbelievably clear river flowing into the ocean.

You can jump in about 100 meters down and ride the fast-flowing river into the sea. So much fun! I wasn’t intending on swimming so was not wearing my bathing suit, I was too excited to go back to the car and get changed so I ended up just jumping in with my clothes on.

A definite highlight – I felt like a kid again.

Where to Stay in Tapotupotu Bay: Camp right by the beach at Tapotupotu Campsite , New Zealand’s most northern. It is basic but the location can’t be beaten.

Nearby vacation rentals are The Little Cottage by the beach in Houhora, of this spacious home in Ngataki.

Spirits Bay

It was a long, bumpy drive to get there but every bump was worth it. This isolated beach is made up of a slow curve of sand and lapped by pale blue water and surrounded by rounded, rocky peaks covered in lime-green grass.

The Maori believe that the spirits of their dead depart this world via Spirits Bay. It has an end-of-the-world feel to it.

I walked around a small black-rock island connected to the beach and along the sun-bleached sands. There was so much silence. It was blissful.

Where to Stay in Spirits Bay: Camp right on the beach at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite , a Department of Conservation campground with basic facilities.

Cape Reinga

I thought that it could be overrated. I thought that the tourist hoards would be off-putting. I didn’t think it could live up to the hype.

It did. By God, it did.

Cape Reinga is stunningly beautiful, and exploring the area is Northland travel at its finest.

A low mist lingered over the iconic New England-style lighthouse – one of the top Cape Reinga attractions.

Aquamarine waters raged far below us and the faint glimmer of impossibly white sands gleamed in the broadening sunlight, further along the sharp coastline.

I was in awe of the colors and the beauty.

After walking down to the lighthouse, I decided to do the short hike along a lofty ridgeline and down steep switchbacks to Te Werahi beach below.

Although short, at only about 90 minutes return, it was one of the most spectacular hikes I have ever done. The views were unsurpassable. And this was one of the Cape Reinga attractions that not many people bother experiencing – they are missing out.

I would love to do some of the longer hikes next time I visit.

There will definitely be a next time.

Where to Stay in Cape Reinga: The closest accommodation to Cape Reinga is the campgrounds in Spirits Bay and Tapotupotu Bay, otherwise stay at the Pukenui Lodge Motel which is a 40-minute drive away.

Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach is in fact only 88km long, but that is still long nonetheless. It is officially deemed a highway but is only really suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles. I didn’t risk it.

It’s pretty cool to stand on Ninety Mile Beach and not see the end of it. The Te Paki sand dunes at the northern end of the beach are a great place to sandboard. I didn’t have the time to do it but it looked like fun.

Wandering amongst the dunes, it feels as if you are in the Sahara Desert. The cute beach town of Ahipara is a great base for the beach.

Where to Stay in Ahipara: Stay at the massive Ahipara Holiday Park which has campsites, cabins, and motel rooms, or at Ahipara Bay Motel which has rooms with sea-view balconies.

For vacation rentals, stay at the 90 Mile Paradise Apartment overlooking the beach and ocean, or this stunning eco cabin with beach views.

This tiny community in the remote Hokianga definitely surprised me. I took the ferry across the Hokianga Harbour from Kohu Kohu and decided to stay at the camping ground in Rawene after an exhausting day of driving.

Originally I had planned to stay further on in the small beach town of Opononi but I was exhausted. Rawene didn’t look like much when I was driving through the town center as the sky was darkening.

I had an excellent coffee at the trendy Boat Shed Café and loved the historic buildings and giant trees draped in vines. At times I felt I was in the Deep South USA rather than a tiny town in New Zealand.

Where to Stay in Rawene: Camp at Rawene Holiday Park , which offers campsites and cabins and is set amongst native bush overlooking the harbor with a fantastic pool. Alternatively, stay in the nearby beach town of Opononi at the Opononi Hotel .

For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy modern cottage with harbor views, or this beautiful apartment within walking distance of town.

Ngawha Hot Springs

The Ngawha Hot Springs is a great wet weather alternative if you get a bit of rain on your road trip like I did.

These rustic springs consist of many small hot pools of varying temperatures with silt-laden water, there is even mud you can lather all over yourself and wash off in one of the pools.

I had a great time there, chatting with locals and other visitors while relaxing in the hot waters.

Where to Stay at Ngawha: Stay at the neo-classical designed Left Bank in nearby Kaikohe which offers charming private rooms and backpacker dorms.

For vacation rentals, stay at this historic cottage on poles over the water in nearby Taheke, or this cozy mini home farm retreat .

Tane Mahuta

New Zealand’s largest known living Kauri tree, Tane Mahuta ’s sheer height, and girth are quite impressive and if you are driving through the Hokianga region of Northland, it is definitely worth stopping to see this impressive native tree.

Where to Stay for Tane Mahuta: Stay at the luxurious Waipoua Lodge . For vacation rentals, stay at this spacious house with harbor views at Omapere, or the peaceful Waiotemarama Healing Space holiday home.

Kai Iwi Lakes

I had sun every day of my Northland road trip except for the last day, which was the day I visited these famous freshwater dune lakes.

They didn’t look that impressive under the grey skies but I have been told that they are a stunning baby blue when the sun is shining. And the lake beach is white sand.

It is definitely somewhere I will need to revisit when it is sunny.

Where to Stay at the Kai Iwi Lakes: Stay at the Kai Iwi Lakes Resort right on the lake edge in an apartment rental or dorm, or a campsite.

For vacation rentals, stay at this two-bedroom property  close to the beach, or this Omamari Beach holiday house .

Northland should be on anyone’s New Zealand Trip Itinerary – it really is that amazing – and even if you don’t have a lot of time to explore, you can reach a number of amazing Northland destinations on a day trip from Auckland.

Did I inspire you to do a Northland Road Trip? Which place stands out to you the most?

The Best Travel Insurance for your Northland Road Trip

Make sure you get travel and health insurance before your trip, just to be on the safe side. Safety Wing  is my go-to and they are cheap and easy to claim with. 

Safety Wing also allows you to sign up when you are already traveling, unlike a lot of other travel insurance providers.

If you liked this post, check out some more of my North Island New Zealand content:

• The Very Best Things To Do in Coromandel Town
• The Best Cheap Eats in Auckland
• 26 Fun Things To Do in Auckland To Best Experience the City
• Fun Things To Do in Matakana, North Auckland
• Hiking the Hillary Trail on Auckland’s Wild West Coast
• Fun Things To Do on Waiheke Island: A Subtropical Island Paradise
• 8 Interesting Things To Do in Hamilton New Zealand
• 12 Fun Things To Do in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
• Hiking the Tongariro Northern Circuit: One of New Zealand’s Great Walks
• My Experience Glamping in the Wairarapa, New Zealand
• Exploring Hobbiton: My Dad’s Home Town

43 Comments on The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga

Thanks for all the tips. I’m just planning a trip myself.

Enjoy! Northland is a gorgeous part of the country

Hi Katie, I love how adventurous you are. Based on your itinerary I went off a little bit. My Northland highlight was Te Paki coastal track through Waitahora Lagoon and Pandora Campsite. Only accessible on foot from Spirit Bay to Cape Reinga Lighthouse. It is literally off the beaten track, no crowd, just you and nature. On the way back we found the best basic campground in Shipwreck bay. Only a handful of fun people, unforgettable.

https://nzjane.com/nine-places-to-camp-in-the-hokianga-ahipara-district-far-north/

I really want to do that hike – my brother did it and loved it. It’s definitely on my list for a future visit

Genuinely the perfect time to find this post as it’s my 1 year anniversary (can anniversaries be sad?) of moving out of NZ. Cape Reinga is so gorgeous and even though I called it Cape Regina for forever without realizing, I loved the spiritual significance of the place.

I’m glad to hear you made it there during your time in NZ Nina – it is a very spiritual and beautiful part of the country

My god New Zealand is gorgeous. I always kick myself for not visiting when I was living in Australia, but I’ll be back one day!

I hope you make it there one day Caitlin!

I loved this! When I was younger, we would always go camping in Tauranga Bay so I’m so happy this was on here! Loved all of your photos too, definitely shows off New Zealand’s beauty!

Thanks Jasmine, what a great spot to spend family holidays!

I want to visit NZ so badly! This looks like such a great road trip and so many beautiful spots! Can’t wait to use this guide one day 🙂

Thanks Kelly! Northland is a gorgeous part of New Zealand

The beaches in New Zealand are unbelievably beautiful! I would love to visit them when I’ll come to New Zealand. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Shany! New Zealand does have gorgeous beaches

New Zealand looks like such a dream! I can’t wait to visit. Thanks for such an informative post!

Thanks Shay, I hope you get to New Zealand one day

Thanka for sharing the less popular but gorgeous beaches. I will take note for when I visit. The Kauri tree is amazing.I’ve mainly been on the South Island so it’s great to know about great places in the north.

Both islands have so much beauty and are so different so I hope you get to the North Island one day too

New Zealand has been on my list for awhile. The Ninety Mile Beach looks ah-mazing! Would love to visit NZ soon. Such a great and detailed post.

Thanks, I hope you make it there once borders open again!

These stops all look so amazing! It makes me want to come to New Zealand even more.

I hope you make it there one day MacKenzie!

You are right! They are gorgeous beaches!!

We only had two weeks when we visited NZ, so we never made it up to the Northland. But seeing all this gorgeous scenery (and hot springs!) it looks like my cup of tea! If I can make it back to Kiwiland I’d love to explore this area.

Northland is a very good reason to come back!

I’ve bene to quite a few of these places. I spent nearly a month in the Bay of Islands, visiting Opua, Russell, Keri Keri, etc. We also stopped at Tutukaka, which I thought was just a freaking adorable town. Would like to go back and dive Poor Knight’s someday.

Nice! I would love to go up there for a month, I have done lots of short 4-8 day trips. I would love to dive in the Poor Knights Islands too.

Lovely article. Thanks for sharing. I am planning a trip to NZ and ETA is being introduced. Do you know whether its July or October? There is conflicting advise on websites

https://official-newzealand-eta.org/

I’m glad you enjoyed it. I just had a look at the website and it is confusing. I think either way it is only going to be a small charge. I would check back in July and see what the site says then.

I spent a month working and exploring a bit from kerkeri and had an awesome time, I didn’t get to do all of your list (and didn’t know about all of it either) but I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

Kerikeri would be a great base to explore from. I hope you make it back to do more exploring Gemma!

Wow! New Zeeland looks almost tropical! So beautiful!

The very north of New Zealand is subtropical so it’s very different than the Lord of the Rings mountain scenery in the South Island. I hope you get to experience it!

You really made me want to take this trip with your photos and descriptions.

Thanks Lauren! I hope you do make the trip – it’s a great one 🙂

THose beaches look so pristine! i never understood why everyone is going for australie when NZ is so close by. Sadly flight from europe take like 20 million hours – else i’d be there more often.

Oh and before i forget it. WHen i was a kid lighthouses were something magical for me. The idea of someone living high up and lonely in that small little tower and lightening the way for other ships was…uh..i guess romantic!

Australia is amazing too but they are scenically quite different so both worth a visit. There is definitely a romantiscism with lighthouses, one of the reasons I love them too 🙂

We are doing this journey next weekend and this post has got me so excited now! Can’t wait to see all this natural beauy ourselves 🙂

Enjoy! It is such a beautiful road trip with so many lovely beaches to stop off at 🙂

Wow, look at that beach! Added to my NZ travel list when we make it there.

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I have to say Matakana is one of the few spots I love returning to over and over in NZ, and luckily it’s so close to Auckland!

It’s amazing isn’t it! There is definitely something special about that little village 🙂

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Kate Abroad

10 Day North Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary (2024)

New Zealand is a small country but that doesn’t mean you can see it quickly, instead, it’s best to split your time by island and this 10 day North Island New Zealand itinerary is a great place to start.

This itinerary is really the highlights of the North Island as it’s impossible to see the whole place North Island in 10 days. However, if you have a bit more time, there’s a 2 week variation that squeezes more in.

The itinerary is designed to start in Auckland , which is the easiest place to fly into, and end in Wellington so you can jump on the ferry and continue on with my 10 day South Island itinerary for a total 3 week trip.

If you don’t have time for the South Island, then you can return to Auckland for your flight home.

To save a bit of money on this trip, I’d suggest looking into a bundled attractions pass which includes Rotorua hot springs, the Hobbiton movie set and a bunch of other top NZ activities you might want to do on this road trip.

How to get around the North Island on this itinerary

To be honest, this really only works well as a North Island road trip itinerary.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you could travel by bus (see my full guide to New Zealand by bus ) but you will need to allow a few more days as there are limited intercity bus services each day.

I would recommend picking up your vehicle on the morning of day 4 when you leave Auckland. You won’t need a vehicle to get around Auckland and Waiheke Island is a ferry trip from central Auckland. You can save money by not paying for those days, plus you’ll avoid the hassle of Auckland parking. 

If you’re renting a campervan/motorhome/RV, I can tell you it’s almost always going to be cheaper to book cheap central accommodation in Auckland for the first 3 nights than paying for hireage for an extra 3 days plus paying for an Auckland campground that will be far from the city centre plus paying for Ubers/public transport to get in from the campsite.

Likewise, if you aren’t going to the South Island, it’ll be cheapest to do a one-way hire and drop off your car/van as soon as you get to Wellington as there are no central campgrounds in Wellington and you don’t need a vehicle to explore the city.

You can check out rental car prices and book on RentalCars.com

Where to stay on your 10 day North Island road trip

This itinerary works equally well for campervanning or driving and booking nightly accommodation. I have included both campground and hotel/motel accommodation options for each location. 

It’s worth noting that big hotels are only really available in Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua. Outside of there, it’s mostly small motels.

If you usually use points to book chain hotels, you won’t have any luck.

The 10 day North Island road trip itinerary

Days 1-2: auckland.

Start your trip off with two days of exploring New Zealand’s biggest city. If you’re coming from further afield than Australia, you might want to make this a slow start and give yourself some time to get over any jet lag.

The main activities for these days are a trip up the iconic Sky Tower (New Zealand’s tallest building) to see views of the city and exploring the waterfront. 

I especially love the Britomart area which is full of cafes, bars and boutique stores.

While at the sky tower, you could also check out the All Blacks exhibition to get a sense of our national obsession with rugby. Or try the reverse bungy or skyjump for something a bit more adventurous.

If you’re up for venturing a bit further afield, you could take a trip out to Piha, the rugged west coast beach not far from Auckland.

Swimming is not recommended here; we literally have a TV show – Piha Rescue – dedicated to saving tourists who get caught in the rough conditions at Piha.

Alternatively, jump on the ferry to Devonport to visit the more family-friendly North Shores beaches .

There are also some good walks around Auckland. Mount Eden or One Tree Hill are short options that will get you good views for not much effort. Otherwise, head to the Waitakere Ranges for serious hiking.

• Luxury: Hilton Auckland
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express
• Budget: Attic Backpackers

Day 3: Waiheke Island 

On day 3, jump on the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island. The island is in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf less than an hour’s ride from the city.

A return ferry trip to Waiheke Island costs $46 per adult (sometimes there are specials) and ferries run hourly. You can buy tickets at the wharf or online . Advance bookings are a good idea on weekends, in summer or on public holidays.

The highlights of Waiheke Island are the wineries and galleries, and you can either walk, hire bikes or jump on an organised tour to get between them. My favourites are Mudbrick and Stonyridge.

Waiheke is also a beachy spot with lots of options for sunbathing, coastal walks and kayaking or paddle boarding.

If you’re visiting in summer, take the bus to Oneroa Beach and spend some time in or on the water there. You can easily hire boards or kayaks from Kayak Waiheke.

This is a day trip so you can stay in your same Auckland accommodation from Days 1-2.

Day 4: Coromandel

Drive time from Auckland to Coromandel (Whitianga):  2.5-3 hours

Distance: 200km

The Coromandel Peninsula is where many North Islanders come for holidays because of the miles of beautiful swimmable beaches.

I grew up going to Whangamata and Pauanui which are great family beaches in the Coromandel. 

However, the main attractions for visitors and the places you absolutely must hit up on your 10 day north island road trip are Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach which are just south of the town of Whitianga. 

You might recognise Cathedral Cove from the Narnia movies as the rock archway has become one of New Zealand’s most famous photo spots .

Hot Water Beach is known for its warm water rock pools which are heated by thermal hot springs and mean you can swim year-round.

If you’re ok with ait of extra driving, I’d recommend spending some time driving around the coast and checking out all the beaches along the way.

• Luxury: Esplanade Apartments
• Mid-range: Beachside Resort Motel
• Budget/Camping: Harbourside Holiday Park

Day 5: Hobbiton 

Drive time from Coromandel (Whitianga) to Hobbiton (Matamata): 2.5 hours

Distance: 170km

Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or not, visiting Hobbiton is a must-do experience in New Zealand. The cute hobbit-sized houses make great photos if nothing else. 

You can do the standard movie set tour or time your visit for the second breakfast or evening banquet options. The food spread almost looks like something from Harry Potter.

Hobbiton is the main event of Day 8 so if you aren’t interested in staying long there you could spend the morning exploring more of the Coromandel or push on to Cambridge which is a really pretty small town in the Waikato region of the North Island with lots of great food options.

Find more ideas in my Waikato road trip guide .

• Luxury: Villa Walton Bed & Breakfast
• Mid-range: Broadway Motel
• Budget/Camping: Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park

Day 6: Waitomo

Drive time from Hobbiton (Matamata) to Waitomo: 1.5 hours

Distance: 100km

Today it’s time to visit Waitomo Caves. On the way, stop at Mount Pirongia and/or Otorohanga.

Mount Pirongia is a great day hike for the committed tramper, otherwise, you can do shorter walks in Pirongia Forest Park, find the trail details on the DoC website.

Otorohanga is the Kiwiana capital of New Zealand and you’ll notice that when you drive past the giant kiwi on the way into town.

While you’re there you can see the Kiwiana Walk which takes you through the history of some of New Zealand’s cultural icons. There are real live kiwis too at the Otorohanga Kiwi House.

The Waitomo caves are a huge favourite of mine since childhood, although I still can’t remember the difference between stalactites and stalagmites! Either way, you can see both at Waitomo as well as glow worms. Plus, there is black water rafting which is cold, dirty and heaps of fun!

If you aren’t keen on fitting into a tube, then you can do guided walking tours of the caves. The Waitomo Caves Tours Guide has a comparison of the different options available.

• Luxury: Waitomo Boutique Lodge
• Mid-range: Woodlyn Park Motel
• Budget/Camping: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

Day 7: Rotorua

Drive time from Waitomo to Rotorua: 2 hours

Distance: 150km

Rotorua is the number one tourist location on the North Island because it offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions plus lots of adventure options.

One thing you need to be aware of when you visit Rotorua though is that it stinks like rotten eggs. That’s the sulphur from the geothermal hot springs . The benefit is that you can go soak in the springs at Polynesian Spa or see the geysers around town and near the lakeside. 

Other than spas and geysers, you can check out some fun and thrill-seeking activities like the zorb or the luge or mountain biking. Or just take a ride up the gondola to enjoy the views.

Rotorua is also known for Maori culture as it’s a place of historic significance and the home of the Arawa tribe.

There are plenty of cultural experiences on offer, which allow you to learn about Maori culture and history. Just please don’t go thinking modern Maori live in grass huts or cook all their food in the ground.

• Luxury: Pullman Rotorua
• Mid-range: ibis Rotorua
• Budget/Camping: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park

Day 8: Tongariro

Drive time from Rotorua to Tongariro (National Park): 2 hours 15 minutes

Distance: 180km

By the time you get to Day 8 you will have seen coastal New Zealand, city New Zealand and farming New Zealand, so now it’s time for mountains.

As you approach Tongariro, you’ll see views of the perfectly conical Mount Ngaurahoe which features as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies.

Tongariro National Park is famous for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the most popular day hike in New Zealand with phenomenal views.

If possible, plan to get to Tongariro in time to devote a full day to the walk (it’s about 8 hours).

There are affordable shuttle options to help you get to/from each end of the trail.

If you don’t have time or want to hike or the weather packs in, then you can simply enjoy exploring the cute mountain towns of Ohakune and National Park. Make sure to grab one of the famous eclairs from the dairy in Ohakune.

In winter, it’s also possible to ski on the slopes of Ruapehu, using National Park as your base. All gear can be hired either in the towns or on the mountain and lessons are available. You can also buy day passes for the lifts on the mountain.

• Luxury: Chateau Tongariro
• Mid-range: Mountain Heights Lodge
• Budget/Camping: Tongariro Holiday Park  

Days 9-10: Wellington

Drive time from Tongariro (National Park) to Wellington: 4 hours

Distance: 330km

Day 9 will be the biggest driving day as you cover half the length of the North Island, so you’ll need at least one extra day to see New Zealand’s capital city. 

On your way from Tongariro to Wellington, you could stop at Otaki (for cafes and outlet shops) or the Kapiti Coast beaches (for walks and swimming). I wouldn’t bother stopping at Palmerston North.

There are so many things to do in Wellington but the top of your list should be Te Papa , the national museum located on the waterfront which contains so many stories of New Zealand’s history.

Don’t miss a trip on the iconic red Wellington cable car that runs from the main street of Lambton Quay up to the historic suburb of Kelburn.

I’d recommend taking the cable car uphill then walking down through the Botanic Gardens. You can buy your tickets online here .

You can also check out the city beaches around Oriental Bay and enjoy ice-cream or fish and chips on the beach.

Wellington is a foodie city and obsessed with coffee. To discover the best the city has to offer, head to the laneways which contain lots of art, awesome cafes and hidden cocktail bars .

• Luxury: Bolton Hotel
• Mid-range: Quest The Terrace
• Budget: The Marion Hostel
• Camping: Capital Gateway (this is a train ride from the city)

Find more options in my Wellington luxury hotel guide , Wellington Airbnb guide or Wellington camping guide .

Alternative: 1 week North Island itinerary

Having only one week in the North Island is really pushing it to squeeze everything. I’d recommend taking the full 10 days or even better, 2 weeks so you can properly see everything.

However, if you are really short on time, then you could skip Wellington and spend only one day in Auckland. The best parts of New Zealand are outside the cities after all and cutting the southernmost point will really reduce your driving time.

Alternative: 2 week North Island itinerary 

This extended itinerary fits even more in but is very action-packed. It works because many of these places are more about natural attractions than activities, so you don’t need as much time there.

For a more slow-paced option, you could take the 10 day itinerary and add extra days in the Coromandel and Rotorua.

• Waiheke trip

As a kiwi, it’s hard to narrow down my favourite parts of my home country to a short itinerary. There’s so much to see and do and there’s no wrong way to see New Zealand.

If you try this 10 day North Island New Zealand itinerary, I’d love to hear what you think. Let me know in the comments below.

Happy travelling!

New Zealand Travel Resources

• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Pre-book your tickets to attractions on Get Your Guide
• Find awesome day tours on Viator
• Compare prices on cars and campervans at RentalCars.com
• Sort your New Zealand dollars with a Wise currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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Getting around.

Visiting and getting around a country for the first time can be a daunting experience and as a new arrival there’s probably a few things you should know. We’ve put together some suggestions and tips which you might find helpful to navigate New Zealand.

Accommodation

Transportation.