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New Zealand is as far away as it gets for many travellers. So, if you make the effort and come all this way, you’ll want to make the most of the time you’ve got here. Right? To help you with that, we have assembled an itinerary that crisscrosses the whole country – from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island and from the very East to as far West as you can go.
Our itinerary is based on in-depth experience (not just a two-week flying visit): Paul is Kiwi (and he’s lived here most of his life). We spent 12+ months tiki touring (Kiwi slang for doing a chilled exploratory road trip) in our campervan around New Zealand. And we’ve been living and house sitting in different parts of Aotearoa (New Zealand’s name in the Māori language) for many years. So, we know our way around pretty well.
How much time does it take to explore New Zealand?
If exploring New Zealand on a self-drive adventure sounds like something you’d like to do (and you’d like to do it thoroughly), we recommend to set aside at least one month per island (the longer, the better). Based on our itinerary, you would drive about 100 kilometres/62 miles a day, on average.
Don’t have that much time? Don’t fret. Pick the parts of the itinerary that you like the most and (if possible) come back and do other parts on a future trip.
Not convinced yet of the self-drive idea? Check out these essential basics for a fun and safe road trip around New Zealand.
With such a variety on offer, you're spoilt for choice - Focus on your favourites and take your time to explore beautiful Aotearoa | Image by Sam Ferrara on Unsplash
Where should I start/finish my New Zealand road trip?
Our ultimate New Zealand road trip itinerary starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch (or vice versa). Why? Both cities have airports with international long-distance connections. So, you are likely to enter the country through one or the other. Both are also key hubs for renting a car or campervan.
If you only have time for the South Island and don’t want to pay for a one-way rental, you can start and finish in Christchurch or Queenstown (the latter has flights to/from various Australian airports and frequent domestic connections within New Zealand).
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
New Zealand Road Trip Apps
Are you planning to explore New Zealand? These must-have travel apps will help you maximise your time, save money and make your journey smoother.
“Highlights of the North Island” Itinerary
Your itinerary for the North Island will take you from Auckland to Wellington (or vice versa). The itinerary comprises 15 stages, with driving distances ranging from 80 kilometres (50 miles) to 350 kilometres (217 miles).
Assuming you collect your vehicle in Auckland, you first head up north for a loop around Northland (stages 1-3). After exploring Auckland and its surroundings on your return (stage 4), you head east, following the blue line on the map. After exploring the Coromandel, North-East Waikato, Rotorua, the East Cape and Hawkes Bay (stages 5-10), you head back inland (stages 11/12) and west (stages 13/14). You complete your North Island itinerary in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital and southernmost city on the North Island (stage 15).
North Island: Recommended Travel Distance and Stay Duration
| Stage | Approximate Driving Distance | Suggested Minimum Stay | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start of Journey: Auckland | |||
| 1 | 250 kilometres / 155 miles | 2 nights | Bay of Islands |
| 2 | 200 kilometres / 124 miles | 1 night | Cape Reinga |
| 3 | 230 kilometres / 143 miles | 1 night | Kauri Coast |
| 4 | 250 kilometres / 155 miles | 4 nights | Auckland and surrounds |
| 5 | 250 kilometres / 155 miles | 1 night | Coromandel Peninsula |
| 6 | 200 kilometres / 124 miles | 2 nights | North-East Waikato |
| 7 | 80 kilometres / 50 miles | 3 nights | Rotorua |
| 8 | 310 kilometres / 193 miles | 2 nights | East Cape |
| 9 | 280 kiloemetres / 174 miles | 1 night | Mahia Peninsula |
| 10 | 180 kilometres / 112 miles | 2 nights | Hawkes Bay |
| 11 | 160 kilometres / 99 miles | 2 nights | Taupo |
| 12 | 200 kilometres / 124 miles | 3 nights | Tongariro National Park |
| 13 | 150 kilometres / 93 miles | 1 night | Waitomo |
| 14 | 160 kilometres / 99 miles | 2 nights | Taranaki |
| 15 | 350 kilometres / 217 miles | 3 nights | Wellington and surrounds |
| End of Journey: Wellington (Continue to South Island by Ferry) | |||
| Total | 3,250 kilometres / 2,017 miles | 30 nights |
North Island: Handpicked Experiences
Crossing from the North Island to the South Island by Ferry
If your New Zealand road trip includes both islands, the ferry crossing between Wellington and Picton is one of the bookings to sort out early. There is no bridge between the North Island and the South Island, so this sailing is a key part of the journey, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle. In busy periods, sailings can fill up well in advance, so once your dates are reasonably firm, it makes sense to compare your options and book.
The crossing itself is part of the experience, linking Wellington Harbour with Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds, but it is still a practical booking that can shape the rest of your itinerary. Use the search tool below to compare current ferry times, prices, and availability, and book as early as you can once your road trip dates are set.
Ferry crossing between the South Island and the North Island, New Zealand | Photo by Ricardo Helass on Pixabay
“Highlights of the South Island” Itinerary
Your South Island itinerary comprises 15 stages that loop around the island in an anti-clockwise direction, following the blue line on the map. Driving distances range from 30 kilometres (19 miles) to 350 kilometres (217 miles). The itinerary assumes you will take the ferry across from the North Island.
If you want to focus solely on the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch is your best option. In this case, collect your vehicle in Christchurch and head north to Kaikoura (stage 2), then continue on the itinerary (stage 3 takes you back through Blenheim, so you don’t miss anything). Driving from Christchurch to Kaikoura would add 50 kilometres/31 miles on your first travel day (but only 20 kilometres/12 miles overall).
Alternatively, you can start and finish in Queenstown. In this case, start with stage 8 and follow until stage 15, then continue from Christchurch as per above.
South Island: Recommended Travel Distance and Stay Duration
| Stage | Approximate Driving Distance | Suggested Minimum Stay | Destination - Click on links for more information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start of Journey: Picton | |||
| 1 | 30 kilometres / 19 miles | 1 night | Blenheim and the Marlborough wineries |
| 2 | 130 kilometres / 81 miles | 1 night | Kaikoura |
| 3 | 310 kilometres / 193 miles | 2 nights | Abel Tasman National Park |
| 4 | 100 kilometres / 62 miles | 2 nights | Golden Bay and Kahurangi National Park |
| 5 | 200 kilometres / 124 miles | 2 nights | Nelson Lakes National Park |
| 6 | 280 kilometres / 174 miles | 1 night | West Coast |
| 7 | 130 kilometres / 81 miles | 1 night | Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers |
| 8 | 350 kilometres / 217 miles | 4 nights | Queenstown Lakes District |
| 9 | 290 kilometres / 180 miles | 2 nights | Fiordland |
| 10 | 330 kilometres / 205 miles | 3 nights | Stewart Island |
| 11 | 180 kilometres / 112 miles | 1 night | Catlins |
| 12 | 110 kilometres / 168 miles | 3 nights | Dunedin and surrounds |
| 13 | 320 kilometres / 199 miles | 2 nights | Mackenzie Region: Lake Pukaki and Aoraki / Mt Cook |
| 14 | 110 kilometres / 68 miles | 2 nights | Mackenzie Region: Lake Tekapo |
| 15 | 260 kilometres / 162miles | 3 nights | Christchurch and surrounds |
| End of Journey: Christchurch | |||
| Total | 3,130 kilometres / 1,945 miles | 30 nights |
South Island: Handpicked Experiences
Have you done an epic road trip around New Zealand?
While our itinerary covers a big chunk of Aotearoa, it can’t cover every single nook and cranny, of course (especially not over a two-month period). What other great places can you recommend? Send us your recommendations.
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