The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Ready for a road trip? If you’re dreaming of escaping to New Zealand, then you’re in luck. We’ve put together the ultimate New Zealand itinerary, and it’s perfect to pair with our Campervan Hire!

Psst. If you’re interested in a shorter or longer New Zealand road trip, we’ve included a section for you too. Scroll to find out more!

Getting around New Zealand

New Zealand is filled with some of the most extraordinary landscapes imaginable - it’s why Lord of the Rings was filmed here after all! This means that public transportation can be limited while exploring some national parks and nature spots.

Many travellers choose to hire a vehicle for their adventures in New Zealand. Between the freedom to travel as you like and the scenic journeys, a New Zealand road trip is pretty special. If you want total flexibility while on the road, why not go for a campervan hire?

Alternatively, our New Zealand tours are an amazing option for travellers looking to explore this country with all their transport taken care of. On these trips, all you have to do is kick back, relax and immerse yourself in the scenery.

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip

Imagine 4 weeks in New Zealand - featuring national parks, adventure sports and heavenly locations! Our ultimate New Zealand road trip is designed as one epic journey, yet to make navigating the itinerary easier, we’ve divided this into the North and South islands. If you’re interested in exploring one island, then check out our shorter road trips section later in this guidebook.

Now let’s get this show on the road! 🚗

Highlights of the trip

• Explore Auckland and Waiheke Island, before your New Zealand road trip officially begins!

• Discover New Zealand’s stunning variety of national parks - starring fjords, beaches and volcanoes

• Tour the legendary movie sets of Hobbiton and see the Lord of the Rings' real-life locations

• Encounter New Zealand’s natural wonders, from glowworm caves to glaciers

• Embrace adventure in New Zealand - hiking trails, kayaking, bungee jumping and more!

• Drive some of the world’s most scenic routes, like the Great Coast Road and Crown Range Road

• Get to know incredible cities like Queenstown and Wellington on your driving-free days

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary - North Island

Days 1 & 2: Start in Auckland

Where better to start your New Zealand road trip than Auckland? This laidback city is known for its scenic harbour, food spots and sky tower - which you can actually skyjump from!

While you can pick up your car or campervan hire at any time, day 4 is the first designated driving day. This is so you have plenty of time to unwind and shake off any jet lag before hitting the road.

Day 3: Waiheke Island day trip

From the stretches of golden sand to the countless vineyards, Waiheke Island is perfect for a chilled day out. It’s most famous for producing the best red wine in the entire country, and its food spots are world-class too!

Waiheke Island is just a 35-minute ferry journey from downtown Auckland. The island has a reliable bus service around the main spots, however you can also drive around. There is a 45-minute car ferry from Half Moon Bay in East Auckland which you could take to do this.

Day 4: Auckland to Raglan

Leave Auckland this morning to reach Raglan in two hours. This coastal town is a travel favourite thanks to its long surf breaks, black-sand beaches and some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat!

We highly recommend going to Bridal Veil Falls, and it’s only a 20-minute drive from Raglan. Admire the emerald nature and gorgeous waterfall from a variety of different viewpoints. Then enjoy a leisurely evening back in town... maybe with a picnic on the coast in time for the sunset.

Total driving distance: 158 km / 98 miles

Total driving time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Day 5: Waitomo and Rotorua

The drive from Raglan to Waitomo takes just over an hour, and here you’ll get to experience one of New Zealand’s coolest natural attractions… glowworm caves! Take a scenic boat tour inside the Waitomo Caves and marvel at the bright blue creatures glowing in the dark.

Your next destination is Rotorua, which is just a two-hour drive from Waitomo. When you've arrived, you could visit one of Rotorua's famous hot pools and spas.

Total driving distance: 233 km / 145 miles

Total driving time: 3 hours

Day 6: Hobbiton Day Trip

Ready for a Middle-earth adventure? Step into Tolkien’s fantasy world at Hobbiton and geek out over The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings. Even if you’re new to the series, you’ll have the time of your life while exploring one of the best film locations around the world.

It’ll take you an hour to drive each way from Rotorua, so the total drive time is shorter than any of the films!

Total driving distance: 139 km / 86 miles

Total driving time: 2 hours

Day 7: Rotorua's Natural Wonders

Start your day with a trip to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, marvelling at the unbelievably bright pools and dramatic hot springs. Aim to get here close to opening time, so you can escape the crowds and make the most out of your day.

Just a short distance away is the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Discover the park’s staggering natural beauty, filled with volcanic craters and gigantic hot water springs, on a variety of self-guided walks and hiking trails.

Then it’s just a 40-minute drive to the scenic town of Taupō, where you’ll stay for the night.

Total driving distance: 93 km / 58 miles

Total driving time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Day 8: Lake Taupō and Huka Falls

Enjoy a chilled morning by the gorgeous Lake Taupō, either with a stroll by the water or hopping onto a cruise to explore this gigantic attraction. Go for lunch in town, before heading to Huka Falls. This legendary waterfall is super easy to reach; you can either go for a 5-minute drive or follow the 45-minute walking trail from Spa Thermal Park.

Huka Falls’ dramatic beauty speaks for itself. Between how powerful it is and the strikingly blue colour of the water, Huka Falls really does take your breath away. If you’re after an exhilarating experience, you can go jet boating in the water!

Day 9: Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is like another planet! From the volcanoes to the turquoise crater lakes, it’s incredible how much diversity is packed inside just this one location.

It’ll take you an hour to drive to Tongariro National Park from Taupō. The sooner you arrive, the better, because you’ll want to take your time discovering New Zealand’s first and oldest national park. Especially since there are amazing trails that you can hike here - including New Zealand’s most famous trek, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Please note that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing requires advanced booking and some additional planning (i.e. booking a shuttle or taxi back to where you parked your vehicle) because the route is one-way.

Total driving distance: 73 km / 45 miles

Total driving time: 1 hour

Day 10: Drive to Wellington

Put on your road trip playlist and start your journey to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. The drive time is 4.5 hours from Tongariro, and you’ll pass by several towns on the way where you can take breaks - such as Foxton for its main street and several parks, or Waikanae for the beach and art galleries.

Total driving distance: 336 km / 209 miles

Total driving time: 4.5 hours

Day 11: Wellington

A capital city with a small-town feel. Wellington makes everyone feel instantly welcome. From the “world’s tastiest bakeries” inside Hannah’s Laneway to the waterfront promenade and botanical gardens, you could wander around Wellington all day - especially since this city is easy to navigate on foot.

Experience movie magic at the Wētā Workshop, visit the enriching Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa or keep an eye out for Wellington’s live events and performances.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary - South Island

Day 12: Travel to the South Island

Say goodbye to the North Island and hello (or Kia Ora) to the South. Get ready to discover some of New Zealand’s most enchanting landscapes and iconic destinations.

Car ferry services from Wellington to Picton typically take 3.5 hours. Picton is a pretty coastal town in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, so it’s worth spending some time here to walk along the harbour and check out the cafes.

Then it’s just a two-hour drive to the city of Nelson, known for its charming downtown and proximity to Abel Tasman National Park.

Total driving distance: 139 km / 86 miles

Total driving time: 2 hours

Day 13: Abel Tasman National Park Day Trip

You can’t beat a beach day! New Zealand’s smallest national park, Abel Tasman, is spoiled for choice when it comes to gorgeous hiking trails, long stretches of sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for sea kayaking or sailing. If you get lucky, you may even spot dolphins.

Water taxis are readily accessible if you want to explore more of the coastline. And because Abel Tasman is only an hour's drive from Nelson in each direction, you could easily spend the entire day here.

Total driving distance: 120 km / 75 miles

Total driving time: 2 hours

Day 14: Nelson to Westport

Today marks the halfway point of our ultimate New Zealand road trip! Your next South Island destination is the town of Westport: a hidden gem on the western coast. Known for its rugged landscapes, coal mining history and outdoorsy sports like caving and underground rafting, Westport offers a whole variety of adventures.

Total driving distance: 222 km / 138 miles

Total driving time: 3 hours

Day 15: Great Coast Road & Hokitika Gorge

Named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 10 coastal drives, the journey from Westport to Greymouth is one to remember. While this highway route only takes 90 minutes to complete at full speed, it’s best enjoyed at a slow pace with multiple stops along the way.

From beaches that stretch for miles to the unique Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, this region is full of surprises. When you’ve come off the Great Coast Road, the drive from Greymouth to Hokitika takes 30 minutes.

Enjoy some time to wander around town and visit the glass studio. Then spend your afternoon at the beautiful Hokitika Gorge, known for its bright turquoise waters and wildlife-rich walking trails.

Total driving distance: 203 km / 126 miles

Total driving time: 3 hours

Day 16: Franz Josef Glacier

Today you’ll visit Franz Josef, the most famous glacier in New Zealand. If you’re after the full experience, then doing a glacier walk here is an absolute must… and for good measure, throw a helicopter ride in there, too!

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a picnic at peak view or the nature trails along Lake Matheson will prove otherwise. This park is filled with endless natural beauty, plus cosy lunch stops and souvenir shops that will make your stay extra memorable.

Total driving distance: 135 km / 84 miles

Total driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Day 17: Franz Josef to Wānaka and Queenstown

The drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown is one of the most magical routes in New Zealand. From Fox Glacier to Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea, and the spectacular Haast mountain pass, the optional stops on this journey are something special.

When you reach Wānaka, spend a few hours here to unwind and soak up the breathtaking views, such as the famous Wānaka tree.

You can drive from Wānaka to Queenstown through scenic Cromwell or on the famous Crown Range Road. As the highest main road in all of New Zealand, the mountain vistas are staggering.

Total driving distance: 354 km / 220 miles

Total driving time: 5 hours

Day 18: Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the coolest places on Earth and there’s nowhere really like it. Its reputation as the world’s “adventure capital” alone is a great reason to visit. If bungee jumping, white water rafting and skydiving aren’t for you, no biggie. Queenstown has something for everyone, from exceptional food and wine to nature trails, helicopter rides, hot springs… the list goes on and on.

Day 19: Queenstown and Te Anau

Spend your morning in Queenstown and then sometime this afternoon, start your drive to Te Anau. This beautiful lakeside town is filled with cosy restaurants, scenic paths and a bird sanctuary - making it perfect for a chilled evening before your big adventure tomorrow.

Total driving distance: 172 km / 107 miles

Total driving time: 2.5 hours

Day 20: Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park

In a country filled with bewitching landscapes, Fiordland National Park stands out. From the towering cliffs and rich rainforest to the majestic waterfalls and famous pools coloured deep indigo, this location is heaven on earth.

A cruise around Milford Sound should be your number one priority, and after that, do what you like. You can choose to go hiking, kayaking or hop on another boat trip to see hidden gems around the park. Some people even go snorkelling and scuba-diving!

Driving to Fiordland National Park is generally safe, however, please take caution and drive slowly on the road. Inexperienced or nervous drivers may prefer a guided day tour instead.

Total driving distance: 234 km / 145 miles

Total driving time: 5 hours

Day 21: Te Anau to Queenstown

Leave Te Anau whenever you like for Queenstown. While there’s plenty to see and do inside this charming city, including a Kiwi wildlife centre where you can see New Zealand’s national bird, you could also explore nearby attractions.

Just a 20-minute drive away from Queenstown is a gorgeous village called Arrowtown. Here you could spend the afternoon exploring its quaint cottages and cafes, or try your luck panning for gold by the river.

Also very nearby are the glamorous vineyards of Gibbston Valley. It’s home to New Zealand’s largest wine cave and the winery tours are easy to book - with return transport from Queenstown included.

Total driving distance: 172 km / 107 miles (not including Arrowtown or Gibbston Valley)

Total driving time: 2.5 hours

Days 22 & 23: Queenstown

Queenstown is a favourite destination among travellers for so many reasons, and over the next two days, you’ll have the chance to experience everything it has to offer. Whether it’s adventure sports, fine dining, good nightlife or more nature that you’re after, Queenstown has it.

And if you’re after more Middle-earth scenery, then Glenorchy is just a 45-minute drive away. Multiple scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed here, and it’s like you can hear the soundtrack while staring out into the valley.

Day 24: Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook

Leave Queenstown this morning for Lake Tekapo, which is a 3-hour drive away. Between the bright turquoise lake, lilac flowers and steamy hot pools, Lake Tekapo makes for some pretty iconic photos. The drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook is 1 hour.

Depending on what time you arrive, you could either start exploring the incredible landscapes or simply gaze at the clear night sky.

Top Tip: Stock up on van life essentials in Queenstown before coming to Mount Cook, as there are currently no convenience stores or shops in the village.

Total driving distance: 361 km / 224 miles

Total driving time: just over 4 hours

Day 25: Mount Cook National Park

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Home to New Zealand’s highest mountains and longest glaciers, adventure peaks inside the Mount Cook National Park.

Discover Mount Cook’s beauty with a huge variety of activities, from skiing to helicopter rides and mountaineering. Yet nothing beats a classic hiking trail when you’ve got views like these. Have you really been to Mount Cook if you haven’t walked the easy 5km Hooker Valley Track?

Day 26: Mount Cook to Christchurch

When you’re ready to leave Mount Cook, start your journey to Christchurch. This drive takes roughly 4 hours, and on the way, you’ll pass by snowy mountains and glacial waters - including the awe-inspiring Lake Pukaki.

Enjoy a laidback evening in Christchurch, checking out the variety of restaurants that it has to offer.

Total driving distance: 330 km / 205 miles

Total driving time: 4 hours

Day 27: Kaikoura Day Trip

Ready for one last trip? The coastal town of Kaikōura is where you can experience some of the best wildlife-watching in New Zealand! Swim with dolphins, go whale-watching, try kayaking or wander along the waterfront. As for lunches, fresh lobster is Kaikōura’s speciality dish.

The drive is 2.5 hours in either direction. When you’re back in Christchurch, celebrate the last night of your ultimate New Zealand road trip!

Total driving distance: 362 km / 225 miles

Total driving time: 5 hours

Day 28: Finish Your Road Trip in Christchurch

What a journey it’s been! On this adventure of a lifetime, you’ve discovered the incredible depths of New Zealand and explored its two islands. The ultimate road trip officially ends today in Christchurch, so return your vehicle hire at any time.

If you are staying in Christchurch for a bit longer,you can visit the city’s botanical gardens and art museums.

What about a 5-week road trip?

While our ultimate road trip covers a huge variety of destinations, we can hardly blame you for wanting to spend more time in New Zealand!

If you would like to do a 5-week road trip (or even longer!), then you can always add extra time to the places visited on our itinerary - based on wherever appeals to you the most.

For the North Island, you could include a trip to the Bay of Islands from Auckland - which would take 3 hours to drive. Here you can go island-hopping, stay inside cosy seaside villages and learn more about Māori culture.

If you’re staying for longer on the South Island, then our top recommendations are:

• From Queenstown: take on the Routeburn Track, one of the best treks in the world!

• From Wānaka: push yourself to the top of Roy’s Peak

• From Christchurch: day trip to Akaroa to see penguins and hike the Banks Peninsula

And a shorter road trip?

When designing this road trip, we’ve included driving-free days and kept all of the journeys at a maximum of five hours per day (stops not included). This is so you can take longer breaks and make the most out of each destination you visit as part of our New Zealand itinerary over 4 weeks.

If you like longer drives and more action-packed trips, then you can always make adjustments to our itinerary where you like.

Because New Zealand’s North and South Islands offer such unique experiences, we recommend visiting both if you can. However, a road trip loop around one island is a great option for travellers short on time.

NZ North Island Road Trip

Surfer beaches, tropical islands, vineyards, volcanoes and glowworm caves… a New Zealand North Island road trip is a dream come true!

For your North Island loop, you can still use the first 10 days of our itinerary as a guide. On Day 11, you’ll drive up to Mount Taranaki and Dawson Falls from Wellington instead. This journey takes around 4 hours and has scenic stops on the way.

Spend a day or so marvelling at this stunning landscape, and when you’re ready to leave, the drive up to Raglan takes roughly 4 hours. When you’re back in Auckland, you could either finish your trip here or add some extra time to visit the Bay of Islands.

NZ South Island Road Trip

A New Zealand South Island road trip is a paradise for nature lovers. This island is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, including fjords, glaciers and mountain ranges.

For a loop around the South Island, we recommend using Christchurch as your base. Aside from making your flights a whole lot easier, this is where you can pick up and drop off one of our campervan hires.

You can still use our ultimate road trip itinerary, except you’ll drive up to Kaikoura first. Spend a day here doing some wildlife-watching, then drive along the east coast to reach Nelson in 3.5 hours. Day 13 of our ultimate road trip itinerary onward stays the same.

Ready to hit the road?

You’ve got the ultimate New Zealand road trip itinerary. Now it’s time to make this dream trip happen!

Our Campervan Hire New Zealand programme is the best place to get started on planning this trip of a lifetime. With unlimited mileage, roadside recovery and standard insurance all included, all the important details are taken care of - so you can focus purely on the adventure side of things.

All there’s left to do is a little bit of planning, and really, you couldn’t ask for a better team to assist you. From free and personalised advice given by expert travel advisors to the option of booking your flights through our partner Flights 360, we’ve got you covered.

Not keen on driving?

If you’re still eager to visit New Zealand, but not sure if a road trip is the right adventure for you, don’t stress. We offer a great variety of New Zealand group tours, where you’ll meet like-minded travellers and experience most of the highlights mentioned on this itinerary.

Guiding you around New Zealand are professional drivers who know the roads like the back of their own hands, plus expert trip leaders who can let you in local secrets and top tips for each destination. With all the route planning and driving taken care of, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the journey… and with views like this, it’s pretty easy!