What makes a good road trip? We think: 1) Easy to navigate, 2) Abundance of attractions close together, 3) A place where nature and ingenuity create memorable experiences. So, where’s the best road trip destination for Australians? Our neighbours in Aotearoa New Zealand, of course! Discover the best roadie routes, plus how you can take a self-famil trip, too.
One of the great things about travelling around New Zealand is how relatively compact it is. On home soil, places are exciting, but travel is faaaaaaar and takes ages. Over the ditch, however, you can see countless highlights in an afternoon, never mind a whole road trip!
Whether visiting bubbling mud pools and shooting geysers, lazing on idyllic islands, exploring cosmopolitan cities, or soaking in the mind-boggling alpine scenery, there’s something for everyone.
Read on to get the low-down on New Zealand’s road-tripping highlights.
New Zealand road trip fast facts
- From long summer days on North Island beaches to blue-sky days on South Island slopes, self-drive road trips are enjoyable year-round.
- Driving is a breeze for Australians as New Zealand also drives on the left. Visitors with an Australian driver’s license need nothing extra.
- Your clients need to be 21+ to rent a car, camper, or motorhome.
- It’s easy to weave key events into a Kiwi road trip. Like Matariki (Māori New Year) in winter, the World of Wearable Art (WOW) show in spring, or August’s annual beer festival, Beervana.
How to self-drive New Zealand
So, what kind of transport is available to hire?
- Motorhomes: For the ultimate flexibility, book a motorhome as they are more spacious, and have kitchens, toilets, and showers. Across New Zealand, there is a fab network of holiday parks and campgrounds. As motorhomes are generally certified self-contained vehicles, designated freedom camping spots keep travel costs down.
- Campervans: For travellers who want a more compact home-on-wheels, campervans are a great compromise. And if it’s self-contained, freedom camping is permitted.
- Rental cars: Exploring New Zealand by car affords access to attractions and hidden gems at their own pace. Find rental depots in major cities and many regional airports, with one-way hire car options often available (for a fee).
A key difference for Australians is that many of New Zealand roads, while scenic, can be narrow and winding. Advise drive times can take longer than expected.
Pro tip: Pre-book rental vehicles, particularly for travel between December and March. Also, check if ferry crossings are permitted with the rental company; though, all main centres have depots, making multiple bookings a great alternative.
Self-drive inspo
Looking for inspiration for your client’s perfect New Zealand trip? We’ve recapped our favourite self-drive itineraries for a perfectly paced adventure across different North and South Island regions.
North Island: Thermal Explorer Highway
Over six incredible days, your clients can discover another world as they journey deep into the heart of the North Island, from the Hobbiton Movie Set™ to the glowworm caves of Waitomo and otherworldly Orakei Korako.
The Thermal Explorer Highway winds from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s harbourside charm to Rotorua’s geothermal marvels, and on through Taupō, Waitomo, and the beachside surf town of Raglan.
Your clients can:
- Soak in a geothermal spa
- Dine on a traditional hāngi at Te Pā Tū
- Cruise to Lake Taupō’s Māori rock carvings
- Get fuelled on adrenaline at Huka Falls.
Every drive, pit stop, and overnight stay is one of awe and wonder.
North Island: Twin Coast Discovery
This 7-day road trip explores the winterless Northland region, filled with blissful beaches, lush forests and rich Māori heritage.
For clients chasing sun, sea and culture, the Twin Coast Discovery itinerary delivers. Departing from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, this road trip includes marine adventures in the Bay of Islands, a journey to spiritual Cape Reinga at the tip of the country, and time spent in awe at the foot of Tāne Mahuta, the famed colossal kauri tree.
Your clients can:
- Visit quirky towns like Kerikeri and Rawene
- Revel in bucket-list stops such as Waitangi and the Poor Knights Islands
With dolphins to spot, waterfalls to hike, and fish and chips to enjoy, this route perfectly weaves history, nature, and culture.
South Island: Cultural Wonders & Local Cuisine
Dramatic landscapes and the spirit of manaakitanga (a deep expression of hospitality) are prominent on this 10-day self-drive adventure. Cultural Wonders & Local Cuisine combines awe-inspiring landscapes with storytelling, stargazing, and seriously good eats.
Starting in Õtautahi Christchurch and looping through Akaroa, Mackenzie Country, Tahuna Queenstown, and ending with Ōtepoti Dunedin’s historic architecture, this road trip pairs wild adventure with meaningful connection.
Your clients can:
- Hear Ngāi Tahu tales while paddling a waka (canoe) in Õtautahi Christchurch
- Spot rare dolphins in Akaroa
- Become a winemaker for a day in Tahuna Queenstown.
And be sure to book them on a scenic flight over Mackenzie Country’s dramatic scenery, including Aoraki Mount Cook!
South Island: Top of the South
The Top of the South itinerary is a crowd-pleaser with its mild climate, relaxed pace, and taste sensations. Over eight easy-going days, clients can sample award-winning wine in Marlborough and Waipara, kayak the golden coves of Abel Tasman National Park, and soak in Hanmer Springs’ thermal pools.
Top of the South ticks all the boxes – from whales and wine to walks and waka paddles.
Highlights include:
- Marine wildlife encounters in Kaikōura
- Guided food tours in Õtautahi Christchurch
- Jet boating in Murchison
- Green-lipped mussels in Havelock.
This route delivers big scenery, small-town charm and plenty of places to stretch the legs (and wine arm).
Want to take a self-famil?
Inspired for your own roadie? You can with the Explore New Zealand Discount Program!
Access over 410 discounts across airfares, accommodation, experiences, and transportation for travel between March and November when you complete the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme courses. You’ll also need to sign up for the informative Trade Newsletter and Facebook Group.
Once complete, you can travel at your own pace with a plus one and increase your New Zealand know-how by experiencing everything first-hand. Woohoo.
Discover more
To access downloadable resources, road trip information, and inspiration for your client’s visit, head to Tourism New Zealand’s Travel Trade Website.
This article is brought to you by Tourism New Zealand:
