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Thinking about a New Zealand road trip? Here's your ultimate planning guide

New Zealand has to be one of the best countries in the world to road trip across. From mind-blowing scenery around every bend to cruising jam-free roads for days, meeting friendly locals and experiencing endless, epic adventures wherever you roam. So, where do you start to plan? Right here with our ultimate guide to road-tripping New Zealand.

New Zealand has to be one of the best countries in the world to road trip across. From mind-blowing scenery around every bend to cruising jam-free roads for days, meeting friendly locals and experiencing endless, epic adventures wherever you roam. So, where do you start to plan? Right here with our ultimate guide to road-tripping New Zealand.

How long have you got? What are your non-negotiable must-sees? Where do you want to start and finish your road trip? How many kilometres or hours would you like to drive a day? Where should you stay? And what will you choose to stop off and experience along the way?

Oh, and most importantly, what tunes should you add to your road trip playlist?

All of the answers to these essential questions hold the magic keys to successfully planning your ultimate New Zealand road trip and ensuring your adventure is an unforgettable one for everyone onboard.

Each of our 14 New Zealand road trips features dynamic maps and drive times that you can even use on your road trip via your smartphone, as well as all the local tips and inspirational info you’ll need, spots to stop off and a themed Spotify playlist to help you bring the magic of the outside in on your journey.

Ready to get going? We’ve got 14 ultimate road trip guides for you to choose from, so let’s do this!


A 60-second wild ride across New Zealand

Can New Zealand reaalllllllyyyy be that spectacular? Um yes, 1000%! Don’t believe us? Check out this incredible highlight reel, with footage taken by all the 29 regions over the past 12 months (i.e. it’s as fresh as it gets!).

Wow, right?

Travel Advisor? Want to go on New Zealand resource deep dive?

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We’ve got all the tools you need to get closer to New Zealand!

  • The Tourism New Zealand Travel Trade website is a one-stop-shop for absolutely everything Aotearoa. A plethora of virtual road trips, Kiwi operator updates, and free, super-slick marketing resources await!  
  • If you’d like to get skilled up and known as a Kiwi specialist to your clients, the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme offers fun and interactive training modules for free. As you progress, you’ll unlock Bronze, Silver, and Gold status, with each level opening the key to cool benefits (including access to fam applications!).  
  • Know your Whakatāne from your Whanganui already, but looking for marketing resources to reach more clients? The Tourism New Zealand Marketing Hub is a goldmine of consumer-ready marketing materials, like social media tiles, flyers, images, videos, and more.  
  • Like any smart agent, you’ll want to stay tuned with all things Kiwi (TNZ does news like New Zealand does gorgeous mountain scenery). Sign up for their TNZ Australian Trade Newsletter, as well as their dedicated Aussie trade Facebook group

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