8 INCREDIBLE New Zealand Road Trip Itineraries (+ Travel Tips!)

If there was ever a country that was made for road tripping, it’s New Zealand. It’s known around the world as one of the most naturally beautiful countries on earth, which on its own should be enough to have you hopping in the car!

But when you also add in friendly locals, amazing National Parks, wild hikes, incredible beaches, and Maori Culture (not to mention delicious food and wine!) and you’ve not only got a recipe for success but the ingredients for a perfect New Zealand Road Trip – whichever route you decide to take!

And let me tell you – there are plenty to choose from! In reality, practically every road in New Zealand is ‘road-trip’ worthy and there is no wrong way to explore.

But, to make it a little less overwhelming than the thought of road tripping a whole country (because let’s face it – most of us don’t have an unlimited amount of time) we’ve narrowed it down to the best New Zealand road trip itineraries and routes on the North Island and the South Island.

Plus some essential New Zealand Road Trip Tips (read: dos and donts!) to make sure your epic adventure goes off without a hitch.

Now you just need to decide where to start!

*This post is sponsored by Discover Car Hire*

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Drive on the Left

Simple. Necessary. And the Law. 

It may take a little getting used to if you are from the States or Continental Europe, but that is one of the joys of road tripping and self-driving in a foreign country and is important for everyone’s safety.

Be Prepared for Gravel / Unsealed Roads

Whilst a lot of the roads in New Zealand are made of asphalt or chip seal (layer of stones set in tar/bitumen) – in rural areas or heading up into the mountains you may find yourself on Gravel roads / unsealed roads.

Be sure that any insurance you take out with your rental car covers driving on these roads (stones can fly up and damage the undercarriage or bodywork of a car – if you drive slowly/slower there is much less chance of this happening but it’s good to be covered) – because some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand can be found at the end of them!

Check Before You Stop for a Photo

Although this should be common sense, it can easily be forgotten when faced with New Zealand’s epic beauty.

But being stunned by the landscape does not mean that you can just stop the car and hop out to snap a photo. You wouldn’t do it on a major highway at home, and there is no reason to do it here.

Yes, there are heaps of great photo spots off the side of the road and if you want to be responsible in capturing them, be on the lookout for safe places to pull over or for designated parking areas.

Be aware of the Weather

The weather in New Zealand often varies region to region, and so it is very important that you check the weather forecast for your proposed destination/route and pay attention to any warnings that issue.

Heavy rains can result in landslides, and wild winds can be difficult to drive in.

There are several mountain passes and dangerous roads on the South Island which allow you to drive between the East and West coasts.

Those in the Southern Alps are Lewis Pass, Arthur’s Pass, and Haast’s Pass; and dangerous roads on the North Island include Port Jackson Road, Paekakariki Hill Road, and Waikaremoana Road.

Watch out for the Wildlife

New Zealand is universally beautiful and outside of the cities also remote and rugged. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself stuck behind ‘local traffic’ – like sheep or cows – on the odd road here and there.

Let faster traffic pass you

As a tourist, it is likely that you will be a little more cautious when driving – and for the first few days at least – as you get your bearings.

Just remember there is no rush, pull into the slow traffic bays were available and allow the locals who have grown up on these roads to go past you safely.

Understand Single Lane Bridge Etiquette

New Zealand has hundreds of beautiful roads and it may feel like as many rivers with the number of bridges around. What tourist drivers really need to be aware of though, is that quite a few of these bridges are single lane.

This means that you need to check the signage before the bridge to see who had priority (indicated by a larger arrow in the direction of travel) – and wait your turn if it is not you!

Keep Your Tank Topped Up

Depending on how far you are planning to drive each day, it may be the case the distance between one petrol station and the next may be too far for you to manage on anything less than a full tank. And nobody wants to be caught short in the wilderness and have to pay to be rescued/towed!

Our advice would be to check your planned route on a map (we always recommend the free Mapsme app with its offline maps) and fill up your tank as and when you see a petrol station and before you leave a town/city.

Plan your Toilet Breaks

Again, on the remoteness front, if petrol stations are few and far between, so too are toilets. Keep that in mind and go when you can.

Nobody likes to be caught short – but if there is just no other option – be responsible and ladies either drip dry or take your toilet paper with you and dispose of it either in a trash bag in your car until you can find a bin.

It is never OK to leave any rubbish – including used toilet paper – in the wilderness.

Take Your Time

In the New Zealand road trip Itineraries we list below, we have provided the distance to be covered and how many days we think you should allocate to drive it. It’s by no means an absolute.

Drive quicker? drive slower? Take a detour? It is entirely up to you –  just don’t rush! Road Trips are very much about the journey and not just the destination. (And if you need a few more cliched quotes – we’ve got travel quotes and adventure quotes for days!)

Respect the Camping Laws

If you are keen to get in on the ‘van life’ trend, a camper van is a way to go, and although there are rules to follow, it is quite simple when it comes to when you can free camp and when you need to stay in a designated campsite.

Basically, if your campervan is self-contained (has a toilet, freshwater storage, water waste storage and a trash can with a lid) you can wild camp on public land (where it is not prohibited).

If you do not have the required self-contained facilities – or are traveling by cars or campervans with a tent, you must camp at a campsite or Holiday Park.

The on the spot fine for freedom camping without the required facilities is $200 and is regularly enforced by the ‘poo police’.

Follow the rules (explained in plain English here or by the Law here) and follow any signage on the road and you will be absolutely fine!

Get off the Beaten Path

The best thing about a New Zealand Road Trip is that you can be the master of your own route. This gives you every opportunity to head down any public road you feel like – and you should!

You never know what secret spot of amazing beauty you are likely to find – and will probably have all to yourself!

Have an Epic Road Trip Playlist

What is a road trip without your favorite songs keeping you company?! And if you need a few suggestions or new additions, our Ultimate Road Trip playlist is packs with musical inspiration!

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Auckland to Wellington (via Coromandel Peninsula)

This is my favorite selfdrive itinerary!

Distance: 650km
Suggested Trip: 12 – 14 Days
What to Expect / Highlights / Things to Do:

• Hot Water Beach (Coromandel)
• Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve (Coromandel)
• Waiau Falls (Coromandel)
• Hobbiton Movie Set (with a detour – perfect for Lord of the Rings fans!)
• Bay of Plenty
• Taupo (see above)
• Wellington Cable Car
• Matiu  / Somes Island (Wellington)
• Mount Victoria (Wellington)

South Island New Zealand Road Trip – New Zealand Itinerary

Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Mt Cook Loop

The Queenstown – Wanaka – Mt Cook loop is one of the top South Island Road Trips

Distance: 550km (round trip)
Suggested Trip: 5 – 7 Days
What to Expect / Highlights / Things to Do:

• Cardrona Pass
• Treble Cone Ski Area (in Winter)
• Tha Wanaka Tree
• Roy’s Peak
• Isthmus Peak
• Ben Ohau Range

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