New Zealand is one of the best countries in which to travel by car or campervan, giving you complete freedom and control of your own journey. Stop whenever and wherever it suits your travel style to take in all that this incredible landscape has to offer.
Auckland’s northern region boasts some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery, making for an enjoyable visit. Take a journey up to Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga for some sand boarding, surfing, hiking and discovering our magnificent Kauri forests.
Queenstown to Glenorchy
Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenic drives, taking you along Lake Wakatipu and into the mountainous terrain. Don’t miss this spectacular route on any road trip in New Zealand.
Not only is the drive beautiful, but this route also presents many photo opps. Furthermore, there are some incredible hiking trails and swimming spots along its route.
Glenorchy is located 45 minutes west of Queenstown and makes for an excellent escape from its hectic environs. Additionally, it serves as the starting point of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks: Routeburn Track.
Rotorua to Taupo
Rotorua and Taupo are vibrant cities that offer scenic road trips in every direction imaginable, from geothermal parks to adventure experiences! Something awaits everyone here!
City of Lakes is well known for its bubbling mud pools, geysers, swimmable hot pools and rivers, lakeside spas, Maori culture and Maori traditions, lakeside spas. Additionally, Lakeside hosts various fun, adventurous activities like zorbing, mountain biking and white water rafting to offer something exciting for every adventurer!
But if all that excitement has you worn down or you just need some downtime, consider relaxing in one of Rotorua’s secret hot tubs on its outskirts for the perfect way to end your road trip! It will make a memorable endpoint!
Christchurch to Dunedin
Christchurch is the largest city on South Island and has plenty to offer visitors. Tourist spots including Antarctic Centre and Orana Park Complex make for exciting experiences that won’t soon be forgotten!
Option 2 is taking a scenic road trip along the southern coast, a 4.5 hour journey without major stops that features boulders, beaches and wildlife sanctuaries as well as charming seaside towns for stops along the way.
Oamaru, an adorable beachside town, should also be explored, featuring its Victorian precinct and Whitestone City, an incredible recreation of what Oamaru once looked like during its heyday.
Hawke’s Bay to Bay of Plenty
New Zealand’s North Island boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and fascinating cultural traditions that provide some of the world’s most breathtaking road trips, including this route from Hawke’s Bay to Auckland.
This seven-day campervan tour takes in some of the North Island’s finest sights and stunning stopovers, starting from Auckland’s big city vibes to Rotorua’s boiling mud geysers before finally ending in Napier – at the center of New Zealand’s food and wine country.
Catlins to Invercargill
Catlins in New Zealand’s south-east offer stunning coastal drives along pristine beaches and wild landscapes, and features abundant wildlife. Plus, discover fascinating history here!
Catlins National Park is home to some of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls, such as McLean Falls and Purakaunui Falls – two must-sees on any visit to Catlins.
As well as waterfalls, you can also visit Tunnel Hill: the world’s Southernmost railway tunnel. A short hike from the car park will bring you directly to this historic track that provides spectacular coastal vistas.
Marlborough Sounds to Kaikoura
The Marlborough Sounds serve as an entrance between North Island and South Island, boasting rich history, adventure, wildlife, and spectacular outdoor environments. Home to world-renowned wineries and whale watching tours. Additionally there are beautiful locations that call themselves Marlborough Sounds that await exploration.
Blenheim is the gateway to New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region and home of Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – home of famed filmmaker Peter Jackson’s World War I aircraft collection.
Marlborough Sounds are home to numerous resident fur seals who enjoy basking on sun-kissed rocks in the water, providing kayaking and cruise tours the opportunity to witness these magnificent animals first-hand.
Nelson Lakes to Christchurch
Nelson is an unheralded gem on New Zealand’s South Island, known for being a perfect location to experience various outdoor adventures. Be it hiking through Abel Tasman National Park, mountain biking part of the 174km Great Taste Trail or tasting craft beers, wines and foods there is plenty to keep visitors occupied for days on end.
Tahunanui Beach & Reserve are home to one of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches, while Tahunanui is known as New Zealand’s microbrew capital – so take time out while visiting to check out one or two local breweries!