New Zealand is one of the world's great road trip destinations. Both islands pack extraordinary variety into a small space — fjords, volcanoes, beaches, wine country, glaciers and adventure sports all within driving distance of each other. A hire car is by far the best way to experience it.
North Island highlights
The North Island is often overlooked by travellers rushing south, but it rewards exploration:
- Auckland to Northland — 3–4 hours north, the Northland peninsula has deserted beaches, the Bay of Islands and the ancient kauri forests of the Waipoua Forest. A two-day loop from Auckland.
- Auckland to Rotorua — 3 hours south-east, geothermal country with boiling mud pools, geysers and Maori cultural experiences. Stop at the Hobbiton movie set en route.
- Wellington via the Whanganui River Road — a stunning back-road alternative to the main highway, following the Whanganui River through remote farmland.
South Island highlights
The South Island is where most visitors focus, and rightly so:
- Christchurch to Queenstown via the Southern Scenic Route — allow 5–7 days. Passes through the Mackenzie Basin, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo and Fiordland.
- The West Coast — Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, pancake rocks at Punakaiki. The road hugs dramatic coastline and rainforest.
- Marlborough and Nelson — wine country, the Abel Tasman coast and the northernmost tip of the South Island. A gentler, sunnier side of the South Island.
One-way or return?
Many visitors fly into Auckland and out of Queenstown (or vice versa), making a one-way hire the logical choice. One-way fees between the two islands can be significant — compare carefully and factor in the inter-island ferry cost if you're taking the car across. See our one-way car hire guide for details.
Driving in New Zealand
- Drive on the left
- Speed limits: 100 km/h open roads, 50 km/h towns
- Many South Island roads are unsealed — check your hire car's off-road cover
- Give way to vehicles coming uphill on single-lane bridges (common on the West Coast)
- Watch for sheep on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk
Best time to visit
December to February is peak summer — warm, long days, busy roads. March to May offers the best balance of good weather and thinner crowds. June to August is winter — ski season in Queenstown, cold but beautiful in Fiordland.
Compare New Zealand car hire prices from Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown now.