Road trip in North & South Island of New Zealand

Route Suggestion

Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Fox Glacier - Wanaka - Queenstown - Fiordland - Stewart Island - Dunedin - Hanmer Springs - Marlborough - Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua - Waitomo Caves - Northland & Bay of Islands - Poor Knights Islands - Auckland

Remember, this road trip route is only a route proposal for your big trip. If you wish to receive personal assistance designing your road trip, please get in contact with our adventurous travel experts. They love designing dream trips and they give you great insider travel advice.

Christchurch

You first stop is Christchurch, an eclectic city of elegance and contemporary culture. Cycle along the picturesque Avon River, mountain bike down well-worn tracks in the Port Hills and enjoy delicious dining options in the central city. This student friendly city boasts lots of bars in it's vibrant nightlife, so make sure you satisfy your party gene here before you start your road trip! And don't worry, we've included the first night here, so you know where to crash.

Wanaka & Queenstown

From the glaciers, you continue south towards first Wanaka and Queenstown. Wanaka is worth a stop, if you need more incredible nature. The lake is famous for it's tree in the middle that symbolises hope. Near Wanaka you'll find Roys Peak which is perhaps one of the most beautiful places on earth as you can tell by the image. Head on to one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations, Queenstown which is surrounded by stunning mountains and a crystal-clear lake. Get your adrenalin pumping with a skydive or bungy jump, have a go on the slopes or enjoy picturesque dining locations.

Stewart Island

South of South Island (still with us?) you reach the country's third biggest island, Stewart Island. A nice cozy island with a coastal line of around 700 km. This place is famous for its' wildlife and the amazing hiking trails. There's only around 28 km of road on the island, so there's a need for some good walking shoes, if you wish to get around. You can be lucky to spot dolphins and whales even from the bays on the island, and you might get a glimpse of the mighty Albatros as well, if you're around in their migration period.

Dunedin & Kaikorai

Dunedin & Kaikorai is on the east coast of the South Island, lying between the rugged seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. Whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters and the area is famous for its marine mammal encounters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. Oh, and if you feel like getting some exercise, New Zealand's steepest street is also found here.

Wellington

From Hanmer Springs you head on to Wellington, but we encourage you to stop in Marlborough on the way. This place is also famous for wine and the food scene is not too shabby either! Take the ferry to Wellington, located at the southernmost tip of the North Island. Wellington is home to Weta Workshop and the Weta Cave. Here, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at movie making magic in action. Indulge in the city's buzzing food and wine scene, and enjoy a cable-car ride to the Kelburn lookout for expansive harbour views.

Taupo & Rotorua

Depart from Wellington and head on to Taupo, home of the famous Lake Taupo and the nearby Huka Falls. We encourage you to check out both actually, and if you feel active, you can choose to hike to the top of Mt. Tauhara and enjoy the nice view. After the hike you can relax yourself in a natural spa pool at Otumuheke Stream. Continue to
Rotorua, that has one of the worlds' most lively fields of geothermal activity. Explore bubbling mud pools and lands of steam and geysers, or get your adrenaline pumping with some of the great adventure activities on offer. Experience a fascinating Maori cultural show or marae stay, or soak aching limbs in one of the many naturally-heated mineral pools.

Bay of Islands & Poor Knights Island

You'll drive past and around 3 hours north of Auckland, before you'll find Bay of Islands. Check out the small picturesque town Paihia. It has a nice cozy vibe and provides plenty of bars and restaurants as well as a nice sandy beach. If you have time, you can opt in for a trip to nearby Russell or you can check out some of the marine life including seals, dolphins or even whales if you're lucky. You should also visit Poor Knights Island where the marine life is extraordinary in case if you're into snorkeling or scuba diving.

Auckland

Your road trip around New Zealand ends in Auckland. Drop off your campervan, and then we have inclueded 2 nights in a hostel here so you can digest and reflect on your adventure through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Take it slow and make sure to check out the different corners of the city. And if you feel brave you can opt in for some bungy jumping while you're here.

Duration

Minimum 3 weeks

Kilometres

Around 3700 km

Starts & ends in

Auckland & Christchurch

When to go?

November to March

Prices from 2,599 EUR

This epic road trip will guide you through all the best New Zealand's 2 main islands has to offer in three weeks or more. We've included some of the most major stops on this route, but if you have more than 3 weeks, there's plenty of more to see.

Adventure through alpine meadows, ancient glaciers and snow-capped mountains as you experience stunning filming locations, Middle-earth activities and more. Experience friendly kiwi hospitality at its best and fully immerse yourself in the very best of New Zealand with this comprehensive adventure.

You start the adventure in Christchurch and end it in Auckland. If you do the road trip in this order, there will not be applied a one way fee to your total cost (there will if you do it vice versa).

You could easily spend 3 weeks in just one of the islands alone, but we've tried to compile a best of for both islands in around 3 weeks. If you have more time, great! Then you just get to experience even more.

What is road trippin’ the KILROY Way?

Well, we always encourage our travelers to be curious. To open up, and to embrace the unexpected. Stop where you can, go down the narrow side street and don’t get stuck in the camper. Don’t just drive for the sake of driving. Approach new people. Approach new ways of doing things. Explore and be open to changes – that’s where the magic happens.

*The price for the camper rental is based on the driver being 25 years or older. Reach out to us if you're a little younger than that - it's not a problem!

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Road trip New Zealand - North and South Islands