Summer's nearly here, and there's no better excuse for a Kiwi roadie and a chance to see more of our own backyard.
Whether you've got a long weekend or a couple of weeks, here are some of the best road trips in New Zealand. Each one comes with how long it takes and what it's likely to cost.
Summer Road Trips At a glance
Nine summer road trips: five in the South Island and four in the North Island.
Most routes take between a long weekend and about a week.
Driving the length of the country is roughly 2,000 km, plus the ferry.
Fuel is the big cost: about 29 cents a kilometre in a typical petrol car, at October 2026 prices.
DOC campsites cost around $10–$20 per adult per night, and popular summer sites book out.
Taking a car across Cook Strait costs roughly $115–$260 each way, plus about $50–$105 per adult passenger.
Check the NZTA journey planner before you go. Some South Island roads have had slip and weather closures this year.
Road trips are a great way to explore this awesome country, and they're an affordable way to travel too.
Whether you've got a few days off or a little longer to explore, there's so much waiting to be uncovered right here in our own backyard.
Pack the chilly bin, grab the boogie boards (oh, and don't forget the kids), because these beautiful places in New Zealand aren't to be missed!
It's a good idea to make sure your car is in tip-top shape before you hit the road, so you don't run into any unexpected issues. Before a long drive:
check your WOF and rego are up to date;
top up your oil and wiper fluid;
check your tyres (pressure and tread) and your brakes.
You'll thank yourself later! If your car needs a service, new tyres or a repair before a big trip, a personal loan can help spread the cost.
You might not know the exact route you're going to take, and that's OK! Summer is a time to slow down, take in the views and enjoy the spontaneous stops along the way.
Do keep a map or Google Maps handy.
Check the NZTA journey planner for road closures before you set off each day.
Or go old-school and pop into the local i-SITE, New Zealand's official visitor information network, for the local intel on sights you won't want to miss.
There's nothing worse than hitting the road and realising you haven't downloaded your favourite tunes. Download your playlists and podcasts before you leave, so you've still got something to listen to when you're out of coverage. Oh, and don't forget a car charger!
Yep, even on holiday, it's a good idea to work out a budget (and stick to it!). Ask yourself:
Are you camping, or renting a place?
How often will you eat out, and how often will you pack lunch?
Are there any paid activities you've got your heart set on?
Homemade sandwiches on the run might even help you squeeze in more activities.
Work out what you can afford to spend before you go, so there are no surprises when you get back to reality.
Our guide on how to budget for your next holiday walks you through it, step by step.
For most Kiwi road trips, the big costs are fuel, somewhere to sleep and food. If you're taking your car across Cook Strait, the ferry can be the single biggest cost of the trip. Here's what to budget for.
At October 2026 prices, fuel works out at about 29 cents a kilometre in a typical petrol car. That's based on:
$3.62 a litre, the national average price for 91 petrol (MBIE, week ending 18 October 2026);
a car using about 8 litres per 100 km.
So a 500 km trip costs around $145 in fuel. Fuel prices have moved around a lot in 2026, so check MBIE's weekly fuel prices or a price app like Gaspy before you go.
On remote routes, fill up in the last big town before you set off.
If you're heading from one island to the other, the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries take about three and a half hours between Wellington and Picton.
A standard car costs roughly $115 to $260 each way.
Each adult passenger is about $50 to $105 on top.
Peak summer sailings sit at the top end of those ranges. For example, a return trip in mid-January for a car and two adults was quoted at $803 to $894 in October 2026.
Watch for payment fees: some bookings add a fee if you pay by card.
Book early for summer, because car spaces fill up, and compare both operators. Bluebridge is often a little cheaper.
DOC campsites:
around $10–$20 per adult per night at many sites;
about half that for kids aged 5–17, and free for under-5s;
popular summer spots need booking, and DOC doesn't hold spaces for people who turn up without one.
Holiday parks, motels and baches: more comfort, at a higher price that varies a lot by place and season.
Freedom camping: on council land you need a certified self-contained vehicle, unless the council has set aside a spot for non-self-contained vehicles. Since 7 June 2026 that means a green warrant; the old blue warrants are no longer valid. Rules vary from place to place, so check the local council's bylaws and DOC's restrictions first.
Food is the easiest cost to control. Supermarket shops, a chilly bin and picnic lunches go a lot further than eating out for every meal. Free walks, beaches and lookouts are everywhere, so save your activity budget for the one or two things you really want to do.
|
Route |
Island |
Distance |
Suggested time |
Fuel (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Marlborough and the Kaikōura coast (Picton to Kaikōura) |
South |
About 160 km |
2–4 days |
$46 |
|
The West Coast (Westport to Fox Glacier) |
South |
About 300 km |
3–7 days |
$86 |
|
Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook |
South |
About 600 km |
About 4 days |
$175 |
|
Milford Road (Te Anau to Milford Sound and back) |
South |
236 km return |
1 day |
$68 |
|
The Catlins (Bluff to Nugget Point) |
South |
203 km |
About 2 days |
$59 |
|
Twin Coast Discovery (Auckland loop via Cape Rēinga) |
North |
818 km |
About 6 days |
$237 |
|
Coromandel loop from Auckland |
North |
About 520 km |
3–5 days |
$151 |
|
Thermal Explorer Highway (Auckland to Napier) |
North |
787 km |
About 6 days |
$228 |
|
Hawke's Bay wine country |
North |
Short drives around Napier and Hastings |
2–3 days |
Low |
Fuel is based on 29 cents a km (91 petrol at $3.62 a litre, MBIE, week ending 18 October 2026, in a car using about 8 litres per 100 km), rounded. Suggested times are Tourism New Zealand's recommendations where available.
Here's how the costs could add up for a couple driving from Wellington on a 10-day South Island loop of roughly 2,000 km:
|
Cost |
Approx. |
|---|---|
|
Ferry, return, for the car and two adults (mid-January) |
$850 |
|
Fuel, about 2,000 km |
$580 |
|
Accommodation, 9 nights (a mix of DOC campsites, holiday parks and motels) |
$1,500 |
|
Food, about $80 a day for two |
$800 |
|
Activities |
$500 |
|
Total |
About $4,230 |
This is just an example. Your costs will depend on your car, where you stay and when you travel.
If the trip costs more than you've put aside, a travel loan can spread the cost over time.
As an example, $4,000 over 12 months at 19.95% p.a. works out at about $92.84 a week, or $4,827.68 in total including fees. Our rates range from 9.95% to 29.95% p.a., and the rate you get depends on your circumstances.
That total includes an establishment fee ($100 to $220, depending on how much new money you borrow), a $3 admin fee for each instalment and a $7.70 ID verification fee. See our rates and fees for the full list.
Instant Finance is a 100% New Zealand-owned lender, helping Kiwis since 1971. We won't let you get in over your head: we'll go through your budget with you to make sure the repayments fit.
Terms and conditions, and responsible lending criteria apply.
Roll off the ferry at Picton and you're about half an hour from Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough wine country.
Then head south on State Highway 1. For around 50 km the road hugs the coast, with the Kaikōura Ranges on one side and the Pacific on the other. Keep an eye out for fur seals at Ōhau Point. In Kaikōura itself there's whale watching, dolphin spotting and fresh crayfish.
Route facts
Distance: about 160 km from Picton to Kaikōura, around 2 hours' driving
Time: 2–4 days
Fuel: around $46
Free: the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
Start at Westport and follow the Great Coast Road south. It's around 100 km of coastline to Greymouth, with Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks along the way.
Hike through the Hokitika Gorge to work off some of the festive season.
If you're feeling adventurous, explore the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. Yep, even in summer, it never disappoints!
Carrying on over the Haast Pass to Wānaka? Check NZTA first: slips closed parts of State Highway 6 between Makarora and Hāwea in spring 2026.
Route facts
Distance: about 300 km from Westport to Fox Glacier
Time: 3–7 days
Fuel: around $86
Free: the Pancake Rocks and Hokitika Gorge walks
Often called one of the most scenic drives in the country, this route takes you:
from the Canterbury Plains into the Mackenzie Basin;
past the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, with Aoraki/Mount Cook rising at the end of the lake;
up the side road to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village for the Hooker Valley Track;
through Wānaka and over the Crown Range to Queenstown.
Route facts
Distance: about 480 km direct, or about 600 km with the Mount Cook and Wānaka detours
Time: about 4 days
Fuel: around $175
Free: the Hooker Valley Track and the lakeside stops at Tekapo and Pukaki
Milford Sound
Think mirror-like lakes and stunning mountains rising up from the fjords!
Milford Sound is tucked away down south, but it's definitely worth the road trip. Driving the ancient glacial valleys is like being in a Jurassic movie, with lookouts, hikes and stunning views along the way.
Alternatively, pop into the campsites or lodges to extend your stay, whatever your style.
The Milford Road (State Highway 94) runs 118 km from Te Anau to Milford Sound. With all the lookouts, it's easy to double the driving time.
At the Homer Tunnel, traffic lights control a single lane, so expect a short wait in summer.
The road can close for weather, avalanche risk or slips, so check NZTA's Milford Road status before you leave.
Fill up in Te Anau before you go.
Route facts
Distance: 118 km each way from Te Anau (236 km return)
Time: 1 day, or stay over at a campsite or lodge
Fuel: around $68 return
Free: the Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn stops. Cruises on the Sound cost extra.
The lower South Island is last on our list, but not to be missed!
This picturesque region stretches from Nugget Point almost to Invercargill, with so many nooks and crannies to explore. You'll find:
native bush shaped by centuries of Antarctic winds;
beautiful lakes and historic lighthouses;
the chance to spot unique NZ wildlife like the yellow-eyed penguin or sea lions.
Make sure you pack your camera too!
Route facts
Distance: 203 km from Bluff to Nugget Point (part of the Southern Scenic Route)
Time: about 2 days
Fuel: around $59
Free: the Nugget Point lighthouse walk
Hit the very top of the country and see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean!
Cape Rēinga is famous for its lighthouse right at the tip of the country.
Take the Twin Coast Discovery route through beautiful beaches and sand dunes while soaking up the epic views. There are plenty of spots to pull over and explore on the way, or even set up camp for the night.
Don't forget the boogie board for a bit of sand dune surfing at Te Paki.
Route facts
Distance: 818 km, a loop from Auckland
Time: about 6 days
Fuel: around $237
Free: the Cape Rēinga lighthouse walk and the Te Paki sand dunes
Golden beaches, pōhutukawa in bloom and winding coast roads: the Coromandel is a classic Kiwi summer roadie, and it's close enough to Auckland for a long weekend.
Head up the west coast through Thames to Coromandel Town.
Cross over to Whitianga.
Come back down the east coast past Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
The roads are narrow and winding, so allow more time than the map says.
From Hahei, the Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track (about 1.5 hours return) leads to the famous rock arch. There's no parking at the start of the track, so use the Hahei visitor car park.
Route facts
Distance: about 520 km, a loop from Auckland
Time: 3–5 days
Fuel: around $151
Free: the Cathedral Cove walk, and most beaches, including Hot Water Beach (dig your own pool at low tide)
From Rotorua through to Taupō, the Thermal Explorer Highway is well named, because you're about to explore some of the natural wonders of NZ and the world.
If you're looking for things to do with the family, explore the geysers and volcanic craters of Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland, or hit the hot pools for some relaxation time too!
Route facts
Distance: 787 km from Auckland to Napier (via Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupō and Ruapehu)
Time: about 6 days
Fuel: around $228
Free: the bubbling mud pools and foot baths at Rotorua's Kuirau Park (Wai-o-tapu charges entry)
At the end of the Thermal Explorer, Hawke's Bay is made for slow summer days.
Base yourself in Napier or Hastings and you'll find great views, amazing food and even better wine, all a short drive away.
Explore the wine trails, check out the regional food, and make the most of stone fruit season.
Napier's Art Deco streets are worth a wander too. It's great for a trip with friends or a catch-up with the family.
If you're doing tastings, plan a sober driver or book a tour.
Route facts
Distance: short drives around Napier and Hastings
Time: 2–3 days
Good to know: Hawke's Bay is one end of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. It runs 483 km to Blenheim via the Wairarapa, Wellington and the ferry, so you can join it up with the Marlborough route in the South Island section.
Not sure which route fits? Start with how many days you've got.
The Coromandel loop from Auckland
Hawke's Bay wine country
Marlborough and the Kaikōura coast
The Milford Road from Te Anau
Twin Coast Discovery around Northland
The Thermal Explorer from Auckland to Napier
Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook
The West Coast, from Westport to the glaciers
North to south: the Thermal Explorer and Hawke's Bay, then the ferry to Marlborough and Kaikōura
The deep south: Christchurch to Queenstown, on to Milford Sound, and back through the Catlins
Both islands: allow two to three weeks to drive the length of the country without rushing
It depends on what you're after. In the North Island, Northland's Twin Coast Discovery and the Thermal Explorer Highway are classics. In the South Island, the West Coast, the Milford Road and the drive from Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki/Mount Cook are hard to beat.
The Milford Road from Te Anau to Milford Sound and the Great Coast Road between Westport and Greymouth are often named among the most scenic. The drive past Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mount Cook is right up there too.
For a single route, allow from a long weekend to about a week: Tourism New Zealand suggests about 6 days each for Northland's Twin Coast Discovery and the Thermal Explorer Highway. To see the highlights of both islands, allow two to three weeks.
Cape Rēinga to Bluff is roughly 2,000 km by road, plus about three and a half hours on the Cook Strait ferry. You could drive it in under a week, but two to three weeks lets you actually enjoy it.
The main costs are fuel (about 29 cents a km in a typical petrol car at October 2026 prices), accommodation (DOC campsites are around $10–$20 per adult per night), food, and the ferry if you're crossing Cook Strait. A 10-day South Island trip for two could cost around $4,200.
Yes. A travel loan can help cover trip costs like the ferry, accommodation and fuel, and a personal loan can help get your car road-ready. Lending criteria apply, and we'll go through your budget with you to make sure the repayments fit.
