30-Day New Zealand Self-Drive Itinerary

We packed all our favourite spots in New Zealand into one epic, month-long road trip. This 30-day New Zealand self-drive itinerary covers both islands, starting and finishing in Auckland. It is fast-paced, so it suits anyone treating New Zealand as a once-in-a-lifetime trip who wants to see as much as possible. We spent six months exploring the country in total, and this route pulls out the destinations we would not want you to miss, including a few off-the-beaten-track spots a first-timer might not have heard of. Grab a campervan or a hire car and hit the road.

Not got 30 days? If you are short on time, that is okay, we got you covered, check out our 10 North Island Itinerary and our 10 South Island Itinerary.

Top Tip: If you want more information on each particular region that we mention then do click on the hyperlinks within this article as it will link your through to our much more in-depth *articles on that particular region *

The Route of the 30 day New Zealand self drive itinerary:

Highlights of this itinerary Include:

• Sandboarding at Cape Reinga,
• Exploring Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel
• A day trip to White Island
• Discovering Art Deco Napier
• The Marlborough Sounds
• Kayaking at the Abel Tasman National Park
• Heli hike at Franz Josef Glacier
• Queenstown (nuff said!)
• Getting away from it all in Stewart Island
• Penguin watching at Oamaru,
• Whale Watching in Kaikoura,
• The Tongariro Alpine Crossing,
• Surfing in Raglan

Top Tip: If you need to find somewhere to stay when you visit then we highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance, it’s important not to under estimate how busy NZ gets between September and March each year. We suggest checking BookaBach for private homes you won’t always find on Airbnb, and your usual booking site for current availability of motels, hotels and guest houses in the area.

**Day 1: Arrive into Auckland **

If you have an early morning arrival then you could pick up your hire car or campervan straight away and travel north to Paihia, (2.5 hours’ drive) the home of the Bay of Islands and your gateway to the Northland. Suggestions include: A visit to Waitangi which is close to Paihia and where the treaty between Maori chiefs and the British were signed back in 1840 it is well worth a visit. Or take the car ferry to the historical quaint village of Russell or jump on a boat cruise to explore the bay and its 144 different islands.

An alternative option would be to spend the day in Auckland, relaxing and exploring at your own pace and head up to Paihia the following morning.

Day 2: Explore Cape Reinga

You could drive to Cape Reinga as it is a great way to explore the Northland region at your own pace. Or you could let Salt Air take you by helicopter to Cape Reinga. Cape Reinga is the most northern point of NZ here your guide will take you along 90 mile beach and you will even have time to go sand tobogganing! All in the name of fun, it really is pretty awesome!

Sand boarding Fun!

**Day 3: The Coromandel Peninsula **

Today you will travel south for around 5 hours to reach your next destination, the Coromandel Peninsula. It is a beach lover’s paradise! Stay overnight at Hahei and you will be close to all the highlights, Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove and Cooks Beach the region’s best beaches.

Day 4: Beautiful Tauranga

Today make your way further south towards Tauranga (2.5 hours drive), there is plenty to see along the drive. Take a detour via the Karangahape Gorge and explore the walkways that follow the old railway lines along a jaw-dropping Canyon or climb Mount Maunganui for some incredible views of the Bay of Plenty.

Beautiful Tauranga

Day 5: Whakatāne and Whakaari (White Island)

Head to Whakatāne, the gateway to Whakaari, better known as White Island, New Zealand’s most active marine volcano. Sadly, landing tours stopped after the tragic 2019 eruption and have not resumed, so you can no longer set foot on it. You can still see it from the air on a scenic flight from Whakatāne, which is a spectacular and safe way to take it in. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the Bay of Plenty beaches before you press on.

Day 6: A Days Drive Around East Cape (Rural New Zealand at its best)

The Waioeka Scenic Drive from Whakatane to Gisborne (3.5-hour drive) takes you though the bush clad Waioeka Gorge, this narrow and winding gorge is a beautiful drive, takes your and time enjoy the views. After a spot of lunch in Gisborne, continue to your overnight spot just outside Art Deco Napier (3-hour drive).

An alternative option to this would be to drive straight to Napier and explore the city at your own pace, Napier is a beautiful small city with a stunning waterfront, marvel at the stunning Art Deco buildings, it is like stepping back in time!

Day 7: Drive to Wellington

Get up early to drive to longest place name in the world! This a photo opportunity you can’t miss! 85 characters long, but locals just call it Taumata Hill. Continue (4-hour drive) to Wellington where you can recharge your batteries for South Island ferry in the morning.

A great lunch time stop along the route is also the Wairarapa region. Stop for a spot of wine tasting at one of Martinborough’s award winning wineries.

Vineyards in Wairarapa

Day 8: South Island!

Take the Interislander Ferry to the South Island (around 3 hours) enjoying a journey through the incredible Marlborough Sounds as you approach Picton. Upon arrival to the South Island travel to the Pelorus River. An opportunity to relax in the refreshing forest and river a must see for any Lord of the Rings fan.

Beautiful Picton

Day 9: Explore the Abel Tasman National Park

Today explore the Abel Tasman National Park with a days kayaking trip discovering all the hidden bays of the park. Enjoy a fresh picnic lunch half way through the day, enjoy a swim, snorkel and relax at the end! Find out about our fantastic day in the park here!

Day 10: Bullers Gorge

Travel to the Bullers Gorge Swing Bridge (2-hour drive) 110 metres in length in spans the Buller River and is NZ’s longest swing bridge. Over the other side, you can zip line across the river, take a jet boat ride, go swimming on walk one of the many trails following the earthquake faultline which was the epicentre of the 1929 earthquake that caused the land to rise more than4.5 metres. After, continue your journey to Punakaiki, home of the pancakes rocks and the beginning of the west coast highway.

Day 11: Explore Punakaiki and drive to Fox Glacier

Punakaiki is limestone country and is packed with caves systems that need exploring! The Charleston Glow worm cave tour explores the amazing underworld caving system you will see amazing displays of glow-worms and photogenic stalactites and stalagmite formations. In the afternoon travel to Fox Glacier (3-hour drive) and take in the stunning scenery at Lake Matheson.

Day 12: Heli Hike Franz Josef Glacier

In the morning embark on a helicopter trip of a life time. Heli Hike the Franz Josef Glacier with the team at Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Explore spectacular ice caves and arches and access parts of the glacier that many don’t get to discover. In the afternoon travel to the Haast Pass (1.5 hours drive) a good overnight spot.

Exploring the Glaciers is a must, I’m happy really, I promise!

Day 13: Blue Pool’s Track, Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park features the popular Blue Pool’s Walk. The short and easy walk leads to a viewing platform over the Blue Pools. Walks in these regions shouldn’t be rush bring lunch and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Continue your road trip to Wanaka before reaching your overnight destination in Queenstown.

Day 14: Queenstown, Yes it really is incredible!

Queenstown is best known for its adrenaline filled fun! Rafting down the shot over the river has to be one of the exhilarating experiences! Other suggestions include: Stroll along the lakefront and take in the scenery or enjoy some down time in one of Queenstown many cafes and restaurants. You could try the world famous burgers at Ferg Burger for lunch, but go early there will be queues!

Day 15: Travel to Te Anau, The Gateway to the Fiordland National Park

Travel to Te Anau (2-hour drive), stop at the visitor centre to learn about the many freedom hikes you can spend your day doing in this region. A section of the Routeburn Track or Kepler Track? You decide.

Day 16: Doubtful or Milford Sound?

Travel to the Doubtful Sound, the second largest fiord in the Fiordland National Park. Take a cruise along Lake Manapouri the wildlife is in abundance here, bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and rare crested Penguins can be seen here.

Another great alternative would be a visit to the Milford Sound, very similar but we personally prefer the Doubtful Sound as it is less visited, meaning fewer tourists!

If you are to chose Doubtful Sound we suggest this cruise and if you choose Milford Sound we suggest this cruise. We have done both!

Day 17: Stewart Island

Travel to Stewart Island via Invercargill (2-hour drive) today. The one-hour car ferry will take you to Stewart Island. The island is well off the beaten track a great escape for a couple of nights.

Day 18: Free day on Stewart Island

Today you will be able to explore Stewart Island in your campervan or hire car at your own pace. The island is part of the Rakiura National Park, with its densely forested hills, tiny population, and untouched coastline and golden sandy beaches it is a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.

And if you decided to leave the car or campervan in Invercargill (often a cheaper option) then we suggest one of the below tours:

Day 19: The Catlins

Heading back to civilization your overnight spot tonight will be in the Catlins (1.5-hour drive from Invercargill). The tranquillity of this region will blow you away, the untouched stunning bush land and rugged coastline is everywhere you turn.

Day 20: Visit and Explore Dunedin

Travel to Dunedin today (2-hour drive). A city renowned for its Maori and Scottish heritage, spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. Suggestions include Visiting NZ’s only castle, Larnach Castle, a trip to Cadbury world, (since closed down, sob!) a chocolate lovers delight! Or walk up the Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street!

Day 21: Moeraki Boulders & Oamaru

On the east coach beaches north of Dunedin lies the Moeraki Boulders, this a must see! The huge spherical boulders are scattered along the beach a perfect photo opportunity for that empty photo frame that you have sat at home. Stay overnight in Oamaru just 40 minutes away from there is a, penguin colony. A sunset each night the Penguins come up onto the beach to rest, so close you could almost touch them!

Day 22: Mt Cook National Park

The drive inland to Mt Cook National Park (3-hour drive) will take in breathe taking panoramic views of lakes and mountains. There will be plenty of time to stop for photo opportunities. Enjoy an afternoon in Mt Cook Village exploring the serenity of the Southern Alps region at your own pace before resting up for the night under the stars.

Day 23: Tekapo and Travel to Christchurch

Tekapo is just an hour drive’s drive from Mt Cook, giving you plenty of time to relax and slow down the driving pace. Don’t forget to drive to the top of Mt John for non-interruptive views of Lake Tekapo. In the afternoon continue to Christchurch (3-hour drive) for your overnight stop.

Day 24: Visit Akaroa

Today you will visit the very best sights of Akaroa (a 2-hour drive). Suggestions include: A cruise of the harbour and peninsula, visit the largest penguin colony on the mainland, swim with dolphins or take one of the many scenic walks in the region. Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 25: Visit Kaikoura, Whale Watching

Travel to Kaikoura (2-hour drive) in the afternoon catch the last cruise to do a spot of whale watching.

Day 26: Head back to the North Island

Travel north back to Picton (2-hour drive), to catch the afternoon ferry to Wellington overnight in Wellington.

Note: the November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake damaged this coastal road. It reopened in 2017 and is fully back in use, though it is worth checking for any current roadworks before you set off.

Day 27: Visit the Tongariro National Park

Travel to Tongariro National Park (4-hour drive) to explore what the volcanic region of NZ has to offer. There are walks ranging from 1-8 hours in this park, visit the visitor centre for maps and advice.

Day 28: Embark on one of New Zealand’s best day walks.

Up early for the shuttle transfer to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this 7-8 hour walk passes some of the most stunning scenery the North Island has to offer.

Day 29: Visit Waitomo and/or Hobbiton, Lord of the Rings

Depending on your personal interests on this day you could travel north to Waitomo, cave country. (2.5 hours’ drive). Here you can spend the afternoon exploring the glow worm caves but if you already have done some caving on the South Island you may find this very similar.

An alternative option would be to head to Rotorua if exploring some of NZ’s best geothermal spots is more your thing. If you are a huge Lord of the Rings fan then you could also visit Hobbiton on this day as it is very close to Rotorua.

Day 30: Raglan, for the surf of course!

Travel to Raglan (2.5 hours’ drive). A beautiful beach side town where the Kiwis holiday. Hire a surf board and ride the waves!

Surf at Raglan

Today your road trip ends, return your campervan or car hire at Auckland Airport (2.5-hour drive) in time for your departing flight home, now that is what you call a road trip, make sure you send us a postcard!

Frequently asked questions

Is 30 days enough to see all of New Zealand?

It is enough to see a huge amount of both islands at a good pace, which is what this route does. If you would rather slow right down, focus on one island instead.

How much does a month-long New Zealand road trip cost?

It varies a lot with the season, your vehicle and how you travel, so budget for campervan or car hire, fuel, accommodation and activities. Booking well ahead saves money, especially in the busy December to March period.

Should you hire a car or a campervan?

Both work for this route. A campervan saves on accommodation and suits the remote legs, while a car plus motels is comfier and often cheaper off-peak.

Which way round should you drive it?

This itinerary starts and finishes in Auckland and loops through both islands, but you can run it in reverse or start elsewhere to suit your flights.