Self-Drive Vacations in New Zealand Aotearoa

With cinematic landscapes, minimal traffic beyond the major cities, and impeccably maintained highways, New Zealand Aotearoa is one of the world’s best destinations for a self-drive vacation. Distances are manageable; nothing feels overwhelmingly far, yet the scenery shifts between subtropical bays, geothermal valleys, glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks within a single journey. Add stays in boutique lodges, helicopter excursions, tours of wine estates, and spa stops to elevate the road trip. 

Here are two itineraries, one for the North Island and one for the South Island, to inspire your self-drive discovery of New Zealand Aotearoa.

North Island Road Trip: Auckland to Wellington via Hawke’s Bay 

Route: Auckland — Waiheke Island — Rotorua — Napier — Hawke’s Bay

Auckland & Waiheke Island (1-2 days): Begin by exploring Auckland’s restaurants, museums, and waterfront before taking the ferry to Waiheke Island, known for boutique vineyards like Mudbrick and Cable Bay. Consider taking your rental car over for ease of getting around and spending a night at The Boatshed Hotel.

Rotorua (1-2 days): Drive three hours south to Rotorua to experience geothermal wonders and Māori cultural experiences. Visit Te Puia to see the Pōhutu Geyser erupt while also learning about living Māori traditions. Check into a hot springs resort for an evening of pampering and fine dining. 

Napier and Hawke’s Bay (1-2 days): Spend a day in Napier, a charming city that was flattened by an earthquake in the 1930s and subsequently rebuilt in the Art Deco style. This is part of the Hawke’s Bay wine region, known for its Bordeaux-style reds and vineyard cycling tours. Stay at the countryside hideaway Rosewood Cape Kidnappers which offers world-class golfing and spa facilities. 

Wellington (1 day): Allocate a full day to New Zealand’s capital, prioritizing the National Museum of Te Papa Tongarewa, the botanical garden, and harborside dining. Ferries from Wellington to Picton take 3.5 hours.

South Island Road Trip: Marlborough to Fiordland via Canterbury

Route: Picton — Marlborough — Kaikōura — Wanaka — Queenstown — Fiordland

Marlborough (1 day): Get acquainted with the Marlborough wine region through tastings of Sauvignon Blanc, vineyard cycling excursions, and scenic flights over the Sounds.

Kaikōura (1 day): Stop off at this picturesque town for a whale watching cruise and consider a detour to Hanmer Springs to bathe in mineral waters or fish for salmon and trout.

Lake Tekapo and Wanaka (3 days): Embark on a scenic drive south through Canterbury, stopping in the vibrant city of Christchurch before immersing yourself in the South Island’s lakes, mountains, glaciers, and lavender farms. Lake Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve offers some of the best stargazing in the country while the Hooker Valley trail gets you up close with the glacial scenery of Aoraki Mount Cook. Check into a luxury hotel in Wanaka to rest amid the mountains before the final leg; the ultra-remote Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is accessible exclusively by helicopter. 

Queenstown (1-2 days): Spend a few days in New Zealand’s adventure capital, with activities including hiking, chopper rides to nearby glaciers, jet boating, skiing, and touring the Gibbston Valley wineries. The nearby Arrowtown and Glenorchy offer small-town charm and mining heritage away from the adrenaline. 

Fiordland (2-3 days): Drive to Te Anau, the peaceful gateway to Fiordland National Park, from where you can explore Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound through kayaking, scenic cruises, and luxury overnight expeditions. Drop your rental car at Queenstown Airport and start the journey home. 

‍Contact Darby’s Destinations to design a custom itinerary for New Zealand, complete with upscale dining, luxury lodging, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Travelers short on time may also consider flying between the two islands to reduce time behind the wheel.