New Zealand has it all for those looking for a change in scenery—from mountains to beaches, rainforests, and vineyards! It doesn’t matter if you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, and nature-lover. In New Zealand, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Road trips are the most pleasing way to experience the country in its entirety. Yet, the fun won’t start until you’ve planned out the perfect road trip itinerary.
The question remains: How do you put together such an itinerary? Well, you’re in luck since this guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect New Zealand road trip.
- Decide When To Visit
All year long, New Zealand has a lot to offer! To a large extent, this step is entirely up to you. But if you want to get the most out of your vacation in New Zealand, it’s best to plan your trip during off-peak times.
The four distinct seasons in New Zealand may take you by surprise if you’re used to your climate.
- Spring (September to November)
Spring is the best time for driving since the snow on the mountains begins to melt, making it easier to get about. Although the weather is unpredictable, the roads are peaceful, and Wilderness Motorhome rentals in Auckland are easy to secure because most tourists haven’t yet arrived. During this season, you’ll see baby lambs running around in the fields and orcas swimming along the coast.
- Summer (December to February)
New Zealand’s hottest months are from December to February, when temperatures exceed 25ºC (77ºF). The nation is blanketed in lovely wild gorse and lupins of every hue, making this an excellent time to visit. As peak season approaches, there will be more people. You don’t want to make the mistake of walking into full hostels, so book lodging as early as possible to avoid crowds.
- Autumn (March to May)
When fall comes, the days are more relaxed, and the roads are less busy. There is a greater variety of wildlife to be seen, and the changing colours of the leaves offer an extra feature to the experience. If you’re a fan of the cooler weather, now is to take advantage of lower pricing and fewer people in the area.
- Winter (June to August)
Spectacular and challenging are two words that describe New Zealand’s winters. While it rains a lot on the North Island, snow and ice can close mountain passes on the South Island, making tours impossible. This is a terrific time for skiers to get out and experience the country in a more peaceful setting.
- Plan To Your Time Constraints
In New Zealand, there are many various things and places to see. Because of this, it’s a place you’ll want to see more of! Despite the country’s small size, getting around can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain and winding roads. Preferably, you want to see fewer locations and spend less time driving.
Generally, it’s preferable to organize your New Zealand road trip in line with your time constraints. Here’s what most visitors to New Zealand plan to do with their time there:
- Two Weeks Or Less – Three or four locations on either the North or South Island.
- Three To Four Weeks – Either the North Island or South Island with fewer stops.
- A Little Over A Month – This should be ample time to self-drive the North Island and South Island.
- Two Months Or More – Travel both islands by car, campervan, or rental.
- Check Out The Top Attractions
New Zealanders know how to have fun, and it shows! New Zealand has something to offer everyone, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or cuisine. The following are the main things to see and do:
- Outdoors And Adventure
Outdoor and adventure attractions include hiking and bicycling to fishing and kayaking. Bungee jumps, white water rafting, skydives, and more are also available!
- Wildlife
You will get the opportunity to observe marine wildlife such as seals, whales, dolphins, and birds native to New Zealand alone, such as the well-known kiwi bird.
- Scenery
Hikes, scenic flights, and boat cruises are great ways to observe the landscape, but you can also see mountains, beaches, and woods just by driving about.
- Winery And Craft Beer
The fertile lands of New Zealand produce some of the world’s most delectable foods and beverages, including craft beer and wine.
- Decide How You’ll Get Around New Zealand
Choosing a vehicle for your road trip is the next step. Renting a car or campervan is the best way to travel around New Zealand on your terms and with freedom. You must set aside some time to find a reputable car rental company that offers reasonable pricing and dependable vehicles.
- Car
Even though rental companies vary a lot in how good their service is and how good their cars are, you still need to research to find the best ones. You should also consider the type of vehicle you wish to rent. Taking a road trip with a group of friends or a family will not be comfortable in a little 2WD car.
- Campervan
To tour New Zealand without having to pack and unpack every time you stay in a hotel, you may rent a campervan. Another popular method to see New Zealand is renting a campervan or motorhome, and there are many rental services. Still, the type of campervan you rent makes a big difference in how comfortable your trip is, along with how easy it is to get around.
Conclusion
New Zealand has it all for those who crave a change of scenery, from mountains to beaches, rainforests to wineries, and everything in between. There is no shortage of things to see and do in New Zealand, whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or a nature lover.
The best way to know the country is to take a road trip. However, the excitement won’t begin until you’ve mapped out a detailed itinerary to take on your road trip.
When you follow these four simple steps, you’re sure to create the perfect New Zealand road trip.
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