Planning Your Self-Drive Adventure

Two islands, dozens of terrific drives, hundreds of activities, thousands of walks and heaps and heaps of choices in putting it all together. Don't stress. We've put together these suggested itineraries to help you plan your trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Each one is slightly unique in its own way. Some focus on the North Island, other on the South Island while a couple take in the best of both. Whether you have seven days, seven weeks or seven months, we're convinced you'll leave New Zealand satisfied (whilst still itching for another chance to come back). Consider each or all of these while you're planning your trip to New Zealand. If you don't follow them on a day-by-day basis, the suggested routes and combination of activities will make for a pretty epic trip to Aotearoa.

New Zealand in One Week

If you’re short on time, you can JUST manage to visit the North Island and South Island of New Zealand in one week. You’ll get to encounter a huge range...


North Island: One Week Itinerary

Two of New Zealand’s most populated and cultured cities, traditional Maori culture, active volcanoes and world-renowned Hawke’s Bay wine are all enjoyed on this action packed North Island New Zealand...


8 Day South Island Itinerary

If you have 8 days to explore the South Island and are arriving in Queenstown, then this is the itinerary for you. It explores a huge chunk of the South...


North Island One Week Family Itinerary

The North Island of New Zealand is an ideal spot to spend a week traveling with young kids, and this week long itinerary tells you how to get to the...


8 Day Christchurch to Queenstown South Island Itinerary

Travel one-way from the Canterbury flatlands through the Southern Alps and to the mountainous region of Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.


5 Days in Queenstown

Your must-dos and top spots in the adventure capital of New Zealand.


Free New Zealand Travel Planning Service

You're spoilt for choices in planning your New Zealand Itinerary. If you're a bit lost, drop us a line and we'll help you plan your own self-drive trip as part of our Free Travel Planning Service. You'll get the very best price on car hire and advice from New Zealand locals. FIND OUT MORE


3 Days in Northland

Northland New Zealand is only a short couple hours drive away from New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. It’s an area of golden beaches, fresh seafood, ancient trees and deserted coastlines....


South Island One Week Itinerary

The South Island of New Zealand can’t be seen in its entirety in seven days, yet if you’re up for a bit of driving you can accomplish a lot in...


Wild South: One Week South Island Itinerary from Christchurch

Have a week to explore the South Island? This seven day self-drive itinerary explores its wild side - from primal forests to wild mountains and rugged coastlines.


Natural North One Week North Island Itinerary

This seven day trip allows you to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the North Island, from primal forests to wild coastlines, and see birds and wildlife found nowhere...


8 Day South Island Itinerary from Queenstown

This trip includes the rugged West Coast, some time in sunny Nelson Tasman, the opportunity for Whale Watching in Kaikoura and the stunning glacial lakes of the Mt Cook...


Highlights of a Canterbury Road Trip

Canterbury boasts some of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions. Located in the middle of the eastern side of the South Island, it’s the country’s largest region and has some...


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