Summer is the perfect time to explore New Zealand by road. If you’re planning New Zealand summer road trips, you’ll enjoy long daylight hours, warmer weather and easy access to beaches, lakes, national parks and vibrant regional towns. A self-drive holiday lets you experience Aotearoa at your own pace.
From relaxed coastal escapes to alpine adventures, this guide covers the best New Zealand summer road trips across the entire country — plus where to stay and what to do along the way.
This guide was published on 8 January 2026 and highlights the best summer road trips across New Zealand, including coastal, alpine and regional travel routes.
What are the best summer road trips in New Zealand?
The best summer road trips in New Zealand include coastal routes in Northland and the Bay of Plenty, lake-based trips around Taupō and Otago, and scenic South Island drives through Canterbury, the West Coast and Southland.
Is summer the best time to road trip New Zealand?
Yes. Summer offers long daylight hours, warmer weather and easy access to beaches, lakes and outdoor attractions across all regions of New Zealand.
How long should a New Zealand road trip be?
A regional road trip can take 3–5 days, while a full New Zealand road trip covering both islands usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance for summer in NZ?
Yes. January and school holiday periods are peak travel times, so booking accommodation early is strongly recommended, especially in popular regions.
Can New Zealand be explored by car instead of a campervan?
Absolutely. Many travellers road trip New Zealand by car and stay in motels, lodges, holiday homes and boutique accommodation throughout the country.
🚗 North Island Summer Road Trips
🌆 Auckland & Surrounds
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city is an ideal starting point for summer road trips, offering beaches, islands and scenic coastal drives within easy reach.
Highlights
- Waiheke Island & Rangitoto
- West Coast beaches (Piha, Muriwai)
- North Shore & Hibiscus Coast
👉 Explore Auckland accommodation and activities
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/about-auckland-new-zealand/
🌴 Northland Coastal Journey
Northland
Northland shines in summer with warm waters, subtropical climate and historic coastal towns.
Don’t miss
- Bay of Islands
- Hokianga Harbour
- Cape Reinga
👉 Discover Northland accommodation and experiences
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/northland/
🌿 Waikato & Waitomo
Waikato
A central hub for road trippers, Waikato offers rolling farmland, rivers and world-class natural attractions.
Top stops
- Coromandel Peninsula
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Lake Taupo, NZ’s largest lake
👉 View Waikato accommodation and attractions
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/waikato/
🌊 Bay of Plenty Coastal Escape
Bay of Plenty
One of the country’s most popular summer destinations, the Bay of Plenty delivers golden beaches and relaxed coastal towns.
Don’t miss
- Mount Maunganui & Papamoa
- Whakatāne
- Ōpōtiki
👉 Explore Bay of Plenty accommodation and activities
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/bay-of-plenty/
🍷 Hawke’s Bay Wine & Coast Drive
Hawke’s Bay
Perfect for food and wine lovers, Hawke’s Bay combines vineyards, beaches and Art Deco charm.
Don’t miss
- Napier & Hastings
- Cape Kidnappers
- Coastal wineries
👉 Browse Hawke’s Bay accommodation and things to do
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/hawkes-bay/
🌋 Taranaki Coastal Ring
Taranaki
A scenic loop drive dominated by Mount Taranaki, this region is ideal for walkers, surfers and photographers.
Don’t miss
- New Plymouth
- Surf Highway 45
- Egmont National Park
👉 Find Taranaki accommodation and attractions
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/taranaki/
☀️ Gisborne & East Cape
Gisborne
Famous for being the first city in the world to see the sunrise, Gisborne is a laid-back summer escape.
Great for
- Beaches & surf breaks
- Wine trails
- Coastal drives
👉 Discover Gisborne accommodation and activities
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/gisborne/
🏞️ Manawatū, Whanganui & Ruapehu
Manawatū-Whanganui
This inland-to-coast route offers river adventures, heritage towns and volcanic landscapes.
Don’t miss
- Whanganui River
- Tongariro National Park
- Ohakune & National Park Village
👉 Explore Manawatū, Whanganui & Ruapehu stays and experiences
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/manawatu-whanganui/
🏙️ Wellington Region & Wairarapa
Wellington Region
Compact yet diverse, this region blends city culture with vineyards and rugged coastline.
Don’t miss
- Wellington city
- Martinborough
- Castlepoint Beach
👉 Browse Wellington region accommodation and activities
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/wellington/
🗻 South Island Summer Road Trips
🍇 Marlborough Sounds & Wine Country
Marlborough
A summer favourite for cruising, kayaking and wine tasting.
Don’t miss
- Marlborough Sounds – Sheltered bays, turquoise water and scenic boat cruises — perfect for kayaking and wildlife spotting.
- Blenheim & Wine Region – New Zealand’s largest wine-growing area, ideal for summer cycling, cellar doors and food experiences.
- Queen Charlotte Track – A world-class coastal track with panoramic views, accessible for day walks or multi-day trips.
👉 Find Marlborough accommodation and experiences
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/marlborough/
🌿 Tasman & Abel Tasman Coast
Tasman
Golden beaches, coastal tracks and outdoor adventure define this region.
Don’t miss
- Abel Tasman National Park – Famous for golden beaches, clear water, coastal walks and kayaking.
- Split Apple Rock (Tokangawhā) – One of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landmarks, best seen by boat or kayak.
- Kaiteriteri – A lively summer hub with beach access, water taxis and family-friendly swimming.
👉 View Tasman accommodation and Abel Tasman tours
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/tasman/
🏔️ Canterbury Plains & Alps
Canterbury
From Christchurch to alpine lakes, Canterbury offers classic South Island scenery.
Don’t miss
- Kaikōura – Renowned for whale watching, dolphin encounters and dramatic coastal scenery where mountains meet the sea.
- Aoraki / Mount Cook – Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, offering alpine walks, glacier views and world-class stargazing in Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
- Christchurch – A vibrant gateway city offering beautiful gardens, riverside dining and easy access to both alpine and coastal drives.
👉 Explore Canterbury accommodation and attractions
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/canterbury/
🌄 Otago & Queenstown Lakes
Otago
A summer playground of lakes, mountains and adventure towns.
Don’t miss
- Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital with lakes, mountains and endless summer activities.
- Lake Wanaka – A relaxed alternative to Queenstown, ideal for swimming, walking tracks and lakeside dining.
- Central Otago – Famous for vineyards, historic towns and the Otago Central Rail Trail.
👉 Discover Otago accommodation and activities
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/otago/
🏞️ West Coast Wilderness Drive
West Coast
Wild beaches, rainforests and glaciers make this one of NZ’s most dramatic drives.
Don’t miss
- Franz Josef Glacier – One of the few glaciers in the world accessible so close to sea level, offering dramatic alpine scenery.
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – Spectacular limestone formations and coastal blowholes, best viewed at high tide.
- Hokitika – A creative coastal town known for greenstone, driftwood art and unforgettable sunsets.
👉 Browse West Coast accommodation and experiences
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/west-coast/
🌿 Southland & Fiordland Gateway
Southland
A quieter summer destination offering space, wildlife and access to Fiordland.
Don’t miss
Fiordland National Park – Home to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, this vast wilderness delivers towering fiords, waterfalls and unforgettable boat cruises.
Stewart Island / Rakiura – A remote island sanctuary known for wildlife, coastal walking tracks and some of New Zealand’s darkest night skies.
Te Anau – The gateway to Fiordland National Park, offering lakefront walks, glowworm caves and easy access to Milford and Doubtful Sound.
👉 Explore Southland accommodation and attractions
https://www.nzonline.org.nz/places/category/southland/
🏨 Plan Your New Zealand Summer Road Trip
NZ Online features:
- Motels, lodges & holiday homes
- Coastal, rural and alpine stays
- Family-friendly and boutique accommodation
- Tours, attractions and transport
Content curated by NZ Online Travel, a New Zealand-owned travel directory promoting direct bookings with local accommodation and tourism operators.
👉 Start planning at https://www.nzonline.org.nz/
