New Zealand’s Ultimate Summer Road Trips for First-Time Visitors

New Zealand is one of the world’s best destinations for a summer road trip. It’s compact size, breathtaking scenery and well maintained roads make it perfect to explore. Whether you’re a first time visitor or returning for more hidden gems, a self-drive adventure gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. Stop at iconic sights and explore off the beaten path locations, your rental car with Europcar makes it possible. Pick up your vehicle from the airport or the city, and get ready to hit the road as soon as you arrive and make the most of your summer in New Zealand.

For first-time visitors, the key is balancing hitting the popular sights with manageable driving distances and choosing a vehicle that best suits your itinerary and group size. Here are some of New Zealand’s ultimate summer road trips, designed to showcase the country’s natural beauty with a relaxed and unforgettable journey.

Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula: Beaches, Forests, and Hidden Coves

The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s coastal beauty. Start your North Island adventure in Auckland, picking up your rental car from one of our convenient locations. It’s an easy drive east to the peninsula, where golden beaches, native forests and quiet bays await. Highlights include the spectacular Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa in the sand.

A hire car is perfect for this region. The roads are well maintained as you wind through hills cloaked in native rainforest. Summer is perfect for your visit, with long daylight hours and warm temperatures, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking and hiking. If it’s a clear night, look up at the sky and gaze at the stars, thanks to the small villages shedding very little light on the night sky.

Image credit:

1. Matt Crawford
2. Miles Holden

Wellington to Wairarapa: Wineries, Coastlines, and Charming Towns

For a mix of coastlines and country charm, a summer drive from Wellington to the Wairarapa region is hard to beat. Less than two hours from Wellington, the drive is perfect for first-time visitors who want to explore vineyards, boutique towns and rugged beaches without committing to a long haul journey.

Explore some of the country’s best wineries in Martinborough, if you don’t want to choose a designated driver, stay the night in town and walk or cycle between local vineyards. Spend a day at Castlepoint Beach, visit the Castlepoint Lighthouse and look for fur seals and dolphins in the waters off the beach. Stop in at Masterton and Carterton for family fun and arts and crafts.

A comfortable SUV is perfect for this drive, giving you extra space for picnic gear, luggage and local goodies from your travels.

Image credit:

1. Camilla Rutherford
2. Miles Holden

Queenstown to Wanaka: Lakes, Mountains, and Adventure

For South Island explorers, the Queenstown to Wanaka drive is a must-do summer route. You’ll encounter turquoise lakes, towering mountains and rolling farmland – classic New Zealand scenery. It’s an adventure seekers paradise, with everything from hiking, paddleboarding and mountain biking. For those who like a thrill, activities such as jet boating, bungy jumping, sky diving and canyon swinging are on offer. If adventure isn’t for you, simply enjoy the stunning lakeside views, pamper yourself with a spa treatment and indulge in the local dining scene.

Your rental car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden lookouts, visit local wineries and stop in at small towns, such as Arrowtown along the way.

Image credit:

1. Tourism New Zealand
2. – 4. Miles Holden

Christchurch to Kaikōura: Coastal Wildlife and Scenic Views

The South Island’s east coast offers a perfect first-time visitor route. The easy two our drive from Christchurch to Kaikōura drive provides dramatic coastal scenery and abundant wildlife.

An animal lovers’ paradise, Kaikōura’s coastal waters are the permanent home for whales, fur seals and dolphins. Jump on a whale watching tour, admire or swim with the dolphins and visit the local seal colony. Foodies will love the local fresh seafood, with crayfish being a specialty. At night, join a stargazing tour and see why the area is one of the best places in the world to go stargazing.

Image credit: Miles Holden

Rotorua to Taupō: Geothermal Wonders and Lakeside Relaxation

Back in the North Island, visitors who want a mix of geothermal activity, lakes and forests will love the Rotorua to Taupō drive in summer. Start in Rotorua with it’s famous geothermal sights, bubbling mud pools, geysers and relaxing hot pools. Immerse yourself in Māori cultural experiences and get your heart racing with some of the many adrenaline pumping activities on offer.

An hour dive south from Rotorua, you’ll find the Taupō region and some of the North Island’s most impressive landscapes. Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, is perfect for kayaking, water skiing and sailing. Join a tour to see the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, only accessible from the water. Visit the thundering Huka Falls, or try your luck at trout fishing. Summer’s warm weather make water activities, short hikes and cultural experiences especially enjoyable.

Image credit:

1. Graeme Murray
2. Redwoods Treewalk
3. Miles Holden

Tips for First-Time Visitors on a New Zealand Summer Road Trip

1. Plan your distances: while New Zealand is small, the roads can be winding. Plan your daily drives to avoid fatigue.
2. Choose the right vehicle: a compact car is perfect for city driving, while an SUV gives you the space you need for luggage and shopping along the way.
3. Book early: summer can be very busy, especially around Queenstown, Rotorua and the Coromandel. Book your accommodation and hire car early to avoid disappointment.
4. Pack for changeable weather: Even in summer, conditions can shift quickly in mountainous areas. Layers and weatherproof items are essential.
5. Take your time: part of the magic of New Zealand is stopping wherever you want. Renting a car gives you this freedom, from hidden beaches to scenic lookouts.

Why Renting a Car Makes Summer Travel Easier

For first-time visitors, a rental car allows you to experience the real New Zealand beyond bus tours and fixed itineraries. Europcar’s fleet offers a wide range of vehicles to suit couples, families, and groups, making it easy to select the perfect car for your trip. With convenient airport pick-up, flexible drop-off locations, and vehicles equipped for comfort, you can focus on exploring rather than logistics.