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Planning a road trip from Auckland to Christchurch? There’s a lot of planning that goes into a big road trip like this, but luckily you’ve come to the expert.
After living on the North and South Islands and road-tripping through both in my trusty campervan, I know this route well. This guide will lay out the best stops from Auckland to Christchurch, including where you should stay and the top activities in the major cities along the way.
You can also find some hidden gems and quaint towns that highlight New Zealand’s charm! I know you’ll have an epic road trip if you follow this guide, so let’s get into it.
Need wheels? For rental cars, I always book with Discover Cars since the website is so easy to use with great prices. For motorhomes and campervans, I really like JUCY/Star RV because of their huge selection and multiple depot locations that make pick-up and drop-off a breeze. Plus, if you use my exclusive discount code DTRAVEL25, you’ll save 5%! You can browse JUCY and Star RV’s availability here and apply the discount code at check-out.
About the drive from Auckland to Christchurch
The drive from Auckland to Christchurch hits some of the major highlights of New Zealand! You’ll cover the North and the South Islands, and travel by car, ferry, and foot if you add in some hikes I recommend.
The route is approximately 1,072 kilometers (666 miles) and is best if you can break up the drive with some fun stops. I’ve listed the best major cities to stop in along the way and recommended places to stay. However, there are a lot of hidden gems and small towns between destinations that will show you that iconic New Zealand charm that I fell in love with. So take it slow, enjoy the journey, and dig into the North and South Islands.
The journey is pretty straightforward from Auckland to Wellington, where you’ll catch the ferry to the South Island. Be sure to read my guide on taking the ferry from the North to the South Island here for all the information! The ferry arrives in Picton, then you’ll head to Christchurch to finish off the adventure.
Best Stops from Auckland to Christchurch
1. Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and where most travelers fly into, so it’s the perfect place to start this road trip! I recommend booking your rental car (I use Discover Cars) or renting a campervan on your last day in Auckland. You don’t need a car to get around the city. Check out my favorite campervan rental companies here.
If you’re like me, you’ll want to gloss over big cities and get to the great outdoors. But I think Auckland is worth exploring for a few days, and if you flew in from overseas, it’s a good spot to catch up on your jetlag. There are a lot of unique things to do in Auckland, so spending 2 to 3 days exploring will show you the highlights!
The city is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf and is affectionately called the “City of Sails”. This is also one of the best places to go whale watching, so joining this top-rated whale-watching tour is an essential start to your trip! I had so much fun spotting a variety of whales, including the Byrde whales which are native to New Zealand. You can actually see whales year-round here, and the company is so confident you’ll spot some that if you don’t, you can come back and take the cruise again for free!
This tour is highly rated with over 1,000 5-star reviews. It lasts for 4-5 hours and is $199 NZD per person.
This is a popular tour, so be sure to book your spot in advance here!
Another one of my favorite Auckland activities is taking a day trip to Waiheke Island. This island is famous for its vineyards, so if you like wine tasting, you’ll love Waiheke. You can catch the Sea Link Ferry if you have a car or the Fuller’s Fast Ferry if you’re traveling by foot. Once you get to Waiheke, I recommend taking this top-rated wine tour to enjoy heaps of wineries.
I love organized wine tours because they cover transportation and my wine-tasting fees, so I can just sit back and relax. This particular tour is $235 NZD and includes transportation around the island, tasting fees at top wineries, and the guide who is a wealth of information!
Book this wine tour with more than 1,000 5-star reviews here.
If you want to get some steps in while in Auckland, head to the top of Mt Eden. This is a dormant volcano with some amazing city views. For even better views though, take a trip up the Auckland SkyTower! This is the tallest building in New Zealand, it’s a must-do while in Auckland.
Where to next? Your next destination is Rotorua. Before you take off, check out the best stops from Auckland to Rotorua to explore some hidden gems, like Hamilton and Hobbiton!
Where to Stay in Auckland
If you only have a few days in Auckland, staying in the Central Business District (CBD) will put you in the heart of the action. It is the most fun area and puts you in good proximity to the top city sights. This is about a 25-minute drive from the Airport, so you can catch the SkyDrive shuttle that runs from the airport to the CBD. Here are my top recommendations on where to stay!
The Grand by SkyCity (Luxury $$$) – As the most lavish stay in Auckland, this 5-star hotel gives you the best city views, access to high-class amenities, and a fantastic location.
CityLife Auckland (Mid-range $$) – This upmarket hotel won’t break the bank with suite-style rooms, a pool, and it’s located next to some of the best restaurants and sights in the city, too!
The Attic Backpackers (Budget $) – A laid-back hostel with dorms and private rooms. This is a budget-friendly option and a popular choice amongst backpackers in Auckland.
2. Rotorua
Now, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t biased toward Rotorua, this city is fantastic! I personally like to leave Auckland after a day or two just so I have enough time in Rotorua. There is a lot to do around the city and I think 3-5 days is adequate for your first visit. You can check out my 3-day Rotorua itinerary for a streamlined way to see the can’t-miss sights.
Rotorua is the perfect balance of relaxation and outdoor adventure. It’s also one of the best places in New Zealand to experience Maori culture, which I think is an essential part of your trip! I’ll list my favorite activities below, but if you want more information, check out my top things to do in Rotorua blog here!
Geothermal activity is one of the most unique parts of Rotorua. This means that there are a plethora of spas that you can relax in, such as the Secret Spot Hot Tubs – my personal favorite! Enjoy a soak in private cedar hot tubs, tucked away in the forest next to the Waipa Stream. It’s only $39 NZD for a 45-minute soak, not bad if you ask me!
Secure your private hot tub in advance here, before it sells out!
Hell’s Gate is one of the many unique geothermal parks in Rotorua and you can soak in the ancient mud bath here! Maori warriors used to use this mud pool to heal their wounds. Today you can take a tour and enjoy the nourishing benefits, without having to be a warrior yourself. This is a 2-3 hour geothermal experience for $105 NZD.
Book your Hell’s Gate experience in advance here and get FREE cancellation options!
Dive into the unique Maori culture in Rotorua at this Te Pā Tū Village Experience. More than 40% of Rotorua’s population is native Maori, so this is the perfect place to learn about this important aspect of New Zealand. When I went on a village tour, I saw a traditional welcome ceremony (called a Powhiri), a Haka performance from the warriors, and had a delicious Hāngī feast. It was such a fun evening and well worth the $260 NZD.
Book this tour with over 1,000 glowing reviews here.
With all these activities, you’ll need to fuel up! Rotorua has a pretty famous food scene and the most iconic spot is Eat Streat (which is technically named Tutanekai Street). Eat Streat has so many different restaurants and bars, whether you want Thai, Italian, pub fare, or classic New Zealand bits. It’s also covered and has outdoor heaters so you can dine al fresco year-round!
Rotorua is perfect for adventurous travelers, and ziplining is one of the best activities! This 3.5-hour zipline tour is top-rated with over 2,000 5-star reviews. You’ll zip along 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) of the course, go on a cliff walk, swinging bridges, and even a tandem zipline so you can do it with a friend. You can also learn about Maori culture on this tour, it truly has everything!
Book this top-rated zipline tour in advance here, before spots fill up.
Where to next? After a few days in Rotorua, head to Taupo! Check out the best stops from Rotorua to Taupo to see a unique side of the North Island.
Where to Stay in Rotorua
Luckily Rotorua isn’t a huge city, so no matter where you stay you’ll be close to the top activities. Here are my top recommendations for luxury, mid-range, or budget stays.
Rydges Rotorua (Luxury $$$) – This upscale hotel offers superior or deluxe rooms, with views of the Redwood forest, an on-site restaurant, and a heated outdoor pool.
Thermal Oak Motel (Mid-range $$) – Have a comfortable stay at a mid-budget price, offering suite-style rooms or three-bedroom flats. There are two mineral pools, and if you feel like going out, it’s only a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua (Budget $) – Located within walking distance to many of the top city sights, this budget-friendly hostel offers dorm or private rooms, a communal kitchen, and even a rock climbing wall!
Related Read: Renting a campervan for this trip? Here are my top 5 campervan rental companies in New Zealand (including some discounts inside!).
3. Taupo
It’s only a 1-hour drive from Rotorua to Taupo, but of course, you should make a lot of stops along the way, as I mentioned earlier! Taupo is another popular town to explore on the North Island, famous for its massive lake, waterfalls, and unique Maori culture. It’s a quaint and charming small town, with an emphasis on outdoor exploration – no wonder why I love Taupo!
Lake Taupo is the obvious top thing to do in Taupo, whether you want to take a scenic boat ride or test your skills with water sports. However, the real draw for visiting Lake Taupo is to see the incredible Maori Rock Carvings! Dating back to the 1970s, a Maori master carver created this intricate set of carvings on a rock face that can only be reached by boat. Luckily, heaps of tours in Taupo will take you there, and this was easily one of my favorite experiences.
This 2.5-hour sailing trip is the best way to get up close to the carvings. You’ll learn a ton about Maori culture and history and even more about the Taupo area itself. It’s actually quite affordable at $55 NZD and includes a complimentary glass of wine (okay, maybe this is really why I loved this tour!). It was also really fun cruising around Lake Taupo, taking in the scenery, and learning all about the Maori people!
Book this tour with over 600 positive reviews here, before it sells out!
Another one of my favorite outdoor sights here is Huka Falls. This is easily one of the most impressive waterfalls in New Zealand, and it’s conveniently located 5 minutes from the city center. This 11-meter (36-foot) waterfall is so unique because of its stunning blue color and it looks foamy because of the force of the falls. Fun fact, “Huka” means “foam” in Maori. This aren’t any hiking trails, just a few viewpoints, so you don’t need a long time here – but it’s so pretty you simply can’t miss it!
Where to next? After Taupo, you’ll make your final leg on the North Island to reach Wellington. There are a few route options, depending on your time constraints, so check out my guide on the drive from Taupo to Wellington here for all the information.
Where to Stay in Taupo
Taupo is a hub for travelers so there are a lot of options. Most of the hotels are close to the lake, so you’re never too far from the action!
Hilton Lake Taupo (Luxury $$$) – A high-end stay with junior suites or apartment-style rooms. I love the balconies with a view and the outdoor thermal pool!
Baycrest Thermal Lodge (Mid-range $$) – This stay also offers apartment-style rooms, and you can even get a private thermal pool or a spa bath in your room for some true relaxation.
Taupo Debretts Spa Resort (Budget $) – A resort stay without breaking the bank! They offer standard rooms in the lodge or private cabins to rent. It also has natural hot springs on site, a waterslide, and a spa so it’s good for the whole family.
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
4. Wellington
Your last stop on the North Island is the capital of the country – Wellington! This city is severely underrated, in my opinion, and well deserves a few days to explore. Most of the time, I’d rather skip major cities, but Wellington has such a unique charm and so many things to do. It’s also a gorgeous city, sitting right on the water and full of lush greenery contrasting the urban landscape.
The best way to experience all this outdoor beauty is by visiting Zealandia. This is an eco-sanctuary located in the middle of the city, one of the first of its kind in the world! It hosts lots of native plant life and animals, and it works to preserve New Zealand’s natural habitat.
I went on this small group tour of Zealandia to get the full picture of the eco-sanctuary. It was really helpful exploring the park with an expert guide, who taught us about the conservation efforts, plant life, and wildlife. They could even spot rare species that like to hide!
This tour is 2 hours long, which was the perfect amount of time to explore the park, and they have multiple departure times throughout the day. It is $60 NZD and well worth the cost, especially if you love plants and animals! If you’d rather explore the park on your own, admission is $26 NZD.
Check availability and book your Zealandia tour here, with FREE cancellation options.
Did you know Wellington is also the hub for craft beer in New Zealand with over 20 breweries? I love finding local breweries when I’m in new places – it’s such a fun way to see the city! Garage Project is a unique brewery, full of quirky brews and art. Locals love this place, and there are a few locations around the city so you can easily check one out.
Cuba Street is the place to go if you’re looking for some amazing restaurants, quirky local shops, and a lively atmosphere. I also love visiting the world-renowned Te Papa Museum, which was designed with the Weta Workshop and has impressive sculptures and exhibits.
Speaking of fascinating designs, this tour of the Weta Workshop is a must for Lord of the Rings fans. This is the special effects company that worked on LOTR and the Hobbit films, as well as other notable movies. You can see how the props and special effects are made, which gives an interesting perspective on the movie industry. Honestly, you don’t have to be a LOTR fan to enjoy this experience, it’s really fascinating!
This tour meets at Weta Workshop and lasts for 90 minutes. It’s only $55 NZD and easy to squeeze into your itinerary!
Book your tour of the famous Weta Workshop here!
Where to next? You’ve come to the end of your North Island exploration, now it’s time to go to the South Island! Check out my guide on taking the ferry from the North to the South Island here, which goes from Wellington to Picton.
Where to Stay in Wellington
There are a lot of areas to stay in Wellington, so it can be hard to know exactly where to go. Below are my top three choices, for location, comfort, and price!
Doubletree By Hilton Wellington (Luxury $$$) – Located near the water in Wellington CBD, this luxury stay offers standard rooms and suites that make for a comfortable stay!
Ramada by Wyndham (Mid-range $$) – Offering apartment-style rooms at a reasonable rate, this is a great mid-budget option located in Wellington’s downtown area.
The Marion Hostel (Budget $) – Just minutes from Cuba Street, this budget-friendly hostel offers private and dorm rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a lively environment!
5. Picton
Piction is the gateway to the South Island and where you’ll pick up your road trip from Auckland to Christchurch. It’s a small town that’s become rather tourist-centric thanks to the inter-island ferry. So before you take off, spend a few days exploring Picton and the surrounding areas, and check out my list of the top things to do in Picton here!
I know you just got off a boat, but exploring the Marlborough Sounds by boat is one of the best ways to explore the area. This half-day cruise in Marlborough Sounds gives incredible scenic views and there is a ton of wildlife here! I saw seals, dolphins, and a lot of rare birds. There is commentary on the boat, so you learn about the unique history of the sounds, and it’s pretty entertaining.
This tour is a fantastic way to dive into Picton’s culture and you can fit it into your busy road trip itinerary. It is $101 NZD and takes off at 9 am!
Check availability and book this scenic cruise before you go here.
There are a ton of hiking tracks in this area, whether you are looking for a short scenic walk or a multi-day trek. I recommend the Tirohanga Track – a 1.2-kilometer (0.75 miles) trail that weaves through native forest and summits at a viewpoint for incredible views of Picton and Waikawa. It’s an easy trail and takes about 45 minutes to complete in total.
If you’re traveling with kids (or you’re a big kid at heart!), pack a picnic and head to Picton Beach. There’s a pirate-themed playground, mini-golf, and a big shady park. From here you can take a short walk to the Picton Marina to gaze at all the luxury yachts and catamarans. I may not be able to afford one myself, but I love seeing these classy boats!
If you like history, specifically maritime history, you’ll love visiting the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum. The museum is on the oldest merchant sailing ship in the world, and you can climb onboard to see what a 19th-century convict ship is like. This made me very thankful for our modern travel luxuries!
Where to next? Head south towards Kaikoura next! Check out the best stops between Picton and Kaikoura here to see some unique towns, and viewpoints, and get a taste of the South Island!
Where to Stay in Picton
Picton is a pretty small town, and to be honest the town itself isn’t very cute. But, there are a lot of good hotel options that have scenic views and make for a great place to stay for a few nights.
Picton Waterfront Luxury Apartments (Luxury – $$$) –These self-contained apartments offer modern, luxurious amenities and balconies facing the water for some of the best views.
Harbour View Motel (Mid-range $$) – Located on the waterfront, this mid-budget hotel offers incredible views from the studio and apartment-style rooms.
Atlantis Backpackers (Budget $) – This hostel stay is located near the water and the train station, and it offers dorm or private rooms. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly accommodation!
6. Kaikoura
One of the reasons I love the South Island so much is its striking natural beauty! You’ll experience this when you stop in Kaikoura, arguably one of the prettiest places in New Zealand. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Kaikoura Mountains on the other, it’s clear why this is such a tourist destination. People flock to Kaikoura because of its incredible wildlife and you can see fur seals, dolphins, blue penguins, and whales pretty regularly.
Whale-watching tours are one of the best things to do in Kaikoura. This 3.5-hour whale-watching tour has over 2,000 positive reviews – it’s pretty obvious that this is a worthwhile experience! It’s on a catamaran boat, which is usually more stable and helps with seasickness, and you can see multiple species of whales, dolphins, and lots of other wildlife. It is the best place to go whale watching in New Zealand, hands down!
Another exciting experience is this helicopter whale-watching tour! You can see the whales from the sky, which shows just how large they are. I think this is a bucket-list experience, and such a unique way to go whale watching! It’s also surprisingly cheap for a helicopter tour, just $165 NZD!
You can book the top-rated boat whale-watching tour here or reserve this helicopter whale-watching tour here before both sell out!
The best things to do in Kaikoura involve water, so I have a few more activities to keep you floating. One of my favorite memories in Kaikoura was going on this sunset kayak tour, which let us paddle alongside dusky dolphins and blue penguins! Doing this tour at sunset is the best time, as the wildlife are most active at this time.
We spent three hours paddling around the sea, led by our expert guides who told us all about the animals and the history of Kaikoura and its Maori culture. They also provide gear if it’s cold out and transportation from downtown. This tour is $150 NZD per person and it’s a must-do!
Book this tour in advance and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
If you’re looking for some land activities, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway to Point Kean is a really scenic walk. It takes about 50 minutes each way, starting at the South Bay parking lot and ending at Kean Bay. The entire Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway extends for multiple kilometers, but this is a nice section and you’re really likely to see fur seals!
Kaikoura is world-famous for surfing, despite the cold water temperatures of 13 degrees Celsius (55 Fahrenheit) on average! If you’re coming to surf, be sure to pack your wetsuit. Some of the best surf spots are local secrets, but if you ask at one of the cafes they will gladly let you in on the secret too. Check out Beach House Cafe, but I’ve also heard that Mangamaunu is a great surf spot for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Where to next? After your water-filled time in Kaikoura, drive 2.5 hours south to Christchurch. There are a few cool stops from Kaikoura to Christchurch (including wine country!) that are totally worth checking out.
Where to Stay in Kaikoura
While Kaikoura is small, it’s rather touristy so there are a surprising amount of accommodation options. Just be sure to reserve your spot in advance because they are likely to book up.
Shearwater Apartments (Luxury $$$) – High-end condos, right on the water, and very close to downtown Kaikoura. It’s very luxurious and great for couples on a romantic getaway!
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments (Mid-range $$) – This is another oceanfront apartment stay, but a little more budget-friendly. You can book 1 or 2-bedroom apartments, sleeping up to 4 people.
Dusky Lodge (Budget $) – A cozy lodge that is budget-friendly, providing dorm rooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, or private rooms with en suite. They also have a heated pool on-site!
7. Christchurch
And just like that, you’ve reached your final destination – Christchurch! This is the largest city on the South Island and has an international airport, which makes an Auckland to Christchurch road trip perfect for exploring without backtracking. Before you head out, be sure to spend a few days exploring Christchurch’s goregous architecture, hikes, and unique activities.
One of these unique activities is exploring the National Antarctic Center, which as you can guess from the name, is all about life in Antarctica! You can spend a few hours here learning about the Antarctic landscapes, animals, and unique weather patterns.
I thought the Storm Dome was super cool – literally! You can experience just how cold it is in Antarctica. The Penguin Rescue Center is also a big hit, as is riding the Hagglund (a massive Antarctic vehicle for land and water!). You can purchase admission tickets for $59 NZD per person.
Book your tickets in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
The Christchurch Gondola is one of the most iconic activities. It takes you up to Mt. Cavendish’s summit for beautiful panoramic views. I love this gondola because it shows how beautiful Christchurch really is! Compared to other areas of the South Island, Christchurch is often swept under the rug in terms of views, but this gondola shows just how scenic it is.
Once you’re at the top you can take a hike, then grab some coffee and take in the scenery. You can book gondola tickets for $42 NZD and it runs from 10 am to 5 pm.
Purchase your gondola tickets before you go here to secure your spot.
Christchurch has lovely Botanic Gardens, and I always love walking through here with a cup of coffee in the mornings! You should also check out Quake City to learn more about the devastating earthquake in 2011. I think it’s a necessary stop if you want to learn about Christchurch as a whole. You can also see the impact of the earthquake at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, which is still undergoing reconstruction more than 10 years later!
I love hiking the Godley Head Loop Track and try to do it every time I’m in town! It is located about 30 minutes outside of Christchurch and is a 9-kilometer (5.6-mile) loop. You’ll follow the coast and can see whales, dolphins, and seals!
There are a lot of yummy places to eat in Christchurch, but my favorite is 5th Street. The food is amazing, but the service and hospitality are even better! C1 Espresso is my go-to coffee shop, not only for its strong coffee but also because the food is delivered in a pneumatic tube. You can see people’s meals zooming around the restaurant and being delivered right to your table – how cool!
Where to Stay in Christchurch
I suggest staying right in the city center while in Christchurch to make the most of your time! Here are my top recommendations based on budget.
Crown Plaza Christchurch (Luxury $$$) – A high-end stay in the city center with comfortable and spacious rooms. I love the onsite bar with a fireplace – so cozy!
Ramada Suites by Wyndham (Mid-range $$) – These apartment-style hotels are moderately priced, and have in-room washers/dryers. By this point in your road trip, you’ll probably be ready to do laundry!
Urbanz (Budget $) – A lively and budget-friendly hostel, located right downtown. They offer private and dorm rooms and have an on-site bar, laundry, and a pool table.
If you’re traveling by campervan, you might like the Tasman Holiday Parks Christchurch. It’s a little outside of the city, so you don’t have to drive a big campervan in city traffic and provides everything you’ll need for a lovely camping stay.
Related Read: If you’re continuing your travels, check out my guide to the best South Island road trips!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
I love the road trip from Auckland to Christchurch. Not only is super easy because of the international airports in each city, but you’ll experience an array of New Zealand beauty! I hope you get the chance to go off the main tourist track and experience that classic Kiwi charm. No matter where you end up on this drive, I’m certain you’ll have a great time!
Thanks for reading my blog! If you found this article helpful, check out my other New Zealand blogs. After living on both the North and South Island and traveling all over, I have put together quite a collection of resources. Here are a few articles to help you plan and inspire your travels. Cheers!
16 Things to Know BEFORE Renting a Car in New Zealand
Two Week North Island Itinerary Ideas – 3 Tried and Tested Itineraries!