Planning your Driving Tour in New Zealand

Although only 2050km in length, New Zealand is a very big, small country and you could tour for years without seeing everything.

Planning an itinerary depends on what pace you like to travel and what you want to see. You may be a relaxed traveller who prefers to drive a few days before stopping to explore a local town or National Park for a few more. Or you may want to travel the length and breadth of New Zealand taking in all the major tourist centres in just a month. Whatever your travelling style, New Zealand has something for everyone.

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Touring Routes

New Zealand also has signposted touring routes. These are multi-day routes, supported by road signage and touring maps. Attractions, activities, and points of interest regarding New Zealand's history and heritage are highlighted on each route. You will find brochures on these travel routes in your motorhome.

twincoast.gif The Twin Cost Discovery highway
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway heads north from Auckland on a round trip through magical Northland taking in east and west coasts, the Bay of Islands and incredible Kauri forests. www.twincoast.co.nz

pacificcoast.gifThe Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is quite simply stunning and takes in some of the most spectacular coastline New Zealand has to offer. It links Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, the East Cape and the Hawke's Bay wine country. www.pacificcoast.co.nz

thermal.gifThermal Explorer
The Thermal Explorer Highway will take you on a journey through the North Island's tourist hotspots, Lake Taupo, Ruapehu, Rotorua and Waikato. www.thermalexplorerhighway.co.nz

wine-trail.gifThe Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is just that. From Hawkes Bay, through the Wairarapa and Marlborough, this touring route will take you through New Zealand's most prestigious wine country. www.classicwinetrail.co.nz

treasuredpathway.gifThe Treasured Pathway
The Treasured Pathway is a stunning touring route that will remain with you forever. The journey takes you through the Marlborough Sounds, into Nelson through Kahurangi National Park and on to Farewell Spit, the northern tip of the South Island.

alpine.gifAlpine Pacific Triangle
The Alpine Pacific Triangle is a striking touring route linking three of the South Island's recreational locations, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and the Waipara Valley. www.hurunui.com


inland-scenic.gifThe Inland Scenic 72 Route
If empty highways are your thing, then the Inland Scenic Route 72 is a perfect choice. The journey will take you from Amberley in North Canterbury, along State Highway 72, inland past the Mt Hutt ski fields and through rural New Zealand to Geraldine and Winchester where it links back up with State Highway 1.

southern.gifThe Southern Scenic Route
The Southern Scenic route will take you through some of New Zealand's most rugged yet beautiful coastline and country. From Te Anau, nestled in the grandeur of the Southern Alps, along the wild south coast, finishing up in Dunedin. www.SouthernScenicRoute.co.nz

 

Maps for all of these regions can be ordered in advance through the websites listed.

Remember, these touring routes are only intended as a guide and can be adapted to suit your holiday. The team at Wilderness New Zealand are always available to give you advice or assistance with your travel itinerary. We want you to have an awesome time travelling in New Zealand - so contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.