10 Things We Like About a Road Trip in New Zealand

Why Take a Road Trip in New Zealand?

Because it’s freakin’ awesome! But if you need more convincing, we have a compiled a list of why we love road trips in New Zealand. Not only can you enjoy have the freedom to discover this amazing country, but you can have some great experiences along the way with fellow travel buddies. After all, as cliche as it sounds, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. That’s deep.

All great journeys start with buying or renting a car, so be sure to check out our advice in our Buying a Car in New Zealand Step-By-Step guide. Plus, before you hit the road, make sure you have a legal driver license. Find out more in How to Drive in New Zealand and Converting Your Driver License into a New Zealand Driver License.

Before we begin, be sure to bookmark The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand for even more tips.

1. Be Spontaneous!

Stop everywhere! You see an incredible view; stop and take a photo! You see a flock of sheep blocking your path; stop and take a photo! And so on.

2. Bond with Loved Ones and Friends…

On road trips, you get to spend a lot of time with your travel buddies, whether you have brought them from home or found them in New Zealand.

3. … And Share the Costs

The more people you travel with, the more ways you can split the cost of fuel and food. For more ways to save money on the road, check out 11 Ways to Save Money and Stretch Those Dollars Further.

4. Go Off the Beaten Track

Drive your car to places the tourist coaches don’t go.

5. Snack Like a Pig

For some reason, road trips warrant packing more snacks than you can eat.

6. Convenience

Need to pop to the supermarket? Get there quickly and easily in your ride. (By the way, you can learn more about food shopping in New Zealand here).

7. Make Your Own Timetable

You have pure flexibility with your own car. There’s no need to wake up at stupid o’clock to catch the earliest and cheapest bus or wait for public transport.

8. Everyone Will Want to Be Your Friend

Because you are awesome and have a car.

9. Pack as Much as You Want

No restrictions. No need to take everything out of the car every time you stay somewhere. No worries.

10. Choose Your Own Music

Go wild! Plus, find out more ways to relax on a road trip here.

Top Travel Tips to Have the Best New Zealand Road Trip!

Here at NZPocketGuide.com, we love nothing more than sharing our travel tips with fellow travellers. Read these articles to see how you can make the most of your road trip.

Plus, have you planned your route yet? Check out the following itineraries for the best road trip routes!

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. He has now spent over a decade in the New Zealand tourism industry, clocking in more than 600 activities across the country. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Robin via our contact page