The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip: See the Best of Both Islands on a Budget

Buckle up your seat belts and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Next stop: New Zealand/Aotearoa! A country that is spread across not one but two main glorious islands, we’ve put together this epic road trip guide so that you can make the most of your travels around the country on the cheap. 

While New Zealand may be Australia’s closest neighbour, don’t be fooled into thinking that they are one of the same when it comes to discovering some awesome adventures. A country filled with a diversity of environments, history, culture and - of course - thrilling activities - there’s no better way to get bang for your buck as you travel around NZ than to see as much of the country as you can on an epic road trip in your Thrifty rental car. Whether you’re flying into the country or beginning on the ground, get ready to ramp up the adrenaline as we begin the adventures in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau. Let’s get exploring! 

Start Your Engines on the North Island 

There’s no better place to begin a road trip in the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui than in the bustling city of Auckland. Boasting the country’s largest airport, if you’re flying into town things are made quick and easy by picking up your rental car at the airport. Once you’re settled and ready to start the adventure, head to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Auckland’s principal gallery and located in the centre of the city, Auckland Art Gallery is a great introduction to New Zealand’s history of art and culture - plus it’s free! If you’re on the hunt for a thrill while you’re travelling around Auckland, make sure to check out One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie. Not only does this tūpuna maunga (ancestral mountain) deliver panoramic views of the city, but it also contains a wealth of history and cultural significance. One Tree Hill was once one of the most bustling Māori pā (settlements) in the region. As you summit the hill, take your time to look around and appreciate the history in the soil. After your adventures around Auckland, jump in your rental car and head south for Hamilton/Kirikiriroa. A relaxing city in the heart of the Waikato region, the iconic Hamilton Gardens are the perfect way to enjoy the flora and fauna of this region, as well as get a taste of some of New Zealand’s artistry when it comes to maintaining environments. As you’re leaving Hamilton, make sure to stop past the Hobbiton Movie Set. While you’ll have to pay for this activity, nothing compares to seeing where Lord of the Rings was filmed in real life!  

Ramp Up the Adventure With a Thrill or Two 

From Hamilton, we’re heading south to the coastal city of New Plymouth/Ngāmotu. While there are plenty of exciting activities to check out within the city itself - like strolling along the picturesque boardwalk that lines the ocean - the crowning jewels of this region is the majestic Taranaki Maunga. Situated in Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki, only a short drive from New Plymouth, Taranaki Maunga is famously the country’s most perfectly formed volcano. Hike the mountain, explore the bush walks that surround it, and make sure to bring your bathers so you can make a splash in the sensational waterfalls as you trek the bush. After New Plymouth, we’ve got just one last stop on the North Island - New Zealand’s capital, Wellington/e Whanganui a Tara! Wellington is home to a bunch of thrilling and affordable activities. Get up close and personal with the animals at Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary, picnic on the sand at Oriental Bay Beach, and learn more about the country’s history with a stop by New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. Wellington is also importantly the place where you’ll leave your North Island rental car behind and jump on a ferry from the Wellington Ferry Terminal to cross the strait toward the South Island/Te Waipounamu. You’ll have to book a South Island rental car for the next part of your trip - but no need to worry, you can easily do this and then pick it up when you arrive at the Picton Ferry Terminal. 

Discover the South Side of New Zealand 

There’s no visiting Picton/Waitohi without getting a taste of the Marlborough Sounds/Te Tau Ihu-o-te-Waka. Taking up a whopping 1500 kilometres of New Zealand’s coastline, Marlborough Sounds is a thrilling collection of ancient sunken river valleys. The best way to experience the immense beauty of Marlborough Sounds is driving your rental car along Queen Charlotte Drive. This scenic route is like cruising through the Sounds without getting wet! You can also get active with some picturesque bushwalks around Picton, like Snout Track Walk and Bob’s Bay Walk. From Picton head to Nelson Lakes National Park. Not only do the destinations of your travels provide unbelievable outlooks, but the drives along the way are as much part of this adventure. Let the rugged landscapes of bush and wild nature rush past you as you roll through the mountains and arrive at this picture-perfect alpine escape. Strap up on those hiking shoes and check out the network of bush walks that lead you past the glistening lakes. Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa are great ones to check out.  

Finish Off Your Travels with a Blast 

As you head further south down the South Island, make sure to make one last stop in at the sensational little town of Hanmer Springs. Famous for its natural thermal pools and spas, indulge in a dip in one of these natural springs at the main Hanmer Springs Pool and Spa. While this activity isn’t free, it’s well worth the cost to experience the incredible kind of relaxation you’ll find here. If you’re looking for a cheap as chips activity in Hanmer Springs, make sure to explore Hanmer Springs River, as part of the Waiau River. You can swim or stroll around here, or even bring a picnic to enjoy a meal with a jaw-dropping view in front of you. Other great hikes to check out are Waiau Gorge and Mount Isobel. From Hanmer Springs to your final destination, the city of Christchurch is awaiting you at the end of your journey! If you’re looking for a relaxing way to take in the attractions and don’t mind spending a little bit more money, make sure to check out the Christchurch Tram for a route that will lead you through the heart and history of this incredible city.  

From the North Island all the way through the South Island, your Thrifty rental car is the perfect means of adventure to make the most of New Zealand on an ultimate road trip - and all without breaking the bank!