Both Islands self-drive holidays run from 7 to 22 days, with most starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch or Queenstown, or travelling in reverse. Expect approximately two to four hours of driving on most travel days, with some longer sectors of five to six hours. Packages generally include accommodation, rental cars and the Cook Strait ferry. Prices start from NZ$2,000 per person twin share.*
Both Islands Self Drive Holiday Options
Both Islands self-drive holidays combine the geothermal landscapes, Māori culture and cities of the North Island with the mountains, glaciers, lakes, wildlife and fiords of the South Island. Pre-arranged accommodation, rental cars and ferry travel provide the structure, while independent driving gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Choose a shorter highlights itinerary, a classic two-week road trip or an extended journey across New Zealand. Routes can concentrate on major attractions or follow themes such as nature, hiking, food and wine, family activities or Lord of the Rings locations.
*Prices are indicative, subject to change and depend on travel dates, accommodation, vehicle type and inclusions.
Can You Hire a Hybrid or Electric Rental Car for a Both Islands Self Drive Holiday?
Hybrid and electric rental vehicles are available with selected Both Islands self-drive packages. Availability can differ between North and South Island depots, so vehicle range, charging stops, ferry arrangements and suitability for your chosen route should be confirmed when requesting a quote.
Which Both Islands Self Drive Itinerary Is Best for You?
The best itinerary depends on how much time you have, where you want to start and how frequently you are comfortable changing accommodation. Use the table below to compare typical durations, routes and indicative package costs.
| Itinerary | Days | Typical Route | Islands | Indicative Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Two-Island Highlights | 7 days | Wellington to Christchurch or Queenstown, or reverse | North and South Islands | from NZ$2,000 per person |
| Both Islands Scenic Journey | 10 days | Auckland or Wellington to Christchurch or Queenstown | North and South Islands | from NZ$3,000 per person |
| Classic North and South Island Road Trip | 14 days | Auckland to Christchurch or Queenstown, or reverse | North and South Islands | from NZ$4,000 per person |
| Grand New Zealand Discovery | 21–22 days | Auckland to Christchurch or Queenstown, or reverse | North and South Islands | from NZ$6,000 per person |
Prices are approximate and based on two people sharing accommodation and a rental vehicle. Your final price will depend on travel dates, accommodation category, rental car, ferry arrangements and included experiences.
Popular Both Islands Self Drive Routes
Auckland to Christchurch or Queenstown is the most common north-to-south route. These itineraries can include Rotorua, Lake Taupō and Wellington before crossing Cook Strait and continuing from Picton through destinations such as Kaikōura, Christchurch, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Wānaka and Queenstown.
South-to-north holidays can begin in Christchurch or Queenstown and finish in Auckland. Shorter alternatives may start in Wellington and finish in Christchurch or Queenstown, providing a brief North Island stay followed by a more extensive South Island journey.
Both Islands Trip Durations and Daily Driving Times
Seven to ten-day holidays provide a concise introduction to New Zealand’s two main islands but involve more frequent travel and fewer multi-night stays. Fourteen days offers a better balance between driving and sightseeing, while 21 days or longer allows time for additional regions, activities and rest days.
Most travel days involve approximately two to four hours of driving. Some longer sectors can require five to six hours before sightseeing stops, meal breaks, roadworks or traffic are added, so the number of kilometres does not always reflect the complete travel time.
Accommodation, Rental Car and Ferry Inclusions
Both Islands packages cover the principal arrangements required for an independent New Zealand road trip. Exact inclusions vary between itineraries but may include:
- Pre-booked accommodation
- North and South Island rental cars
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
- Unlimited kilometres with most rental vehicles
- Selected sightseeing tours and attractions
- Cruises or scenic train journeys where specified
- Airport or railway station transfers where specified
- Meals where listed in the itinerary
- Detailed travel documentation
- Assistance while travelling in New Zealand
International and domestic airfares, fuel, parking, optional activities and most meals are normally additional unless specifically listed.
Cook Strait Ferry and Rental Car Arrangements
Travel between the North and South Islands is normally by ferry from Wellington to Picton or in the opposite direction. The crossing travels through Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait before entering the sheltered waterways and forested hills of the Marlborough Sounds.
Rental-car arrangements depend on the company used. Some vehicles travel aboard the ferry, while other packages require the North Island car to be returned in Wellington and a second vehicle collected in Picton. Both arrangements can be organised as part of the package.
North Island Places to Include in Your Road Trip
North Island routes can feature Auckland, Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Lake Taupō, Tongariro National Park, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington. Travellers can combine geothermal reserves, Māori cultural experiences, glowworm caves, vineyards, volcanic landscapes and city sightseeing.
Longer itineraries may include the Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula, Taranaki or additional time around Hawke’s Bay. Auckland and Wellington also provide convenient international or domestic flight connections at the beginning or end of a Both Islands holiday.
South Island Places to Include in Your Itinerary
The South Island introduces Marlborough wine country, the Kaikōura Coast, Christchurch, Aoraki/Mount Cook, the West Coast glaciers, Wānaka, Queenstown and Fiordland. Routes can follow the east coast, cross the Southern Alps or continue along the West Coast.
Depending on the itinerary, experiences may include wildlife cruises, scenic flights, alpine walks, rail journeys and cruises through Milford or Doubtful Sound. Longer holidays can also incorporate Abel Tasman National Park, Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula or Stewart Island.
Themed Self Drive Holidays Across New Zealand
A themed Both Islands self-drive holiday gives greater emphasis to the experiences that interest you while still including many of New Zealand’s major destinations. Options can include:
- Family-friendly road trips
- Food, wine and craft beer journeys
- Hiking and walking holidays
- Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton itineraries
- Nature and wildlife touring
- Scenic rail and self-drive combinations
- Golf-focused holidays
- Motorhome journeys
Activities can be pre-booked where required, with free days retained for independent sightseeing and optional experiences.
Customising a Both Islands Self Drive Package
Both Islands self-drive packages can generally be shortened, extended or rearranged around your travel dates and preferred pace. Extra nights can reduce the frequency of driving, while accommodation, rental vehicles and included activities can be changed or upgraded.
Routes can also be adjusted to include additional destinations or remove places that do not match your interests. Several regional packages can be combined to create a longer itinerary across the North and South Islands.
