Auckland to Christchurch or Queenstown is the most popular option because it provides a natural journey through the central North Island, Wellington and the South Island. These routes can also operate in reverse when flight arrangements or personal preferences favour south-to-north travel.
Shorter holidays can begin in Wellington and finish in Christchurch or Queenstown, although this provides only a brief North Island experience. Your preferred destinations and available time should determine the most suitable direction.
Tours around Where is the best place to start and finish a North and South Island road trip?
Frequently asked questions
This depends on the rental company and the arrangements included in your package. Some vehicles can travel aboard the Cook Strait ferry, allowing you to continue with the same car.
Other packages require you to return the North Island vehicle in Wellington, travel across the strait as a passenger and collect another rental car in Picton. When separate vehicles are required, both car bookings and the ferry crossing are coordinated as part of your Both Islands itinerary.
Allow at least 14 days if you want to visit a useful selection of destinations in both the North and South Islands without spending most of your holiday travelling. A 21-day itinerary offers a more comfortable pace, additional two-night stays and time for regions such as Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikōura, Aoraki/Mount Cook, the West Coast, Wānaka, Queenstown and Fiordland.
Seven or ten-day journeys are possible, but they generally concentrate on fewer destinations and involve more frequent travel and longer driving distances.
Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.