The kids have left home and you now have the time and money to enjoy seeing the world. It’s time to plan your once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand.
As part of your planning for this unforgettable holiday there are a number of factors to consider - most importantly, how many ‘must-see’ places will you be able to visit in the time you have?
We’re here to help. In this article, we make it easy to plan your New Zealand journey with our Travel Distances Matrix (see the image at the top of this page), which shows the distances between some of our most popular destinations. We also offer some travel advice to make sure you leave plenty of time to stop, relax and take in the incredible scenery along the way.
Travelling around New Zealand - what you need to know
If you’re considering travelling around New Zealand and want to see as much as possible, there’s great news. Compared with a lot of other countries, New Zealand is small, compact and relatively easy to get around.
The Land of the Long White Cloud also offers a huge variety of landscapes, from majestic mountain ranges to sweeping coastlines, hidden rainforests and pristine lakes. Even by only driving small distances in a day, you can expect to pass through numerous changes in terrain and scenery.
When using the Travel Distances Matrix from our eBook to plan your trip, keep in mind much of the joy when travelling in New Zealand is the journey between one place and the next. So, if you choose to travel by motorhome, wherever you are, nature will be right on your doorstep. You’ll be able to watch landscapes dramatically change before your eyes are you travel around this spectacular country.
Distances between New Zealand landmarks
We often get asked how far motorhome holidaymakers should travel in a day. Our motto is “drive less, see more”.
Whether you’re planning a short trip, relaxing getaway or lengthy stay, we recommend travelling no more than 200km/day on average. Having a flexible itinerary and travelling at this pace will provide opportunities to linger in the places you like, interact with locals and take in cultural activities, without the pressure of driving long distances at a time.
Examples using our helpful travel distances matrix
There is so much to see and do in the North Island. Starting in Auckland, you could take a scenic 436 km trip north to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific ocean dramatically collide. Or travel 278 km south from Auckland to the beautiful lakeside town of Taupo to enjoy water sports and relaxation. Alternatively, your journey could start in the capital city of Wellington where you can soak up arts and culture, before driving 323 km north to Hawke’s Bay to sample some fine wines.
If you head to the South Island, no journey is complete without a trip to Queenstown. This resort town is known for dramatic landscapes, adventure and indulgence. After having your fill, take a relaxing 170 km drive around the curves of Lake Wakatipu to reach the picturesque township of Te Anau: the perfect base for exploring Fiordland National Park.
To help you plan a New Zealand trip you’ll never forget, including practical advice around travel distances between our most well-known landmarks, see our over 50s guide to New Zealand motorhome holidays.
